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decimated by this malady. The poor women themselves, the men of the Country with whom they occasionally cohabit, and even the whole Population of China, will eventually be infected from this Pest House rather than by this fatal disease, (which here more than anywhere else appears to put on its most virulent form) unless measures be taken to abate it.
With regard to the measures proper to be taken I can offer no suggestion but those which must have presented themselves already to one, who, like yourself, has given great attention to the subject. It cannot however be too often repeated that it is an evil which admits of Remedy. It is an evil which in several Countries in Europe has been remedied. It is an evil which every Government is bound to remedy, for Public interests of the highest character are involved in the question, and deep indeed will be the Responsibility of those who do not use all available means for its mitigation.
I have, &c.
(signed) Jo Stirling.
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-chief.
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(True Copy)
Colonial Secretary