C
206
The Viceroy's proclamation, which practically
took the form of a testimonial to Messrs Butterfield and
Swire, formed a fitting epilogue to the case as far as
Canton was concerned, and I do not think that, had Resurs
Butterfield and Swire remined firm, the artificial
boycott of their Manila ste mere could have been maintained
Nowever, with regard to the last point, Messrs
Tutterfield and Swire may have information which is at
present withheld from me. I can, for the moment only
report that we have apparently the prospect of a renewed
agitation in Canton over the "Fatahan affair, and that, fợ
this unfortunate revival of a difficult question, Wessrs
Butterfiold and Swire would appear to be themselves to
blame.
The Self Government Society are, as you will
obaorvo, for the present, confining themselves to attacks
on the Portuguese Consul, but it is obvious that my
action in this case will sooner or later be subjected
to renewed criticim, with the likelihood of a recrud-
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