10
contrary he states in his report that after mature consideration
he has come to the conclusion.
that Hongkong is the right place for the head quarters of the Emigration Agency for the British
West India Colonies, -
10. The real source
of abuse, according to Mr. Robertson is the employment of native agents, especially of those paid by a capitation fee. On this point
all the authorities are
agreed,
and it is against this alone, are directed
the strictures in the Colonial newspapers which accompanied
Consul Robertson's letter - But
how Emigrants
689
in the rural districts of China -
where the most suitable labourers
can best be
obtained for Foreign Countries, except through the agency
of
native
Agents
it is not easy
to
see
notwithstanding the Great
stipulations, Europeans would
scarcely be permitted to travel
unmolested in the interior, and
Mr. Warren expresses his belief,
formed from enquiries in the Country, that it would be improper with safety
to establish an Emigration Agency in any part of the interior of Southern China at a distance from the immediate protection of the British Consulate.