72
is
a very good translation of a Memorial addressed by the Chinese Board of Foreign Affairs to the Emperor.
The document in question is one of the most important ever issued by Chinese Officials, whilst in close reasoning and admirable adaptation to the object of the writer it may well bear comparison with any document of Western diplomatists in China.
The Memorial recommends the establishment of a College at Canton for instruction of Chinese in Mathematics and Mechanics, so as to enable them hereafter to build steamers and manufacture such machinery as they have hitherto monopolised.
The recommendations of the Board have been approved by the Emperor. Hence the observations on the restricted character of all Chinese education will no longer be applicable, and the enlightened objects of Her Majesty's Government in all their dealings with Chinese Authorities will be most rapidly promoted, more than could have been reasonably anticipated.
Alleging the document appears so important that as Governor of a Colony having such immediate connection with China, I deem it a duty to transmit it.