ENCLOSURE 2.
Extract from the "Hongkong Daily Press" dated 13th June, 1901.
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Hongkong, 13th June, 1901.
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, and to inform you that His Excellency the Governor joins with the Chamber of Commerce in the regret that here, as in India, the anxious efforts of the Government have failed to control Bubonic Plague, or to materially check its ravages.
As to the various matters on which the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce have been good enough to give their views, they have long been subjects of most anxious consideration by those whose professional knowledge and experience best fitted them to advise upon them, and some have been dealt with by the Legislative Council. His Excellency would suggest that as the Chamber of Commerce is directly represented in the Council, it should request its representative to bring its views before that body, where the grounds for assumptions which appear to have been somewhat hastily adopted may be clearly stated and fully answered.
His Excellency instructs me to add that nothing could more contribute to the commercial losses pointed out in the fourth paragraph of the letter than reckless statements, some untrue, and others greatly exaggerated, that have appeared from time to time in the public Press; and the apparent acceptance of these statements by the members of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, without investigation or adequate knowledge, is not calculated to allay fears that, if continued, may permanently affect the prosperity of this Colony, dependent as it is upon the business incidental to a great shipping port of call.
The Governor observes with satisfaction that the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce are prepared to accept cheerfully the increased taxation that will probably be necessary to meet the heavy expenses of contemplated measures for the general improvement of sanitation.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
T. SERCOMBE SMITH,
Ag. Colonial Secretary.
The SECRETARY,
Chamber of Commerce.