of the movements of all vessels frequenting
their ports, and to security for their
8.
require in some way good behaviour.
This is done in other Countries,
even when the only object is to protect the
Revenue
and secure statistical
information.
How much more then should it be done
in China, where apart from all Revenue
or other considerations it is essential
for the protection of property and
the prevention of murder and robbery?
9.
His Excellency further wishes to
impress strongly on the Vice Roy, that whilst it is the plain duty of each Government in its own dominions and on its own waters to secure the lives and
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such property of peaceful visitors and traders,
a duty becomes much more urgent when
its neglect by our Government not only entails ill consequences within the limits of the jurisdiction of that Government
failing in its duty but also renders abortive measures, which at much cost and with much labour neighbouring Governments may take in the common cause of humanity and order.
10.
Such would be the result now, if
the Chinese Authorities fail in supporting
by similar legislation the measure adopted by this Government. In such a case
if a Cruiser went to meet a suspicious Junk at Sea and required to see her papers it would be enough for her to state she had come from