tical interests in that quarter; and as the Act of 1833 proved inadequate on this point, the expediency of a fresh
bill, declaratory (& extensory) of the old, seems worthy of consideration." On the 27th August last, I received dispatches from you, far exceeding my hopes in the latitude of the powers making them not only executive but legislative, which it conferred.
At the same time, which it is impossible for any reason to abuse, with the penalties of public opinion, the press, the sword of Damocles at the feast of power, hanging over him; I therefore rejoice that such extensive powers have been delegated.
There is nothing which commands the respect of the Chinese so much as a British functionary having efficient control over his people. The presence of this power made them respect the mixed commercial & political character of the East India Company President; the absence of it, they neglect & despise the late officer of the
After the uncontested humiliation that has been inflicted, Memo: for Foreign Office, 10 Decr 1842, and under the supposition that good faith is observed, the terms of the treaty, the best policy for Hong Kong Revenue seems to be by conciliating the Chinese, by appealing to their interests, by perseveringly searching for means to procure mutual benefit.
It is plain that the same energy which procured us such irresistible power in war, should be exerted in peace, for the mutual benefit of the two nations, with a jealous maintenance of all our own rights, either expressed or implied in the treaty. It should be our policy to remember that "parcere subjectis form the best sequel to debellare superbos." "If the jealousy & distrust of the Peking Court have always been the main obstacles to an extended peaceful intercourse, it is plain that every reasonable means should be adopted to win its confidence & abate its fears."
I venture, my Lord, upon the momentous question of countenancing Opium at Hong Kong, as connected with the prospects of that colony. It is the invariable effect of the smuggling trade to render all other trade smuggling with it. The dispatches, & the numerous ones of Capt. Elliot, in the Blue book of the Parliament of 1840,