Ratification. This Treaty and its three annexes shall be ratified by the two High Contracting Parties in conformity with their respective constitutions, and the ratifications shall be exchanged in Washington not later than twelve months from the present date.
In testimony whereof, we, the undersigned, by virtue of our respective powers, have signed this Treaty in duplicate in the English and Chinese languages, and have affixed our respective seals.
Signatures. Done at Shanghai, this eighth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and three, and in the twenty ninth year of Kuang Hsü eighth month and eighteenth day.
Signatures and seal of Chinese Plenipotentiaries.
[Lü Hai-huan]
[Sheng Hsüan-huai]
ANNEX I.
Opium. As citizens of the United States are, already forbidden by treaty to deal in or handle opium, no mention has been made in this Treaty of opium taxation.
Salt. As the trade in salt is a government monopoly in China, no mention has been made in this Treat of salt taxation.
It is, however, understood after full discussion and consideration, that the collection of inland dues on opium and salt and the means for the protection of the revenue therefrom and for preventing illicit traffic therein are left to be administered by the Chinese Government in Ante, p. 2210. such manner as shall in no wise interfere with the provisions of Article IV of this treaty regarding the unobstructed transit of other goods.
Signatures and seal of Chinese Plenipotentiaries.
[Lü Hai-huan]
[Sheng Hsüan-huai]
ANNEX II.
Branch native customs offices.
Ante, p. 2210.
Article IV of the Treaty of Commerce between the United States and China of this date provides for the retention of the native Customs officcs at the open ports. For the purpose of safeguarding the revenue of China at such places, it is understood that the Chinese Government shall be entitled to establish and maintain such branch native Customs offices at each open port, within a reasonable distance of the main native Customs offices at the port, as shall be deemed by the authorities of the Imperial Maritime Customs at that port necessary to collect the revenue from the trade into and out of such port. Such branches, as well as the main native Customs offices at each open port, shall be administered by the Imperial Maritime Customs as provided by the Proctocol of 1901.
Signatures and seal of Chinese Plenipotentiaries.
[Lü Hai-huan]
[Sheng Hsüan-huai]
