C. O.
15775
RECR
REGP 5 SEP 31
508
TULE
Hongkong Telegraph.
HONGKONG, 25 JUL, 1881.
Several rumours have reached us during the last few days that certain remarks which appeared in our article on Chinese Emigration to Australia, in the Telegraph of the 12th instant, have given offence to Captain Thomsett, and one of his subordinates in the Emigration department. It would appear that these gentlemen consider that our observations reflect unfairly on them as officers of the Government. We gladly avail ourselves of this opportunity to assure Captain Thomsett and the Portuguese gentleman (whose name we have not the pleasure of knowing), that nothing was further from our intention, than that our remarks should be so construed as to reflect in the slightest degree either on the Emigration Officer or his clerk.
Captain Thomsett is well-known as an officer of high character and distinguished ability, and the eminent services he rendered his country in the Royal Navy for a period of over 21 years, have been equalled by the admirable and efficient manner in which he has served the Colonial Government in Hongkong, as Harbour-Master, Marine Magistrate, and Customs Officer since 1861.
In the article which is said to have given offence, we hazarded an opinion to the effect that the emigration officer's examination (of the Chinese emigrants in the Glamis Castle) "was a thorough farce, must be patent to every one who knows anything of the manner in which those sham examinations are conducted"; but we utterly disclaim any intention on our part that this should be construed as a reflection either on the character or competency of Captain Thomsett.
As a matter of fact, we distinctly stated that the Governor was the officer who was responsible for the existence of a state of affairs, which we had good reasons for believing, were not satisfactory. We unreservedly withdraw everything which Captain Thomsett may consider an imputation against himself as a private gentleman, and as a Government Officer, stated or implied; and in doing this unsolicited, we are simply performing an act of justice to a public servant, who as Emigration Officer, we are fully convinced, has always performed his duties, according to his lights, faithfully, honestly, and to the best of his ability.
Captain Thomsett cannot be held responsible for the existence of the present state of affairs with regard to the examination of emigrants, however unsatisfactory and imperfect the system may be. The Government, and not any individual colonial officer, is solely responsible.
As there can be little doubt that emigration from this port to the colonies and other places has been tainted with many evils, it is incumbent on the Government to see that all examinations are conducted with a strictness to defy imposition in any shape or form; and this, we think, can only be properly done by an officer who understands the Chinese language, and whose time is not taken up with other, and more important duties.
Captain Thomsett, we are informed, does not speak Chinese, and we know that, as Harbour Master, Marine Magistrate, and Customs Officer, he is one of the most hard worked officials in the Government service; and it is on these grounds, and on these grounds alone, that we consider a change in the Emigration Department would be beneficial to the public service.
With special reference to the Portuguese clerk, of whom we said: "whose honorarium from the state hardly places him in the position assigned to Caesar's wife," we need only state that we wished to draw the attention of the Government to the fact, that at times very important duties were entrusted to a miserably paid clerk, instead of to a highly paid and responsible officer, whose position would place him beyond the breath of suspicion; and that we had no intention of imputing improper motives to a gentleman whose position was his misfortune, not his fault, and who for aught we know to the contrary, may be a paragon of Government servants for trustworthiness, and efficiency.
It is our desire to conduct this journal honorably, and impartially, in the interests of the public. Government servants, as well as other...
t
C. O.
15775
RECR
REGP 5 SEP 31
508
TULE
Houghong Telegraph.
HONGKONG, 25 JY, 1881.
Several rumours have reached us during the last few days that certain remarks which appeared in our art- icle on Chinese Emigration to Aus- tralia, in the Telegraph of the 12th instant, have given offence to Cap- tain Thomsett, and one of his sub- ordinates in the Emigration depart ment. It would appear that these gentlemen consider that our observ- ations reflect unfairly on them as officers of the Government. We gladly avail ourselves of this oppor- tunity to assure Captain Thoinsett and the Portuguese gentleman (whose name we have not the plea- sure of knowing), that nothing was further from our intention, than that our remarks should be so construed as to reflect in the slightest degree either on the Emigration Officer or his clerk. Captain Thomsett is well- known as an officer of high character and distinguished ability, and the eminent services he rendered his country in the Royal Navy for a period of over 21 years, have been equalled by the admirable and efficient manner in which he has served the Colonial Government in Hongkong, as Harbour-Master, Marino Magis- trate, and Customs Officer since 1861. In the article which is said to have given offence, we hazarded an opinion to the effect that the em- 'igration officer's examination (of the Chinese emigrants in the Glamis Castle). was a thorough farce, must he patent to every one who knows anything of the manner in which those sham examinations are con- ducted"; but we utterly disclaim any intention on our part that this should be construed as a reflection either on the character or compet
As a ency of Captain Thomsett. matter of fact, we distinctly stated that the Governor was the officer who was responsible for the exist- ence of a state of affairs, which we had good reasons for believing, were not satisfactory. We unreservedly withdraw everything which Captain Thomsett may consider an imputa- tion against himself as a private
gentleman, and as a Government Officer, stated or implied; and in doing this unsolicited, we are simply performing au act of justice to a public servant, who as Emigration Officer, we are fully convinced, has always performed his duties, accord- ing to his lights, faithfully, honestly, and to the best of his ability. Captain Thomsett cannot be held responsible: for the existence of the present state of affairs with regard to the examina- tion of emigrants, however unsatis- factory and imperfect the system may be. The Government, and not any individual colonial officer, is solely responsible. As there can be little doubt that emigration from this port to the colonies and other places has been tainted with many evils, it is incumbent on the Government to see that all examinations are conducted with a strictness to defy imposition in any shape or form; and this, we think, can only be properly done by an officer who understands the Chi- nese language, and whose time is not taken up with other, and more im- portant duties. Captain Thomsett,
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are informed, does not speak Chinese, and we know that, as Harbour Master, Marine Magistrate, aud Customs Officer, he is one of the most hard worked officials in the Gov- crnment service; and it is on these grounds, and on these grounds alone, that we consider a change in the Emigration Department would be beneficial to the public service.
With special reference to the Por- tuguese clerk, of whom we said: whose honorarium from the state hardly places him in the position assigned to Caesar's wife," we need only state that we wished to draw the attention of the Government to the fact, that at times very important duties were entrusted to a miserably paid clerk, instead of to a highly paid and responsible officer, whose position would place him beyond the breath of suspicion; and that we had no intention of imputing improper motives to a gentleman whose position was his misfortune, not his fault, and who for aught we know to the contrary, may be a paragon of Government servants for trustworthi ness, and efficiency.
It is our desire to conduct this: journal honorably, and impartially, in the interests of the public. Gov- ernment servants, as well as other
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