ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



[Java. 



The importation of cloves, nutmegs, antl mace, and likewise of* warlike 

 stores, is prohibited. 



By b Batavian edict, dated February, 1824, all woollen and cotton 

 goods, the manufacture of foreign countries westward of the Cape of Good 

 Hope, imported direct from such places in foreign or Netherlands bottoms, 

 are subject to a duty of 25 per cent, on the value ; and if imported from any 

 foreign settlement eastward of the Cape, 35 per cent. The values to be 

 regulated by B price current drawn up every three months. 



The duty on goods brought by Chinese junks is so much per junk, 

 varying from 2000 to 6000 guldens. These vessels are confined to Batavia. 



Vessels in distress, or that anchor in the roads, pay customs only on 

 the goods sold at the port. Goods transshipped are subject to the full and 

 highest duties. Goods may remain a year in store, subject to rent. 



Regulations. — These are very multifarious and minute. A particular 

 account of cargo must be delivered at the Custom-house within 24- hours 

 alter arrival, which must be verified on oath, testifying that no attempt to 

 defraud the Government is intended. This account must be accompanied 

 with all the original ship's papers. The cargo cannot be landed without a 

 regular permit by the proper officer, nor take place before sun-rise or after 

 sun-set. The officers may be present at loading or discharging of cargoes, 

 and may examine ships, but are forbidden to harass traders, and are re- 

 mured to give information and assistance. Previous to sailing, the intention 

 of departure must be expressed, and a duplicate manifest given at the 

 Custom-house, with all permits received. After the necessary certificates 

 are obtained from the collector, and have been laid before the water-fiscal, 

 the commander, chief officer, and supracargo, must join in an oath that the 

 manifest is correct, and that no fraud has been practised, or is intended. A 

 passport is then given by the magistrate, or resident. 



The penalties on breach of the regulations are forfeiture of goods, and 

 lines. Those who wilfully oppose or annoy Custom-house officers in dis- 

 charge of their duty, are punished with scourging, banishment, or fines. 



Commanders or supracargoes are required to wait upon the harbour- 

 master as soon as possible. This officer may go on board vessels, to mus- 

 ter crews, and compare the muster-rolls. No vessel may clear without a 

 clearance from the harbour-master. 



The following are the questions to be filled up in the harbour-master s 

 hailing letter on arrival : — Flag of ship ? — name ? — broker ? — how manned ? 

 — how armed ? — where from ? — when sailed ? — at what places touched ? — 

 where bound ? — what cargo ? — names, country, profession, age, and last 

 residence of passengers ? — state of health ? — important tidings ? 



