However, it branched into two branches; the former belonging to the powerful branch on account of its number (about 4000), its great many literati, and its great wealth, the latter comparatively weak, numbering only about 100 persons, mostly poor and illiterate. The head of the former branch, called Jai-ho-pan (or great puree), wanted to squeeze some money from the weaker branch, as is the use in China; the latter refused. From this came all the troubles.
Now there were wretched victims of might and tyranny, hearing that there is a place in China where the innocent is protected, they came to Hong Kong and during their residence in this Colony, they gave no offence at all.
Men who for more than two years gave no offence but behaved as good law-abiding subjects, cannot be so guilty as they are represented. The persistent reclamation from the Chinese to have them in their hands does not come directly from the Chinese Government but from the powerful rich party of Jai-ho-pan, who with their money move earth and heaven to have them in their hands, and thus satisfy their thirst for blood and revenge. They were who moved the Chinese Minister in London to reclaim them; they who sent paid witnesses to Hong Kong to accuse their enemies.
Now, if Your Excellency delivers them up to the Chinese, the certain fate which expects them is torture and death. The Mandarins, without hearing their defence, will give them up to the powerful party to do as they like with them, as was the case with some others. Everyone in the Canton Province knows the case; everyone was glad to hear that there is a place where poor wretched victims of tyranny and despotism could find a refuge.
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