Part 10

Chapter 103,649 wordsPublic domain

Trade has so much increased for a period of ten years, and especially during the last three years, in consequence of the discovery of gold in Australia; and every year its developement is such, in relation to the preceding year, that it is impossible to settle its statistics even approximately. For the figures given for one year are already erroneous before they make their appearance. It is, however, possible to throw some light upon this question, which has been the subject of so much controversy, and to give a _minimum_ figure.

Mac Culloch, in his statistics of 1842, gives the following figures for the tonnage of merchandize imported and exported by the commerce of England.

Mr. Anderson, of the East India Company, estimates the tonnage of English ships in relation with the places dependent on the East India Company, for the year 1841 at Tons 727,587

Deducting the commerce with the Cape and the other places in the vicinity, estimated at 30,309

There remain, Tons 697,278

To which he adds the tonnage of the ships trading to Batavia and the other Dutch and German possessions 200,000 ------- Grand total Tons 897,278 -------

Thus Mr. Anderson gives, probably for the same year, a tonnage greater by a third than Mr. Mac Culloch.

We will now compare some of these figures with those that have been officially collected by M. Arnaud Tison, delegate from the Chamber of Commerce of Rouen, in his travels in China during the years 1850-54.

In 1851, 976 ships entered the ports of Australia, measuring Tons 234,215

In the same year 1014 ships cleared the ports, measuring Tons 263,894 ------- Total, tons 498,109 -------

This figure is seven times greater than that given by Mr. Mac Culloch, and as the discovery of gold was not yet made at that time, it may be said that at present the figure given by M. Arnaud Tison ought to be doubled to be correct. The total value of imports and exports was 110,000,000.

For China, the single port of Shang-Hai exported in 1851, 35,000 tons of tea, which is more than the figure given by Mr. Mac Culloch for all the produce imported from China.

The commerce of the two single ports of Shang-Hai and Canton, in imports and exports, without reckoning opium, was estimated in 1851 at 400 to 500,000,000 _francs_, which answers nearly to 800,000 tons, taking the average value per ton at 600 _fr._, and which makes twelve times as much as the estimate given by Mr. Mac Culloch.

At Manilla, the commerce in 1851 was 51,773,232 _fr._ of which about 24,000,000 were exports, and the remainder imports. This figure answers to the activity of 86,300 tons, taking the average value of the ton at 600 _fr._ It is more than twenty times the estimate of Mr. Mac Culloch.

For Java we have not been able to procure any positive information, but according to the periodical publications (_Revue des deux Mondes_, _&c._) and according to the reports of travellers, the increase of business every year is much greater than in the Philippine Islands. We shall not therefore be charged with exaggeration, in fixing the figure of commercial activity in these colonies at 100,000,000 or about 150,000 tons, for the year 1851.

Mr. Anderson estimated the commerce between Europe and Indo-China at £26,000,000, or 650,000,000 _francs_, thus distributed:—

The commerce between Europe and the Indies is estimated at Exports £12,000,000 Imports 8,000,000

The commerce with Singapore, China, Java, &c. &c. at 6,000,000 ----------- Amount of the commerce with places to the east of Egypt £26,000,000 -----------

We have just seen from the researches of M. Arnaud Tison that Shang-Hai and Canton alone gave to commerce in 1851 an activity represented by the figure of 400 to 500,000,000 _francs_, which is quadruple that attributed by Mr. Anderson in 1841, to the entire commerce of the China Seas, including the Philippine islands, Java and Singapore.

We are therefore quite sure of being below the reality in fixing the amount of commerce with places to the east of Egypt, in 1851 at 100,000,000, instead of the 26,000,000 in 1841. At the time we write, this figure of 100,000,000 sterling is perhaps quadrupled and carried to 10,000,000,000 francs, and when the Canal is opened, this latter sum will be a mere mistake.

In fact not only the greatest part of the commerce of Europe with the extreme East will be carried on through the Maritime Canal, but moreover all the activity in operation between America and China, will abandon the route of Cape Horn for that of the Isthmus, which will be easier, shorter, and more certain.

For the farther support of our opinion, we have the vast countries which are at present completely without the sphere of the commercial activity of the world, and which, upon the opening of the Canal, will furnish a contingent which cannot be estimated now, but which will be considerable. Abyssinia, Yemen, Hedjaz, Mascata, and the coasts of Africa, will deliver quantities of merchandize; such as the coffee of Yemen and Abyssinia, gum arabic, wax, skins, ivory, wool, indigo, &c. &c. Mules and animals for the slaughterhouse abound in Abyssinia, and are sold at a low price. A mule may be had from 25 to 100 _fr._, an ox for 10 _fr._, a sheep for 3 _fr._; timber and cabinet woods abound in the vast forests which have never felt the axe. Along the coasts of the Red Sea are very rich mines of sulphur, which have just begun to be worked; lead mines, quarries of marble and porphyry; extended beaches suitable for the establishment of salt pits, &c. &c.

New occupations will arise, such as whale and cachalot fishing in the South Seas; pearl fishing in the Persian Gulf and Indian Sea, as well as the pursuit of mother-of-pearl, tortoise-shell and coral. A great part of the Mediterranean fishermen will transport themselves to the Indian Sea, to pursue their occupation, and increase the activity of the navigation in the Maritime Canal.

We may therefore be sure that the cutting through of the Isthmus will increase ten-fold the operations of commerce and navigation; that, as with every undertaking based upon a true principle, the consequences cannot be calculated, and that the idea most exaggerated in appearance, will always be surpassed by the reality.

As, however, we are addressing ourselves to the commercial world, and have to convince all minds, even the most timid, it is necessary that we should fix upon a figure, and that this figure should not startle any one. We have adopted that of 4 milliards (4,000,000,000) of francs, answering to 6,000,000 tons, which, according to what we have been showing, is without doubt, already exceeded at present, or certainly will be, before the close of the undertaking.

We have likewise assumed that of the 6,000,000 tons, 3,000,000 only will take the route of the Canal.

If we had followed the method of estimating adopted in the railway schemes, it would be necessary to make a statement of all the merchandize exchanged between Europe and America on the one part, and Indo-China on the other; then to multiply the figure thus obtained by a coefficient, never less than 3, and which sometimes reaches to 10. The result of this operation would give an enormous product, nevertheless probable. But to remain within the circle of ordinary ideas, instead of tripling the actual figures, we have diminished them by half.

The commercial activity obtained according to these bases, will produce an annual revenue from passage dues, at 10 _fr._ per ton, of _fr._ 30,000,000

For anchorage dues at Port Timsah, from half the total number of ships, which we suppose will stop there; 1,500,000 tons, at 1 _fr._ per ton 1,500,000

The canal of communication with the Nile, supposing it only transports a fourth of the merchandize which traverses the Mahmoudieh, will show an activity of 15,600 tons of merchandize, which may easily pay 10 _fr._ per ton, since at present it costs 27 _fr._; 50 _fr._ from Cairo to Suez, by Canal, and the journey takes three days. The transport by barge may be done at the rate of 12 _fr._, 50; there will remain an advantage of 5 _fr._ by way of the Canal, and the journey will be two days less. This item will therefore bring in a revenue of 1,560,000

The cultivation of the lands produces on an average 100 _fr. per feddan_, or 250 _fr. per hectare_, as results from the labours of seven years, which one of us employed upon a tract reclaimed from the marshy desert of Lake Etko.

Supposing the Company brings into cultivation only 60,000 _feddans_ (24,000 _hectares_), it would receive a return of 6,000,000

The downs which cover the southern part of the Wady and the north-eastern part of the Isthmus, as well as those of Lake Timsah, are to be fixed. Let us assume that the Company will perform the operation extensively, and carry the figure to 60,000 _feddans_ (24,000 _hectares_). We have said that the _hectare_ gives at the end of 20 years, a _minimum_ return of 100 _fr._

By making the allowances to ascertain the actual revenue, it is reduced to 41 _fr._ 50, per _hectare_, which for 24,000 _hectares_, is 996,000 ---------- Grand total of annual returns from the Canal 40,056,000

From this amount must first be deducted two and a half _per cent._ for the charges of maintenance and administration, and one _per cent._ for redemption, in all three and a half _per cent._ 1,201,680 ---------- Balance _fr._ 38,854,320

The Government’s share fixed at fifteen _per cent._ 5,828,148

The founding members’ share fixed at ten _per cent._ 3,885,432 --------- 9,713,580 ---------- Balance in favour of the shareholders _fr._ 29,140,740 ----------

Representing a dividend of about ten _per cent._, over and above the interest of five _per cent._, taking the capital at 200,000,000 _fr._

We pass over in silence a multitude of sources of revenue, which will not fail to be pretty considerable; such as the supply of water to the population of Suez and Port Timsah, the rent of stations for watering ships, the rent of all the magazines and buildings, which have been employed in the execution of the Canal, the towing of vessels by the steamers purchased by the Company for the service of the dredges and the transport of materials.

There are other branches of revenue that will acquire great importance hereafter; among others, the fishing in the Canal, the produce of the works to be established at the fall of each barrage lock, and the sale of Arab horses.

The current established by the action of the two barrage locks, will draw into the Canal a multitude of fish, both from the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

The falls of the fresh water Canal will be made available to the agricultural operations of the country, such as grinding corn, husking of cotton, peeling of flax, laying of thread, &c.

The situation of the Isthmus of Suez, upon the confines of Arabia and Syria, which supply the best breeds of horses, and whither Europe has always had to repair to regenerate the equine species, will become a locality, than which none can be more favourable for the formation and maintenance at a trifling expense, of an establishment for breeding and rearing horses. The valley _Wady Tomilat_ will again become what it was in the times of Scripture, the land of _Goshen_, which name signifies in Hebrew and Arabic _Pastures_; the land that Joseph prevailed upon Pharaoh to grant to the Israelites, _because it was the most fertile country in Egypt_.

We are so convinced that the preceding estimates of revenue will be rapidly exceeded, that we propose to the Company to have a clause inserted in the Statutes by which the tariffs shall be lowered as soon as the dividends shall exceed twenty _per cent._, in order to make the community of the world participators in the advantages of this grand and useful undertaking.

With this last observation we will terminate our labours, which are only, as their title indicates, a preparatory work, intended to fix public opinion upon the merits of the undertaking, and to lead discussion on to a limited and well defined ground.

These labours will be followed by a regular scheme, wherein all the details of execution will be developed, and wherein the most recent statistical documents, drawn from official sources, will furnish the basis of all the calculations of revenue.

We have confined ourselves in this preliminary exposition to the establishment of the approximate _maximum_ presumed expenditure, and we have sought to guard against any exaggeration in estimating the revenue. All our calculations are based upon documents, which any one may verify and appreciate at their worth.

We entertain the hope, that the undertaking will be favourably received, for there will be profit and honour for those who take the first part in it; and it will not only offer incontestable advantages, but it will be moreover the grandest work of progress and of civilization that the nineteenth century will have produced.

Cairo, 20th March, 1855.

(Signed) Linant _Bey_. Mougel _Bey_.

APPENDIX.

No. V.

LETTER FROM THE GRAND VIZIER, TO THE VICEROY OF EGYPT.

LETTER FROM THE GRAND VIZIER RESHID PACHA TO HIS HIGHNESS MOHAMMED SAID PACHA, VICEROY OF EGYPT.

_Translation from the Turkish._

The 12th of the Month of Djemazul Akhir 1271. (1st March, 1855.)

Your very humble servant has the honour to address you as follows:—

M. Ferd. de Lesseps is about to return to your Highness. He is indeed, as your Highness was graciously pleased to observe to us, a guest who of himself deserves all possible attention and consideration. His object in coming here had reference to the affair of the Canal; an undertaking of the most useful character. During his stay in Constantinople, I have had the pleasure of seeing him several times, and of conversing with him at length on various subjects. He has had the honour of being presented to his Majesty the Sultan, by whom he was received with the highest favour.

In conformity with the Imperial order on the subject of the Canal, the question of this interesting undertaking is now under the consideration of the Council of Ministers. M. de Lesseps, not being able to wait until the end of the conferences, has decided on taking his departure. I shall shortly have to acquaint your Highness in detail with the result.

(Signed) MOUSTAPHA RESHID.

APPENDIX.

No. VI.

REPORT FROM M. DE LESSEPS TO THE VICEROY OF EGYPT. AND HIS HIGHNESS’ INSTRUCTIONS.

REPORT TO HIS HIGHNESS MOHAMMED SAID PACHA, VICEROY OF EGYPT.

The Camp, Marea, 30th April, 1855.

I had the honour of submitting to your Highness the memorial of your Engineers MM. Linant _Bey_, and Mougel _Bey_, for the construction of the Canal of the Isthmus of Suez.

This is intended as a precursory scheme for the cutting through the Isthmus. It is accompanied by a map indicating the configuration of the ground and the nature of the soil. It has met with your Highness’ approval, and you have requested me to give it the most extensive publicity in order to call the attention of all competent persons in Europe and America to a question which interests the whole world, and to invite their examination and observations.

...

Your Highness has decided to send immediately, to the Counsellors of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan, the explanations which they require for the ratification of the scheme for the communication of the two Seas.

For my own part I shall proceed immediately to Europe, I shall make it my especial business to get the official documents relative to the affair as well as the precursory scheme of MM. Linant Bey, and Mougel Bey, printed and published. Arrangements will be made in order to collect within a limited time the opinions of those competent persons who shall be willing to aid the enterprise with their information and suggestions. In the mean time your engineers will be preparing the elements of their definitive scheme.

Agents will be appointed in every country to collect the communications and arrange the correspondence.

When the definitive scheme of the engineers is completed, and when the remarks received from each country have furnished a mass of information, a commission will be appointed, composed of engineers of known ability in hydraulic operations, and chosen in England, France, Germany, Italy and Holland. This commission will give its opinion upon the scheme of your Highness’ Engineers, and point out the modifications, or alterations which it shall think proper to be adopted. Every means shall be placed at the disposal of the Commission for visiting the Isthmus of Suez, should it be considered necessary to see the localities before deciding.

Your Highness has been pleased to limit at present the consideration of the track. After having passed in review the numerous schemes presented to Governments, or to the public, for more than fifty years, you give full liberty for the application of the means that science shall recognize to be best for making a communication between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, by cutting through the Isthmus of Suez at any point of the Isthmus, eastward of the course of the Nile; but you have declared that you will not authorize the Grand Maritime Suez Canal Company to adopt any track that might have its point of departure on the coast of the Mediterranean eastward of the Damietta branch, and which would cross the Nile.

It will not be until after the adoption of the track of communication between the two Seas, and when all the advantages and all the responsibilities of those who take part in the enterprise are clearly determined, that capitalists and the public will be invited to subscribe for shares, and the representatives of those interested will finally decide upon all questions affecting the administration, the execution and carrying out of the undertaking.

Allow me now to point out to your Highness, the preparatory operations to which MM. Linant _Bey_ and Mougel _Bey_ have to apply themselves previous to presenting their definitive scheme.

They have—

1st. To trace out on the ground the line of the Maritime Canal in detail, with all its angles and curves, and transfer the line so traced on to a plan.

2nd. To take the levels throughout this line, extending them into the two Seas to a depth of ten _metres_ of water.

3rd. To make profile sections wherever the formation of the ground requires it.

4th. To take soundings along the line, and carry them out to a depth of ten _metres_ below the level of low water in the Mediterranean.

5th. To collect specimens of the various soils met with in their operations.

6th. To settle the prime cost of manual labour and of all the materials that will be employed in the construction of the Canal.

7th. To establish positive data that will serve to estimate the number of workmen of all kinds necessary for the execution of the works.

For my own part, I shall make it my business to collect the most recent statistical documents that will afford the means of ascertaining positively the _minimum_ valuation of the returns.

When the time has arrived for commencing the works of the Maritime Canal, a large number of machines, and a considerable quantity of materials, timber, iron, coal, &c. &c., ought to be procured from Europe. The Suez Canal Company will find the advantages of certainty, economy and facility of transport, which do not exist at present, in the continuation of the railway to Suez, and the establishment of the Towing Society, with which is connected the amelioration of the Mahmoudieh Canal, and also its communication with the port of Alexandria.

...

The communications which I have received from Europe bear witness to the ever-increasing interest with which the scheme of opening the Isthmus of Suez is everywhere received.

Amongst those who have spontaneously offered me their co-operation, there are some who have placed considerable sums at my disposal as a contribution to the preliminary expenses of the undertaking. These offers already amount to more than 15,000,000 francs. I have not thought it proper to avail myself of them, but I have noted the names of those who have made them in order that they may take their appropriate place in the list of subscribers.

Certain founding members have already been named; they have subscribed an engagement, under conditions, to contribute to the expenses preliminary to the regular organization of the Company. The first list of founding members, fulfilling the conditions required by Art. 11, of your Highness’s Firman, contains fifty-five names belonging both to Egypt and to Europe. Your Highness who leaves to me the charge of completing this list by the addition of persons of all countries who shall actually contribute to the establishment of the work, has desired that the total number should not exceed 100 if it can be avoided.

Your Highness has been pleased to approve of the provisional appointment of M. Ruyssenaers, Consul General of the Netherlands, as principal agent of the Company in Egypt; he deserves in every respect this mark of confidence.