Shanghai, 22nd September, 1899.
Sin,—On the advice of the Medical Oflicer in charge of the Chungpaosha. Sanitary Station, the Newchwang Custom House has been informed by wire that in addition to the articles already named in Harbour Notification No. 1 of 1899 the importation from Newchwang of furs, skins, bristles, hair and beancake would not be permitted for the present.
Tt has further been arranged with the China Merchants' Steam Navization Ca., that a shipment of some 250 packages skins, hair and bristles imported by the Fungshun from Newchwang would not be landed at this port, but taken back to Newchwang by the same steamer. Similarly a small shipment of skins imported by the s.s. Toonan will be transhipped on the Fungshun and taken back to Newchwang." It would not be possible to effectually disinfect such cargo without damaging it.
Yesterday I received the following te from the Newchwang Cotnmissioner Export of coffins duly prohibited, Int strong feeling her t your prohibition of beancake, ete., as injury to trade very serious. Is not some compromise possible Bowra." It is needless for me to poi out the dangerous nature of the above named; and while T personally deeply regret the necessity that has arisen for its prohibition, still, the risk and terests involved are too great to admit of any relaxation. Had the northern ports followed. Shanghai's lead and medically inspected direct steamers from infected ports the cause for the present restriction would in all probability not have arisen.
I trust the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce will readily recognise and approve the necessity for the measures now adopted for the safety of this port. Tam, Sir, Your obedient servant, Is. Rochen.
Commissioner of Customs, Wauam D. Lrrrux, Esq., Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, Custom House, Shanghai, 26th September, 1899.
Sim,—In continuation of my letter of the 22nd instant informing the Chamber of the proposed restriction on certain imports from Newchwang, I have now the honour to inform you that, after careful reconsideration of the subject, it was decided to ce no restriction on the impo: tation of T ha however, requested my Newchwang collea jue to impress on shippers the urgency of exercising the strictest care in not employing plague-stricken coolies i handling of cargo, and it would be well if the head firms here were to send similar instructions to their Newchwang agents on the subject. the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Is. Rocien, Commissioner of Customs. Wautax D. Lirtie, Esq., Chairman, Shanghai Cha riber of Commerce.
Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai, 19th October, 1899.
Sim,—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of 22nd and 26th ultimo, referring to the prohibition of the import of certain articles from Newchwang on account of the prevalence of plague at that port. The general question has been dealt with personally at interviews I had with you at the time, so that it now only remains For me to express the gratification of the Committee that the prohibition of the import of beancake has been cancelled.
Teannot let this opportunity pass without thanking you, on behalf of the Committee of this Chamber, for the energy and perseverance with which you have taken all needful steps to prevent the introduction the plage to this port, which happily hitherto been successful. sistes and shipping have
T have the honour to be,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.