China

sionerst were sent to receive them , no propositions respecting fresh regulations (of trade)
were allowed to be considered . The officers were desired to return to Canton and conduct
business there in obedient conformance to Treaty. (And so) now , no officer of China, be
his rank what it may, could venture to act otherwise than in accordance with the sacred
will (of the Emperor).
Again,, your letter says “ that there must be compensation to British subjects and
persons entitled to British protection for losses incurred in consequence of late disturb
ances.”
The misunderstanding of last October was caused thus :-- The Chinese Government
:

having arrested some Chinese criminals, Consul Parkes wrongfully gave heed to the unsup
ported testimony of the captain of a lorcha, who asserted that the Government Executive,
when they came on board to seize the guilty parties, hauled down the British ensign. He
was not aware that no flag was scen flying by the executive when they boarded the vessel ;
that, as stated by the sailors seized, the flag was at the time down in the hold, and that it
was consequently plain beyond aa doubt that no flag was flying at all. The lorcha was built
by, and in the employ of, Soo -a -ching, for whom her captain obtained a register. The
crew were consequently all outlaws of the inner land ( i. e. offenders against the laws of
China). The prisoners Le-ming-tas and Liang -hien -fu both pleaded guilty to acts of
piracy on the high seas. To this Wu -a - ching bore witness. It was established that the
criminals before-mentioned were notorious pirates. On the repeated representation of
Consul Parkes (however) I returned the twelve prisoners to him . Feeling $ and justice
were thus alike satisfied ; but Consul Parkes, instead of receiving them , suddenly and
without a cause commenced hostile operations; attacked and destroyed the forts along
the different approaches, for several days in succession bombarded the provincial city, and
on three occasions sent parties of English troops to fire houses and buildings in different
directions. Millions of people were eye-witnesses of these things. There is not a
native of any foreign State who is not aware of them . At the very commencement
every Englishman and every other foreigner, with a sense of justice, did all that in
them lay to dissuade Consul Parkes from proceeding, but he would not listen.
He declared, too, that he would be personally responsible for all the loss they might
incur, and in January last he went to Hong Kong, and made out an account of their losses
with all the merchants who had suffered ; which shows that he was taking their compen
sation on himself. The method of effecting this has long been settled ; with it China has,
in fact, no concern . Her merchants, alas ! have sustained an amount of injury graver
than the losses that have fallen on those of your Excellency's nation . (But) the same
ruleg applies to both . My Court is thronged by the gentry and people of the city and
suburbs , imploring me to write to your Excellency to inquire into the matter, and dispose
* The term is one commonly used in closing petitions. The “ Digest of the Statutes" employs it in speaking
of Russia's solicitations for a Commercial Treaty in 1793.
† There is a little confusion here. An Imperial Commissioner was sent to meet Sir J. Bowring and
Mr. Mac Lane in 1854. None, of course, came to meet Mr. Medhurst in 1850.
# “ Feeling," viz ., the feeling of unwillingness to act discourteously towards the authority of a friendly
Power.
$ That is, each must bear its own losses.
 5

of it impartially. I have not made their petition the subject of a despatch , but if you will
not believe me, I will inclose copies of them in my next reply, for your Excellency's perusal
and guidance. As to Honan, its gentry and people are fierce and energetic.* In April 1847,
when the merchants of your Excellency's nation wanted to lease ground in Honan, the
gentryand people presented a petition, generally signed, to the Plenipotentiary Davis, who
notified to them , in his reply, that the matter should stand where it was. Your letter
talks of a military occupation of Honan and of the forts along the river, but if you could
not proceed once before, even with such a measure as the building and leasing of ware
houses there, how should it be possible to station troops on Honan ? The forts along the
river have been built at the expense of the gentry and people, for their protection against
piracy. An attempt on the part of the troops of your Excellency's nation to occupy these
will, I fear, produce a state of irritation which may grow into aa serious misunderstanding.
(If it do) let it not be said that I did not speak in time, or that I did not do all that in
me lay to provide for your safety.
The propositions brought forward in yourletter have beensuggested, it appears to
me, by some mischievous person at your side ; they are not your Excellency's own concep
tions. I have long heard of your Excellency's great experience and discretion ; of the
universal esteem in which you are held in your own country ; the great trust which you
have come to Canton to discharge, towards your own Government, is naturally the termi
nation of the troubles here existing, not, assuredly, the creation of ( fresh) troubles. Your
Excellency's acts will, I feel sure, anticipate my confidence in your perfect sense of justice
and thorough impartiality.
The words " commerce shall resume its course, ” in your letter, are additional evidence
of your Excellency's sense of justice and practical knowledge. Ever since the Treaty was
made, in all their commercial dealings with foreigners, the merchants of China have
invariably behaved as they ought. It is not from any bindrance interposed by China that
no foreign merchant-vessel has been here since last October. By your Excellency's
declaration now made, that " commerce between natives and foreigners shall resume its
course,” you justify to their complete satisfaction the high estimation in which you are
held by all classes of your own countrymen ; what is more, you enable yourself to meet
the anxious expectations of the commercialists of every other country.
To conclude, our two nations have ever considered themselves as on friendly terms
with each other, and the continuance of trade between native and foreigner on its accus
tomed footing can, of course , be satisfactorily arranged in correspondence between you and
myself.
I accordingly reply to you , availing myself, &c .
A necessary communication.
Heen -ſung, 7th year, 10th moon, 29th day ( 14th December, 1857).

No. 3 .

The Earl of Elgin to the Earl of Clarendon .- (Received February 14 , 1858.)
(Extract.) Furious,” Whampoa, December 24, 1857 .
I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith the copy of a note from me to the Imperial
Commissioner Yeh .

Inclosure in No. 3.

The Earl of Elgin to Commissioner Yeh.
“ Furious, ” Whampoa, December 24, 1857.
THE Undersigned has received the communication which the Imperial Commissioner
Yeh did him the honour to address him , under date the 14th instant.
The Undersigned has failed to discover in this communication, which he has atten
tively perused, any indication on the part of the Imperial Commissioner of a disposition to
accede to the moderate demands which, in his communication to the Imperial Commissioner
of the 12th instant, he preferred on behalf of the Government of Great Britain.
He is, therefore, reluctantly compelled to recall to the recollection of the Imperial
Commissioner the closing paragraph of that communication, which is conceired in the
following terms :
“ If, on the contrary, the Imperial Commissioner shall meet these demands by a
# Intractable.
 6.


refusal, by silence, or by evasive or dilatory pleas, the Undersigned will deem it to be his
painful duty to direct the 'naval and military Commanders to prosecute, with renewed
vigour, operations against Canton , reserving tohimself the right to make, in that case , on
behalf of the British Government, such additional demands on the Government of China
as this altered condition of affairs may seem , in his eyes, to justify.”
The Undersigned has now to inform the Imperial Commissioner that he has called
upon the naval and military Commanders to prosecute, with renewed vigour, operations
against Canton, and to add that, in accordance with the terms of the intimation given in
the words above quoted, he formally reserves to himself the right to make, on behalf of the
British Government, such additional demands as the altered condition of affairs, produced
by the Imperial Commissioner's refusal to accede to terms of accommodation, may seem ,
in his eyes, to justify.
The Undersigned, & c .

No. 4 ,

The Earl of Elgin to the Earl of Clarendon .-- (Received February 14, 1858.)
My Lord , Furious," off Canton, December 26, 1857.
I HAVE the honour to inclose copy of the translation of a further communication
which I have received from the Imperial Commissioner Yeh. It makes no concession,
either on the question of indemnity or on that of the right of entrance into the city. I
think it, therefore , better, as the linperial Commissioner has been formally apprized that
the matter is now in the hands of the naval and military authorities, that I should abstain
from replying to it .
I have, & c.
( Signed ) ELGIN AND KINCARDINE


Inclosure 1 in No. 4.

Commisssioner Yeh to the Earl of Elgin.
( Translation .)
YEH , Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c ., makes
communication in reply.
On the 24th instant, I received your Excellency's letter of the same date, and
acquainted myself with its contents.
In my answer to your earlier letter I replied to every proposition, point by point,
specifically and minutely; (yet) in the letter under acknowledgment you say that you
have failed to discover in the communication which you have attentively perused, any
indication of aa disposition to accede * to the moderate demands preferred on behalf of the
Government of Great Britain. I shall endeavour to re- state clearly to your Excellency what
I said before.
To go back : in October last year, Mr. Consul Parkes, without any cause , commenced
hostilities, attacked the forts along the different approaches, and thrice sent troops to fire
buildings and dwellings in different directions. The gentry and people had suffered sadly
by this, and on your Excellency's arrival in Kwangtung last July, as I have heard,
presented a petition to you on the subject. No steps having as yet been taken in the
case, crowds of gentry and people have come to my Court discontented, and imploring me
to write to your Excellency to make equitable decision therein ; and because I did not
address your Excellency on the subject, they were going to Hong Kong again to clamour
for redress at your Excellency's place with all their might. By various shifts I have
dissuaded them (from this proceeding), attributing what happens entirely to Consul Parkes'
want of sense on a particular occasion, that your Excellency might be spared this trouble
(or difficulty ). This ( shows) the best disposition on my part to be " conceding .” +
(In the next place) ever since your Excellency's countrymen began to trade at Canton,
the merchants of China have, in every instance, conducted themselves towards them with
propriety. To the proposition in your former letter, " .commerce shall resumeits course,"'
1 gave the fullest assent. How , then, can
can I be charged with “ refusing '
?" I On the
contrary, there is plain proof that I promised » ( to concede what was asked ).
As to the passage in the letter under acknowledgment, “ if the Commissioner shall
See Note 1 . + See Note 2. # See Note 3 . Ś See Note 4.
 1




7
wed
, 00
1 .
hina meet these demands by silence,” in my last reply I answered every question in its own
order ; in no wise then was I “ silent. ” And as to the other passage, " language of retro
cession and refusal,” * I shall instance my remarks on the late Plenipotentiary Bonham's
abandonment of the discussions respecting admittance into the city. My last reply detailed
21 clearly how , for his satisfactory administration of that question, he was honoured with the
praises ofallclasses of your countrymen ; in no wise then did I use “ language of retrocession
and refusal.”
To conclude, our two nations regard themselves as on friendly terms with each other.
This being the case, there can be nothing which makes it impossible for us to consult
together and arrange satisfactorily by what means, in the words of your Excellency,
“ commerce may resume its course ;" (which declaration madet) what becomes of my
refusal to accede to terms of accommodation .
Pray let your Excellency, who has a sense of justice, and an experience of business,
once more closely examine and carefully re- peruse my last reply.
I accordingly reply to you , availing, &c.
(December 25 , 1857.)
1
ter Inclosure 2 in No. 4.

Notes by Mr. Wade on Commissioner Yeh's Letter dated December 25 , 1857 .
Note 1 .

“ ACCEDE.” The term by which I had rendered this in Chinese is composed of two
)

E words, — " jang," amicable concession , as opposed to unyielding tenacity, of which strife is
the consequence ; and “ heu,” to promise or undertake performance or compliance.
It will be seen below that, for his own purposes , the Commissioner divides the combina
tion, and deals with each part of it separately.
Note 2 .

.
See Note above. The Commissioner means : “ Had my intention been the opposite
of conceding, I should not have dissuaded the petitioners from a course which boded
strife .”‫وو‬

Note 3.

The Chinese here quoted is from that part of the Earl of Elgin's letter of the 12th
which was repeated in his Lordship’s letter of the 24th : “ If the Imperial Commissioner
shall meet these demands by a refusal, ” &c.
Note 4 .

This is the second part of the combination referred to in Note 1 .
Note 5 .

The words translated “ retrocession and refusal” are not in the letter sent ; they have
been substituted for those representing “ dilatory and evasive.” The characters Yeh
employs make us accuse him of“ backing out, and definitive refusal.” I am not sure that
much , if anything, is intended by the change.
Note 6.
"
The Commissioner means to imply : “ and it wasmadeat the close of my first reply,"
the language of which he has employed pretty generally in this.
( Signed) THOMAS WADE.




* See Note 5 . + See Note 6 .
 CHINA.
CORRESPOND ENCE
with
the
Chinese
High
Yeh.
Commissioner
Presented
Parliament
Com to
both
Houses
of
by
mand
of.
Her
Majesty
1858.
LNCO
.:
PEINTED
ITARRISON
BY.
SONS
AND
 HONG KONG, & c.
C

RETURN

To an Address of the HOUSE OF LORDS, dated 21st June 1858,


FOR




COPIES or EXTRACTS of CORRESPONDENCE between the COLONIAL DEPARTMENT
and the GOVERNOR of HONGKONG, and between the COLONIAL DEPART
MENT and the FOREIGN OFFICE, on the SUBJECT of EMIGRATION from
HONGKONG and from the CHINESE EMPIRE to the British WEST
INDIES and to FOREIGN COUNTRIES and their POSSESSIONS, since the
1st of January 1853.



PART 1.




( The Lord Bishop of Oxford.)




Colonial Office,
CARNARVON ,
.}




Ordered to be printed 220 July 1858.

4844.94 P.

( 250.)
 RD
HARVA COLLEGE
Oct 91919

LIBRARY
1
 ( iii )

SCHEDULE,


PART I.

CORRESPONDENCE between the COLONIAL DEPARTMENT and the GOVERNOR of
HONGKONG .


No. in Date. From whom . SUBJECT. Page.
Series.



1853.
1 May 17 Acting -Governor Report of circumstances connected with the
Jervois. mortality amongst Chinese passengers per
(No. 35.) “ Emigrant," * bound from Whampoa to Deme




2
rara 2
Frauds of the Chinese agents 2
<6
The intended voyage of the “ Emigrant " aban
doned and the Coolies sent back to their homes 2

2 Sept. 9 The Duke of New In reply ; forwards copy of Report from the
castle . Emigration Commissioners, dated 19th August
(No. 26.) 1853, upon the above case, containing sugges
tions on the general conduct of Chinese emi
gration , and on the question of space to be
allotted to emigrants under the Passengers’ Act 3

3 Sept. 9 The Duke of New Enclosing Imperial Act, 16 & 17 Vict., cap 84.
castle. empowering the issue of a proclamation for
( No. 25.) allowing 12 feet instead of 15 feet of space in
vessels carrying emigrants from Asia, &c. 5
1854.
4 Jan. 6 Governor Bonham Copy of proclamation, 28th December 1853,
(No. 4. ) issued in conformity with the above Act 6
Length of voyage from Hongkong to various
places declared 6
Facilities for evasion of Passengers' Act by mas
ters sailing their vessels from Chinese ports 6
No immediate prospect of procuring emigrants
for the West Indies 6

5 April 21 Governor Sir John Departure of the West India emigration agent
Bowring. (Mr. White) for England 8
( Extract.) Considerable voluntary emigration from China,
especially towards California and Australia 8
Necessity for strict control. Proposes appoint
ment of the chief magistrate as emigration
agent 8
Proceedings in the case of the Peruvian emigrant
ship “ Libertad .” Excess of numbers embarked 8

6 May 4 Lieut.-Guvernor Steps for enforcing Passengers' Act in ships pro
Caine. ceeding from ports of Hongkong. Statement
( No. 11. ) relative to the magnitude of the Chinese emi
gration and the great abuses prevailing. Great
demand for shipping. Purchase of unseaworthy
vessels. Desertion of emigrants. Wrecks.
Loss of life, &c. 8
Appointment of the chief police magistrate to act
as emigration agent . -

9
Operation of the proclamation of December 1953
respecting space for emigrants 9
Description of the process of collecting passengers
for the Californian ships. Proceedings of the
ship brokers, &c. 9

7 Aug. 29 Right Hon. Sir G. In reply to the above ; and approving the appoint
Grey , ment of the emigration agent - 10
( No. 22.)


Note. The previous correspondence relative to Chinese emigration to the West Indies will be found in the House
of Commons Paper, No. 986, August 1853. See page 126 of that Paper, relative to the ship “Emigrant."
( 250. ) a 2
iv SCHEDULE .


No. in Date .' From whom . SUBJECT. Page.
Series.



1854.
March 16 The Duke of New . Transmitting a communication from the Emigra
castle . tion Commissioners, 25th February 1854, with
( No. 11.) correspondence with Mr. White,* the West
India agent, on the subject of Chinese emigra
tion to the West Indies 10
Want of shipping for West India emigration.
High rate of freights. Vessels to be taken up
at Namoa 11
Instructions for providingan emigrant depôt 10
Measures for procuring female emigrants for a
money present 11
Want of European surgeons and employment of
native doctors 11
Emigrant depôt at Macao. Proceedings of Mr.
Jorgé in reference to immigrants despatch




12
ed to Cuba
General observations on existing emigration to
California, Peru , and Australia- 12

9 June 5 Lieut . -Governor Acknowledging the preceding Despatch, and
Caine. stating views with reference to its principal
( No. 23.) topics ; -establishment of depôt ; presents to be
made for female emigrants ; operation of the
Passengers' Act ; services of newly appointed
emigration agent in obtaining emigrants for the
West Indies, &c. 16
1855.
10 March 14 Lieut.-Governor Proclamation and notification , 28th February and
Caine. 9th March 1855, relative to accommodation
(No. 39. ) and dietary for Chinese emigrants 18

11 June 5 Lord John Russell The above proclamation to be recalled for the
( No. 11.) reasons stated. Intention to introduce aa bill
to the Imperial Parliament designed expressly
for the regulation of Chinese emigration 19

12 Sept. 12 Governor Sir John Amended proclamation, 20th August 1855 20
Bowring.
( No. 136.)
13 Nov. 23 Right Hon. H. Conveying approval of same 20
Labouchere.
(No. 3.)
14 Oct. 6 Governor Sir John Return of vessels cleared outwards with Chinese
Bowring . passengers from 1st Nov. 1854 to S0th Sept.
( No. 147.) 1855 - 21
During that period emigration to the West Indies
had ceased 21
Emigration from China generally carried on from
places removed from consularcontrol, in foreign
shipping, and directed by agents, not British
subjects 21

15 Dec. 8 Right Hon. H. Transmitting Imperial Act, 18 & 19 Vict., cap.
Labouchere. 104, for the future regulation of Chinese pas
( No. 11.) senger ships, with general instructions on the
various points to be observed in carrying out
its provisions - 24
Duties of the emigration officer dtfined - 24
The proposed appointment of emigration officers
at other ports in China adverted to 25
1856.
16 | Jan. 22 Right Hon. H. For the present no emigration officer will be
25




Labouchere. appointed elsewhere than at Hongkong
(No. 27.) British passenger ships to repair, in the first
instance, to Hongkong to obtain clearance
papers




* Note . - The previous correspondence respecting Mr. White's mission as emigration agent for the West Indies is
contained in the Papers presented to Parliament by H.M.'s command, in 1853 and 1855.- Emigration from China ."
 SCHEDUL E. V



No. ia Date . From whom . SUBJECT. Page.
Series.



1856.
16 | Jan. 22 Right Hon. H. General duties of the emigration agent in respect
Labouchere. of survey of ships, &c. 25
(No. 27.) Nothing to be done, however, which would throw
unnecessary obstacles in the way of legitimate
trade 25

17 March 7 Right Hon . H. British Consuls abroad to be furnished with copies
Labouchere. of all regulations issued in pursuance of the
(No. 36.) Chinese Passengers' Act O
26

18 Feb. 5 Governor Sir Jobn | Acknowledging receipt of the Imperial Act, 18 &
Bowring. 19 Vict.,cap. 184, for the regulation of Chinese
(No. 20.) passenger ships, and enclosing copies of Go
vernment proclamation and notification issued
in accordance therewith 26
Requirement for European surgeons for emigrant
ships 26

19 | May 7 Governor Sir John Transmitting copies of various notifications issued
Bowring. under the Chinese Passengers' Act, as required,
( No. 78.) for the information of H.M.'s Consuls abroad - 28


20 April 11 Governor Sir John Reporting thefirst instances of infraction of the
Bowring. Imperial Chinese Passengers' Act, in the cases
(No. 59.) of the ships “ Levant ” and “ General Blanco, "
both sailing under the Hawaian flag 30
Correspondence with the Admiral on the station
on a question raised as to the right of seizure




31
>
of the “ General Blanco " on the high seas

21 July 5 Governor Sir John Adjudication by the Vice -Admiralty Court of the
Bowring. case of the ship “ Levant.” Fine of 1001. and
( No. 109.) costs 38


22 July 8 Governor Sir John In continuation of above Despatch, reports final
Bowring. settlement of the case of the “ Levant,” the
( No. 113.) master having endeavoured unsuccessfully to
obtain remission of the decree condemning him
in costs 38

23 11 Aug. - Earl of Clarendon. In reply to Sir John Bowring's despatch, No. 95,
(No. 95.) of the 11th August, 1856 , reporting infraction
of the Chinese Passengers' Act by the ships
“ Levant ” and “ General Blanco ," and referring
to the view taken by the Admiral on the sta
tion as to the extent of interference by the
naval authorities in enforcing the Act in the
case of vessels not British 39


24 | 26 July - Governor Sir John Observations on the subject of Coolie emigration
Bowring.[Extract.] at the public expense from China to the British
(No. 121. ) colonies 40

25 20 Nov. - Right Hon. H. La- In reply to the foregoing, states that unless means
bouchere. can be devised for securing a due proportion of
(No. 132.) female emigrants, it is not contemplated to set
on foot an emigration of Chinese to the Bri
tish colonies at the public expense 41


26 Sept. 25 Right Hon . H. La- Application of the Chinese Passengers' Act to
bouchere. voyages between China and the Phillipines 41
(No. 111.) Copy of Report of Emigration Commissioners
( 15th Sept. 1856) enclosed.
27 Nov. 14 Right Hon. H. La- Calling for a report on the subject of the mor
bouchere. lality amongst the Chinese passengers on board
(No. 130.) the “ Duke of Portland,” and “ John Calvin , "
on the voyage from Hongkong to Havana 42
Letiers from Sir E. Buxton and Reports from
the Emigration Commissioners on the subject
dated 30 Oct. and 6 Nov. 44


a 3
( 250.)
vi SCHEDULE .


No. in Date . From whom . SUBJECT. Page.
Series.



1857.
28 Jan. 7 - Right Hon. H. La- Statement of views on various important questions
bouchere. raised in recentDespatches on the enforcement
(No. 4.) of the Chinese Passengers' Act. Interference
by Her Majesty's cruisers. Application of Act
to vessels proceeding to the Phillipine Islands.
Clearance of vessels from unauthorized ports
( Shanghae and others ) in China, and subse
quent transshipment of emigrants. Reports
of Emigration Commissoners, 31 Oct., 26 Nov.,




44
and 18 Dec. on the subject

29 March 14 Right Hon . H. La- Transmitting a correspondence with the Board
bouchere. of Trade relative to the mortality on board
(No. 28.) the emigrant ships “ John Calvin”” and “ Duke
of Portland 47
Report from Her Majesty's consul at Havana,
exonerating from blame the master and par
ties connected with the ship.
Report called for on the computation of space for
the passengers, and the number those ships
could legally carry.
30 March 7 Governor Sir John Forwarding communications from the agents and
Bowring. charterers of the “ John Calvin , ” and “ Duke
(No. 46.) of Portland,” relative to the mortality on board
those ships 57

31 June 29 Right Hon. H. La- In reply to the preceding Despatch, and commu
bouchere .) nicating such remarks as the cases of these
(No. 86.) vessels appear to require, 59

32 June 18 Right Hon. H. La- Nature of the instructions to be given to the
bouchere. emigration officer relative to the computation
(No. 83.) of space on the lower decks for passengers in
Chinese emigrant ships 61

33 ) April 6 Right Hon. H. La- Governor Bonham required to report on state
bouchere. ment relative to the discrepancy in the
(No. 41. ) clearance certificate of the “ John Calvin " 61

34 April 27 Right Hon. H. La The master of the “ John Calvin ,” to be com
bouchere. ) municated with in any inquiry instituted at
(No. 52.) Hongkong 61

95 April 10 Governor Sir John Reporting the piratical attempt of certain Chi
Bowring nese emigrants to take possession of the British
(No. 64.) ship “ Gulnare.” The trial of the ringleaders,
and execution of one of them 62

36 June 15 - Right Hon. H.La- Acknowledging Sir John Bowring's despatch,
bouc here. No. 64, on the case of the “ Gulnare ” . 63
( No. 81. )
37 May 20 - Governor Sir John Further report on the cases of the “ John Cal
Bowring. vin ” and “ Duke of Portland,” in reference to
(No. 82.) the questions whether the passengers embarked
were duly inspected, aud the correctness of
their agreements ascertained. Report of emi
gration officer thereon, and on the proportion
of space allotted to each emigrant 63

38 July 17 - Governor Sir John Result of inquiries respecting the master of the
Bowring. emigrant ship “ John Calvin” . 68
( No. 112.)
39 Aug. 18 - Right Hon. H.La- Liability of the parties concerned in the “ John
9
bouchere. Calvin ." Instructions for putting the bond in
( No. 101.) suit 68

40 Oct 9 Governor Sir John Explanation by Superintendent of Police of his
Bowring. conduct with regard to the despatch of “ The
( No. 148.) Duke of Portland " emigrant ship 68
 SCHEDULE. vii


No. in Date . . From whom , SUBJECT. Page.
Series.



1858.
41 | Jan. 2 Right Hon. H. La- In reply ; the foregoing explanation considered
bouchere. satisfactory 70
(No. 1.)
1857.
42 Nov. 11 - Governor Sir John Transmitting an Ordinance, No. 11 , of 1857,
Bowring “ for licensing and regulating Emigration
(No. 161.) Passage Brokers 71
1858.
43 Feb. 16 Right Hon. H.La- Notifying Her Majesty's confirmation of the
bouchere. above Ordinance, No. 11, of 1857 74
(No. 10.)
1857.
44 Dec. 2 O

Governor Sir John Reporting the proceedings of a British ship, “ The
Bowring. Dream ,” employed in the Havana Chinese
(No. 175. ) coolie trade 74
1858.
45 Feb. 25 · Right Hon . H.La- Case of the "Gulnare.”. Forwarding report of
bouchere. the Emigration Commissioners, 16th February
(No. 20.) 1858, and suggesting the institution of certain
inquiries 75

March 16 | Right Hon. Lord Correspondence between the Foreign Office and
Stanley. Emigration Commissioners, respecting the
(No. 7.) great mortality in ships conveying Chinese
Emigrants to Cuba 77
Tabular returns and reports of vessels clearing
under Passengers' Act, &c., to be furnished in
future 78

. 47 March 27 Governor Sir John Report of proceedings to enforce payment of the
Bowring. bond in the case of the “ John Calvin ."
(No. 38.) Recommendation of mitigation of penalty
Observations of Mr. Chisholm Anstey on the
subject of coolie emigration - 79

48 | April 12 Governor Sir John Letter from mercantile firms at Hongkong,
Bowring. praying for remission of the fine inflicted on
(No. 48.) the sureties in the case of the “ John Calvin" 84
 ( 1 )




1




PART 1.


Correspondence between the Colonial Department and
the Governor of Hongkong.
1




1




( 250 )
 ( 2 )



HONGKONG .

No. 1 . No. 1 .

Copy of DESPATCH from Acting Governor Jervois to his Grace the Duke
NEW CASTLE .
( No. 35. ) Victoria, Hongkong, May 17, 1853.
(Received August 5, 1853. )
My LORD DUKE, ( Answered, No. 26, September 9, 1853, page 3.)
Nos. * 1 to 4. I have the honour to transmit, for the information of your Grace, the
proceedings of aa Commission which, with the advice of the Executive Council,
I appointed to inquire into the particulars of a serious outbreak of disease,
attended with considerable mortality, amongst the Chinese passengers on
board the ship “ Emigrant," bound from Whampoa to Demerara, and which
had put in here for the purpose of completing her crew .
2. In laying the Report of the Commission, as well as the documents con
nected therewith, before your Grace, I beg respectfully to call attention to the
precautionary measures proposed by the Commission for ensuring the health
and comfortof the Chinese emigrants, as such, I think, ought invariably to be
adopted on future occasions.
3. I would beg to submit, that it is absolutely necessary that all shipments
of coolies should be attended with governmental supervision, and that an
establishment for this purpose should be specially appointed. I am further of
opinion that as much care and caution should be used in shipping coolies from
hence to our colonies as are usually adopted with regard to our own troops,
bearing in mind the prejudices of the coolies, to whom the nature and extent of
their expected voyage, description of diet, and discipline of the ship, should be
especially explained through an efficient interpreter. In the present instance
the majority of the coolies were apparently in a state of utter ignorance on
these points, and were grossly imposed upon by the brokers ( their own country
men ) in a most fraudulent manner.
4. The proceedings fully show the kind and liberal intentions of the
shippers, Messrs. Turner and Co. , for contributing to the best of their ability
in providing everything they considered necessary for the well-being and
comfort of the emigrants; but the great error has been in appointing agents
to see measures carried out which require close and minute European super
vision . In fact, such supervision is absolutely necessary for the cause of
humanity, for not only would it prove beneficial to the coolies, but would
greatly tend to establish that feeling of confidence on the part of the emi
grants towards our people which is so essentialin such cases.
5. The Commission have in their able reports embraced everything of im
portance, and therefore any further remarks from me are almost superfluous.,
Í shall therefore conclude by hoping that the labours of this Commission may
meet with the approval of your Grace, and their zealous observations tend to
the embodying of rules and regulations for the guidance of all shippers of
coolies to the colonies, so as to guard against a recurrence of the tragedies
which have so very recently occurred on board of several vessels, and which
are too fearful to contemplate.
6. Your Grace will perceive that happily the intended voyage of the “ Emi.
grant,” has been abandoned, and the surviving coolies sent back to their homes
by the agents of the vessel, Messrs. Turner and Co.
7. Trusting that the steps taken by me on the important question of the
Chinese emigrants will meet with the approbation of your Grace.
I have, &c.
His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, ( Signed ) W. JERVOIS .
& c. &c . & c.


* These documents being extremely voluminous are not printed, but a full statement of their
contents will be found embodied in the Emigration Commissioners Report, dated August 19,
1853, and printed at page 3.
 ( 3 )

No. 2 . No. 2.

Copy of DESPATCH from his Grace the Duke of NEWCASTLE to Governor
Sir GEORGE BONHAM.
( No. 26. )
SIR, Downing Street, September 9, 1853.
I have carefully considered your despatch, No. 35,* of the 17th of May * Page 2.
last, accompanied by the proceedings of a Commission which you had ap
pointed to inquire into the particulars of an outbreak of disease on board
the ship “ Emigrant,” bound with Chinese passengers from Whampoa to
Demerara.
Having also called upon the Emigration Commissioners for a Report on this
subject, I enclose a copy of their reply, and have to acquaint you that I
concur, generally, in the conclusions at which they have arrived. August 19, 1853.
With regard , however , to the measures to be taken for encouraging Chinese
emigrants to the West Indies to make Hongkong their place of departure,
andwith reference more particularly to the question of, with this view, limiting
the allowance of space to 12 feet for each passenger, I shall have occasion to
address you in a separate despatch .* * See Page 5.
I have, &c.
Governor Sir G. Bonham , ( Signed ) NEWCASTLE.
&c . &c .




Enclosure in No. 2 . Encl. in No. 2 .

Colonial Land and Emigration Office,
SIR, August 19, 1853.
We beg to acknowledge your letter of the 11th instant, enclosing a despatch from
the Governor of Hongkong respecting the sickness and mortality which occurred on
board the ship “ Emigrant,” carrying Chinese from Whampoa to Demerara, and the
ultimate abandonment by that ship of her voyage.
2. The 6 Emigrant " was chartered by Messrs. Turner and Co., under directions from
Messrs. Hyde, Hodge,and Co., not, as supposed, by the authorities at Hong Kong, under
agreement with this Board,but in order to obtain the bounty promised by a colonial
proclamation to the importers of Chinese labourers.
3. She left Whampoa in the afternoon of the 24th of April, with (as far as can be
ascertained ) 350 coolies on board. At 7 a.m. on the next day the mate was informed
that one of the passengers was dead ; and the medical officer found, on examination, that
the man had apparently died of fever, and that there were on board several cases of a
remittent type, and some of a typhoid character. Before reaching Hong Kong on the
27th of April the number of cases had increased to 30, and shortly after arrival two
more died. An inquiry was immediately instituted ; the sick were taken to hospitals on
shore; and on the 9th of May it would seem that 70 persons had been thus sent to
hospital, of whom 63 were fever cases, and six had terminated fatally. Up to the 14th
the number of patients was increasing, and the disease becoming more malignant; and
on that day ten new cases were sent to hospital. The coolies were becoming very much
discontented and excited, as well ( it may be supposed ) from this cause as because many
of them were deprived of their customary use of opium , and ( as they stated) had been
misinformed as to the terms of the contract, which they ( or some persons for whom they
had been substituted ) had signed. Under these circumstances it appeared that the
voyage could not be safely prosecuted, and it was accordingly abandoned
4. A searching inquiry, however, had meanwhile been instituted into the treatment
which the emigrants had received both before and after their embarkation. The com
mittee of inquiry was composed of the chief magistrate, the harbour master, the
colonial surgeon, and two other medical men , and a number of the emigrants were
examined by the official interpreter, Mr. Caldwell.
5. Although the arrangements were, in some respects, defective, and the officers appear
not to have enforced cleanliness and order with sufficient vigour, the committee state,
that Messrs. Turner and Co., the charterers, " appeared to have been very desirous that
nothing should be wanting on their part to secure the health and comfort of the
passengers.” The Governor observes, upon their “kind and liberal intentions," and
they appear to have acted frankly and at once on all the suggestions of the authorities.
( 250. ) A 2
 ( 4 )
The case, therefore, may be considered merely as it furnishes a guide for the future
conduct of the emigration .
6. The sickness is ascribed by the committee to the crowded state of the ship, the
want of suflicient ventilation , the uncleanliness of the coolies, the omission to bring the
people from time to time on deck , the change of air (which is said frequently to produce
fever in vessels leaving Whampoa ), and of diet, and finally, among those who were
addicted to opium eating, the sudden discontinuance of that indulgence ; and on these
opinions the committee found various suggestions applicable some merely to the
case of the “ Emigrant,” some generally to the conveyance of Chinese.
7. The examination of the coolies also elicited the fact, that several of them were
unfit for emigration, and that many if not all had been more or less cheated and deceived
by the Chinese agents employed to collect them ; and on this point it is evident that
some precautions will be necessary on the renewal of emigration.
8. First, as to the conveyance of the emigrants. At the present moment the most
important, or at least the most pressing question raised by the Committee, respects the
space allowed for the passengers. The space actually allowed was 12 feet ; but the com >

mittee express their opinion, that, “ bearing in mind the unfavorableness of the season ,
(the south -west monsoon having then commenced ), “ and the probable length of the
“ voyage in consequence, the space allotted for each cooley should not be less than 13 15
“ superficial feet." As Dr. Morrison elsewhere expresses his opinion, that the space
allowed was too small, and as the sickness is ascribed in part to overcrowding, this raises
a doubt whether the Governor of Hong Kong could properly be instructed to give effect
to the Act of Parliament, which enables him to reduce the space required for orientals
sailing from that port to 12 feet per adult.
9. We think, however, that the present case does not afford sufficient reason for enforcing
the larger allowance of space. Considering that several cases of fever broke out before the
vessel had been 24 hours at sea , it appears impossible to suppose that the crowded state
of the vessel hal anything to do with the commencement of the disease ; and it is remark
able that the disembarkation of a large number of the emigrants had no sort of effect in
checking its progress. It is indeed true that the history of last year's emigration at one
time appeared to indicate that the larger space was requisite, the “Australia” (where that
space was allowed) having been the first ship which reached the West Indies without a
great loss of life. But since that time two Chinese ships have arrived in Trinidad in
9

which 12 feet only was allowed ,—the · Lady Flora Hastings ” and the “ Clarendon .” In
the former the mortality was not extraordinary, and in the latter it was remarkably
small, being even less than in the “ Australia.” Finally, we have already observed that
although, from the continual recurrence of cholera, considerable loss of life has occurred
in many of the Calcutta cooley ships, yet the health of the emigrants constantly improved
during the voyage from that port showing
( that no continuing cause of disease was at
work) ; while in the Madras emigration, in which no such exceptional cause of mortality
occurred, the average amount of deaths was no more than 2:31 per cent.
10. For these reasons, we are disposed to believe that the allowance of 12 feet, with
proper precautions as to ventilation, cleanliness, and exercise, would be sufficient during
any period of the year, and certainly that it should be at present allowed during the
prevalence of the north -east monsoon.
11. On this point we should be most anxious to receive the Duke of Newcastle's
instructions,as his Grace's decision will very materially affect the rate at which we may
be able to take up vessels, or indeed might make it impossible to charter any on terms to
which the West India colonies would consent.
12. The other points suggested by the committee in respect to the conveyance of
emigrants are principally matters of detail. Omitting those that have reference to the
special case of the “ Emigrant,” they are to the effect that ships leaving China during the
south -west monsoon should be provisioned for six months ; that various arrangements of
convenience should be made in the fittings, and provision made, by the appointment of
headmen and cooks and barbers, for the discipline of the people, for their washing, for
airing themselves and their beds, cleaning the decks, and cooking tea and other provisions ;
that the regulations, scale of provisions, &c., be posted up in Chinese; and that the
captain should be instructed as to the treatment of the emigrants, and (if necessary ) their
punishment, through their countrymen.
13. With regard to the selection of emigrants, the committee consider it inevitable (as
it clearly is) that this should be carried on through Chinese agents. Nor would it be
possible to guard against a certain amount of abuse in transactions between parties of
whom each is probably anxious to overreach the other ; the agent, by intercepting part of
the payments due to the emigrant ; the emigrant, by absconding when he has received
any part of his advances. In the present case it would seem ( if the statements of the
emigrants are to be believed) that they had misapprehended the date from which their
wages were to run, and had been cheated of the greater part of their advances ; that a
clause promising a back passage after five years had been interpolated into their agree
ment ;and,finally, that few knew where they were going, and a large number were not
willing to go to Demerara. Considering the circumstances under which this question was
put to them , it is rather surprising that any should have been ready to proceed than that
 ( 5 )
the majority should have been unwilling . But the examination proves the necessity, (as
suggested by the committee ,) of instituting an inquiry, under the supervision of the
emigration officer, into the circumstances of each person emigrating, and ascertaining
whether he has really consented, with an understanding of what he is about, to emigrate
to the West Indies on the terms contained in the indenture. The committee also suggest
( with Governor Barkley ), that opium -eaters should not be selected for emigration, there
being plenty of persons ready to go who are not infected with that vice ; and they
suggest the necessity of sending females. On this we can only add our concurrence in
both suggestions, and our satisfaction at perceiving that they do not treat the latter as
impracticable.
it. It will of course form part of Mr. White's duties to give effect to ihese suggestions,
( which, indeed, he has in a great measure anticipated ,) or such a modification of them as
shall appear most practicable ; and , with this view, we shall, unless the Duke of New
castle should disapprove that course, communicate to him a copy of the committee's
report before he leaves England.
15. We have only to add that it appears from Mr. White's letter of the 9th of April
1853, (Correspondence relative to Emigration of Chinese Coolies, pp. 136 , 138, 139, ) that
two interpreters who were engaged to go by the “ Emigrant " to Demerara and Trinidad
respectively will have been left at Hong Kong. As Mr. White will probably leave
England at the beginning of next month, it would be advisable that, if these persons
have not left the colony, they should be detained till his arrival, when some arrangement
may be made for forwarding them .
We have. & c .
Herman Merivale, Esq. (Signed ) T. W. C. MURDOCH .
& c. & c. & c. FREDERIC ROGERS.




No. 3.
No. 3.

Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Duke of NewCASTLE
to Governor Sir G. BONHAM .
( No. 25. )
Sir , Downing Street , September 9, 1853.
I ENCLOSE for your information the copy ofan Act passed in the recent 16 & 17 Vict.c. 84.