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The sum asked by the owners of the steamer for consequential damages is not so much required as a money payment for loss sustained, as to demonstrate to the high Chinese Officials that full reparation must be made for the slight thus put upon the British Flag.
The principle involved is of far greater importance to the Steamboat Companies than any money payment and this Committee considers that unless the claim is enforced a very serious blow will be dealt to British prestige in China and that undue leniency can only result in still further defiance of treaty obligations on the part of the Provincial Authorities.
It is in this belief, and in the hope that your Lordship will in the interests of the Colony represent the matter in this light to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, that I have ventured to address your Lordship so fully on this subject.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
Chairman.
Edw