Miscell
OF
ship from Hong Kong cargoes of Coolies for those labour markets.
Through his influence, notwithstanding his having been openly implicated in piracy and in other criminal transactions, the Governor has been induced to relax, by instructions of questionable legality, the most stringent clauses of the Chinese Passengers Act aforesaid, thus leaving open the door for all the abuses and cruelties incidental to and inseparable from every kind of traffic in human beings.
And your Memorialists submit that this so-called emigration, but real Coolie trade, is contrary to British law and, having been prohibited by the Chinese Authorities from ports within their jurisdiction on account of its notorious violation of all international obligations.
In view of these facts, your Memorialists respectfully urge the necessity of Her Majesty's Government instituting an immediate enquiry into the circumstances under which the Chinese Passengers Act has failed to effect its purpose, and into the conduct of the Authorities responsible for this neglect of duty, and they beg that measures be taken to secure, in future, the strict observance of the law.
We have the honour to be,
My Lords,
(On behalf of the Associations and of the Committees above named)
Your Lordships' very obedient Servants.
(General Secretary, National Abolitionist Federation for the Abolition of Slavery),
L.A. Chamerovzow,
(Secretary of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society),
F.W. Chesson,
(Secretary of the Aborigines Protection Society).