3.
490 will take effect, I leave it to my Successor to see report the arrangements fit to make under the circumstances.
M. Davies has accepted from the Chinese Government the Inspectorship of Customs at Shanghai on a Salary of £2000 per annum guaranteed for five years. In view of this circumstance it is once in order that no time may be lost in appointing his Successor who, I trust, will be selected from the Members of the Bar.
I cannot however refrain from making a remark on the embarrassment that may be caused to this Government by secessions like this of Mr. Davies. This movement, under which the Duties at the Chinese Ports are to be collected under the Supervision of Foreigners, has already taken away three of the Servants of the Colonial Government; Mr. ..., from the Audit Office who goes to Chunghae on £1000 a year, or, I believe, double the sum that he receives here; M. Gilmour from the Treasury under like circumstances; and Mr. Davies who moves into a high office as above reported.