Point, as if Imperial legislation is requested as to "offices" com...
Unprecedented questions submitted by Portuguese officials in the case will be answered by much legislation.
But it is a further and larger question whether Imperial legislation is sought. It seems to me that when we have made an agreement with other Powers (China, Portugal &c.) to submit unto a convention for the united repression of abuses in Emigration, Judge Paoale will act help us much, would be a result than 20.
If by Imperial Legislation and Hong Kong ordinance, we could stop Chinese emigration & its accompanying horrors, it might be well to attempt something in this direction. But as to do thus, I think it would be futile, impossible, even in the interests of humanity, to stop emigration from that small spot (Hong Kong) where by judicious arrangement a proper supervision may mitigate abuses and lessen the evils of the system. To stop it entirely as far as they are concerned, would be like the action of a man who, having the control over one tributary stream out of many which flowed into a river, should dam up his own stream because he objected to the muddy condition of the other streams which he would still have in the same state in consequence of his proceeding.
I agree with Mr. Herbert that no effectual remedy for the abuses of this traffic will be provided until Maritime Powers combine in some mutual convention as that which he reports.
Judge Paoale is stated to be able, honest, and of great discretion in his mental organisation.
Sub 31/3/3
MINUTE PAPER.
220
If we wait until the Maritime Powers combine, we may be glad if Holland carries out what the papers suggest to further the passing of an efficient ordinance within Hong Kong.
It is considered advisable to prevent abuses in our waters and in our ports, and the Chinese Emigration Ordinance suggested by the Commissioners should be passed to regulate Chinese emigration.
I have deferred dealing with these papers until we had received a reply from the Office to whom the Chinese Emigration Ordinance was referred.
KR April 1
Page information remains as is, if detected.
Sub1178/1922/32(III) should be formatted as Sub1178/1922/32(III) is not needed as it is not in the original text, instead the reference Sub 31/3/3 is kept as is.