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chairman. Upon assuming the chair, A-mei delivered a lengthy speech. It was followed by another by Ho Tung. Sin Tak-fan, a solicitor's clerk, translated the speeches and they were published in the English newspapers.
The impression given by the transcript of Ho A-mei's speech was that it had not been carefully prepared. It did have, however, a loose structure, but tended to be repetitive, with the same point made several times. One got the impression, however, that he spoke with some passion and therefore captured the interest of his audience.
Ho A-mei introduced the topic of the meeting by giving a brief history of the "light and pass" Ordinance. He pointed out that when it was first enacted conditions in Hongkong were different, because then "we had fewer policemen in Hongkong than we have now and the streets were not so well lighted. Then we, of course, had numerous cases of robbery, but we had fewer policemen.” In his opinion the regulations had decreased the number of robberies at that time.
A-mei next plunged directly into the heart of the issue: “But, Gentlemen, this is class legislation, and on principle it ought not to be in any way encouraged." He made the sweeping statement that in having such a law Hongkong was unique, for nowhere else in the world, he claimed, was such a system in force. The main objection he voiced, however, was that "the system was intended against the Chinese only, and it had to be condemned on principle."
He held that if everyone in Hongkong were subject to the requirements, "then we would, of course, humbly submit, but as it is directed against only the Chinese, we must resist it.”
This mention of resistance brought forth strong condemnation from some Europeans, the Governor included. Ho A-mei's remarks were regarded as seditious and dangerous to the peace and order of the Colony. He later publicly explained that he meant only peaceful resistance, such as petitions and appeals for equal treatment.