STEAM COMMUNICATION WITH CHINA. [From the San Francisco " Herald."]

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 494, 8 January 1851, Page 2

STEAM COMMUNICATION WITH CHINA. [From the San Francisco " Herald."]

We have already on various occasions called attention to this important subject. We are reminded of it ngain by the fact that a proposition has leceutly been laid beloie Congress in relation to a line of steamers between this port and China. The necessity of a line lias now become apparent to the Eaitern merchants, and it is probable that they will use means to urge the subject on the attention of the National Legislature. Hitherto the solicitude for a line of steamers between China and California has been confined to the merchants and traders of the Pacific ; now, however, its benefit* have forced themselves on the attention of the mercantile community in the Atlantic Slates, and we may expect them to embark in the undertaking with that earnestness and energy for which they are famous. Before the project h attempted, there are three essential and leading points of consideration to be caiefully weighed, and its final results depend mainly on the conclusions arrived at. First, as to the western terminus of the line. Secondly, the supply of' fuel, more particularly at that end, and PsThu-dly, the best route to be pursued in crossing the ocean. The only points suitable for the western terminus, are Canton and Shan^-hai. The latter it preferable for several reasons. It ib the nearest available point in China ; it is more nearly central to the whole Empire than any other, and therefore best adapted for a commercial depot for the concentration and distribution of trade; it is stated upon reliable authority that it is nearer than Canton to the districts producing those teas most in demand in the United States, and that they can be exported from thence nt a less expense ; that trade has rapidly increased iince thfi pott was opened, and that it will soon be such as to sustain a Bieam line to Canton. The Peninsular sleam company have .ilready extended the line to Shang hai, making a regular steam communication twice a month. The lower classes in Shang-hai are civilly disposed, and there are unlimited accommodation! there for the resiuunces of foreigners. These latter are very irapoitant advantages ovei Canton, where the reverse is notoriously the case. The waters in the neighbourhood of Shaug-hui, me not so subject to distructive gales as those near Canton, nor are the approaches more dangerous or difficult. The climate is more congenial to the constitutions of foieii>neri, and the prevailing diseases are not more fdtal. Of all the free ports opened by the British treaty with Canton, Shang-hai has improved the most rapdly and regularly. Many intelligent foreign merchants in China, who are thoroughly conversant with the causes influencing that trade, and who are not particularly interested in Shang-hai, do not heaitate to express the belief that it must soon take the lead of Canton, now that the latter has lost the exclusive privilege which but hitherto made it the centre of foreign commerce. All these considerations, taken together, are sutlicient to demonstrate the superioi ity of Shang-hai over any other port in China, as the great western depot of Pacific hteam navigation. Next, as to the supply of fuel. A fine quality of bituminous coul may be obtuined in unlimited quantity on the noith end of the IgUud of Formosa. This coal has been for some tune imported into Hong-Kong in Chinese Junks, winch taUe it as ballanr. It 13 sold there at seven dol'ars per ton, and could be furnished at a much cheaper rale, it a regular demand were kept up for a large quantity. It is used by steamers running between Hong- Kong and Canton, and it is represenied as being quit equal to the coal imported from England. — It would be well for the United States government to procure, ihrongh our Commissioner near Cairon, a guarantee from the Chinese authorities, that aid should be afforded 111 procuring and forwarding this coal to wl a ever place may be selected as the, depo'.

The cost of delivery at Shang-bai, would probably not be greater at tban Hong-Kong. There is every reason to believe likewise, that there is abundance ot coal in Japan, that could be delivered at a comparatively small cost, in consequence of the low price of labor in that country. — A native of an island not far from Nangasaki, stated to Capt. Glynn of the Preble, that such coal as that from Formosa is abundant in his country ; and the American seamen who were imprisoned in Japan and who were liberated by the above^ named officer, stated confiilently that bituminous coal was in common use in Nangasaki' although, being closely confined in cages, they could see nothing, ami therefore could not base their slutemeuts on actual observation. Another p-oof ot the the existence of cohl in Japan, is found in the fact that a Japanese vocabulary in the possession of one of our friends, gives name for " wood-coal and earthcoal." Here again, however, it will be necessary for our government to interpose. The secluded policy of ihe Japanese is well known, and how jealousy they watch to prevent all attempts at intrusion upon their retirement. Enough is known to render it certain, nevertheless, that these difficukits can be removed by judicious, firm and proper negotiation. But placing Japan out of the question, ample supplies of fuel for the western end of the propoied steam-line can b j obtaiued in China, without taking into account the quantity that may be expected Irom olher localities, as soon aa altirgc and constant demand for the article shall have been created. These two points then disposed of— the western terminus of the line, and the supply of fuel for that end — the next is, the best route across the Pacific. But as this is of gi eat importance — indeed, far moie momentous than the other two — we shall devote to its consideration a seperate article.