Chinese Maritime Customs 1854-1950
Jul 14, 2007 23:46:38 GMT -5
Post by helen on Jul 14, 2007 23:46:38 GMT -5
www.bris.ac.uk/history/customs/
The Chinese Maritime Customs Service (until 1912: the Imperial Maritime Customs Service)
The Chinese Maritime Customs Service was an international, although predominantly British-staffed bureaucracy (at senior levels) under the control of successive Chinese central governments from its founding in 1854, until 1950 when the last foreign Inspector-General resigned. The present-day Customs General Administration of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the Republic of China (ROC) Directorate General of Customs on Taiwan both incorporate the CMCS into their histories. The CMCS was the only bureaucratic organ that continued to operate as an integrated institution throughout the period 1842-1950. Established to collect taxes on maritime trade when Chinese officials were unable to collect them during the Taiping Rebellion, its functions quickly expanded. It became responsible for domestic customs administration (the Native Customs), postal administration, harbour and waterway management, weather reporting, and anti- smuggling operations. It mapped, lit, and policed the China coast and the Yangzi river. It was involved in loan negotiations, currency reform, and financial and economic management. It was always much more than just a tax collection agency, was well informed about local conditions, deeply involved in local, provincial, and national politics, and in international affairs. Service publications included not only monthly, quarterly, and annual Returns of Trade, but also a regular series of Aids to Navigation and less regular reports on meteorological conditions and medical phenomena, and much else besides. The Service further involved itself in China's diplomacy, organised its representation at nearly thirty world fairs and exhibitions, and ran various educational establishments.
The Chinese Maritime Customs Service (until 1912: the Imperial Maritime Customs Service)
The Chinese Maritime Customs Service was an international, although predominantly British-staffed bureaucracy (at senior levels) under the control of successive Chinese central governments from its founding in 1854, until 1950 when the last foreign Inspector-General resigned. The present-day Customs General Administration of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the Republic of China (ROC) Directorate General of Customs on Taiwan both incorporate the CMCS into their histories. The CMCS was the only bureaucratic organ that continued to operate as an integrated institution throughout the period 1842-1950. Established to collect taxes on maritime trade when Chinese officials were unable to collect them during the Taiping Rebellion, its functions quickly expanded. It became responsible for domestic customs administration (the Native Customs), postal administration, harbour and waterway management, weather reporting, and anti- smuggling operations. It mapped, lit, and policed the China coast and the Yangzi river. It was involved in loan negotiations, currency reform, and financial and economic management. It was always much more than just a tax collection agency, was well informed about local conditions, deeply involved in local, provincial, and national politics, and in international affairs. Service publications included not only monthly, quarterly, and annual Returns of Trade, but also a regular series of Aids to Navigation and less regular reports on meteorological conditions and medical phenomena, and much else besides. The Service further involved itself in China's diplomacy, organised its representation at nearly thirty world fairs and exhibitions, and ran various educational establishments.