(8)
(9)
majority against us.
of reason or right on his side, as take for instance a cargo of Indian Cotton arbitration where we knew at the outset there was a Straits produce, or Manchester goods. He cannot by any reasoning, however subtle, sustain his right to charge two import duties on these.
In fact, with all deference to Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON - in all probability he has done and written in reference to this subject has been in good faith, but it is in human nature to err, and by the balance of evidence it be
matter of this kind. It may be said in reference to a new comer that he would urge that an independent man should be appointed to investigate a would not be conversant with the matter. Well, many matters involving more points of detail are heard and decided in courts of justice; and any new man coming might be allowed time to study the question. I contend it would be better to have a new man to arbitrate than a man like Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON, who has shown that he is biassed. And further, we
commenced to suffer from this grievance is passing away. I do not suppose must not allow this opportunity to pass by us. The first generation who here are more than one or two now present who took part in the discussion when this was first spoken of. We have repeatedly petitioned two Governments on the subject, but all our labours and prayers have simply brought
forth this Commission, and this only in consequence of the Convention at ments on the subject, but all our labours and prayers have simply brought
would have been shelved for years. Therefore we ought to make the best Chefoo. In all probability had it not been for that Convention the matter
of it, and if our protest is not attended to, we might call a meeting of the citizens of the Colony to protest.
it is finally decided by the high authorities that the Treaty of Tientsin applies to the trade in native craft from this Colony, then he could charge the foreign tariff, and no more, but if the foreign tariff is not applicable, he can only charge the native duties, so that whatever conclusion is arrived at he stands convicted of unwarrantable squeezing. Let us hope, gentlemen, that the Commission as agreed in Sir THOMAS WADE's Convention may so commence their labours, and that the end of these labours may be that the Colony will be freed from the many evils which the present system entail upon us.
With reference to the remarks in the report on the subject of H.M. Consul acting as a member of that Commission, let us hope that he will view these remarks in their proper spirit. For his high personal character, his genial, generous spirit in private life, we have all the greatest admiration, but I contend that no man can read his despatches without feeling convinced that there is a bias towards the Chinese view of the situation. Some of the ablest and best men, both in past and present times have been biassed on some point or other, and very often there is no way of accounting for a bias. Before concluding these remarks on the Blockade, I would call the attention of members to the very able manner in which His Excellency the Governor has been battling for the Colony in this matter. Our second Police Magistrate, also deserves the thanks of the community as he has been most untiring in his labours to bring to light the objectionable practices of the Hoppo's employés in and around this harbour. The Chief Justice, the Acting Attorney General, the Registrar General, and the gentleman who is now acting, Mr. TONNOCHY, have, on every occasion, done all in their power to protect the interests of the Colony, and to them much credit is due.
I am sure
Mr. BALLIOS.-I think, Mr. Chairman, it would be advisable for us than could possibly take a position like that; he could not go into the jury Chamber to protest against Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON being appointed to try a man under such circumstances; he would feel himself bound to say to the judge, "I feel myself disqualified to sit in this case.” Sir BROOKE would not accept such a position.
Mr. WELSH asked if the meeting was in order, as the adoption of the report had not yet been moved, and he believed the Chairman had not concluded his remarks upon it.
The CHAIRMAN said he was going to make a few remarks on the other portions of the report, and proceeded:-With regard to the Blockade, we have had
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