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He also said that he meant to make Amoy into a first-class fort and set at defiance the rest of China. He also stated that he knew Great Britain had no wish to take land from China, but was forced to do so by the action of other powers - all she wanted was trade. In the harbour of Amoy excellent coal, silver, and lead mines have been discovered, and were inspected recently by a foreign expert. He reports that the coal of Amoy is the best he has seen in China.
On my way to Hong Kong I spent a day at Swatow. Considered for a small sum of money harbour works could be rendered unobjectionable. The trade of Swatow has increased this year by $9,000,000, according to information afforded by one long established Swatow merchant.
H.K. Mr. M. M. Bhownagree, M.P.
15.7.99