(2)
is not in a position to make, from its revenues, an appropria-
tion for a specifically National object. Germany might indeed,
with equal logic, require a contribution towards the up-keep
of her palatial establishment. The Foreign Settlement at
Shanghai is on a different footing from Tientsin, where Great
Britain has a separate "Concession".
61
The conditions of Foreign residence in China are in many
respects anomalous and well-nigh as complex as her own condition.
Evidence of the fact is at once evoked by this attempt in its
essence, the Association holds, inadmissable to generalise
the Postal situation.
J
The question immediately at issue is that of Tientsin; and
the Association desires to renew its protest that the up-keep
of a British Post Office there is a necessity of Imperial
prestige, so long as other Foreign Powers maintain similar
offices, and should therefore be an Imperial charge which
cannot justly be devolved upon the Colony of Hongkong.
Rather indeed would it seem, that in strict justice, the
Imperial Authorities are indebted to Hongkong for the use of
its Postal machinery in purveying for the needs of the Commun-
ities at Treaty ports.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your most obedient and
humble servant,
Alwilcox
Secretary.