During the year 1998 there was a notable return of overseas shipping to Shanghai, but in consequence of hostilities the calls of ocean-going vessels of all nationaliftes at other Chinese ports nave greatly diminish-'Chinese coastal and river trade having been rendered impossible for the Chinese flag many, particularly very old Chinese steamers and other vessels, are trading under the flags of other nationalities 'The lack of conservancy of the 'Whangpoo River and the approaches to Shanghai in the Yangtze Estwary giving rise to grave anxiety and would seem essential that' this work is resumed without undue delay.
The recent campaign of terrorism which shocked the community will be deeply deplored by all law-abiding citizeng and the Shanghai Municipal Council and French. Municipal Coucil and the various departments concerned are to be congratulated on. the measures taken by them to deal with this matter. "I think we should also recognize the great work which been done in preventing epidemies from reaching serious. dimen Several matters are still outstand: ing, such a5 at China MMerchants S.N. Co's Yangtszepoo wharves still undelivered to consignees, This matter is at present the subject of correspondence between your Commitlte and the Senior Consul. The responsibility for payment of devil ion charges under CLF. contracts 1s now being aired in ihe Chinese Courts and the decision when handed down will have far-reaching effects, In a previous decision of the Branch of the Supreme Court for the Special Area of Shanghai (Char. "Woo Shang," No, 86, 27th Year, case Hal Chow Trading Corporation vs. Lee Sin-chuo) the Court ruled that deviaion costs are all costs incurred prior to the arrival of goods in Shanghai and the dealer is, therefore, exempt from liability therefor In accordance with the contract, The interpretation the Chinese Supreme Court in the case above mentioned differs from the interpretation placed on the CLF. clause in most other countries in the world and it is of great interest to all merchants that this important matter should be dealt with in such a ianner as to provide merchants with, definite guidance, taking into account international practice,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.