That
if they had made it signed contracts
these contracts could not be valid, because
40
contract as to his pure
freedom; that Coolies
are conveyed out
under an escort of the public force; finally that the Chinese had the right to assassinate
the Capt & crew of a ship (alluding to the Nouvelle Penelope) which was engaged in the Slave Trade, having gratings
in the hatchways & with a part of the crew
armed.
In that sentence the said magistrate not only censured the Port Laws, but he also attacked with the greatest animosity the Emigration from Macao, to which he has been a bitter
opponent
as well as the journal "Daily
Press " which advocates the same principles: he was not ashamed to publish that the object of that sentence, & that his (the judge's)
intention,
contention,
was
To
put an end to the
Emigration from the Port of Macao.
352
As soon as the Governor of Macao became acquainted with this sentence, he forwarded
to this department several documents to
prove :
1stly that the Chinese emigration is carried on at Macao with greater legality than at any
other place on the coast of China
or anywhere else;
2ndly that the Coolie ships adopt towards the Chinese passengers on long voyages the same precautions as are taken on
the English & American steamers on the daily line between Macao, Hong Kong
& Canton, on voyages of
a few days' duration; and 3rdly that revolts have taken place on board
vessels from Hong Kong & even in that Port itself, where Coolies are compelled to embark by force when they have signed
contracts.
From