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Appendix No. 4.
HONG KONG.
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312
census of 1881,* and of a statement on the progress and population of Hong Kong, with especial reference to the Chinese community.*
Inclosure in No. 95.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
R. H. MEADE,
(Secret and Confidential.) My Lord,
Governor Sir J. P. Hennessy to the Earl of Kimberley.
Government House, Hong Kong, June 15, 1881. WITH reference to the last paragraph in my despatch to Sir Michael Hicks Beach of the 6th March, 1880,f in which, having expressed my concurrence in General Hope Grant's views that the Chinese in this Colony could furnish the necessary material for its defence in the shape of soldiers, I ventured to add that, looking to the loyalty and wealth of the Chinese now in Hong Kong, Her Majesty's Government might count with confidence on obtaining from the local community the whole of the requisite funds, I have the honour to inclose, for the use of Lord Carnarvon's Defence Commission, some copies of the census Returns* obtained this year, and of a statement recently addressed to the Legislative Council on the progress and population of the Colony.*
2. The number of the male adult British subjects (not of the Chinese race) has declined from 342 to 336. The smallness of this number shows the difficulty of forming a very effective Volunteer corps in Hong Kong. A fair proportion of the Portuguese race here would be willing to serve as Volunteers, and to constitute a corps of Riflemen, but the want of a naturalization law in this Colony prevents them from aiding in its defence.
3. The most important fact, however, established by the census Return and the Returns relating to the transfer of business premises of late years, is the growing confidence of the wealthy Chinese in the Government, and their desire to settle in the Colony.
4. In considering this important fact from the colonial defence point of view, it is well to remember that throughout the neighbouring provinces of China it is not about their Government the people appear to care, but about their customs, or so-called superstitions. They trouble themselves very little about their rulers, but take the keenest interest in the maxims and practices that are characteristic of their social life. This explains how the Chinese coolie corps under General Sir Hope Grant were so faithful to the British flag, and why some foreigners who saw that they did not desert to the Chinese side imagined they were very bad patriots.
5. The fact is, the Chinese are loyal to old-established customs that have tended to preserve their Their patriotism is different from that of Western nations. It exists in their village community system, in their guilds, and in their family circles.
race.
6. There are no persons in Hong Kong more loyal to the Queen and to the Government of the Colony. Leading Chinese residents here speak with great veneration of Her Majesty as their true and beloved Sovereign, and they sometimes ask me to explain newspaper paragraphs about the Queen's benevolence, her domestic life, and her influence on society, but they seem to be indifferent about Ministries, Parliamentary debates, or national policy.
7. The natural arm of defence that exists in the loyalty of a native community such as this will grow stronger year by year as the Chinese of Hong Kong are treated by the Queen's officers on terms of perfect equality with Europeans and Americans, and their customs and religious prejudices respected.
I have, &c. (Signed)
J. POPE HENNESSY.
No. 96.
Colonial Office to Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad. (Secret.) Sir,
Downing Street, October 7, 1881.
I AM directed by the Earl of Kimberley to request you to lay before the Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad, the inclosed telegram from the Adminis- trator of the Government, Hong Kong, respecting the position of the naval and military buildings in the town of Victoria.
The subject will, no doubt, be fully dealt with in the Report of the local Committee which has been recently appointed; but Lord Kimberley would be glad to know whether there are any points to which, in the opinion of the Defence Committee, their special attention should be drawn, if they should still be sitting.
I am, &c. (Signed)
ROBERT G. W. HERBERT.
Inclosure in No. 96.
Telegram from the Officer Administering the Government of Hong Kong, dated Hong Kong,
September 30, 1881.
IN conference with Colonel Crossman, pointed out exposed position of the naval and military buildings in the centre of the town. He altogether agreed with me, and sent in official letter recom-
* Not printed.
+ Inclosure 1 in No. 88.
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