Consul Mansfield to Viceroy T'an.
Y.E.,
187
January, 28th. 1899.
I have repeatedly addressed Y.E. concerning the frequent occurrence of piracies in this province of late, requesting you to take effective measures to stop it, but unfortunately without any good result, as fresh cases have since occurred whereby trade is seriously affected. The present state of affairs is a blemish on the reputation of a great civilized country like China, considering that many tens of years ago piracy was stamped out among the civilized nations of the West
and how the name only exists and not the reality. The nature of man is the same the world over, and there are not more bad characters in China than elsewhere, and if the Authorities really exerted themselves honestly to repress piracy, they could do so within a year.
On the 20th. instant, the *
12 Lung Shar arrived
at Shui Hing on her way from Wuchow to Samshui. A large number
of passengers than usual boarded the ship who were searched and
nothing discovered. Among them was a man wearing furs and having
the appearance of a gentleman, who asked for a Second Class
passage. He was also searched and on his person and in his box
there were discovered 30 or 40 knives and loaded revolvers.
When he saw that the gratings were being locked he pleaded a
pressing engagement on shore and left with his luggage. The
presumption