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reported in my Confidential Despatahes of the 21st. July
and 6th. August concerning the difficulties encountered by
the Portuguese Authorities in dealing with a large gang of
robbers in the island of Colowan are evidence of the
numbers of robbers and pirates with which the Authorities
have to deal. It is stated on good authority that the
number of desperadoes at Colowan was not less than 160 well
armed with rifles. Of this number the Fortuguese killed
or captured only a small proportion. A few more were
arrested in this Colony, but the large majority are still
at large. It is to be noticed that at Colowan the method
was to kidnap Chinese in China and hold them to ransom.
Whether the administration of the Department is responsible
for any of the increase is a question that it is not
possible to answer without prolonged investiration.
I have the hon our to be,
My Lord,
Your Lorship's most obedient,
humble servant,
Officer Administering the Govern-
-ment.