631
position and interests in these Southern provinces
will avail us nothing, and that French influence will
in a very short time predominate to our entire exclu-
sion.
If any such Leasures as those we succest ure to
be adopted, the sooner the better. Any day hay see
the valley of the West River in a blaze of revolu-
tionary disturbance, and bring a call on Hongkong for
that assistance and protection which it is not now
in a position to afford.
I have, 0.,
(Signed)
John J. Francis.
Chairman.