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Abolition of the Opium revenue. (18) There are very, very few Europeans who smoke Opium, because the European public condemned it, and also the habit of smoking involves loss of time which is repugnant to their activity.
The Asiatic smoke it more generally because it is not condemned by their own people and some rich people rather prefer their children to contract this habit as it does not involve any mischief. (14) Some people smoke Opium to allay the pains of diseases, while a great many smoke from pleasure & amusement. Generally Opium is a prophylactic against severe diarrhoea and malaria in addition to debility, Dysentery, Stomachache, heartache, Vomiting, Flatulence and asthma, it will also particularly prolong the life of consumptive people. (15) Those who become tired of it, and others from poverty, desire to leave it off. (16) There is no hostility against England for bringing Opium to China that I know. (19) Opium smoking is considered by the Chinese as a treat among the merchants and found in the brothels placed or other places of Amusement.
Having resided twenty years in Foo Chow and ten years in Hongkong & associated with the mandarins & all classes of people, I have gained the above experience as expressed in my brief statement.
Hawstone Raks