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course that appeared to me, although everything looked dark,
to have the matter tried in open Court, to clear my good name.
Finally, with reference to my letter of the 20th.
October, 1909, I am conscious, may be, of solitary indiscretions,
but which cannot by any stretch of imagination be construed into
*carrying on a trade or business" and that my letter is true in
substance and in fact, and further that I have committed no false
-hood by my assertion as set forth in paragraph 7 therein
referred to, and that my conduct and efforts since January, 1697,
when Tang Kee bought the Butchery business, at all hours and at all times, I have been unremittingly devoted to my official duties, and to my official duties alone.
Lastly I venture to point out that I have been in the Government Service since the 10th. September, 1880, and I hope now, with 31 years of service to my credit His Lordship the Secretary of State when considering the matter will weigh my long services of the past against any indiscretion, or inju- -dicious acts that may appear to him in my conduct with reference to the Hongkong Butchery committed so long ago.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) F. Howell.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.
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