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Robinson, Mr Mercer, Sir Richard Mac Donnell and Sir Arthur Kennedy, made somewhat similar observations in the newspapers to whose comments Your Lordship's attention has been drawn.
As to the statement itself, I requested the Acting Colonial Secretary to ascertain from the records of the Colonial Secretary's Office what evidence there was to show the real connexion between Mr Pitman and the Opium Farmers, and I enclose for Your Lordship's information a copy of the subject.
I have taken steps to verify the accuracy of his report, which shows that Mr Pitman received the money in question not for any improper action on his part but for his remuneration for conducting for a considerable period the European Agency of the Opium Farmer.
Mr Tremlett, Her Majesty's Consul in Saigon, was the first person who informed me, in 1873, that Mr Pitman was employed as the European Agent of the Opium Farmer.
Before