196
We further beg to suggest that representations be made to the Hongkong Government, with a view to making it a punishable offence to bring opium on board of any steamer here without the Captain's or Officers' knowledge and consent, and that persons violating this rule be prosecuted by the Captain or his representatives and not by the Opium Farmer.
To illustrate the gravity of the situation we may mention that the fines paid by British and German steamers, trading between this Colony and Saigon during the last four years, aggregate about $60,000, not counting the very heavy legal expenses incurred. In not a single instance has suspicion fallen on the Captain or Officers as being in any way connected with the fraud.
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) Lauts, Wegener & Co.
Jebsen & Co.
Bradley & Co.
Sander Wieler & Co.
East Asiatic Trading & Co.
G. Harling,
General Manager.
Dodwell & Co.
E.J. Whealler,
Manager.
Siemssen & Co.
Gibb Livingston & Co.
Butterfield & Swire
Melchers & Co.
Jardine Matheson & Co.
C.W. Dickson.