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Q. And now they won't take bribes, but they strictly enforce the law?
A. Yes, not only do they go according to the law, but they go in addition to it,
-
Q. Well, they are very strict?
A. Yes.
Q.And the consequence is that because they are so very strict now, it is a very great hardship for business people, and it costs them more money than if the law were the same, and bribes were given to the officials? Is that what I understand you to say?
A-It is a little harder now.
Mr. Shelton Hooper.-Does he go so far as to say that the officers exceed their duty
now ?
A. If you do it properly, that won't satisfy them.
Q.-Not now?
A. - No.
Q-Therefore they exceed their duty now, by complaining when work has been done properly?
A.-Well, I am afraid they do that.
Q.-Now, did that not take place before this Commission sat, in this very case of this floor?
A.-I am not speaking of the present time. I am speaking of what I am afraid will result.
Q. He has not seen any of those results yet?
A.-No.
The Chairman. But you are afraid that the Commission sitting will put a stop to bribery, and therefore that the Inspectors will be very strict because they are not making money for themselves. Is that what you mean? That is a very serious charge against the Inspectors.
A. Yes, and that they will come and trouble us besides.
Mr. Shelton Hooper.-When you say trouble you, do you mean to say they will caltl upon you to do things you are not legally called upon to do?
A.--Well, if a thing is done properly, they will say that it is not done properly.
Q. And therefore that they will exceed their duty in order to make it uncomfortable for the Chinese ?
A. Yes.
I presume
The Chairman-Now, Mr. Li, of course you say you are afraid of that. that a man of your age and position would not make that statement unless you though you had some grounds for doing it.
A.-Well, that is what I am afraid of.
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