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Viceroy) rather than to afford grounds for friction. It is think many years (if ever) since the relations between the Governor of Hongkong and the Viceroy of Canton have been on such a cordial basis as they are today, and I would earnestly deprecate any action which would be regarded by the Chinese as insulting. There are to my knowledge many private gentlemen in Canton who desire to subscribe to this scheme - one has promised $40,000, and another has told me that he will raise a sum of $100,000 (and himself make up any deficiency) in his native villages. According to Chinese etiquette however it is customary and proper for any private donor to await the lead of the Viceroy and I presume that the same etiquette obtains at Peking.
P.S.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble servant,
Many arch
Governor, &c.
Since writing the above I have received the enclosed letter from the Viceroy of Canton, intimating that he has given $200,000 to the University. Mr. Fox, Consul-General at Canton, in transmitting his letter observes "the Viceroy's donation is evidently a private one" and I have therefore accepted it.
I have also a letter from Dr. Ho Kai, C.M.G., informing me that in response to an appeal from Mr. Wan Hao head of the Chinese Telegraphs in Hongkong the Board of Communications in Peking have telegraphed to him authorising him to subscribe $3,000 (or taels) to the local Chinese Subscription List. I at once telegraphed to ascertain Your Lordship's wishes in this matter.