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inspected the vessels, though no specific mention is made of the second delegate.
In conversation with Senor Mariscal on the subject this day, I pointed out that the question was a vital one to the China Commercial Steamship Company, and that I thought it a pity that nothing should be done to check the medical evidence of Dr Valenzuela, evidence which would be seriously combated in the future by the Company in question.
Would it not be more prudent, I suggested, to obtain some reliable independent testimony, which would demonstrate to the satisfaction of both parties concerned whether the symptoms of trachoma are really sufficiently serious to justify the rejection of such large numbers of Chinese immigrants?
I felt this the more, in that the opinion of Dr Valenzuela has, as has been admitted by Senor Mariscal himself in conversation with me on the 13th instant, (see my Despatch No. 73 Confidential) strongly biased against the Company, owing to misunderstandings in Hong Kong.
I added to His Excellency that I was in receipt of instructions from you to enquire and report on the question, and that I was bound to take such action as was proper.