6
Of these, 53 are males and 160 females.
... years of age; ...
I enclose a small table showing at a glance whose children these are, and it will be seen that most of them, natural and adopted, belong to the brothel-keepers, and that no sons are adopted by the prostitutes who are described in the Return as Inmates.
The Keepers of Brothels and the servants do not receive visitors, and the large Chinese brothels have a great number of servants.
All these children are said to be well treated, very well indeed, better than in many family houses, for the women often take an interest in the children and nurse and look after them to help pass the time.
In my report of 15th September, 1882, on the draft Ordinance, I pointed out that the Proclamation said that all children should be excluded from brothels. I have made special enquiry since the receipt of the Secretary of State's despatch and I find that many Chinese think that it would be unwise to prohibit the keeping of children in brothels, but that none should be allowed above the age of seven and under sixteen.
Having...