231
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 7TH MAY, 1879.
That, hereas the Imperial Government has
secured the services of such) a man, both
and people unite in rejoicing (over the
fact), and therefore the whole of the (native)
population of Hongkong do join in this public
declaration as follows:-
Governor HENNESSY alone knows how to extend clemency and how to show mercy. Ever
since his arrival in this Colony the fame of his
excellent administration spread abroad. For occasionally he commuted a sentence of death
into imprisonment for life. Justly did he change
an old custom in flogging, substituting the thighs
for the shoulders. His mind embodies (indeed)
the principles of Heaven and Earth and his
virtue dwells in the cherishing of life. He does
not give severity of punishment the first place,
for his methods of reform are thoroughly spiritual,
and his energy and cleverness regarding schemes of
good government is truly (animated by) a striving
for the truth. (He treats) Chinese and Foreigners as one community, making no distinction whatever of nationality. (The fact that the people here may) dwell in comfort and rejoice in their property is (entirely due to) his influence
reaching both the traders and the common people.
(Truly) among (all) the great officers of antiquity,
there are few to be compared (with him). Looking up to his pleasant countenance, so full of sympathy, (one feels) drawn to him. The memorial (of his fame) is in the mouth of the people in the public streets. Who is there that
does not rejoice (over him)?
Unexpectedly,
however, the fulness his virtue was turned into an occasion for
mny and disaffection,
when, on account of the distress caused in the inland districts by the simultaneous advent of both dearth of grain and scarcity of vegetables, robberies and seditious risings flared up wildly, the evil reaching even to the maritime districts (near Hongkong). When, all of a sudden, a certain burglary inadvertently occurred, malicious talk rose up in bubbles, a public meeting was called, for both Chinese and Foreigners, but the Chinese were insulted, they were not allowed
to take part in the discussion, they were without provocation hooted, till their assembly was scattered on the spot, which they left restraining
every feeling and repressing every utterance. (This whole affair), from first to last, has (therefore) been (herewith) stated in writing (to be sent a distance of) ten thousand miles (in order) to knock at (Her Majesty's gate, desiring (not only) that he (the Governor) stay his full term of office to spread abroad (here) his merit and worth, but further humbly praying that he stay here a further term, (by which measure Her Majesty would be) adding favour to favour.
The signatures ve been prepared and appended (with a view) jointly to set forth the feelings of the people, for the wishes of the whole
(native) community (formed, as it were,) one compact city, (as declared in) this present document drawn up with due reverence.
叩
A
弗尙鼓舞盡神勵精圖治實是求眞中外一體畛域何分安居樂業澤及商民古大臣中通
顛末萬里 閽願其任滿卓著功勳再乞復任恩上加恩圖章備蓋公憤共伸衆志成城恭撰斯文將闔港所蓋圖章聯叩 督憲大人 盛德反致謗恰所因内地飢饉荐臻賊氛猖熾殃及海濆偶然失盜讒口沸騰中西聚會鄙薄華人不容參議肆意訶瞋當塲鬨散氣忿聲吞用書
比
倫
政使
家得人商民共樂爱黨合港公詞日惟燕制
車 此土善政頻聞或赦繯首監禁終身鞭腿代脊舊政可更體天地心,
སམ་
瞻望丰采藹然可親口碑載道誰不歡欣何期