436

the fullest consideration of all the circumstances, as Kang Yu Wei had hitherto been allowed to reside in several British Colonies without interference, and the deportation of the Editors might appear to be subversive of the freedom of the press. The matter was investigated by the Registrar-General and the Acting Captain Superintendent of Police, and fully discussed in Executive Council. The result was that the Council unanimously advised me to deport Kang Yu Wei and five of the persons mentioned by the Registrar-General in his letter. The responsibility of the five for the appearance of the objectionable articles was ascertained beyond possibility of doubt, and their continued presence in the Colony was obviously prejudicial to the preservation of peace and good order. In the Council's advice I fully concurred, and gave the necessary instructions which have since been carried out. None of the persons concerned were British subjects.

6.

I consider that Kang Yu Wei has forfeited any title which he may have possessed to the respect of the British Government. It has long been known to those who have studied the movements and utterances of many of the foremost Chinese Reformers, an important section of which own Kang Yu Wei as their head, that their sympathies are strongly anti-foreign. That such sentiments may be consistent with an honest Chinese patriotism I do not doubt; the case of the Viceroy Chang Chi Tung may be cited as an example of such a combination. But it cannot be expected that a British Colony which is in constant and friendly communication with the constituted Chinese Authorities will tolerate the presence of men who use

Share This Page