done so, the steamer, or her value, would most cer-
tainly have been impounded.
The imposition of
what, under the circumstances, must be regarded as
a nominal fine, places, we think, this point beyond
doubt.
The newspaper cuttings refer also to an at-
tempt to snuggle a few men through from our steamer
"Kweiyang".
There can be no doubt that a determined and
well organised attempt is being made by certain
Chinese to use the steamers trading between Hong-
Kong and the Philippines as a means of obtaining
illegal ingress into the island. The consequent
risk to shipowners is very great and is causing
much anxiety to our friends who have felt compelled
to address a communication to the HongKong Govern-
ment, copy of which we enclose, asking that the ex-
isting law may be made more far-reaching.
Copies of the Captain's and Chief Officer's
reports referred to by Messrs. Butterfield and
Swire shall be sent to you when received.
(Signed)
We have &c.,
John Swire and Sons.
Swire
356
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