95
the
the Tree Poy entered more fully into the probable effect of the article in convention regarding the Colony and the appointment of a Consul, both of which had evidently in the interval much preoccupied him.
I took occasion to impress upon him that while I regarded the appointment of Chinese Consul as a measure by which much might be effected to regularize the trading between the mainland and the Colony, it was impossible to overlook the unpopular character of such an appointment in Hong Kong, and a certain amount of danger, that such Official might overstep the limits allowed to Consuls. It was essential that he should absolutely and rigidly restrict himself to the proper duties of Consul as by European Powers established. Keep clear of bribes and squeezing, and neither use his office and the information it would give to oppress the owners of junks trading between the mainland and the Colony, or attempt to meddle with the native population, and so interfere with the prosperity of the Colony and the rights which belonged to it as a British possession, and to all residing under the protection of its laws.
The Vice Roy plainly showed me that these difficulties had not escaped him.