One other subject of importance was dealt with by Sir
Edward Grey in his speech,—the condition of the Chinese Customs. The Government had not yet been officially informed of the resignation of Sir Robert Hart ; but they considered it vital to the interests of trade and of Chinese credit that the administration should be maintained on its former lines. The Government, Sir Edward Grey declared, meant to give their close attention to the question. We are glad to know that the Foreign Secretary is not unaware of the gravity of the situation to which we called attention last week. Sir Robert Hart at the head of the Customs has been the real security for foreign loans. Without such control the service will degenerate, and Chinese credit sink in the eyes of foreign nations. Sir Robert Hart succeeded in having his depart- ment made a branch of the Chinese Foreign Office, and so secured the requisite authority for dealing with Chinese officials; but a decree issued last week severs the department wholly from the Wai-wu-pu. Unless we insist upon an immediate reconsideration of the whole question by the Chinese Government, the Customs may be thrown into a state of confusion from which it may take them long to emerge. The other Powers look to us in the matter, and we must show ourselves worthy of the free hand they have given us.
Previous page
