FO
502
under contract so long no Macao remains open to the Exporter of Coolies, and despite the restrictions which disregards the Chinese Authorities supported by Sir Rutherford Alcock would induce.
Be Majesty's Government to impose on Hong Kong. I was asked by two members of the Legislative Council in 1867 to forbid all Emigration from Hong Kong on account of the enormities then supposed to be connected with the Macao Coolie trade. I pointed out the unreasonableness of closing a port whence Emigration might be conducted in the interests of the Emigrants, because thereby all such Emigration would be at once freely and fairly conducted.
It would be forced to a Port where it would become demoralized in character, and where violence have occurred protesting effectually against any irregularity, which may occur in connection with either his original procurement or subsequent conveyance to a port for shipment.
11. Against this consideration I think very important, and the Macao Emigration Commissioners will no doubt duly appreciate it, for although the conduct of Emigration from Macao is greatly improved at present under the supervision of the Governor Admiral de Souza, I need scarcely say that Her Majesty's Government possesses no guarantee whatever.