18
7
19
141
marked manner.
the accuracy of Mr. Pabertson's information on the important subject of the Carriage of Stink pots, to accept his challenge
and see them what number now of vessels carry because he maintains that those, which I reported as found such numbers at Canton last year were found in March, and therefore before the date fixed for commencement of the Viceroy's proclamation viz: the 17th of August last : I think his observation just, and admit my argument to be weakened if it can be shewn that since the date when carriage of Stinkpots finally forbidden by the Vice Roy they had ceased to be carried, or even that the number of vessels carrying them had diminished in a marked manner.
Enclosure
22. Mr Robertson however should remember that on such a subject I have ample means for keeping Your Lordship advised of the exact facts, because I have a legitimate power which he would scarcely refuse to acknowledge of examining the reports of their armament made by vessels arriving here from the various harbors on the Mainland. Now I have directed a return to be made of the number of vessels from ten ports in the Viceroy's Provinces arriving here with Stink Pots on board during the last Quarter of 1869, which certainly allows sufficient time for developing the effect
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