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the failure of the disarmament proclamation
Conveys an incorrect impression, because I never complained of not learning the result of conversations between the Viceroy and Mr. Robertson, but of not being informed that the severe measures enforced as to Native Craft here were never even attempted to be enforced from the first day of the Viceroy's Proclamation coming into operation - viz: the 19th July.
18. I confess that under those circumstances and having regard to the all-important consideration of maintaining reciprocity of action here and at Canton, I have never quite understood the apparent inclination of H.M. Government to support the Viceroy's conduct in this matter, nor the facility with which it is proposed that I should renew the Ordinance. I can only suppose that perhaps I had inadequately expressed my views and was thought to censure the Viceroy's abandonment of his proclamation when proved impracticable, whereas I never found fault with anything but the silence maintained as to having been left a dead letter from the first day.
19. I trust, however, that the above observations may place my meaning in its proper light, because few questions are of such vital importance to this Colony as those which impose...
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