Memorial on Legalizing Opium

Memorial on Legalizing Opium, June 10, 1836

Introduction to Xu Naiji

  • Xu Naiji (1777-1839) was a prominent advocate for the legalization of opium.

  • In 1809, he became a jinshi (a graduate of the highest degree of the imperial examination) from Renhe County, Zhejiang.

  • Service Record:

    • He served as the circuit intendant (daotai) at Canton.

    • By spring 1836, he was a sub-director of the Court of Sacrificial Worship in Peking.

  • Xu addressed the Emperor regarding opium in a memorial that remains controversial today.

Main Arguments in the Memorial

  • Xu acknowledged the harmful effects of opium but argued for legalization as a solution to various issues, particularly foreign trade influence and economic consequences.

Key Points:

  1. Negative Effects of Prohibition:

    • Xu argues that stricter interdicts against opium actually exacerbate the problems associated with its use.

    • He called for an urgent request to change the government's approach to opium.

  2. Nature of Opium:

    • Classified as a medicine initially, it possesses stimulant qualities, checks excessive secretions, and mitigates the adverse effects of harmful vapors.

    • Long-term dependency leads to a debilitating habit that is harmful to users.

    • Qualities of excessive use:

      • Users exhibit feeble breath, wasted bodies, sallow faces, and blackened teeth.

      • Users recognize the harm yet find it impossible to refrain.

  3. Categories of Opium:

    • Three Types of Opium:

      • Black Earth (Bengal)

      • White Skin (Bombay)

      • Red Skin (Madras)

  4. Historical Context of Opium in Trade:

    • During Qianlong’s reign, opium was taxed as a medicine, suggesting an acceptance of its trade prior to prohibition.

    • Initially, penalties for smoking opium were relatively lenient but became increasingly severe over time, culminating in punishments like transportation and death.

Economic Impact of Opium Trade

  • The rise in opium consumption coincides with increasing financial outflow, primarily silver leaving China.

  • Statistics:

    • By Jiaqing's reign, annual opium imports started small but surged to over 20,000 chests, each containing 100 catties.

    • Price per chest:

    • Black Earth: ~$800

    • White Skin: ~$600

    • Red Skin: ~$400

  • Total annual expenditure on opium: approximately 10 million dollars (or ten million taels when considering a dollar as seven mace standard weight).

Economic Consequences:

  • Foreign merchants no longer needed to bring silver into China due to rampant opium sales, leading to significant money loss from China.

  • Historical context:

    • In earlier trade practices, foreign money benefited Chinese coastal provinces through trade.

  • The comparison of silver’s value over time indicates economic inflation;

    • 1 tael once valued at 1000 copper cash, now worth at least 1200-1300 cash.

  • Mention of how the salt trade has been adversely affected by the economic inefficiencies caused by opium.

Proposed Solutions

  • Change in Policy:

    • Proposes reverting to the previous system of allowing opium importation under strict conditions, including imposing duties.

    • Suggests ensuring that opium is traded only as a commodity (not in cash) to disrupt the illicit trade.

    • Introduction of harsh penalties for offenders, including destruction of their opium stocks and confiscation of funds, to deter future offenses:

      • Punishment for officers found transgressing includes immediate removal from public office.

      • Higher-ranked officers who condone opium use among subordinates face inquiries.

Conclusion

  • Xu pleads for the Emperor to issue secret orders for investigation into the statements made in the memorial.

  • Suggests that such actions might help replenish national resources and mitigate financial losses.

  • The memorial is concluded with reverence and anticipation of the Emperor's decisions regarding these critical issues.