Chinese Economic Priorities and Western Technology

What shall we do about telegraphs and railroads? The Qin dynasty built the Great Wall, and at the time it was considered a disaster, but later generations relied on it. If telegraphs and railroads are built, China will likewise enjoy great benefits from them in the future. Moreover, as the work of constructing them is enormous, it will be quite beneficial to the poor people now. However, although the foreigners plead with the Court to conclude a formal treaty permitting them to begin this work, this absolutely must not be done. Perhaps the government could give its generous permission, but only if the Western [interests] can devise a plan that would guarantee that no arable fields, houses, and ancestral graves would be harmed in the least. Otherwise, permission should decidedly not be given.