to Swatow, a Chinese port capable of being reached within the period of seven days at this season, and within three in the North last monsoon, and at that place they are trans-shipped into vessels to be taken to their destination, the West Coast of America, Havana or elsewhere. Thus the clause in the Chinese Passenger Act is evaded, both that and the Ordinance No.9 of 1856, when it comes into operation and effect.
Moreover, I would, with great deference, submit that no Act of Parliament can be valid, the object of which is to make provision for that which is illegal in the country for which such legislation is intended. Now the removal of the people from China as Immigrants, Passengers or otherwise, is contrary to Law, and in proof, I need only refer to Book Section ... of the Ta Tsing Leu Lee, entitled "Protection of the Frontier" which expressly provides against Chinese subjects proceeding beyond the boundaries of the Empire; and therefore, under these circumstances I do not see how the Chinese Passenger Act of 1855 (18 & 19 Vic. c.104) can be operative elsewhere than at Hong Kong.
I would submit that it would be to the credit of the British nation, if British subjects were prevented from taking part in this human traffic,