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(3.) It is scarcely possible for me to believe that there would have been this want of confidence, if the Police could have counted on the sympathy of the law-abiding portion of the population which on that occasion at all events was in a great majority. (4.) Quite sufficient has occurred within my own short administra
tion apart from this case to account for such want of sympathy and though without giving entire credit to those Chinese of prominent position who allege that the Police are becoming rather a terror than a protection, I can well believe that a spirit such as that evinced by their Chief in this and the other cases referred would quickly bring about that result.
35. The fact of the indignation evinced by the Chinese with regard to this case (as witness the Petition of shop-keepers above referred to) not having made itself equally felt on previous occasions may be possibly due to one or both of two causes. Firstly the present unsatisfactory condition of things may have been reached only gradually and may now be in a more acute stage than at any former time. [Mr. DEANE is in very visible ill-health, and I am quite willing to believe, in fact cannot but believe that his present weakness of judgment and action has been largely induced thereby]; and Secondly the Chinese are becoming much better acquainted than formerly with their rights under British law.
36. For many years after the cession, the Chinese of the Colony were natu- rally content with their escape from the rule of the Mandarins to which British But the Government, however defective, presented a most favourable contrast. spread of English education and more especially the presence among them of many who speak English well, and some actually educated in England, have created in them a much higher standard of what is required in their Government and have made them see unequal treatment more readily and feel it more keenly.
37. Such a petition as that of the shop-keepers, which was written by a Chinese, would, I imagine, have not been possible until recently. It might of course have been previously suggested by a European, but would not have been equally appreciated or have been the outcome of an equally real indignation.
38. My long experience in various Crown Colonies has given me abundant opportunities of seeing that there is nothing, not even unpunished cruelty, which produces more deep and bitter resentment against the Government in the non- European races than a prevailing sense of inequality with Europeans in their treat- ment by the Courts and the Government Officials. Such a feeling if allowed to grow, through the absence of stern repression of the language and acts which create it, is certain sooner or later to find active expression; and though in the case of this Colony it may not result in serious outbreak, there are many other ways which it might make itself very inconveniently apparent, while in case of war, especially with China, it would become a very appreciable element of danger.
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39. But whether inequality in the treatment of the Chinese is dangerous or not, and however great may be the security afforded by the presence of troops, it is of course, unnecessary to specify to Your Lordship the higher considerations which require its prompt and severe repression. One of these, however, has much nore force here than elsewhere, I mean that of example to others.
40. The estimate of England among the millions of the neighbouring continent is being, and will be, largely influenced by the treatment of their countrymen in this Colony. In various ways which, it would take too long to describe here, this small Colony is already exercising a favourable influence on their civilization and I need scarcely say how largely that influence would be affected if such a feeling as I have described were to be allowed to grow.
41. The case which is the subject of Mr. DEANE'S memorial may seem too trifling to raise such broad and serious considerations; but though a small matter in itself, it is, I venture to think, most important as evincing the spirit existing among some of the Public Officers, aud as showing the feeling which may be thereby
aroused.
42. In this view, I feel confident that Your Lordship, after full consideration, will be of opinion that I have neither done nor written anything beyond what the occasion required.
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43. I am bound to confess, however, that what little expectation I previously had of bringing about improvement in the Police, while Mr. DEANE remains at their almost head, is nearly destroyed by the perusal of this memorial; showing, as it does, a blindness which at his age and after his long service in his present office, beyond hope of cure. He is an educated gentleman of good ability and amiable disposition, whom I am very far from disliking personally; but for the sake of the Colony, and its peace and contentment, I cannot but wish him in any other position, not detrimental to himself, than that which he at present helds.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble Servant,
Gilliamdes
Vaux