apprehends that this can only be effectually secured by prohibiting the departure from Hongkong of Chinese subjects as Emigrants in any other than British Vessels and to any place not within the dominions of the Queen.
If Earl GRANVILLE concurs in these views, Lord CLARENDON suggests, for his consideration, whether a precise instruction in accordance with them should not be sent to the Governor of Hongkong.
I am to add that Her Majesty's Chargé d'affaires in Peru will be directed to make enquiries into the condition of the Coolies shipped to Peru in the Frederic, and to report whether the contract entered into with them has been properly observed.
I
am,
&c.,
(Signed,)
ARTHUR OTWAY.
Colonial Office.
THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE,
Extract of a Letter from the Emigration Commissioners to Sir F. Rogers, dated
Emigration Board, 31st August, 1869.
"8. The Governor observes that the Regulations will entail more trouble and expense than heretofore, but from the experience already gained he apprehends no difficulty as to their working satisfactorily. They are clearly drawn up-and if honestly carried out, they appear well calculated to protect intending Emigrants and to prevent the deportation of any one against his will or in ignorance of the nature of the engagements he may have undertaken.
9. The portion of the Regulations which Sir R. MACDONNELL is most anxious to bring under notice is that relating to Chinese Doctors. There can be no question that Chinese Doctors, if properly qualified to the satisfaction of the Colonial Surgeon and approved by the Governor as they must be, can legally be appointed to the medical charge of Chinese Passenger Ships. The 14th Section of the Hongkong Emigration Ordinance, No. 12 of 1868, removes any doubt that may have formerly existed on this point.
"10. The main consideration, when an eligible European or American cannot be procured, is to obtain respectable well educated and competent Chinese. The precautions which the Governor has taken to test the medical qualifications of Candidates and to hedge round their appointment, seem adequate to secure the desired end. But to constitute an efficient Surgeon Superintendent for an Emi- grant Ship, and especially a Chinese Emigrant Ship-something more than mere professional skill is required. Moral character, energy, firmness, and in short those qualities which go to inspire confidence and command obedience are also needed. The Governor will no doubt in his instructions to the Medical examiners, require that their certificate of competency shall distinctly include their opinion (formed on due enquiry) of the Candidate's fitness in these respects as well as in professional ability.
11. The only other suggestion which occurs to me, is, that the List of European Medicines given in the Regulations might, with advantage, include a supply of carbolic or cresylic acid powder, now considered one of the best disin- fectants in use-in the proportion of about one quarter of an hundred weight for cach 100 Passengers embarked. The powder should contain not less than 20 per cent of pure carbolic or cresylic acid.
12. I have the honor to report that I see no reason why the proposed Regulations should not receive the approval of Earl GRANVILLE."
·
(Copy)
SIR,
Mr. Walcott to Sir F. Rogers.
EMIGRATION OFFICE, 4th September, 1869.
109
I have to acknowledge your letter of the 31st ultimo, enclosing a correspondence with the Foreign Office on the subject of Chinese Emigration from Hongkong to Peru.
2. Governor MACDONNELL having reported the circumstances under which he recently sanctioned the emigration from Hongkong to Peru of a body of Chinese subjects in a Belgian ship, his despatch with a report thereon from this Board, was by Earl GRANVILLE'S direction transmitted to the Foreign Office. The Earl of CLARENDON adverting to the atrocities practised by the Crimps in China and to the treatment which the Coolics are reported to receive in Foreign Countries, has come to the conclusion that this Government should not only abstain from facilitating, but should prohibit the emigration from Hongkong of Chinese subjects in any other than British vessels, and to any place not within the Dominions of the Queen.
3. In the report from this Board above alluded to, it had been suggested that the opening of any Emigrant Dépôt at Hongkong or the despatch from that Port of any Emigrant ship without a License from the Governor, should be prohibited by a Colonial Ordinance, and that the Governor should be instructed as a general rule not to grant his License for Emigration to Foreign Countries.
4. The two courses have substantially the same end in view; but Lord CLARENDON evidently considers that the one suggested by us is not strong enough. His Lordship's recommendation therefore, is more stringent, inasmuch as it would prohibit the Emigration absolutely, whilst ours would leave a limited discretion in the Governor, The more stringent course has certainly the advantage of simplicity and completeness. It will moreover relieve the Governor from any invidious discretion, and will proclaim in the most formal and authoritative manner the disapproval entertained by the Government of the emigration in question.
5. I would venture, however, to request attention to that portion of Lord CLARENDON'S recommendation which, if I rightly understand it, would exclude Foreign Vessels from carrying Chinese Emigrants from Hongkong to our Colonies, while British Vessels are allowed to do so. This distinction, if adopted, might lead to inconvenient reclamations from Foreign Governments with which we may have reciprocity Treaties placing the Shipping of the contracting parties on the same footing.
I have, &c.,
(Signed,)
S. WALCOTT,
fe., j'e.
SIR F. ROGERS, BT.,
fc..
(Copy)
SIR,
Mr. Walcott to Sir F. Rogers.
EMIGRATION OFFICE, 23rd September, 1869.
I have to acknowledge your letter of the 18th instant, with a copy of a Despatch from the Governor of Hongkong transmitting Regulations for the conduct of Emigration of Chinese under contract of service.
EX
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