Prince Kung to William H. Seward, January 31, 1878

Prince Kung to Mr. Seward.

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

Upon the 9th January, 1878, a letter was received from Mr. Inspector-General Hart, setting forth that, of the various treaty ports, Shanghai is by far the most important, both as being the point of collection of the merchants and people of all nations; the place at which merchandise of all classes, whether for export or import, concentrates; and where ships from all parts of the world congregate, and to and from which they come and go continuously.

The Hwang-pu River, upon which Shanghai is situated, is not a large stream. Hitherto, jetties and oilier works have been constructed at all points along the hanks of the river opposite the city and in the foreign concessions. The channel, because of its being narrowed in this way, and also by reason of earth, sand, and stones being discharged into it, has by degrees become shallower. The effect thus already produced is not light. In order that in the future the harbor may not further deteriorate, some satisfactory plan of conservation should be devised.

By the determination of a plan to which those concerned may conform, and the establishment of regulations to be observed by the merchants and people, can the protection of the harbor alone be permanent, and the desired end be obtained. If the depositing of stone, sand, and earth within the harbor limits can be prohibited for the future, and if limits can be fixed upon both banks of the river within which it shall not be allowable to build jetties and similar works, it would seem that the protection of the river against further deterioration from these causes would be secured.

The protection of the harbor in all its branches should be committed to the harbormaster by virtue of his office. But in committing it to him, as it affects the interest of both the Chinese and foreigners, the modus operandi should first be communicated to the Chinese local authorities and the consular authorities, in order that no difficulties may be met by the harbor-master in carrying the project into execution, and in order that where joint action is necessary such joint action may be had. Hence, it seems best to communicate in advance the regulations which ought to be observed in this business, in order that provision may be made against difficulties which otherwise might arise at the moment of putting them into operation.

A draught of seven rules was forwarded with Mr. Hart’s communication.

I have the honor to observe that the several points presented by Mr. Inspector-General Hart have for their object the conservation of the harbor, a matter of great interest to merchants and people. It becomes my duty to forward to your excellency a copy of the proposed regulations, and to request that you will instruct your consuls of the several ports (sic) to observe them, and that you will favor me with an early reply.

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