Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-09-26
THE TRADE OF CHINA
Notwithstanding the War Last Year Good
Results Were Obtained.
Facts From q Report by the Secretary
of the British Legation
Mt Peking.

Inc department Oh state Is III 1eCeipl VI
a report on the trade of China for 1894.
prepared by the secretary Of the British le-
cation at Picking. The most remarkable
feature of this trade for the year is found
in the facts that, Notwithstanding the jap
anese war and many ether untoward cir
cumstances, good results were obtained
and that a promising revival Of CONNER
cial prosperity has set in. Both exports
and imports show an advance. and the
customs revenue was increased by every
division of trade with the one exception of
Indian opium. The receipts from the ex-
ports exceeded the maximum collected dur
ing the most prosperous days of the tea
trade.
No Ports Were Blockaded.
In accounting for this condition, the au-
thor of the report says no ports were
blockaded during the war and the usual
calamities of war were almost wholly alb
sent. He therefore concludes that the re-
vival was due to the inherent stanchness
of the position" Former stocks of imports
had been absorbed and prices were on the
whole. So moderate and safe as to encour-
age orders. Fluctuations in the value OF
silver" says the report, though occurring,
were less violent, and while exposing the
importer to less risk, also afforded more
confidence to the exporter. This is well IL
Illustrated by the results Of the years OPP
erations, almost every export having done
well. We may conclude that the revival,
which, under changed conditions, we may
expect to continue. is the natural result Of
the range Of values having reached a sound
and safe basis aud of moderate steadiness
in exchange, which has reached a low
standard"
The Silver Question.
The report quotes expressions Of opinions
from various British representatives
throughout the Chinese empire. The consul
general at Shanghai touches upon the sill
yer question in the quotation attributed to
him. He says: stability In the value Of
silver is the one desideratum of the for
eign merchant In the far east; and it Is
pointed out that fluctuations in 1t must
really affect the well being of the entire
population of the united kingdom. Under
the influence of cheap silver the volume of
exports continues to expand, and the Eu-
re pean consumer reaps the benefit of their
cheapness in gold prices. The fall in sill
yer and low freights have combined to en-
able the majority of the staple exports of
China to be laid down in Europe at about
one-half the cost at which they could be
sold years ago.
For the increase of foreign trade In
China the report recommends the substitu-
tlon or show yards for the costly circulars
now sent there. The report takes the posi-
Suchcu and Hangchou. by the Japanese
treaty will have very little influence on the
volume and value of foreign trade. on ac-
count OF the absence of banking and ship
ping facilities at those places.
Eject of the War.
Commenting upon the effect of the war,
the writer of the report says: Even IT,
as may be tie case, China has learned no
lesson by the war, yet it seems scarcely
credible that she will be able to avoid some
measure of reorganization, II not merely
in self-defense. at least by the necessity of
providing money for the large indemnity
which must be paid. If China Is ever to
stand alone and cease to be a victim of
any aSSaflant, she must have a new fleet
an honest financial administration and an
army reorganiZed after European model
More than this, she must construct rail-
ways, open mines, build roads and gener-
ally develop the great latent resources of
the empire"
The English consul at Chefoo is quoted
as expressing the fear that the only les
son which the Chinese will learn from their
misfortunes in the war with Japan is the
need OF more warlke material, an in
crease OF hatred Of foreign nations and a
greater desire than ever to keep them
aloof by fair means or foul. Instead of
merchant steamers" he predicts, they
Will purchase men-of-war, heavy guns in
stead of railway plants and ammunition
instead OF useful machinery"