Of failing to be closed to Chinese children "as no provision will be made for their instruction in Translation and Explanation".
In Despatch No. 22713 we specially stipulated that the School should be open "to all Chinese or others who are anxious to learn English" & the proposed arrangement hardly accords with that stipulation.
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Government House, Hongkong, 23rd August, 1899.
I confess I am unable to acquiesce in that stipulation.
I hardly feel that on thinking the matter over, with the staff proposed both in 23715 of this Despatch, in a school with a married Schoolmaster and mistress, Chinese children could adequately be taught in the School: - for it is certain that we could discover Candidates; the Private Secretary would have the slightest knowledge of Chinese. I think the new school should, if possible, be readily accessible to Chinese children. If I am therefore disposed to doubt whether the suggested staff could not be improved upon.
The annual cost will be $1200 & not $2400.
2) I give the site is good.
July, 1899.
Sir,
With reference to your despatch No.31 of the 14th February last and previous correspondence, I have the honour to inform you that Mr. Ho-Tung, a resident in this Colony, has generously offered to build a school for Kowloon provided that Government grant the site and undertake to carry on the establishment. A site has been selected and approved by the Director of Public Works as suitable for the purpose and I attach a report by Dr. Wright, Head Master of Queen's College, on the subject of the necessary staff.
2. Should you be pleased to sanction the arrangement, I would be glad to receive your decision by telegraph as Mr. Ho-Tung is anxious to begin the work without delay and as a school, such as that which it is proposed to establish, is much wanted at Kowloon, the population of which is rapidly increasing.
Encl: 3.
28th July, 1899.
Acceptance of Ho Tung's offer.
I would propose to telegraph by next mail.
T.C.M.
M. Macnaghten
Graft please 27/9
I have agreed CPL 28 at once.
The Right Honourable
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&c. &c. &c.
I enclose for your information a copy of...