4.
5
440
that the refusal to allow the rebels,
who are little
more
than
organized
: bands of robbers, to draw their ... supplies of arms and ammunition from Hongkong, has probably been quite as fatal to the success of the revolt as any action of the Imperial Troops. And it has been suggested
that this consideration
may
be
turned to advantage in replying to any future insinuations from
the Chinese Authorities as to want
of sympathy on the part of the Hong Kong Government in questions
of extradition, or otherwise. I am fully
4.
Aware
of the many difficulties which surround
this question. There are Europeans
a few
in China now as in the
days of the great Taiping rebellion, who think that outbreaks against the present Chinese Government
should receive support rather than discouragement. But, looking to the internal anarchy and desolation, and to the destruction of external trade which would have ensued from
the success
of
the Taipings,
of Governments