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54 of the inhabitants.
2. In my despatch No 1314 of the 12th ultimo, I forwarded a document of the same nature from the same Quarter, and also my reply pointing out several errors of the Memorialists, and explaining the general principles of the recent Legislation.
3. Having taken some trouble to plainly put the case before the Chinese Community, I am much pleased to find that they have apparently studied with care the arguments I adduced, and frankly admit that so far from the recent Ordinances being "Obstructive and inconvenient", "they are fully satisfied that if properly and "judiciously carried out, the Colony must "be benefitted by them, and the position of "Chinese Residents rendered safer and "healthier".
4. This is a considerable admission to make, and, though they immediately proceed with much subtlety and pertinacity to shew reasons against most of the provisions entailing payment of fees or imposing personal liabilities, I rejoice at the policy of the Government being canvassed and weighed by men who evidently have thought carefully over the subject, and who cannot be blamed for striving like the rest of the community to pass on to others the burthen which must be borne by some class.