CO129-298 - Governor Sir Blake Administrator Major Gen Gascoigne - 1900 [3-4] — Page 232

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loyally carried out, and if this is done there will be an al-

most immediate improvement in the security of the waterways

of the delta. It may take some time to completely crush the

lawless spirit which is abroad, particularly as the people are

of a more independent nature than they are in other parts of

China, but I feel certain it can be done in time if the offi-

cials will only do their duty with at least a moderate amount

of conscientiousness. If on the other hand they continue to

wink and connive at all sorts of irregularities, then the case

is hopeless unless we are prepared to take the matter in hand

ourselves.

!