527
wounded or have fled the country. Dearth, murdering, and exile
have left a void behind, and I ask that good may accrue to your
country from leasing this depopulated land? I make these candid
statements, because, prior to the 15th instant, the control over
this territory still devolved on China. After the 13th, it be-
came vested in your country, and strictly speaking, was no con-
cern of China's. But the action taken having led to the present
state of turmoil, one is led to despair of tranquility in its
future. When the state of affairs is made generally known through
the medium of the newspapers, all countries will say that
England, when taking over territory leased from China, was reckless
of Chinese lives, and when the mischief was done, shifted the
charge on to others. This will grievously damage England's repu-
tation. Should the Chinese Government take its stand upon the
article of international law, which provides for the cancellation
of territory leased, if the notables and people are opposed to
such a lease, what plea could England advance to explain this
step?
As regards munitions of war, uniforms, and
flags, as at present the Militia is being everywhere organized,
I place is without these appurtenances.
Last year the Governor of Hongkong forwarded
$115