کئے گئے جب کہتے کہ
:
654
the issue of this placard and the stoppage of the work of
erecting the matshed would be very serious. He suggested that
I should send him to Canton to see the Viceroy, as not a no-
ment should be lost. I concluded that if it was necessary to
see the Viceroy I had better see him myself. I telegraphed to
the Consul at Canton that I desired to see the Viceroy next
day, and next morning started from here at 5 a.m. taking Mr.
Stewart Lockhart with me. Up to that time although apparently
every thing was friendly in the new territory, we were only
on sufferance in erecting matsheds, and it became evident
that if the Viceroy would not accept responsibility for their
protection I must either defer any preparation for the accom→
modation of the police, or apply for authority to take over
possession without further delay.
6. I have reported the circumstances of
ay visit to the Viceroy in my despatch No. 87 of 7th. instant
He accepted all the responsibility for the protection of the
matsheds, which involved his permission to erect them, and in
accordance with his promise telegraphed at once to the Colo-
nel stationed at Kowloon to prepare for 300 men who were to
proceed to any portion of the leased area desired by this Go-
vernment, so as to afford protection to the matsheds being
erected, and also to surveying parties, and generally to pre-
serve order. These soldiers were sent down within three days
and the places to which we wished them to be sent were indi-
cated by the Colonial Secretary. The Viceroy also issued a
proclamation to be posted in various villages calling upon
the