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It is not that the men Klefalla, Nasson, and others were recommended for passage to England with the simple object of endeavouring to restore them to health, after all other means had failed. It is no argument to say that these men were far advanced in disease and therefore unfit to undergo the voyage fully. You must be aware that there are those who have lingered through a Hong Kong winter, without much chance of recovery, unless they are put on board a ship before the summer heats have set in. You will recall many instances in which the life of your friends has been saved by this proceeding.
And it must clearly rest with the responsible medical authority to say whether it is best to give these men a last chance for their life or let them hopelessly perish in hospital. A proceeding which causes the medical attendant much less trouble than does that of their removal.
How do I find in the cases referred to? The Colonial Surgeon, having been applied to by R. Cochran, the Surgeon of the Civil Hospital, coincided with him and recommended two men for a passage home. Some delay takes place in procuring this passage, for...