they might take a part in expectations duly countenanced by this Government and projected by this Government would be a transparent farce, and an improper subterfuge, if meant as a permanent policy. On the other hand,
if regarded as a mere temporary expedient to ascertain, for the information of Her Majesty's Government, what neither Her Majesty's Naval Officers, nor any of the Commanders of the numerous Chinese Gunboats visiting this Harbor, seem empowered to investigate adequately, I do not think the proceedings objectionable. The information, however, has
now been got and the evils discovered must be dealt with on some more comprehensive, avowed, and permanent system.
16. Without at all suggesting that it is any part of the duty of Her Majesty's Government to assume the responsibilities of the Chinese Authorities and keep the Police of the Chinese seas, I may observe that the revival of Piracy since the early part of 1869 raises natural apprehensions affecting the prosperity of the still increasing trade with this Colony in native bottoms.
Vide Enclosure No.1, Para.6. The enclosed précis shows that there are grounds for supposing