In addition to emigrants passing through my Office, they are mustered on the upper deck of the ship previously to her departure and on the same day Men and women being separated and the decks below kept clear. Each person is then examined by the Medical Officers and Inspector of Emigrants and the Surgeon of the ship as to the state of their health. So it is quite possible that some of the persons passing through my Office may have transferred their diseases to others; advantage is taken of the Medical inspection to re-examine the women as to their Nationality and willingness to leave.
I have satisfied myself that the reports in the China Mail were incorrect. Previous to the departure of the Japan on 11th June the Registrar General informed me that the rumour originated with some Jesuit Priests and that he should like to satisfy them by personal observation and enquiry. Mr Lister went on board, examined the passengers and I believe left convinced there were neither Annamese nor any other kidnapped women on board.
The point was again raised prior to the departure of the last vessel "China" (July 19th). On this occasion two Annamese teachers accompanied Mr Lister and myself. The passengers being on deck as usual the Annamese were desired to inspect them all closely, and told not to hesitate to point out any one whom they suspected of being their country women. They found none. The decks below were next examined with a similar result.
The Editor of the China Mail might, if disposed, very easily have satisfied himself as to the truth or falsity of the reports before publishing them by formal enquiry on board, or to myself in which case I should have been very glad to have given him my assistance.
If further information on this matter is required application might be made to the authorities at San Francisco as to whether women answering to the description given of Annamese have landed at that Port. I have not seen Annamese women but if they are at all like the men they are easily distinguishable.