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piratical robberies on the river. The Viceroy suggested that
these local questions should be arranged locally instead of being
submitted to Peking. As this proposal would not affect the
Imperial Customs, it appears to the Governor to be eminently
a matter for local adjustment, but for some time, in consequence
of the attitude assumed by the Viceroy's predecessor, the
Governor has been in communication with Sir Robert Bart on the
subject. If the Viceroy is prepared to accept His Excellency's
suggestion His Excellency believes that it will result in an
immediate and beneficial change in the security of the river,
and by the increase in means of communication, will tend to
the development of trade and consequent increase of the
Provincial Revenues. His Excellency will esteen it as a favour
if the Viceroy will consider this question without delay, as
it is a pressing one that must be decided either at Canton or
Peking. To His Excellency it will be a matter of great satisfac-
tion if he finds that a question exclusively affecting Hongkong
and Canton can be settled between the two local Governments
without the delays and misunderstandings inseparable from
reference to Peking.
I have ete.
($d.) F. H. May,
Acting Colonial Secretary.