I have the honor to enclose to you a copy of certain regulations intended for the order and security of the shipping in the anchorage of this port. These regulations have been approved by the English authorities and by the consuls of France and Russia. The harbor-master and staff are to be paid by the Chinese government. "The following regulations, drawn up by the consuls representing treaty powers in this port, and instituted for the order and security of the foreign shipping in the anchorage, have had the approval and sanction of Mr. Burlingame, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States to China, and they are now published for the information of citizens of the United States. "They will come into force on and after the first day of May proximo, and arrangements are being made for the appointment of a harbor-master and staff to carry them into effect. “GEO. F. SEWARD, Consul. "REGULATIONS. "1. Vessels shall allow themselves to be berthed by the harbor-master within the recognized limits of the loading and discharging anchorage, and in berthing a vessel the harbor-master shall comply as far as possible with the request of the master, consignee, or supercargo, as to her position. "2. Vessels shall on being berthed rig in jib and spanker booms, and top or brace up lower and topsail yards, except when actually needed for hoisting cargo. "3. Vessels shall be moored, and with a swivel, unless their tonnage be under two hundred tons. If desired, the harbor-master will furnish a swivel at a small charge, which, if disputed, will be determined by the consul of the nation to which the vessel belongs. "4. Vessels shall be allowed to lash alongside jetties, if desired by the owner, master, or consignees. "5. A sufficient channel shall always be kept open for vessels to pass up or down the anchorage. "6. Should the harbor-master not be at hand to berth a vessel on her entrance into the anchorage, she will be expected to berth herself as much in accordance with these regulations as possible. "7. These regulations do not modify or affect any of the obligations or rights of vessels under the laws of seas and rivers recognized by civilized nations. "8. A breach of any of these regulations shall be visited with a penalty not exceeding one hundred taels Shanghai sycee, which shall only be inflicted on the offender by the consul of the nation to which such offender belongs, provided such nation be a treaty power." |