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Sub. Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 1.
Copy
#B.M. Acting Consul to British Minister, Peking.
No. 24
H.B.M. Consulate
Canton 9th April 1892.
I have the honour to enclose copy and translation of a Yeaortel, privately obtained, from the Viceroy on the attempted rebellion in Canton last autumn.
This document illustrates the character of the information submitted to the Court and the anxiety of the Viceroy to conceal the disturbed state of his jurisdiction, a state which would reflect on his administration.
I beg leave to ask your attention to the ill-feeling engendered by our extradition law. The Chinese Officials, regarding sedition as the most heinous of crimes against the Emperor, the father of his people, cannot but look on our refusal to extradite conspirators against the Government as proof of unfriendly feeling.
Their constant complaint is that Hong Kong and Macao enable plotters to scheme in safety and to defy the law of China. It is only weakness that prevents their violating foreign territory; and there is constant risk of attempts to kidnap refugees.
I submit that no measure would more conciliate this provincial Government than the inclusion of sedition amongst extraditable offences, under as stringent conditions as might be considered.