12.
Lo than Mr. M. Martin, give the following opinion the commercial capabilities of Hong Kong, different from Mr. Martin's blank prospects-
of
Nothing can ersceed the advantages of its harbour, being, not only one of the safest in the world, but close to the every ocean; and from having, two entrances equally safe, it is accessible with every wind. It would be a central point for the whole whaling trade in the Pacific, &c. Hong Kong is also favorably situated as a dépôt for Sugar, Cassia, Camphor and other articles of China produce." My enclosures, will show that what are here represented as mere possibilities are actical facts. Two American whalers are now victualling and refitting in the harbour, and many more to arrive in a few weeks, because, (as the American Consul informs me), they find this the most convenient and best Port, without a single tax or tonnage due. The enclosed return shows that during 1847, Piculs 161,472, or the 12,10,400 lbs. of Sugar, value £146,827, have been shipped on board of 37 vessels for various parts of the world.
13.
It is remarkable that in the following statement of Mr. A. Mathieson, comprising many circumstances, not one of them is true. In 1844 Sir John Davis's bedroom was entered by thieves, and among other things he had his watch stolen from him. All the efforts of the Police to recover the watch were unavailing. At length the Opium farmer was applied to, and in a short time the watch was restored to His Excellency. "The fact is that my bed-room was not entered by thieves, my watch was not stolen, there was no opium farmer until 1845, the following year, and the date of the Ordinance will show. This gross misrepresentation is founded, I suppose, upon one of my servants having stolen a watch, not belonging to myself, in another part of the house. The watch was never recovered, but another purchased by me in...