The Present Position and Prospects of the British Trade with China
Together with an Outline of Some Leading Occurrences in its Past History

A powerful argument, published in 1836, for the right to free trade, with strong condemnation of Chinese restrictions upon it.

James Matheson (Author)

9781108045896, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 August 2012

152 pages
21.6 x 14 x 0.9 cm, 0.2 kg

James Matheson (1796–1878) became a leading taipan, with significant influence and power in Hong Kong. When this pamphlet was published, in 1836, he was still trading from Canton (Guangzhou) and, following the abolition of the East India Company's monopoly on trade with China, appealed to the British government to pressure the Chinese to lift the severe restrictions on trading. He suggests that despite the efforts of the merchants, China refuses to acknowledge the law of nations, to trade fairly, and as such has 'long since surrendered her rights and is no longer in a position to enforce them'. Matheson's personal appeal to the Duke of Wellington was rebuffed, but his business partner, William Jardine, later persuaded Lord Palmerston to adopt a tougher approach, which ultimately led to the First Opium War. This is a powerful and provocative text: a defence of both free trade and an aggressive foreign policy.

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Present position, etc.
Historical outline
Some instances of successful negotiation with the Chinese
Emperor's edict reprehending the extortions of the Hong merchants
On the arbitrary duties levied on foreign trade at Canton
On the criminal and admiralty jurisdiction conferred on His Majesty's Superintendents in China
On homicides in China
Memorials to His Majesty's Government from the merchants of Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Canton
Statement of British trade at Canton, 1833–4
Statement of British trade at Canton, 1834–5.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ]