The Awakening of China.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7702, 3 January 1905, Page 3

The Awakening of China.

A change is coming over the Chinese, and they are learning a few lessons from Japan. They are no longer inclined to allow their conn- ' try to become a happy hunting ground for concessions for the gurpose of enriching foreigners. They have the ability to manage such things themselves if they choose to exercise it. In a recent report by - the commercial attache to lI.M. Legation at Pckra, it is stated that : "For long it has generally been liolicved that little confidence is nposcd in any Chinese undertaking 1 subject to official influence. That assumption would now, however, appear to stand in need of revision, as everywhere native syndicates are bei«g formed for the construction of railways or the opening of mines with Chinese capital only." The control of mines and railways in China has passed from the hands of the Bureau of Mines and Railways into those of , the lately-created Board of Com- ' merce, which signalised its taking over charge thereof by publishing new sets of regulations, containing many features not likely to conduce to a rapid development or opening up of the country. The guiding principle therein sought to be established is that in all undertakings of this nature Chinese capital must predominate. If, in the case of a Chinese company, the aid of a foreign capital , has to be invoked, the amount aimst not exceed 50 per cent, of the whole; and foreign companies must reserve 30 per cent, of the original estimate < of the cost of construction of a rail- ' way or of erecting a mining installation, and then only machinery and buildings may. be pledged. No lien can be given on the land. Within six months after the granting of any railway concession to Chinese or foreigners, the survey of the line must be commenced, and six months after the completion of the survey construction must begin. The gauge is ' to be the standard English gauge— ■ 4ft BJin. Applicants for railway concessions cannot apply for mining rights in connection therewith, a nd all contracts entered into must be < subject to the approval of the board. No mining license can be applied for in respect of an area greater than 10 square miles (the length must not exceed four times the breadth). Prospecting licenses, available for one year, only give the holder the right to make surface examination of the ground. Mining licenses are valid for 30 years. I'it-mouth royalty on 1 coal, antimony, iron, alum, and bor- ' ax is fixed at the rate of five per cent, ad valorem ; on petroleum, copper, tin, lead, sulphur, and cinnabar at the rate of 7 per cent. ; and on gold, silver, platinum, quicksilver, and spelter at the rate of 13 per cent. Diamonds and other precious stones pay at the rate of 20 per cent.