information in my power on the subjects
touched on
by
Mr. Campbell, with the view to the abatement of any abuses that might be proved to exist, I directed that certain questions should be put to the Superintendent of Police, and I enclose for Your Lordship's information that Officer's reply thereto. Mr May, the Superintendent, is
formerly in the London Police, a very active and intelligent person, and generally respected by the community. His opinions are therefore entitled to great consideration, and personally I place implicit reliance on them.
entitled to every consideration; so far therefore from desiring that my opinions should prevail, it would afford me satisfaction to find that Your Lordship adopted those expressed by that gentleman, and were disposed to forego the present tax on retail vend of crude opium, or rather to modify it so that any person might be able to dispose of any quantity of the crude drug not less than a ball, instead of a chest, as at present. The loss would only amount to £500 per annum, and as it might possibly be of service to the Colony, it is perhaps worth the trial.
I am sorry to find myself so much at variance with Mr. Campbell, (representing the writers of this letter), for I am satisfied that he has recorded his opinions in a conscientious and honest manner, and they are in consequence entitled to consideration. My Lord, I could respectfully observe that, in 1834-35 the imports of all articles into China in British bottoms amounted in value to £2,325,451, and the Exports to £42,075,191, and that in 1847 the Imports were