1899.] Asia. — China. [357
An explanatory memorandum issued by the Secretary of State for India later showed an increase of net revenue in the Budget for 1899-1900 amounting to Bx.l, 058,600. In the net expenditure, reductions under different heads amounted to Ex.1,174,700, adding to this the increase in the amount by which the expenditure was to be met from the provincial balances gave a total improvement of Ex.3,041,200, estimating the rupee at 15|d. The coming Budget was likely to show a fair surplus notwithstanding the cost of the famine. Eevenue from railways, canals and opium, and the high rate of exchange, contributed greatly to this result, as well as the cessation of military operations.
Mr. Clinton Dawkins succeeded Sir J. Westland as financial member of the Viceroy's Council, but resigned the office (to take effect in March, 1900) in order to become a partner in the London banking house of J. S. Morgan & Co. In October the Queen approved of the appointment of Sir Edward Fitzgerald Law, K.C.M.G., to succeed Mr. Dawkins on his relinquishment of the office.
Trade. — Owing to Eussian competition there was a decrease in the Indian trade, via Cashmere with Thibet and Chinese and Eussian Turkestan. The tea trade revived in the early part of the year and tea exports from Calcutta increased.
From the annual official report of the trade of India in 1898-9 by Mr. J. E. O'Conor, Statistician to the Indian Govern- ment it appeared that the imports were Ex.86,264,298 against Ex.89,742,949 in 1897-8 and the exports were Ex.120,129,654 against Ex. 104,671,442 in 1897-8. While the total amounts of imports and exports were satisfactory the imports of the year were not in excess of the average for the seven years ending 1898-9 and the exports were only 6 per cent, larger than those for 1892-3.
II. CHINA.
Much interest in Chinese affairs was maintained this year by the principal foreign Powers, and many new concessions were granted, but there were few signs of any immediate results. Foreign attentions were as distasteful as ever to China.
An edict was issued on January 4 appointing all Viceroys and Governors of provinces ex-ojficio members of the Tsung-li- Yam6n.
For a long time the French had been desirous of extending their exclusive settlement at Shanghai, and had demanded two suburbs in exchange for a plot of ground where the natives were wont to deposit their dead while awaiting transport to Nmgpo. The Chinese authorities were disposed to grant the concession at first, but after protests made by the British Ambassador and the American Minister the demand for th? extension of French jurisdiction was refused.
VjOOQIC
