678
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comment as it is one on which opinions maybe formed as correctly in England as in China.
Paragraphe 44. states in effect that with abuse effectually prevented and the contract made just and fair, nothing more could be reasonably wished for. It has been seen how — Ever, that in Macao Brokers are a necessary evil, and M. Fernandes is, I think, more sanguine than judicious, if he hopes by repressive measures to prevent abuses so long as this necessity exists. More over it is no unimportant fact, though one which appears to have escaped his notice, that these brokers when performing their duties in Chinese territory, are rendering themselves amenable to Chinese criminal Law, and it is at least open to question whether national obligations are not violated by sanctioning in an outlying Foreign Settlement, Emigration from the Empire of China.
The remaining paragraphs (45 et seq.) of the report are of a valedictory character, but contain an intimation that M. Fernandes wishes to be relieved from the Office of Superintendent of Chinese Emigration. That an Officer holding such extreme views, and possessing the boldness and honesty to carry them into execution, or even to recommend them for adoption, should have such ephemeral existence, is unamiable indeed but not strange.
I forward three copies of the