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“...the West
Eiver, and once it is open to foreign steamers we shall be able to
overcome the obstructions to foreign trade which so beset the
Canton waters. The Kwangsi officials doubtless also know how to
place hindrances in the way of trade, but it would be a great gain
if we could get face to face with these without having previously
to run the gauntlet of the Kwangtung obstacles.
It is doubtful whether steamers can proceed all the year round
further than Wuchow; during some months of the year Nanning,
another considerable distributing centre, could be reached by
steamer, but beyond that it is doubtful whether anything but
light draught native craft could proceed with safety. These can
ascend the river as far as Pos^ in Yunnan, and if the system of
chartered junks such as , I have mentioned as being in vogue*
between Ichang and Chungking could be introduced between
Wuchow and Pose our trade would thereby be greatly protected
from the interference of provincial officials.
Hong-Kong is the...”
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