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Misstatements acquire credit in proportion to their age and maturity. I am happy, therefore, to have it in my power to supply an early and complete refutation of the misrepresentation compiled by Mr. Alice relative to the rules established for the government of the Police previous to his arrival.
I would also draw attention to Mr. Smith's report on the native District Watchmen, a body of men whose services I have always been well pleased to acknowledge, and who were embodied by me not merely with a view to increased facilities for the detection of crime, but still more with the important object of enlisting the active sympathy and energy of the native population to co-operate with and aid the executive in the maintenance of law and order. There are those who personally know and have seen the tendency of the Chinese to keep aloof from and to despise the action taken by the "Barbarians", still called by them, as we are alone in appreciating the great importance of bridging over the chasm which separates the two races.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant,
M. MacDonnell
Governor.