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486
Sanitary Board Office,
Hongkong 22nd November, 1916.
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th November, and to state that the charges against me contained therein are substantially correct.
2.
In view of reports that have been made against me on
former occasions it is no doubt the impression of the Government that I habitually drink to excess; but this is not the case.
3. The temptation of excessive drinking commenced when I
was quite a young man, and without realization of the consequen-
ces I gave way to it, or at least I did not seriously reaist it,
By degrees I became aware that the temptation was becoming more
and more irresistible, and I began to endeavour to regain con-
trol over myself. I came at last to the certain conclusion
that the only possible salvation lay in total abstinence, and I
became, and have remained for some years past, a total abstainer, except for certain periodical lapses.
4.
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These lapses are known to the Government. They originate
when I am feeling out of sorts, in an overwhelming desire to
drink some stimulant. On each occasion I firmly decide that I will be able to limit myself to one drink only, andon each occa- sion I follow this up with perhaps half a bottle of raw spirit. This somewhat crude proceeding gives me no enjoyment; I fully realize its probable consequences both as regarde my health and
my career.
THE HONOURABLE,
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
5.