CO129-323 - Acting Governor May Governor Nathan - 1904 [6-7] — Page 351

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in the suppression of a rebellion which originated from a

mutiny of unpaid troops at Liuchau and has spread over some

part of the Kwangsi Province. The Consul-General informed me that he did not consider this rebellion very serious, that

it would probably melt away before long, and that the Viceroy

words

appeared to consider that emigration furnish a satisfactory

outlet for those that have suffered from the unquiet condition

of the Country. Mr. Campbell fears however that until this

rebellion is disposed of the Viceroy will not be able to push

forward the emigration scheme as rapidly as we should like.

The Consul-General who takes the greatest

interest in the scheme is as anxious as I am that there should

be no undue delay in carrying it out, but he knows the methods

and habits of Chinese Officials and fears that it may be

6.

wrecked if these people are unduly worried about it. If it

succeeds, as we hope it will, Wuchou will afford a permanent

and satisfactory port of emigration for Chinese labour to the

Transvaal via Hongkong. It may be advisable later on to es-

tablish agencies at some other ports, such as Canton and Kong-

mun, which would also use Hongkong in the same way as proposed

for Wuchou, but at present we have decided that it is best

to confine the work to Wuchou especially having in view the

undesirability of interfering with existing sources of labour

supply to the Straits Settlements.

7.

I shall keep you informed of all further

developments of this matter as they occur.

I have the honour to be, Sir.

Your most obedient Humble servant,

M Nathan

Governor, &c..