to a great extent by Mr. Morrison the Consul at Amoy, that the provisions of the Chinese Passenger Act are in a great measure inapplicable to short voyages to the Philippine Islands and the Straits Settlements; that the passage to Manila or Singapore is short - that the passengers are not ignorant coolies but mechanics who have either made the passage before or are acquainted with the circumstances of it; that they contract for their own passages and supply their own provisions, the ship furnishing only water and sometimes fuel.
And in case it is argued that it is the interest of the Master to treat the Passengers well and that the trade has been in existence for many years, practised without giving rise to complaints.
They further point out that to compel British ships engaged in this business to proceed to Amoy for Outward and Homeward (as they must do under the present arrangements) would be virtually to extinguish the business, exclude British ships from it, and to throw it into the hands of Foreigners. As regards Manila, it would throw it into the hands of Spaniards, and as regards the Straits Settlements into the hands of Dutch or other Foreigners.
Collector 154