Polynesian., 1850-10-19

| STEAM COMMUNICATIoN WITH CHINA-We
have already on various occasions called at
tentiOn to this important subject. We are
reminded of it again by the fact that q pro-
position has been recently laid before Con-
gress in relation to a line of steamers between
this port and China. The necessity of line
has now become apparent to the Eastern
merchants, and it is probable that they will
use means to urge the subject on the attention
of the National Legislature. Hitherto, the
solicitude for line Of steamers between
China and California has been confined to
the merchants and traders of the Pacific
now, however, its benefits have forced them
selves on the attention of the mercantile COM
munity in the Atlantic States, and we may
expect them to embark in the undertaking
with that energy and frmness for which they
are famous.
| Before the project is attempted there are
three essential and leading points of consi-
deration 10 be carefully weighed, and its final
results depend mainly on the conclusions ar
rived at
First, as to the western terminus of the
line.
Secondly, the supply of fuel, more partic-
ularly at that end, and
Thirdly, the best route to be pursued in
crossing the ocean.
The only points suitable for the western
terminus, are Canton and Shanghai. The
latter is preferable for several reasons II
is the nearest available point in China; it is
more nearly central to the whole Empire
than any other, and therefore best adapted
for commercial depot, for the concentration
and distribution of trade }; it is stated upon
reliable authority that 1t is nearer than Can
ton to the districts producing those teas most
in demand in the United States, and that
they can he exported from thence at less ex-
Ipense; that trade has rapidly increased since
the port was opened, and that it will soon be
such as to sustain a steam line to Canton
The Peninsular Steam Company have al
ready extended the line to Shang-h max
ing regular steam communication twice a
month. The lower classes in Shanghai are
|civilly disposed, and there are unlimited ac-
commodations there for the residence of for
eigners. These latter are very important
advantages over Canton, where the reverse
is VIGOROUSLY the case. The waters in the
neighborhood of Shanghai, are not so sub
ject to destructive gales as those near Can
ton, nor are the approaches more dangerous
or difficult. The climate is more congenial
to the constitution Of foreigners, and the pre-
vailing diseases are not more fatal. Of all
the free ports opened by the British treaty
with Canton, Shanghai has improved most
rapidly and regularly. Many intelligent
foreign merchants in China, who are thor
oughly conversant with the causes influence
ing that trade, and who are not particularly
interested in Shanghai, do not hesitate to
express the belief that it must soon take the
lead Of Canton, now that the latter has lost
the exclusive privilege which has hitherto
made it the centre Of foreign commerce. All
these considerations taken together, are suf-
ficient to demonstrate the superiority oil
Shanghai over any other port in China, as
the great western depot Of Pacific steam
navigation.
Next, as to the supply Of fuel. A fine
quality Of bituminous coal may be obtained
in unlimited quantity on the north end of the
island Of Formosa. This coal has been for
some time imported into Hong Kong in Chi
nese junks, which take It as ballast 1t is
sold there at seven dollars per ton, and could
be furnished at a much cheaper rate, if a
regular demand were kept up for large
quantity. It is used by steamers running
between Hong-Kong and Canton, and it is
as being quite equal to the coal
imported from England. 1t would be well
for the United States government to procure
through our commissioner near Canton, a
kuafantee from the Chinese authorities that
lid should be afforded in procuring and for
warding this coal to whatever place may be
- l. al