76
6.
With regard to the story. Long, of the late the great majority of the Chinese populations here evince Canton, and share the feelings and passions of their countrymen, this island has been a large degree, now a haven for the dangerous classes of southern China. The Police report that this is especially the case at the present time that a large number of ruffians, inciting, it is believed, some of the ringleaders of the Canton riots, have taken refuge here and that the Chinese Secret Societies, analogous to the Fenians in Ireland, are very active.
Under these circumstances, with only a few hundred adult males among the Chinese population of above 150,000, a serious riot may occur at any time. In the opinion of the most experienced observers, it is likely to happen.
In Despatch of this date, I have reported fully.
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