:
:
179
There is no doubt that the better class of Chinese with a stake in
the Colony endorse this view, that they consider the action of the
Company and of the Government to be reasonable, and that they hope
to see it brought to a successful issue. The opinions expressed by
Sir Kai Ho Kai on the 27th. instant way, I think, be regarded as
typical of the views and attitude of the Chinese mercantile community, with the exception of the Californian Merchants.
9.
The measure now before you is the outcome of
much and anxious thought, and while perhaps it may seen a somewhat
drastic remedy for the disease I could devise no other immediate
means of carrying the matter, as it must be carried, to a final
conclusion. Owing to difficulties in collecting the special rate retrospectively I have decided to make it run from the 1st. of January, and I am not without hopes that when the Chinese community
find that the Government is determined to protect the Company the
boycott may be abandoned.
If it is not, the levy of a special rate, for
which there is precedent both here and in England, as the Attorney-
-General points out in his report, is not inconsistent with Chinese practice under which villages are subjected to a communal fine in cases in which no arrests have followed upon the com-
-mission of outrages in them or in their vicinity.
fal
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
Amazi
Governor,&c..