244
100
been constantly subjected to criticism for encouraging what
amounts to a virtual Slave Trade, and though these charges
may be exaggerated, and in some instances prompted by personal motives MobiORE, A do not feel that in existing circumstancos i have.
any thoroughly satisfactory reply to them, nor is it possible
for me to shirk the responsibility which devolves upon this
Government by endeavouring to shift it upon another Adginis-
tration. leanwhile the part played by this Government brings it
into disrepute with the Chinese Provincial overment of Canton,-
a fact which i cannot view with. encorn. I fool Bure more-
over that our excellency will be in general agreement with the
to principles which i have formulated and it only reins ver findamage
a feasible method of giving offect to them.
13.
in conclusion I would roiterate my dosire
to see the final abolition of contruct labour-whether the con-
tract is entered into at the place of doparturo or the destina-
tion of the labourer and the inauguration of a steady flow of
free laboure to the Federated Malay Stutes, I should therefore
welcome any suggestions which Your Excellency from your larger
experience of this question may be able to nako towards this
end.
3
14. i am not without hope that the institution
of such a system as i have suggostod might result in inducing
the Chinese Government to withdraw so far as longkong and the
Foderated Malay utates are concerned the hostile attitude it
hus asuumed towards emigration with a consequential increase in
the number of labourore obtainable.
I have the honour to bo,
Sir,
zour Excellency's obecient servant,
Governor c.