CO129-054 - Sir Bowring - 1856 [1-2] — Page 209

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed

But before introducing so grave and disputable a question to the consideration of the Legislature, I thought it desirable to communicate with the Governments of neighbouring Colonies, in order to ascertain how the matter had been dealt with, especially in reference to the Chinese population, which must be considered as having a character of its own,—not to be judged of by European standard, nor altogether to be dealt with according to the usages of western nations.

I forwarded copy of the enclosed letter to the respective Governors of Macao,—of the Philippines,—of Netherlands India, and of Singapore. In each of these Settlements the Chinese constitute a numerous class.

The case most analogous to that of Hongkong is the Portuguese Settlement of Macao. Independently of the Communication which I have the honour to enclose, I have had several conversations with the Governor, who represents to me that the operation of the system of Licence has been, in every respect, beneficial, and that any reference to the pecuniary benefit resulting to the Treasury, the public morals have benefited, and the public safety has been increased by confining the vice to certain defined and well known localities.

Page 8

204

Edit History

2026-05-18 00:43:54 · NVIDIA / meta/llama-4-maverick-17b-128e-instruct
Live
View comparison
AI Proofread
But before introducing so grave and disputable a question to the consideration of the Legislature, I thought it desirable to communicate with the Governments of neighbouring Colonies, in order to ascertain how the matter had been dealt with, especially in reference to the Chinese population, which must be considered as having a character of its own,—not to be judged of by European standard, nor altogether to be dealt with according to the usages of western nations. I forwarded copy of the enclosed letter to the respective Governors of Macao,—of the Philippines,—of Netherlands India, and of Singapore. In each of these Settlements the Chinese constitute a numerous class. The case most analogous to that of Hongkong is the Portuguese Settlement of Macao. Independently of the Communication which I have the honour to enclose, I have had several conversations with the Governor, who represents to me that the operation of the system of Licence has been, in every respect, beneficial, and that any reference to the pecuniary benefit resulting to the Treasury, the public morals have benefited, and the public safety has been increased by confining the vice to certain defined and well known localities. Page 8 204
Baseline (Original)
8 3 But before introducing is grave ما and disputable a question to the consideration of the Legislature, I thought it desirable to communicate with the Governments of neighbouring Colonies, in order to ascertain how the matter had been dealt with, especially in reference to the Chinese population, which must be considered as having a character of its own,- note to be judged of by huropean standard, _ non - a altogether to be dealt with according to the usages of western nations. I forwarded copy of the encloud letter to the respective Governors mors of Maens, _ of the Philippines - of Netherlands - India, and of Singapore. In cack of AY n P.8. 204 there the Chinese Settlers constitute a numerous class. that The case most analogous to of Hougtong is the Portuguese Settlement of Macas. Independently of the Communication which I have the honor to enelore, I have had several conversations with the Governor, who represents to me that the operation of the system of Licence has been, in every respect, beneficial, and that any reference to the pecuniary benefit resulting to the Treasury,_ the public morals have benefited, _ and the public safety has been increased by confining the vice to certain defined: and well known localities, and without
2026-05-18 00:43:54 · Baseline
View content

8

3

But before introducing is grave

ما

and disputable a question to the consideration of the Legislature, I thought it desirable to communicate with the Governments of neighbouring Colonies, in order to ascertain how the matter had been

dealt with, especially in reference to the Chinese population, which must be considered as having a character of its own,- note to be judged of by huropean standard, _ non

-

a

altogether

to be dealt with according to the usages of western nations.

I forwarded copy of the encloud

letter to the respective Governors

mors of

Maens, _ of the Philippines - of Netherlands

-

India, and of Singapore. In cack of

AY

n

P.8.

204

there the Chinese Settlers constitute

a numerous class.

that

The

case most analogous to

of Hougtong is the Portuguese

Settlement of Macas. Independently of the Communication which I have the honor to enelore, I have had several conversations with the Governor, who represents to me that the operation of the system of Licence has been, in every respect, beneficial, and that

any reference to the pecuniary benefit resulting to the Treasury,_ the public morals have benefited, _ and the public safety has been increased by confining the vice to certain defined: and well known localities, and

without

Comments

Approved members can add comments, bookmarks, and private notes.

No comments yet.

Private Research Note

Private notes are available after approval.