Positions are hard to do the same. It is not difficult to account for the ignorance & prejudices of the upper classes under his government & throughout China. If he has knowingly erred, it is easy to understand how the lower classes are wilfully misled by those in high place, or what a hopeless task it is to endeavour by ordinary means to counteract the policy of duplicity to which those in authority are wedded.

This correspondence, however, will, I conceive, show to your Lordship that no common difficulties exist in the dealings of this Court with the Vice-Roys of Canton and the Government of China, and it may lead your Lordship to the conclusion that to treat them as a civilized people, in our sense of the term, is a concession which has but little justification, and is perhaps a policy which they simply regard as a sign of inherent weakness on our part.

I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Obedient Servant, William Robinson.

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Positions are hard to do the same. It is not difficult to account for the ignorance & prejudices of the upper classes under his government & throughout China. If he has knowingly erred, it is easy to understand how the lower classes are wilfully misled by those in high place, or what a hopeless task it is to endeavour by ordinary means to counteract the policy of duplicity to which those in authority are wedded.

This correspondence, however, will, I conceive, show to your Lordship that no common difficulties exist in the dealings of this Court with the Vice-Roys of Canton and the Government of China, and it may lead your Lordship to the conclusion that to treat them as a civilized people, in our sense of the term, is a concession which has but little justification, and is perhaps a policy which they simply regard as a sign of inherent weakness on our part.

I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Obedient Servant, William Robinson.

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