I could not therefore, reconsidering the subject, when brought again before me by Kwok-a-cheong, but suppose that there must have been something in the latter's previous career calculated to render British interference in his behalf improper. Therefore I referred to the Registrar General, who is completely conversant with the antecedents of all the leading Chinese residents here, to ascertain whether he knew of anything in the previous conduct of Kwok-a-Cheong which should indispose either Your Excellency or myself to interfere in his behalf.
I now enclose the answer of the Registrar General, and deeply regret that I did not sooner apply to him, that I might have earlier acquainted Your Excellency with facts that should have been noticed in connection with Kwok-a-Cheong's antecedents brought to your notice in connection with Kwok-a-Cheong's case.
I now call Your Excellency's attention to the enclosed narrative by Mr. Smith of Kwok-a-Cheong's connection with this Government. It is with feelings of pain that I read this testimony to his steady and useful adherence to British interests at much...