CO129-295 - Public Offices - 1899 — Page 597

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed
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254

REC

Rary 20

3

The matter cannot be treated in the ordinary way by mere orders for the arrest of the offenders, and a search for the plunder.

The robbers and pirates of Kuangtung are overrunning the province with the boldest effrontery. During the past year the Tsung-li Yamên has repeatedly sent instructions on the subject to the provincial Governor. These instructions are ignored, and, when an outrage occurs the provincial Government contents itself with a mere pretence of doing its duty. The evil, therefore, continues to increase, and a reign of terror prevails. Unless some severe example be made, there is reason to fear that this state of things will go from bad to worse until some great disaster takes place.

Some grave evils require trenchant remedies, and I have therefore made a claim that the local officials should pay the value of the loss, as a punishment for their neglect of duty, and to stimulate them to keep order in their district.

Two months have elapsed since the piracy, and I fear that there is little prospect of the recovery of the loot. Should, however, the local officials succeed in finding the property originally stolen, they would, of course, not be called upon to make good its money value.

But in default of the recovery of the goods, I must insist that the local officials be ordered to pay their value in accordance with the terms of my previous despatch.

I avail, &c. (Signed) H. O. BAX-IRONSIDE.

593

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254 REC Rary 20 3 The matter cannot be treated in the ordinary way by mere orders for the arrest of the offenders, and a search for the plunder. The robbers and pirates of Kuangtung are overrunning the province with the boldest effrontery. During the past year the Tsung-li Yamên has repeatedly sent instructions on the subject to the provincial Governor. These instructions are ignored, and, when an outrage occurs the provincial Government contents itself with a mere pretence of doing its duty. The evil, therefore, continues to increase, and a reign of terror prevails. Unless some severe example be made, there is reason to fear that this state of things will go from bad to worse until some great disaster takes place. Some grave evils require trenchant remedies, and I have therefore made a claim that the local officials should pay the value of the loss, as a punishment for their neglect of duty, and to stimulate them to keep order in their district. Two months have elapsed since the piracy, and I fear that there is little prospect of the recovery of the loot. Should, however, the local officials succeed in finding the property originally stolen, they would, of course, not be called upon to make good its money value. But in default of the recovery of the goods, I must insist that the local officials be ordered to pay their value in accordance with the terms of my previous despatch. I avail, &c. (Signed) H. O. BAX-IRONSIDE. 593
Baseline (Original)
254 REC Rary 20 3 The matter cannot be treated in the ordinary way by mere orders for the arrest of the offenders, and a search for the plunder. The robbers and pirates of Kuangtung are overrunning the province with the boldest effrontery. During the past year the Tsung-li Yamên has repeatedly sent instructions on the subject to the provincial Governor. These instructions are ignored, and, when an outrage occurs the provincial Government contents itself with a mere pretence of doing its duty. The evil, therefore, continues to increase, and a reign of terror prevails. Unless some severe example be made, there is reason to fear that this state of things will go from bad to worse until some great disaster takes place. Some grave evils require trenchant remedies, and I have therefore made a claim that the local officials should pay the value of the loss, as a punishment for their neglect of duty, and to stimulate them to keep order in their district. Two months have elapsed since the piracy, and I fear that there is little prospect of the recovery of the loot. Should, however, the local officials succeed in finding the property originally stolen, they would, of course, not be called upon to make good its money value. But in default of the recovery of the goods, I must insist that the local officials be ordered to pay their value in accordance with the terms of my previous despatch. I avail, &c. (Signed) H. O. BAX-IRONSIDE. 593
2026-05-31 12:57:36 · Baseline
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254

REC

Rary 20

3

The matter cannot be treated in the ordinary way by mere orders for the arrest of the offenders, and a search for the plunder.

The robbers and pirates of Kuangtung are overrunning the province with the boldest effrontery. During the past year the Tsung-li Yamên has repeatedly sent instructions on the subject to the provincial Governor. These instructions are ignored, and, when an outrage occurs the provincial Government contents itself with a mere pretence of doing its duty. The evil, therefore, continues to increase, and a reign of terror prevails. Unless some severe example be made, there is reason to fear that this state of things will go from bad to worse until some great disaster takes place.

Some grave evils require trenchant remedies, and I have therefore made a claim that the local officials should pay the value of the loss, as a punishment for their neglect of duty, and to stimulate them to keep order in their district.

Two months have elapsed since the piracy, and I fear that there is little prospect of the recovery of the loot. Should, however, the local officials succeed in finding the property originally stolen, they would, of course, not be called upon to make good its

money value.

But in default of the recovery of the goods, I must insist that the local officials be ordered to pay their value in accordance with the terms of my previous despatch.

I avail, &c. (Signed) H. O. BAX-IRONSIDE.

593

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