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to another, so, when a batch of rifles is to be smuggled out, it is carried on board a junk, disguised as various sorts of cargo, and should the junk be suspected, or seized by the police, the owner says he is merely transferring the goods to his go-down on the other side of the harbour. Should the junk get away safely the sails to Green Island, and transfers the rifles to fishing boats which are waiting there.
The Compradore says that on the 16th January last a batch of 4,500 rifles was safely smuggled out to Green Island, and transferred to two fishing junks for transport to Canton. But going up the river, these junks were seized by a Chinese cruiser, and the rifles all taken from them.
The Mandarin in command of the cruiser did not report the matter to the Viceroy, but no doubt disposed of the rifles himself and must have realized a very handsome sum by it.
The rifles were probably intended for the plot which was to have taken place on Chinese New Year's Day in Canton.
Hongkong,
(signed)
C. M. Ducat, Lt. Col.
20th February 1903.