freight, as is anticipated, for Amoy or some other Chinese Port.
I think it desirable to bring to consideration that if the voyage from China to Manila, or to the Philippines, should not be considered to incur those risks to the health and lives of Chinese Passengers which the Regulations of the Act were designed to avert (a question which in effect, the Act leaves to your decision) the exempting that voyage from the application of the Act, would enable British Vessels, and most probably those of Hong Kong, to obtain employment in the Passenger carrying Trade between China and these possessions - and that otherwise, that trade will be exclusively enjoyed by Spanish Vessels, which not being liable to those Regulations when sailing for Chinese Ports and being allowed to import goods here at a considerably less duty than is imposed on Vessels of other nations, could so adjust the rate of passage money, as to exclude the competition of British Vessels.
This is the third voyage with Chinese Passengers made by the "Fortuna" to Manila. It may be well to state that the Chinese brought here generally pay a rate of passage money, and find their own food, the water being provided by the Masters of Vessels. They are very rarely sent here as Coolies, and for the most part are Mechanics or petty Traders, who come on their own account.
I have, &c.
(signed) J. W. Farren.