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I have the honor, therefore, to suggest for your consideration the advisability of one or other of Her Majesty's Gunboats being occasionally ordered out to cruise round the Island. - I am, of course, aware that such a duty cannot be performed without expense, but I apprehend it will have a good effect in preventing piracies from being committed.
The numerous Chinese Revenue Cruizers of the Provincial Authorities are continuing to commit breaches of the law by harassing the native vessels of the Colony, but at the same time I am prepared to authorize the disbursement from the Colonial Treasury of such sums as may be required to recoup the Naval Establishment for the coals consumed.
Should you have no objection to this suggestion, I may point out that not only will the presence of Her Majesty's Gunboats prevent piracies, but it will also deter the Chinese Revenue Cruizers from continuing their lawless occupations within the jurisdiction of this Government.
Moreover, as Chinese Gunboats are frequently in this harbor, it appears to me that it would be desirable that Her Majesty's Gunboats should from time to time be shown in the harbor.