David Dennard
Memorial 1
Son of the most high, I wish to honor myself by aiding in your benevolent rule. We face dire financial problems. The empire continues to grow and expand without the needed growth in revenue. Several different options have been discussed to remedy this problem. I strongly discourage any suggestion of dealing in foreign and domestic commerce on practical and moral grounds. Monopolies on the other hand, though immoral, are a necessary policy for revenue at this time. I will expound on both of these issues in order for the emperor to adequately address the issue. Most importantly, I beg the worthy Wanli to lead by correct moral action. Without the correct leadership the mandate of heaven could be lost. I fear the flooding of the Yellow Rives is not a sign it is too late.
Tax on commerce, both foreign and domestic, should not be pursued. I wish to discuss the practical problems. The commerce of our empire is very developed. It would involve a doubling of the size of the bureaucracy to take account of, and tax the trade accordingly. The scale of such an undertaking would bankrupt the state. Furthermore, what interest do the people have in paying more taxes? The obvious conniving and maneuvering to avoid payment would make this process nearly impossible.
Foreign trade would also prove equally difficult. The building of ships to protect the coast, manning trading posts, and countering piracy would be an expensive undertaking. The danger of coming into conflict with our neighbors over trade is a further danger. Piracy and black market trade would flourish with an increase in crime across the empire. From a very practical outlook any taxation of commerce would be a daunting undertaking.
I fear monopolies to be a necessary evil. Salt monopolies are an institution dating to the 7th century. The salt trade is found across the empire from the coast to lakes far inland. Only Chiangsi, Kwangsi, and Kweichow of the fifteen provinces do not produce salt. The revenue potential due to widespread production is considerable. Furthermore, the history of the trade provides a system in place that requires no radical change. Most important of all, salt monopolies currently account for one third of imperial revenue. I fear this government will cannot afford to lose this revenue. My experience in my home province of Hwainan instilled me with these beliefs. Without the monopoly my home province would suffer greatly. I must reluctantly support monopolies on salt and iron for these reasons. Monopolies connection to corrupt officials and the black market trade bother me a great deal. I must admit that practicality must dictate policy. Still, practicality would not dictate this policy if the correct example was set.[i]
Most worthy Wanli, I beg you to set the example the empire needs. The master says, “if guided by profit one will incur much ill will.”(4:12) If the government sets an example of trying to gain profit from immorally gained commercial wealth the state is in grave danger. A recent example of the lack of correct guidance occurred in 1540. The President of the Board of Works reported the treasury empty. Nearly, seven million silver taels were spent on building projects.[ii] Most being grandiose palaces. What does the man in the countryside think of this? If the rulers are spending excessive wealth he will assume he should pursue wealth also. Why stay in the village when a peasant believes wealth is what is most important. How will the order of society survive? The Literati remind us, “because of wealth…wants multiply and people become reckless in immoral quests of wealth.”[iii] The people will no longer respect the institutions of our society in order to gain wealth. The son of the most high must set the correct example in this issue. Remember what the master said, “To govern is to correct. If you set an example by being correct who would dare remain incorrect.”(12:17) He also warns later, “If a man manages to make himself correct what difficulty will there be for him to take part in government, but if he cannot make himself correct what business does he have in correcting others?”(13:13) I hope my thoughts will aid the son of the most high to the correct decision to ensure the mandate of heaven survives.
[i] The Salt Industry of Ming China
Tao-Chang Chiang
Geographical Review, Vol. 65, No. 1. (Jan., 1975), pp. 93-106.
[ii] Chan, Albert. The Glory and Fall of the Ming Dynasty pp. 266.
[iii] Confucian Guide Book pp.37.
Memorial 1
Son of the most high, I wish to honor myself by aiding in your benevolent rule. We face dire financial problems. The empire continues to grow and expand without the needed growth in revenue. Several different options have been discussed to remedy this problem. I strongly discourage any suggestion of dealing in foreign and domestic commerce on practical and moral grounds. Monopolies on the other hand, though immoral, are a necessary policy for revenue at this time. I will expound on both of these issues in order for the emperor to adequately address the issue. Most importantly, I beg the worthy Wanli to lead by correct moral action. Without the correct leadership the mandate of heaven could be lost. I fear the flooding of the Yellow Rives is not a sign it is too late.
Tax on commerce, both foreign and domestic, should not be pursued. I wish to discuss the practical problems. The commerce of our empire is very developed. It would involve a doubling of the size of the bureaucracy to take account of, and tax the trade accordingly. The scale of such an undertaking would bankrupt the state. Furthermore, what interest do the people have in paying more taxes? The obvious conniving and maneuvering to avoid payment would make this process nearly impossible.
Foreign trade would also prove equally difficult. The building of ships to protect the coast, manning trading posts, and countering piracy would be an expensive undertaking. The danger of coming into conflict with our neighbors over trade is a further danger. Piracy and black market trade would flourish with an increase in crime across the empire. From a very practical outlook any taxation of commerce would be a daunting undertaking.
I fear monopolies to be a necessary evil. Salt monopolies are an institution dating to the 7th century. The salt trade is found across the empire from the coast to lakes far inland. Only Chiangsi, Kwangsi, and Kweichow of the fifteen provinces do not produce salt. The revenue potential due to widespread production is considerable. Furthermore, the history of the trade provides a system in place that requires no radical change. Most important of all, salt monopolies currently account for one third of imperial revenue. I fear this government will cannot afford to lose this revenue. My experience in my home province of Hwainan instilled me with these beliefs. Without the monopoly my home province would suffer greatly. I must reluctantly support monopolies on salt and iron for these reasons. Monopolies connection to corrupt officials and the black market trade bother me a great deal. I must admit that practicality must dictate policy. Still, practicality would not dictate this policy if the correct example was set.[i]
Most worthy Wanli, I beg you to set the example the empire needs. The master says, “if guided by profit one will incur much ill will.”(4:12) If the government sets an example of trying to gain profit from immorally gained commercial wealth the state is in grave danger. A recent example of the lack of correct guidance occurred in 1540. The President of the Board of Works reported the treasury empty. Nearly, seven million silver taels were spent on building projects.[ii] Most being grandiose palaces. What does the man in the countryside think of this? If the rulers are spending excessive wealth he will assume he should pursue wealth also. Why stay in the village when a peasant believes wealth is what is most important. How will the order of society survive? The Literati remind us, “because of wealth…wants multiply and people become reckless in immoral quests of wealth.”[iii] The people will no longer respect the institutions of our society in order to gain wealth. The son of the most high must set the correct example in this issue. Remember what the master said, “To govern is to correct. If you set an example by being correct who would dare remain incorrect.”(12:17) He also warns later, “If a man manages to make himself correct what difficulty will there be for him to take part in government, but if he cannot make himself correct what business does he have in correcting others?”(13:13) I hope my thoughts will aid the son of the most high to the correct decision to ensure the mandate of heaven survives.
[i] The Salt Industry of Ming China
Tao-Chang Chiang
Geographical Review, Vol. 65, No. 1. (Jan., 1975), pp. 93-106.
[ii] Chan, Albert. The Glory and Fall of the Ming Dynasty pp. 266.
[iii] Confucian Guide Book pp.37.
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