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SUPPLEMENT TO THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS.
which have been made by one or two gentlemen are poultry, and, bocause a hawk is a bird, there- other than Hongkong, with full powers to inquire into would imply that this meeting was an indirect, fore hawks are poultry too.-(Laughter.) With the present administration of the Government of this or perhaps direct, attack upon the Governor. reference to the subject of the resolution, I may colony, especially as regards the application of the erirainal laws, the carrying out of the sentences of Gentlemen, we don't come here to attack the Go-be permitted to say that the past experience of the courts, and the relations existing between the head vernor-Hear, bear.) We come here because we the colony has shown deportation to be a very of the Government and the other officials in every are forced by circumstances to endeavour to state valuable instrument in the repression of crime. department.
and to state in so uncertain terms-the feelings We find on one side of this question men who Gentlemen, the want of concord of which I have which we have inreference to the conduct of by their enterprise and capital have made the spoken it is unnecessary to speak of in detail, a certain department of the Government of the colony one of the most important dependencies but I think I ought to mention one or two cir- colony. If any other man were Governor and of the Crown, and on the other only three cumstances as a proof of the statements I have the same circumstances existed equally would learned barristers who seem to be actuated by the made. First, then, I will refer to the application we be here to state the opinions which we sense of gratitude and a hope of favours to come. of the laws and the carrying out of the sentences hold in reference to this matter. We in Hong-Ou the one hand we have the entire mercantile of the Courts. Chief Justice Smale's sentences kong, gentlemen, are men who have work to do community of Hongkong, and on the other hand of flogging with the cat" were disallowed. who have but little time to work up statistics we have as the apologists of His Excellency the They were sentences, therefore, I presume, they to chook them when they are made up; or Governor three learned barristers. But apart were the law. They were disallowed, without to attend to any matters of public interest. As from this we find that deportation is the law, and any medical examination of the prisoners, on the rule we would much prefer to let things take it ought to be administered until it is constitu- plea that the use of the cat would cause con. their course, even if they were going slightly sonally repealed, and I think if this meeting sumption. Second-In spite of the existing laws, ong. simply from car inability to devote any fulfils no other object than this, failing relief, it both public and private flogging with the cat
or hardly any timo-to public duties. We should make its voice heard at the doors of Hor have been abolished. are not an excitable community. We don't tako Majesty's Ministers in London, and its message every oppo dalty to get up meetings and attack should be a request that the laws shall be ad- institutions. I venture to say, are recognised ministered without favour or affection, and that as a commu. which has self-respect, and we the abolition or enforcement of any particular should be wanting in that self-respect if we law shall not depend upon the mere ipse dixit of allowed the things to go on under our noses any Governor, however able or energetio. which have been going on and take no ¦ (Lond Cheers.) notice whatever, but sit down calmly and submit(Hear, hear.) Gentlemen, this cha- racter, which I say this community is entitled box will have its due weight when it is known there has been a meeting of this kind in which to resolutions have been adopted-a weight which would never have been felt had the tone f the community been of a different kiad. It is not my object in coming here to-day to lecture on the resolution I bring forward." I think it expresses the views of cortainly the majority of this meeting. I will read it-
That in the opinion of this meeting the almost total aboltion of the system of deporting habitual crimi- nals. which in most cases means simply returning the deported to the place from which they came to violate the laws of the colony, is injudicious and will rezult in gaal accommodation having to be provided for au andine proportion of the criminal population of the south of China at an expense the colony should not be called upon to best.
Gentlemen, in the question of deporting there is
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The CHAIRMAN-Before putting this I should like to know if any one wishes to make any ro- marks or move an amendment in any shape.
Mr. FRANCIS-It is not true. The CHAIRMAN-That is strong language. Mr. Lowcock-The same gentleman applied the term to the Chairman before.
Mr. FRANCIS-I applied no such term to the Chairman.
The CHAIRMAN-Something very like it. Mr. Lowcook-Third-Deportation and tattoo marking behind the ear have also been practically abolished. Fourth-In spite of the law, no re- Mr. BOWLER-In the case of a man named turned deportee can now he proceeded against, Low Awan, arrested for unlawful possession, without the Police first obtaining the Governor's Mr. Francis, in discharging the man, said the personal approval; thus the Governor in- constable had no right to stop or even search |dividually interposes between criminals and the a man whom he suspected of our thing or law. Fifth-Discredit has been thrown on another. The people who have been deported the administration of justice by impugning the return to this colony if they can, and if branding action of the Supreme Court, the death sentence has been done away with and there is no means in the Shek-Omurder case baring boon commuted of identifying them, what is to be done? on the plea that the prisoner had not been defended As to deportation, it is no use departing them by a solicitor as well as a barrister. Sixth- unless they are branded, or some means of Acting Chief Justice Snowden's application to identification provided, and the policemen must have his defence of the Supreme Court published be allowed to arrest a deported criminal or one in the Government Gazette, following the publica. whom he suspects.
tion of Chief Justice Smale's letter, was disal- The CHAIRMAN-That has nothing to do with lowed. With regard to the relations existing the resulation.
between the head of the Government and the The resolution was then put to the meeting other officials, we know the most serious estrange. and carried unanimously.
ment is known to exist between the Executive Mr. Lowcock ¿ãíC and Iustina of the
and ttro sugidiary. mow' breit van vað láw vờ Really, when we have to consi-Peace)Gentleman, not having been previously carried out? If the Judges do not receive sup am thả class of men we have to deal with,
aware that there was an objection to preparing port in their sentences, is it any wonder crime resolutions, or even a few remarks, 1 must plead increases F The contemplated abolition of the milty to having prepared--not a speech, because Registrar-General's office is a step so serions that don't know how to make one, but a few remarks some better reason should be given for it than is on the resolution. I therefore hope you will at present known. The resignation of the Board allow me to refer to a few heads which I have of Examiners for Chinese studies was caused by made on paper in relation to the resolution. I jan utterly undeserved attack upon its members. resume all of us here present entertain the same These, gentlemen, are the reasons why I have fooling of regret for the neosssity which has made the statement I have, and I would ask you called this meeting together; but I do not think to consider them in voting for or disapproving I am asking you, as my fellow-citizens, to boliave the resolution I have placed before you. (Lond minutes ago at a wave of the hand of one
too much when I state that I have never felt
and prolonged cheering.) . Why should we in Hongkong have to increase our gaol accommodation when it has been of any duty than that which now comes into my to second that. (Applause.)
greater pain or greater regret in the performance found that a certain action, a certain decided hands. But it is a duty, and I must go through positive action on the part of the Government is with it, hoping to receive the support of the apologise to Mr. Lowcock. I am informed he capable of keeping the criminal population in to meeting in carrying the resolution. From what was speaking only with reference to the cat, I Alable order, at any rate from swarming on our
Hear, hear.) I, as a Justice of the has fallen from those who have already addrossed thought he was speaking of corporal punishment Pere, took occasion some months ago to re-resolutions have been passed and reopived, it
you, and from the manner in which the previous generally.
Mr. Lowcock accepted the apology. mack on that subject in the book kept in the is quite clear that this community is dissa. Mr. FRANCis-In reference to that resolution go for that purpose. I noticed the number of prisoners had gone up from 342 to 545 or 546 in tisfiod with the policy of the Government as I would like to make another remark. The Go- six months. I took the liberty of noticing this, the treatment of criminals; while I regret there
regards the administration of the laws and vernor- and suggesting that some little action should be is reason to believe that the machinery compos- taken to inquire how it all came about. mea. I heard no more about it from that day to ing the Government has been worked lately in
I merely mention this to show that there
manner quite inconsistent with the proper per increase of prisoner in the gaol, and this formance of those functions for which it had moves in conspelind to provide for it. Gentlemen,
been arranged; in fact, that for so long a time bus goes on it will not be 510 bat 1,040 we
with great pleasure.
tus idea of keeping them here to reform lent instead of sending them back to the ace from whence they come does not hear iscussion, It is not the idea of sensible apa, but of enthusiasts.-(Applause.) They ere here to violate the laws of this colony in very large numbers. Chinamen arrive in this place for the purpose of violating the laws which protect us, and which equally protect that vast Camber of Chinamen who went away a few
this.
Gentle.
a
MY. N. J. Eos (Justice of the Peace)—I beg
Mr. FRANCIS-I would ask permission to
Mr. Lowcock-Permit me, before you proceed further, to say I have not attacked the Governor personally, and therefore you are not called upon to defend him(Cheers.)---" He who accuses himself"Lond cheers.)
there has been so little accord between the head I was merely answering a certain remark wite Mr. FRANCTS-I am not going to defend. of the Government and almost all of the different
will have in this place. I move the resolution departments, that the machine is quite ont of reference to Mr. Hayilar and myself, but I may order and does not work as the public have a say that anyone who can hear that resolution Hr. A. MACCLYMONT-The meeting has right to expect it should. Who is to blame for read and can say the object of the musting been somewhat prolonged, and I will not de. this?
was not to pass that resolution and lead up to it We cannot say that others must answer. tain you with any annecessary observations. But what is the remedy? I think you will, with the previous ones, must be wanting in com One of the learned counsel spoke of the centre, answer that it is clear that we are poweriggs mon sense.Groans and Liases.) There is no tralisation that governs this colony, but to re-arrange the various parts of the engine or danger of intimidating me. I think the colony may congratulate itself machine and make it work in the smooth, easy, that there is a centralisation, because before regular manner it did prior to its derangement now it has profited by it. The fallacy in the speeches of the two learned counsel has been an insufficient, distribution of what is called the middle term.-(Laughter.) They have told us, sir, that because the police are not so good as they should be, therefore other measures which have been found to have a repressive effect should be abolished. They might have told us that turkey
and it therefore only remains for us to seek help elsewhere from Her Majesty's Government. Therefore, I would ask you to pass the resolution I now propose.-(Loud Cheers.) It is as fol- jaws:-
Mr. Lowcock-There is not the slightest intention to intimidate any one Hear, hear.)
MR. FRANCIS-I will also apologise to Mr. Gibb if a word I said could be understood as in- puting a want of truthfulness.
The CHAIRMAN-Thank you, thank yon. Mr. FRANCIS-When a pian makes a mistako the best thing he can do is to apologise.
That this meeting is strongly of opinion that it is desirable that Her Majesty's Government should up. Mr. GRANVILLE SHARP-I should like to say point a commission from England or from some golong a word. I was very hopeful indeed this resolú-
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POLICE DUTIES IN HONGKONG,
SUPPLEMENT TO THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS. might have been overruled, because I believe suggests could perform the duties efficiently No mer- it is the only resolution in which there can be the and well. In this colony we pay heavy taxes
After the piratical attack of the 25th slightest thought of reflection-although I be for all these things to be done for us. hieve it is not meant-upon His Excellency the chants, uo bankers in the place, can give the Governor. We all know very well that from the time necessary to superiutend the working of ultimo the first question of the indignant what is responsible for the lawless condition very first Entry of Mr. Pope Hennessy into the Government Departments of this colony, public was, as we said at the time-Who and
or any one of them, in a competent manner. Hongkong there has been a feeling of isolation
The amendment was then put to the meeting of things in the Colony? His Excellency the and estrangement between him and the public.
GOVERNOR, in an official minute made on the and only three voted for it. Mr. FRANCIS-Before he came.
The original resolution was carried with three 27th ultimo referring to some documents pre- Mr. Lowcock-How dare you say that?
dissentients. The CHAIRMAN-Order, please.
tion of the Police Force, says: "These Mr. Lowcock-I beg your pardon.
Mr. A. P. MacEwEN--Sir, in proposing the viously placed before him on the distribu- Mr SHARP That has increased until out of last resolution I think there remains very little! it has come indifference and enmity. We have to be said to ask you to support it, as the ideas documents confirm the suspicions I enter- From this it would heard from His Excellency a great deal about expressed by speakers at this meeting have met tained that the night beats in this Colony the British Constitution. We all know what with sach unanimous approval. It is as fol-are undermanned."
appear that Mr. HENNESSY wishes to fix measure at all the British Constitution is, as recognised bws:- by Her Most Gracious Majesty, namely, that the That the Chairman of this meeting do forward these the responsibility, in Government of her wide Empire shall be ad-esolutions to the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, events, of the numerous burglaries and ministered consistently with the highest interests requesting that Hia Excellency the traversor will for- of the millions of its inhabitants, and as nearly ward a copy of the same to the Right Honourable the great increase in serious crime which have Secretary of State for the Colonies by the arst oppor. taken place of late, on defective Police ar- I tunity.
rangements. With the evidence before us as possible in accordance with their wishes. believe there has been a great deal of mouvais Sir, when first the proposal to hold a public meet at present, however, welfail to see that any bante between the Governor and the colony. The ag to take into consideration the present inso- proposer of the resolution has asked who is to
enre state of life and property in this Colony was very strong case is established against the blame. Gentlemen, I think we are all to blame. mooted, I suggested, in its stead, that the matter Police in this particular. It is shown by the ("No, no.") Gentlemen, I think we are all to blame should he fally discussed in Council by the three published returns that the beats in the for the indifference which we have manifested to
gentlemen who represent the public in that Central Districts have in some instances public affairs.(Hear, bear.) We are all too busy Assembly, men who by their long residence in been slightly reduced, but in several cases with the almighty dollar-("Oh! Oh!")-and we China and also by the high commercial positions the reduction is more apparent than real. have very little time even for the important they occupy, would have had the full confidence Speaking of one group of figures, His Excel. politics of this important colony. I think His of the public in any disenssion that took place lency says: They show that in the most Excellency would have done well had he found Upon making inquiries, however. I was told that more time to converse with our three non-official Unofficial Members have very little voice in that important district the number of police on members, than whom yon cannot find three mon Council and that their opinion was rarely con regular beats, between midnight and six in Hongkong or China who will better repay a sulted upon matters of interest connected with o'clock in the morning, has been reduced' half-hour's conversation-men who are more full the colony. Now, certainly this would appear since 1876, in the case of the European force, of valuable information. Now the question to be the case, for let me ask how many meetings from 14 to 8, and in the case of the Chinese occurs to me, not only is the Governor to of the Legislative Council have taken place since from about 20 to 15. On referring to these blame for not having tapped these sources Mr. Hennessy assumed the reins of Government figures we find that there has been no actual of valuable supply; but have these gentlemen now more than eighteen mouths age. Not decrease in the number of European con- done all which they possibly could do as the half-a-dozen; while under former Governors' representatives of the community in enfore meetings of Councils were frequent. Matters in stables on duty, if the whole night be taken The apparent decrease ing upon the Governor the views which they which the public have an interest were openly and and not the particular hours specified by and so many entertain and which have been to-day freely discussed, and it is cortain that the same the GOVERNOR.
open and straightforward way of conducting of 6 is accounted for by the addition expressed! Does His Excellency know for cer- tain these opinions prevail, not only in Hong-affairs connected with this colony is not pursued of 4 constables to the number on daty kong, but at all the coast ports and in Shanghai under the present régime. Sir, the time is passed from 6 p.m. to midnight and of 2 to the and Japan! The Governor's policy is universally when the public can afford to wink at this milk uumber of the detective force fu duty at condemned. Have these things been brought and water policy. Why, let me ask you, should uncertain hours. The decrease in the nubi- His callangre rotina I believe, if they householders large and small, already heavily ber of Chinese constables remarked by the were brought, and as this meating has the powe to bring them, and as they will be to-morrow,
men to guard their property and also their lives GovERNOR is not accounted These we shall find that His Excellency will be amenable from a lot of villainous cut-throats, attracted, I the two worst cases, and they certainly cannot to the force of public opinion. Are we not strong maintain, to the colony by the laxity of the be considered very serious; indeed, it is a enough in Hongkong to manage our own affairs law hitherto existing. A sure and effective our matter of opinion whether the disposition of but we must wash our dirty linen before the is the following. Let the magistrates instead the European force is not an improvement. world. I am ashamed for Hongkong-("Oh, oh") of inflicting paltry fines of 10 cents or short We have no wish to defend any short- in that the people have been indifferent. Who terms of imprisonment, have the power to inflict comings of the police; they, like other has attended the meetings of the Legislative eronary chastisement on all rogues and vaga. Council to uphold the hands of our members when bonds. Let them be taken from the magistracy bodies, are susceptible of improvement; but they have all protested against some act in and publicly flogged at the whipping-post. I at the same time it is important that no augurated by His Excellency. And, gentlemen, see the increase of crime in the Colony is put wrong construction should be placed upon the excuse me, but you are to blame, we are all to down to the cheap rate of fares now existing be- returns of Captain DEANE. It is difficult to blame; we are all to blame("No, no.")
tween Cantou and this port. In my opinion the see how the night beats can be increased have all been much perplexed at the policy already famine in the Kwang-tung Province has also had to thirty-three per cent greater strength than adopted of seeking to enlist the sympathies of a good deal to do with it. You may rest assured the maximum of 1876, as His Excellencv the world against Hongkong by the publication that if a Chinamen bent on depredations in this desires, without a considerable addition to in the Government Gazette of His Excelleney's Colour knew that if oaught he would receive a views of our errors and shortcomings. Now it seems to me we are adopting the same policy to- night. We are calling upon others outside to come and look at our differences in
I believe an stead of settling them ourselves. effort has been made, but the principal failure has been the want of support to our_pon- official members by this community, I am very sorry to divide the meeting in any way. begged that the resolution might be withdrawn No, uc.") Perhaps I had no right, coining so late on the scene, to even suggest it, but I do so, I feni wo are wrong and I desire to propose an. amendment, which is
We
I
That His Excellency the Governor is hereby re- quested to direct that a watch committee be formed consisting of the three non-official members of the Legislative Council, with three beakers, one Ameri.
can, que German, and ono Indian merchant, of which three members, consisting of one Mamber of Connell, one merchant, and one banker form a sub-committee That the duties of the watch committee be the general supervision of police matters in Hougkong and its dependencies, for which purpose the Governor be requested to clothe them with substantial powers. I have to thank you for your patience.
Mr. HAYLLAR-I will second that with pleasure.
Mr. NELSON-I would merely suggest, in re ference to the proposal of Mr. Sharp, that however kind it may be, and however good in its feeling, no committee of the kind he
taxea, be obliged to Zoop an oxies staff of watch
lash for every cent he paid for his passage-money the force. As Mr. DEASE's figures show, he would contine kis thieving propensities to his there are available in the city of Victoria, own country. By public flogging crime would deducting the water police, 354 men and of rapidly decrease, and the hordes of thieves at these 92 are permanently engaged on special present biding here would quickly disperse. And duties, reducing the number to 202, of whom if Mr. Ng Achoy will put this fair and straight only 45 are Europeans.
to his countrymau whom he has here under No doubt an addition should be made to his thumb, he will find they will one and all the force, and it is the European contingent agree with him. Sir, in conclusion, the sup porters of Mr. Hennessy, I think, may be classed that ought to be strengthened. The expense under two heads-those who support him to would be greater, but one really good Euro- serve their own ends, and those who have no inpean coustable is for practical work worth terests at stake in the Colony, I am supported at least half a dozen Inkongs. The latter in making this statement by the fact that the are good for little else than detective work; bulk of the professional mien, all the bankers, whenever there is a disturbance they are every merchant of standing, and every tradesmanseless. In order to secure efficient men it of respectability, are unanimous in condemning
his policy. It remains to be seen which is the is almost always necessary to send home for stronger of the two, the unanimous voice of them. The recruits obtained here are mainly public opinion or Mr. Hennessy and his satellites. drawn from the floating population and
Applause.)
Mr. C. D. BoTTOMLEY SOConded. The resolution was put to the meeting, and carried amid cheering.
The CHAIRMAN-I hope what has taken place may be the means of doing good.
Mr. FRANCIS-I beg to propose a vote of thanks to the Chairman.
Three cheers for the Queen were called for and warmly given, and a cheer for the Chairman.
seldom turn out well. As an illustra- tion of the sort of men supplied from this morchant source, we may mention that captain recently in port was astonished to recognise in the constable boarding his vessel on arrival a man whom he hal been obliged on his last visit to the colony to prosecute for stealing ship's stores or some similar offence. In the long run, it