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certain classes of Chinese officials, and the great probability that the erection of the proposed numerous Customs Stations will lead to vexations and harassing proceedings against all native Vessels clearing from this Port, the Governor can scarcely suppose you were not aware of the serious importance to the interests of the Colony involved in the proposed measure.
As, however, in a scheme of that magnitude and which has so important a bearing on the vast interests involved in the native direct trade with this Colony, it is more than 20,000 Vessels per annum, unlikely that the Viceroy left you unacquainted with his intentions, or that a proclamation such as that which you enclose could have been issued unless after consultation with H.M.'s Minister at Peking. Therefore, the maturing of the scheme must have occupied several months, and His Excellency wishes to be informed of the reasons which induced you to keep from the Governor of this Colony all knowledge of a scheme so calculated to seriously affect the commercial interests of this place.
In the meantime, I am desired by His Excellency to convey to you his protest against a scheme which apparently strains beyond their legal limit the provisions of existing treaties, and which, even if in accordance with those treaties, is in its conception: