5. The weakness of the Central Chinese Government, and the little control possessed by Officials even over portions of their more immediate districts is another fertile source of difficulty in the administration of this Government, as the effective aid which might otherwise be looked for in the repression of crime on the adjoining Mainland and its vicinity must not be expected here, though it certainly is withheld from though Consul Robertson of Canton who has in all such matters assisted most ably and willingly.
I would here desire to guard myself against being supposed in any of my previous observations to imply that the Chinese, as a race, are less obedient to law, or less devoted to peaceful and industrial pursuits than Europeans. The number of criminally disposed persons who hover round this place and are a source of trouble is not due to any reluctance but entirely from a want of power to afford it. A marked improvement even in that respect is now apparent aided here by repeated remonstrances which I have addressed to the Vice Roy of the neighboring Province on October #14 / 10, whom the peculiar and special precautions are necessary to which I have alluded, are the refuse of a very large population numbering 30 millions in the adjoining Quang Provinces, which moreover are fringed along the sea Board.
Wide you to becy of stake No 46. 29th May No 60 12 June No 61 22 by No 82 27 July
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