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that all nations, however weak as regards armed force, and how- ever recently admitted to the society of nations, have an equal
title to consideration. It must be remembered, too, that the
object of this unworthy challenge was the distinguished Chinese
diplomatist whose noble plea for his country's release from Opium was heartily commended by the Bishops of London, Durham,
Norwich, Biringham, Liverpool, and Southwark, and many represen-
tatives of the Christian Churches and Missionary Societies of
Great Britain.
4. Finally, the Board objects to the appointment
because Sir C.C. Smith presented a report on the proceedings of
the Commission purporting to be made on behalf of his fellow--
delegates, but as to which they were not in fact consulted.
This fact appeared to so great an authority on constitutional
procedure as the late St. Hon. J.5. Ellis, a grave infraction
of official duty to which he was sericusly disposed to call
the attention of the House of Commons. The Poard cannot but
express its reret that H.M. Government should take so different
a view of this irregularity, which had been brought to the
notice of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs by Mr. Ellis and on
two occasions by Sir R. Laidlar.
1
For these reasons the Board feels constrained
earnestly to deprecate the appointment of Sir C.0.Smith.