CO129-115 - Sir MacDonnell - 1866 [9-10] — Page 360

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed
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I observed that, without thinking such a step absolutely impossible, I foresaw that it would present serious difficulties; arising from the especial circumstances of the harbor, which hardly permit the separation of licensed and unlicensed boats, necessary for the exercise of a thorough control, and others resulting from the known reluctance which the Chinese have to a change of their ancient habits, and which, being shared equally by those who trade licitly or illicitly, might seriously affect the commerce of this Colony.

I told your Excellency, however, that I was of opinion that something might be done in the meantime, in the shape of subjecting the Chinese vessels to a Registry on arrival and departure, with a view to establish gradually a good system of control over their employment; and I assured you that to this end you would find me most willingly disposed, if it were not for the consideration that, being about to give up the Government of Macao, I should not take measures, foreseeing difficulties in the execution of which I was beset, and leave them to be carried out by my successor, who might perhaps devise a more feasible plan.

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I observed that, without thinking such a step absolutely impossible, I foresaw that it would present serious difficulties; arising from the especial circumstances of the harbor, which hardly permit the separation of licensed and unlicensed boats, necessary for the exercise of a thorough control, and others resulting from the known reluctance which the Chinese have to a change of their ancient habits, and which, being shared equally by those who trade licitly or illicitly, might seriously affect the commerce of this Colony. I told your Excellency, however, that I was of opinion that something might be done in the meantime, in the shape of subjecting the Chinese vessels to a Registry on arrival and departure, with a view to establish gradually a good system of control over their employment; and I assured you that to this end you would find me most willingly disposed, if it were not for the consideration that, being about to give up the Government of Macao, I should not take measures, foreseeing difficulties in the execution of which I was beset, and leave them to be carried out by my successor, who might perhaps devise a more feasible plan. Page 360 Page 361
Baseline (Original)
; some presented serious I observed that, without thinking such a step absolutely imposible, I foresaw that it difficulties; arising from the especial circumstances of the barbor, which hardly fermit the separation of licensed and unlicensed boats, necesary for the exercise of a thorough control, and others resulting from the known reluctance which the Chinese have to a change of their ancient habits, and which, being shared equally by those who trade licitly or illicitly, might seriously affect the commerce of this Colony. - I bold your Excellene, however, that I was of opinion that cometting on arrival 358 might be sone in the meantime, in the shape of subjecting the Chinese ressels to a Registry and departure, with a view to establish gradually a good system of control over their employment; and I assured this end you also, that to me most you would find willingle disposed, if it were not for the consideration that, being give up the Government of Macks, I should not take about to measures, foresan the execution of which I Afficulties, was beset with and leave them to be carried out by my Ineceson, who ferhaps device a more might feasible Page 360Page 361
2026-05-19 11:57:30 · Baseline
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; some

presented serious

I observed that, without thinking such a step absolutely imposible, I foresaw that it difficulties;

arising from the especial circumstances of the barbor, which hardly fermit the separation of licensed and unlicensed boats, necesary for the exercise of a thorough control, and others resulting from the known reluctance which the Chinese have to a change of their ancient habits, and which, being shared

equally by those who trade licitly or illicitly, might seriously affect the commerce of this Colony. -

I bold

your Excellene, however,

that I was of opinion that cometting

on arrival

358

might be sone in the meantime, in the shape of subjecting the Chinese ressels to a Registry and departure, with a view to establish gradually a good system of control over their employment;

and I assured this end

you

also, that to

me most

you would find willingle disposed, if it were not for the consideration that, being

give up the Government of Macks, I should not take

about to

measures,

foresan

the execution of which I Afficulties,

was beset with

and leave them to be carried out

by my Ineceson, who

ferhaps device a more

might

feasible

Page 360Page 361

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