the people had contracted the habit of looking to the British W. T. as a field for Immigration, this rule would be less importance
be done
of
3. "The system of allotments should be done with entirely, & longer away advances made instead. #20 would be a fair limit for the advance. The Allotment system is liable to great abuses which cannot be guarded against.
4. Contracts should be made out so that Coolies should be entitled to a free passage back to their native place (if they required it) at the end of the second term of five years, with a provision for re-engaging for a second period of five years. If the Colonies can provide free passages for emigrants in consideration for 5 years service (as they do), they could afford free passages back to China in consideration for an equal term of service; especially as a second term would be worth more during the second term on account of their previous training.
Such a provision would be greatly appreciated here. And there is good reason for believing that a majority of the returned men would again go to the Colonies whence they came; whilst their good report & example would create a general desire amongst their countrymen to seek a living in the same good lands. I feel fully assured that, with right management, the scheme might be so worked as that, ere long, the emigrants from this place would gladly repay the cost of their outward passage out of their wages "This, I presume, would save the Colonies about #75,000 for every Thousands men engaged, after making allowance for death & disability.
(sd) W. H. Pedder,
British Consulate,
Amoy,
Dec 19. 1868.
Consul