tions, no time should be lost in referring them to a higher authority for decision. The time has now arrived when vigorous action should be taken to secure the con- tinuance of the progress of the Colony and to adequately protect the great com- mercial interests so adversely affected by these disastrous annual epidemics.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Honourable ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY.
R. CHATTERTON WILCOX.
Secretary.
[Copy sent to the Secretary of State in Governor's Despatch No. 244 of 5th July, 1901, as Enclosure No. 2.]
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
No. 1400.
SIR,
HONGKONG, 13th June, 1901.
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, and to inform you that His Excellency the Governor joins with the Chamber of Commerce in the regret that here, as in India, the anxious efforts of the Govern- ment have failed to control Bubonic Plague, or to materially check its ravages.
As to the various matters on which the Committee of the Chamber of Com- merce has been good enough to give their views, they have long been subjects of most anxious consideration by those whose professional knowledge and experience best fitted them to advise upon them, and some have been dealt with by the Legislative Council. His Excellency would suggest that as the Chamber of Commerce is directly represented in the Council, it should request its representative to bring its views before that body, where the grounds for assumptions which appear to have been somewhat hastily adopted may be clearly stated and fully answered. His Excellency instructs me to add that nothing could more contribute to the commercial losses pointed out in the 4th paragraph of the letter than reckless statements, some untrue, and others greatly exaggerated, that have appeared from time to time in the public Press; and the apparent acceptance of these statements by the Members of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce without investiga- tion or adequate knowledge, is not calculated to allay fears that, if continued, may permanently affect the prosperity of this Colony, dependent as it is upon the business incidental to a great shipping port of call. The Governor observes with satisfaction that the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce is prepared to accept cheerfully the increased taxation that will probably be necessary to meet the heavy expenses of contemplated measures for the general improvement of sanitation.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
The Secretary,
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
T. SERCOMBE SMITH,
Acting Colonial Secretary.