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This was on the eve of Dr Eitel's extraction, but too much weight must not be allowed to this. Sir J. P. Hennessy could scarcely apply for leave to cancel the whole correspondence on Mr Hayllar's request, which would not have reached him till shortly before the 25th of November.
We now come to the Eitel - Johnson affair.
11. In consequence of Dr Eitel's reports (rectifying authority) respecting the origin of the Hayllar - Hennessy scandal which he had heard from another member of Council (Mr Ryrie) and from other persons, Mr Johnson placed himself in communication with Dr Eitel.
Sir J. P. Hennessy was at that time (19 Sept 1881) absent from Hongkong on a visit to Peking.
12. Dr Eitel wrote to Mr Johnson (19 September) to the effect (1) that he had instructions to show certain documents to the members of Council, or at least to M.C. who asked to see them; (2) that Mr Johnson's name was especially mentioned; (3) that he was "authorized" to show the papers to Mr Johnson and to explain them to him.
An interview was appointed for the 20th of September which at Dr Eitel's suggestion took place at Government House.
At that interview Dr Eitel showed to Mr Johnson the confidential despatches above referred to, and after (according to Mr Johnson) repeating that he had "authority from Governor to make the fullest Statement" he proceeded to make...
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