249
Momby's opinion to have been a mislake.
12. Yet while thinking it more decorous to abstain from intruding an opinion sufficiently discerning views at variance with those of Your Excellency, pending reference to Authority higher than either of us, and though leaving you in possession of the Arena, thus in sole possession to which you have descended, I sincerely hope that our opinions may harmonise in future. I much prefer that we should be found co-operating to maintain the mutual rights, both of the Chinese Authorities and of those entitled to claim British protection, rights which, with judicious management, seldom clash. I therefore prefer waiting for a more suitable opportunity to make any voluntary appearance in Public, which I hope may be rather in conjunction with, than in opposition to, Your Excellency.
Permit me to add that, independent of all other considerations, such a position is that which