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(TRANSLATION.)
HIS CARE HAS EVER PROTECTED US.
On the 13th May instant, the Colonial Secretary of this Colony, Mr. Mercer, retires from his post, and returns to his native country. All the residents of this place, hear- ing of his departure, cannot but deeply regret it, and wish that it were possible to detain him. We could cling to his carriage-wheels to cause even a short delay; and for a long distance the people will sing of his virtues; and hav- ing this in their minds, they will obstruct the road, and the streets will be crowded with those who publicly extol the new life which has been instilled into them by his coming.
Now, when Mr. Mercer commenced his official duties in Hong Kong, he looked after the requirements of us all, and he has continued to do so for more than twenty years. For several periods he has held the post of Governor of the Colony, and in his governing the people, and in his direction of the subordinates of the Governmeut, he has undoubtedly shown extraordinary talent, and during his rule affairs have been so unostentatiously administered, and so completed, as he alone could have effected.
We perceive that other officers have had great difficulty in altering or abolishing things which were disorganized, but he has, owing to his great ability, found it an easy task to govern. His administration has proceeded smoothly and without friction, and it has been found unnecessary to establish many penal laws, which has caused the people to rejoice.
When he entered on his duties, the evil-doers became afraid, and seeing his emblem of office, they turned to re- pentance. In his public capacity, he has united liberality, generosity, and compassion with clear and accurate per- ception, and distinguished rectitude; he has abolished vexatious enactments, assisted the distressed, and treated us as his children. This is what he has effected.
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This considerate disposition has extended to every place, and all men have been gladdened by it, have received advantages, and have been assisted in their work. Educa- tion and letters have been forwarded, and his many acts of kindness have brought him into close relation with us all. This we have all rejoiced at, and we have depended on him as on To' mo' of old, and we have trusted him as Tsz Kwan.
If Mr. Mercer's excellence were not of so high an order, those he aided so numerous, his knowledge so comprehen- sive, and his rule so beneficial to us, could this have been so?
All thank him for his protection, and all regard him with gratitude.
And now Mr. Mercer is leaving us, and we of the Colony would detain him, but we are unable; yet, as formerly the return of Kwok-a-Kap and Fong-chung was hoped for, so would we trust to see him again, and we have met together to present respectfully this Address, as a very slight acknowledgment of, and recompense for, his favours.
Hongkong, 13th May, 1867,
(Signed by all the Chinese Hougs and Firms established in the Colony.)
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