4
Hongkong, I think this address shows what their feelings are towards you, and I can testify in addition that you are the General after the hearts of the people of Hongkong.
We may be a little peculiar here, it is true, but there is one thing we admire, and that is straightforward, honest truthfulness and pluck.
This little speech having been repeatedly interrupted with loud expressions of approval, the Hon. P. Ryrie read the following Address:-
To HIS EXCELLENCY
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JORN NEPTUNE SARGENT, C.B., Commanding Her Majesty's Forces in China and the Straits Settlements.
GENERAL,
As you are leaving Hongkong and China for the third, and in all probability for the last time, we, whose interests are, in the main, bound up in the safety and prosperity of this Colony and of the other English Commonuities in the East, cannot allow you to depart without acknowledging in some way, however inadequate, your many and great services to us and to them. As a subaltern you saw service in this Colony in its early days, when life here was far from attractive, and when the dutics of the soldier were many and arduous. As Lieutenant- Colonel in the gallant Regiment with which your name has been so long associated, you won honour and renown during the war of 1860, the war from which dates the importance and prosperity of Hongkong. You are now about to relinquish the command of Her Majesty's Forces in China and the Straits Settlements after three years of faithful and valuable service rendered to the Crown and to the Colony. We congratulate you on the excel- lent behaviour during these three years of the troops under your orders, and much of this is doubtless due to the admirable qualities for command we know you to possess. You are stern to maintain discipline, but you are not more prompt to reprimand
5
We recognize
and to punish, than to encourage and reward. with gratitude your readiness on every occasion that has arisen during the past three years, and they have not been few, to protect British interests in China, and vindicate the honour of ar arms. You were prompt in your offers of assistauce, when our friends in Canton were in danger. You responded to every call from the Volunteers at Shanghai. You took effective measures to quell all disturbance here, when, at one time from without, and at another from within, the peace of the Colony was threatened.
We know and acknowledge with thanks your recent efforts to put the Colony in the best possible state of defence against any foreign foe that the means placed at your disposal by the Government would allow, and we are confident that, had the dangers apprehended arisen, we would have found in you an active, energetic, and experienced Commander. your services rendered to the Government of the Colony in the Executive Council we have no means of knowing, they have been rendered so quietly and unobtrusively; but we do know that you have, at all times and in all ways, strengthened the hands of the Civil authorities by your counsel, by your example, and by your unfailing support.
Of
Socially, you have been, during your stay in the Colony, one of ourselves, taking part in all our amusements, interesting yourself in all our affairs, countenancing and promoting all that was useful, pleasant, and good, We shall miss you and Mrs. Sargent and your amiable and accomplished daughters very much indeed. To them and to you we tender our hearty thanks, our most sincere acknowledgements for courtesies, kindness, and hospitalities innumerable. We beg of you to accept this Address, and with it the expression of our admiration for your high soldierly qualities, of our grateful thanks for the services you have rendered to your Queen and country during a long and honourable military career, and especially for your services in this Colony and in the East, and of our hearty good wishes for yourself and for your family. We bid you farewell, and hope that you may live long to serve your
T
205