102
their efforts to discover and arrest the authors. A few days, however, prior to China New Year, a raid was made by the Hongkong Police on one tea shop in Hong- kong in which information was found of certain con- signments of uniforms, cartridge-belts, provisions, &c., to Canton. Confirmation was thus given to the Chinese Authorities of suspicions already entertained by them against a native shop in the City of Canton; and an investigation of the Customs import returns revealed the fact that the stores, &c., mentioned in the documents found in the Hongkong tea shop had actually been sent to Canton.
It was further elicited that the Compradore of the German Firm of Pustau and Company had been the medium of import, and that the stores, &c., themselves were concealed in a ware- house forming part of the premises of the Berlin Mis- sion.
Steps were at once taken by the Chinese Au- thorities to effect their seizure; with which the whole conspiracy would appear to have collapsed.
Some twenty five men in all have been arrested, eight of whom are converts belonging to the German Mission. The principal leaders, however, one of whom is the most influential convert of the above- mentioned Mission, are reported to have fled to Hongkong.
No arms beyond crude knives and axes have been discovered, due, no doubt, to the strin- gent enforcement in Hongkong of the Regulation against the export of these weapons from that Colony.
Matters remain quiet; but it is certain that a strong and bitter feeling still exists against the Canton Government on account of the continued heavy taxation and official oppression.
I have, &c.,
James Scott,
His Majesty's Consul General.
(31med)
eight