No. 92.
Mr. Holcombe to Mr. Evarts.

No. 20.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a dispatch addressed by Prince Kung to Mr. Seward, proposing certain changes in the regulations for foreign trade upon the Yangtze River.

As the modifications suggested are manifestly to the advantage of [Page 147] trade, I have replied to the prince assenting to them. I inclose a copy of my dispatch to him, and also of one in which I have notified the vice-counsul-general of my approval of the changes in question,

Trusting that my course will meet with your assent,

I have, &c.,

CHESTER HOLCOMBE.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 20.—Translation.]

Prince Kung to Mr. Seward.

Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes a communication:

The circumstances under which the regulations for trade upon the Yangtze River were made were not the same in 1862 as now, and it hence becomes necessary to consider the present status, and to make certain slight modifications in those rules, in order that the facilities for trade may be increased and hindrances removed.

The third article of the regulations provides that if sea-going vessel be proceeding up the river beyond Chin Kiang, a pass will be issued by the Chin Kiang customs, which pass must be presented to the customs at Kiukiang for inspection, &c.

This regulation was enacted because, at the time, the rebels infested the country along the river. That whole country being now quiet, this office proposes, while leaving the original article in force, and while carrying it into effect upon lorchas and sailing-vessels, that in the case of sea-going steamers passing above Chin Kiang a pass shall be issued by the customs at that port, which must be presented for inspection at any port to which the vessel may proceed for purposes of trade. If the vessel in question does not trade at Wuhu or Kiukiang, she need not stop at those ports for inspection of her pass.

The fourth article provides that the tonnage dues leviable on any steamer holding a river pass shall be paid alternately at Chin Kiang, Kiukiang, and Hankow.

This office proposes that hereafter the tonnage dues leviable on any steamer holding a river pass shall all be paid to the customs at Shanghai.

The modifications proposed herein to the two articles mentioned have in view the convenience of commerce.

In addition to issuing the appropriate instructions to the local authorities, I have the honor to address your excellency, for your information in the business.

His Excellency George F. Seward, &c., &c., &c.

[Inclosure 2 in No. 20.]

Mr. Holcombe to Prince Kung.

I have had the honor to receive your imperial highness’s dispatch of the 25th ultimo, addressed to Mr. Seward, and informing him of certain proposed modifications to the regulations for trade npon the Yangtze River.

In response I beg leave to express my approval of the changes suggested, as they seem to be well calculated to promote the interests of commerce.

I shall at once notify the consul-general at Shanghai in order that he may issue the necessary notice to Americans concerned.

I have, &c.,

CHESTER HOLCOMBE.
[Inclosure 3 in No. 20.]

Mr. Holcombe to Mr. Stahel.

No. 122.]

Sir: I have received a dispatch from the Chinese foreign office, in which it is proposed to modify Articles III and IV of the revised regulations of trade on the Yangtze Kiang of November 10, 1862, as follows:

  • Article III. While all the provisions of this article will be enforced upon lorchas [Page 148] and sailing-vessels generally, it is proposed that, in the case of sea-going steamers passing above Chin Kiang, a pass be issued by the customs at that port, which shall be presented for inspection at any port to which the vessel may proceed for purposes of trade. If the vessel does not trade at Wuhu or Kiukiang, she need not stop at those ports for the examination of her pass.
  • Article IV. Tonnage dues leviable on steamers holding river pass will hereafter be collected at Shanghai.”

I have approved the proposed modifications of the regulations in question in so far as they affect American shipping.

I am, &c.,

CHESTER HOLCOMBE.