CO129-167 - Sir Kennedy - 1874 [1-8] — Page 663

657

the

conclude that a state of things exists which urgently demands the active interference of Imperial Government for the protection of the Colony.

I do not believe that exyet the trade has suffered to such

an extent as is stated - beet it

can

hardly be denied that the

Revenues of China

are farmer out to the Hopps and that the

Junks of Hong Kong

Mercy

of

are at the

three Squadrons of

armed Boats belonging respec = --Fively

to the Salt Tax Collection,

the war Juf Collector and te

the

the folentos of Duties on opium and other Merchandise.

there armed book

by

That

are manner

a low class of officers (native and foreign) who are paid by a share of the proceeds of

fiscated Nessels and Cargoes.

That the act of these officers "illicit" and unscru

pulous. That

they have it in their power to com-

-met

gross

acts of spoliation, and

injustice and the greatest temp =

lation to do so.

That their veiting can get redress. Mr Wade himself, contes

that on

peruse of the Harbor Master's Reports last year at Hong Kong" "I

"

leas

urprised

to find hoew

slightly