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must still a more unusual proceeding, and one not to be resorted to unless urgent Imperial necessity imperatively required the sacrifice.
25. Finally, though Sir Rutherford Alcock seems to have invented the project, and then by sedulous exertion converted Prince Ping, the Vice Roy and others to think there must be something very valuable in carrying out such an appointment, now that China insists on appointing a Consul at Ningpo, can you refuse her request? True, she denies your right to appoint Consuls in her territory, but on the grounds of reciprocity and consistency, you grant her the privilege to appoint them in all yours, and expect similar concessions. For my part, I think it safer to take the chance of disastrous consequences than accept a conclusion so manifestly illogical.
26. Scarcely less important to this Colony is the closing of the Treaty Port of Kiung Chow, and though Sir Rutherford Alcock assured a deputation of the memorialists that they could always exercise the privileges of the most favored nation, and that whilst the Port remained open to other nations it would be open to the British, there is grave doubt whether this assurance can be relied upon.
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