Chap. I. 
« SQUEEZING." 
27 
The power which this place gives the Chinese autho- 
rities over our imports and exports through Shanghae is 
very great, and hence complaints of stoppages and illegal 
charges, or " squeezes," have been not unfrequent. The 
day cannot be very far distant when we shall be allowed 
to trade and travel in China as in other countries — when 
all those foolish regulations regarding boundary-lines will 
be swept away ; but, in the event of these changes being 
gradual, it may be a question whether our Government 
should not endeavour to open the town of Hang-chow- 
foo, or at all events have a consular agent there for the 
encouragement and protection of our trade. 
C 2 
