and to force an early settlement by closing down
their businesses. The rumour is attributed to the
party: and I regret to state that there appears to be some possibility of an attempt to take action on
the lines of the rumour. The attempt, if made,
will be very difficult to combat, as in the
average Chinese merchant backbone is sadly to seek, and the tendency weakly to follow a strong lead is almost irresistable: the chance of being conspicuous is to avoided at any cost.
however, taking such measures as can be devised, through the medium of the District Watchmen's
Committee and loyal Chinese, to counter the
attack in its early stages.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
I am,
Your most obedient humble servant,
El
men X
Governor &c.