ROBERT HART

1st Baronet Hart. The Customs Duty was a major revenue source for governments of the day. China, had such a history and culture of corruption, especially around customs, that the Empress Cixi, to the distress of many of her own people, appointed Hart to oversee the entire customs operations. The yield amazed all, and opposition to Hart evaporated except from the officials who could no longer profit as before. Hart served in this position for 47 years.

1st Baronet Hart. The Customs Duty was a major revenue source for governments of the day. China, had such a history and culture of corruption, especially around customs, that the Empress Cixi, to the distress of many of her own people, appointed Hart to oversee the entire customs operations. The yield amazed all, and opposition to Hart evaporated except from the officials who could no longer profit as before. Hart served in this position for 47 years.