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numerous ships doubling the Cape of Good Hope in the Atlantic, and Australasia in the event of war the possession of Hong Kong would be of great value to our merchants and our large fleet in the China Sea. Hong Kong is a commercial depot for the Elbe and the Northern ports of Europe; its expense is only about £500 a year.
As are the Colonies of the British Empire, they are each of utility to England; for their territorial extent as emigration fields to provide employment for a surplus population; for their production of Indigo, Sugar, Coffee, Corn, Cotton, with profitable trade; for Fisheries, and for coaling or fishing stations.
I have in vain sought for one valuable quality in Formosa, but there are good harbours. It is a hazardous account, and for two hundred years we have not found the want of it.
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hundred years we have not found the want of such. I can see no justification for the British Government spending money on Hong Kong.
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Battling on