The agent knows that he has the faith of Her Majesty's Government for the performance of his undertaking, can be no possible objection.
The Chinese labourers there are not affected by a change of climate, and within the Tropics are in general very healthy. But, like the Swiss, they suffer occasionally from "Home Sickness" which, when it once makes its appearance, is a contagious and fatal disease. Its existence can always be detected by a very singular and trivial symptom, viz.: the constant doubling of their thumbs. When this is observed, the subject should be removed from the others, and treated promptly, or the disease will extend. The experience of the writer convinces him that under proper treatment, with strict, and when required, even stern discipline, the northern Chinese would be found the most useful class that could be sent to the West Indies.
The terms on which he has engaged them at Amoy for the French Government are, wages $3 @ $4 per month, free passage to Bourbon, 2 suits of clothing for each annum, house, food, and medical attendance, in consideration of which they agree to serve for 3 @ 5 years, and to work every lawful day, from sunrise to sunset at whatever they may be set. This agreement is printed in Chinese and in the language of the Colony for which the emigrant is destined, is signed by both the contracting parties, and transferred.
The foregoing remarks embody all the peculiarities and particulars regarding the emigration of Chinese labourers.
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