The Evening Mail AND Hongkong Shipping List HONGKONG, SATURDAY, 6th OCTOBER, 1880.
THE CHINESE AND THE ORDINANCES.
THE Governor's reply to the Chinese deputation who this day presented their various objections to the ordinances, ought to convince the Chinese residents that obedience to English legislation is an indispensable condition of their living and carrying on business here. We need not supplement His Excellency's reply by any observations of our own. It marks a turning point in the policy which has for some years past been observed towards China, and being therefore elevated above the region of ordinary common place local topics, is a state paper of unusual significance, for the Chinese Government to consider, and for the instruction of home politicians who are under the erroneous impression that the interests of Great Britain in this quarter of the world can be protected or promoted by measures that obtain among the more civilized communities of other countries.
It is obvious now that the feeling the Chinese here have lately manifested against recent legislation, does not spring from mere apprehension about the Stamp Act, but from dread of the consequences which are contemplated by other ordinances. It is now known that His Excellency is in earnest in his declared intention to suppress piracy and to bring under proper subordination the large Chinese population of the island. When this is effected, the Chinese government may be asked to perform their part of the mutual obligations imposed by the Treaty in respect of piracy, and of other nefarious practices common among the Chinese.
That is a duty which they have hitherto avoided, but one result of His Excellency's uncompromising firmness will probably be the recognition of their responsibility, and perhaps an attempt to observe it, especially as the governor of the Provinces of Kwantung and Kwangsai has given his formal approval of the measures to which the Chinese have expressed an objection. Of one thing (His Excellency remarks) they may be certain, that as soon as these measures are proclaimed to be law, those who disobey them will be punished.
Public opinion here is entirely with His Excellency in the steps the local government have adopted; we have not the slightest doubt that the home government will endorse his action, in which case Sir Richard MacDonnell will have the gratification of knowing that under his direction foreign commerce on the Chinese seas will be rendered safer, and the lesson effectually taught to the Chinese cabinet that treaties with foreign powers must not be disregarded by them.
Too much toleration of Chinese prejudices for the sake of trade is a fault that requires a strong remedy, which we believe is provided in the ordinances for which we have to thank His Excellency; and if force should become necessary to impress it on the Chinese, to make them understand it, why force should be employed.
In 1943,
225