There is also in the Cabinet a valuable collection of African ring money. These ornaments are very massive and pure, comprised of elaborately carved “signet-rings, armlets, anklets,” etc. One article, more novel and valuable than the others, is a pipe of fine gold, bowl and handle of curious bas-relief figures, and a heavy, square-linked chain attaching a large medallion, on which is the head of a monarch poorly drawn.
The Chinese government, like all despotisms, is very jealous of its coining prerogatives; yet it does not fail to appreciate an advantage when offered, as is evident to us by the following:
Proclamation for general information:
“Whereas, The foreign silver (coin) in daily use among the people of the Kwang Tung Provinces has long been in circulation, and is moreover admitted to be advantageous and convenient. In the 5th and 11th years of Tung Chih (1866 and 1872) the Hong Kong Mint coined a new Dollar which, upon comparison with pure silver, bore a proportion of fully ninety per cent., and as the Records will prove. Proclamations were issued notifying the people that it might come into general circulation. There has lately come to Hong Kong a newly coined American Eagle Dollar, called the “Trade Dollar,” and Sir Brooke Robinson, the British Consul, having requested that officers might be appointed to assay it, the Viceroy and Haikwan thereupon appointed officers to melt it down and assay it, in concert with (an officer from the British Consulate), when, taking the Haikwan Tael of pure silver as the standard, an outturn was obtained of fully 89.61—or Taels 111.6 of this new Eagle Dollar are equal to 100 Haikwan Taels of pure silver. Minutes of the assay were drawn up in proof thereof.
“For the convenience of Traders and people, therefore, this coin should be allowed to be tendered in payment of duties at the rate of touch obtained at the assay, and to come into daily circulation. It becomes the duty then of the Viceroy and his colleagues to issue a Proclamation on the subject for general information.
“This Proclamation, therefore, is for the information of you merchants, traders, soldiers, and people of every district. You must know that the ‘Eagle Trade Dollar’ that has lately come to Hong Kong has been jointly assayed by officers specially appointed for the purpose, and it can be taken in payment of duties, and come into general circulation. You must not look upon it with suspicion. At the same time rogues, sharpers, and the like, are hereby strictly forbidden to fabricate spurious imitations of this new Eagle Dollar, with a view to their own profit.
“And should they dare to set this prohibition at defiance, and fabricate false coin, they shall, upon discovery, most assuredly be arrested and punished. Let every one obey with trembling! Let there be no disobedience!
“A Special Proclamation. Tung Chih 12th year, 9th moon—day (October, 1873.)
“Translated by
“(Signed) WALTER C. HILLIER.”