537
and takes grave exception to Messrs. Butterfield and Swire's action.
5.
I have informed Messrs. Butterfield and Swire and Mr. Cowan, the Migration Agent, that this action was entirely irregular since no port in Kwangtung has been proclaimed, and even if one had been, recruiting by their recruiters would only be permissible with the sanction of the Viceroy.
At the same time I have asked the Consul-General at Canton to use his good offices to obtain lenient treatment of the persons arrested inasmuch as they were acting under instruction of their employers, and probably did not know that they were doing wrong in following their orders.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Marthur
Governor,
&c. &c. *