Objectionable
In 1869 Emigration from Hong Kong was prohibited to foreign countries where we are not assured of the good treatment of the Emigrants absolutely to all foreign countries (11001).
No distinction was expressly made between contract Emigration and Emigration not under contract, but since the particular circumstance which led to the prohibition was coolie Emigration to Peru (8029), it is a fair question whether Emigration not under contract was contemplated in the prohibition.
Govt Sir R. Macdonnell, in forwarding the Hong Kong Immigration ordinance 1870 (3703, 3706), observed thus: He was not aware of any Emigration from Hong Kong to the U.S. under contract. Certain gentlemen had made proposals to him for a contract emigration to the U.S., but that he had felt prevented by his instructions from acceding to their request. He stated, however, on the one hand that such contracts were void in the U.S., and on the other that the Chinese valued a contract as giving security for remuneration.
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