657
the
conclude that a state of things exists which urgently demands the active interference of Imperial Government for the protection of the Colony.
I do not believe that exyet the trade has suffered to such
an extent as is stated - beet it
can
hardly be denied that the
Revenues of China
are farmer out to the Hopps and that the
Junks of Hong Kong
Mercy
of
are at the
three Squadrons of
armed Boats belonging respec = --Fively
to the Salt Tax Collection,
the war Juf Collector and te
the
the folentos of Duties on opium and other Merchandise.
there armed book
by
That
are manner
a low class of officers (native and foreign) who are paid by a share of the proceeds of
fiscated Nessels and Cargoes.
That the act of these officers "illicit" and unscru
pulous. That
they have it in their power to com-
-met
gross
acts of spoliation, and
injustice and the greatest temp =
lation to do so.
That their veiting can get redress. Mr Wade himself, contes
that on
peruse of the Harbor Master's Reports last year at Hong Kong" "I
"
leas
urprised
to find hoew
slightly