While therefore it is much to be admitted that Sir R. McDonnell had no power in the present case to do more than he did, he ought not, I think, to be left equally powerless for the future. It may be taken for granted that if the present undertaking succeeds, other persons will resort to Hongkong for Emigrants, especially if the Governor of Macao should continue the restrictions he has imposed on Emigration from that settlement. Emigration from Hongkong, which has already attracted much unfair notice in the Chinese Press, may come, through the operations of Native Crimps, to deserve some of the unfavourable comments bestowed on it.
I would, therefore, submit that in order to give the Governor power to control the operations of Emigration Agents in Hongkong, an ordinance should be proposed to the Legislative Council forbidding the opening of any depot for the reception of Emigrants, or despatch of any ship carrying Emigrants, without a licence from the Governor. I would further recommend that the Governor should be instructed, as a general rule, not to give such a licence for emigration to foreign countries where the British Government have no power of...