CO129-305 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [5-7] — Page 450

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed
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The practice of segregating plague patients has been a subject of much debate, and while it may be effective in preventing the spread of the disease, it is not without its drawbacks, particularly with regard to the Chinese population. The distinction between foreign and Chinese customs is significant, and their physical constitutions also differ. As a result, Western curative methods may not be entirely suitable for Chinese patients. Furthermore, in the event of death, their remains cannot be taken back to their native villages, giving rise to widespread fear and suspicion among the populace, which is deeply regrettable.

I therefore have the honour to request that you will be good enough to ask the Governor of Hongkong to telegraph without delay to his Government, urging the abolition of the present law and a reversion to the practice of 1899-1900, whereby all sick Chinese in Hongkong, whether infected with plague or not, were allowed to return home for treatment, and the bodies of those dying in Hongkong were permitted to be transported home, so as to quiet the public anxiety by deferring to popular prejudices.

(Seal of Viceroy).

Page 450

Page 451

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The practice of segregating plague patients has been a subject of much debate, and while it may be effective in preventing the spread of the disease, it is not without its drawbacks, particularly with regard to the Chinese population. The distinction between foreign and Chinese customs is significant, and their physical constitutions also differ. As a result, Western curative methods may not be entirely suitable for Chinese patients. Furthermore, in the event of death, their remains cannot be taken back to their native villages, giving rise to widespread fear and suspicion among the populace, which is deeply regrettable. I therefore have the honour to request that you will be good enough to ask the Governor of Hongkong to telegraph without delay to his Government, urging the abolition of the present law and a reversion to the practice of 1899-1900, whereby all sick Chinese in Hongkong, whether infected with plague or not, were allowed to return home for treatment, and the bodies of those dying in Hongkong were permitted to be transported home, so as to quiet the public anxiety by deferring to popular prejudices. (Seal of Viceroy). Page 450 Page 451
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445 -out distinction. But Foreign and Chinese customs are different, as is also their physical constitution, and Western curative methods can scarcely be entirely suitable for Chinese. Moreover, in case of death their remains cannot be taken to their native villages, thereby giving rise to popular fear and suspicion,which is much to be regretted. I therefore have the honour to request that you will be good enough to ask the Governor of Hongkong to telegraph without delay to his Government, urging the abolition of the present law and a reversion to the practice of 1899 1900, whereby all sick Chinese in Hongkong, whether infected with plague or not, were allowed to return home for treatment, and the bodies of those dying in Hongkong were permitted to be transported home, so as to quiet the public anxiety by deferring to popular prejudices. ་ I have eto,: (Seal of Viceroy).: Page 450Page 451
2026-05-31 18:59:08 · Baseline
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445

-out distinction. But Foreign and Chinese customs are different, as is also their physical constitution, and Western curative methods can scarcely be entirely suitable for Chinese. Moreover, in case of death their remains cannot be taken to their native villages, thereby giving rise to popular fear and suspicion,which is much to be regretted. I therefore have the honour to request that you will be good enough to ask the Governor of Hongkong to telegraph without delay to his Government, urging the abolition of the present law and a reversion to the practice of 1899 1900, whereby all sick Chinese in Hongkong, whether infected with plague or not, were allowed to return home for treatment, and the bodies of those dying in Hongkong were permitted to be transported home, so as to quiet the public anxiety by deferring to popular prejudices.

་

I have eto,:

(Seal of Viceroy).:

Page 450Page 451

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