CO129-356 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [4-6] — Page 355

The Collector, and Portuguese, finding the man rolled up in a blanket endeavoured to obtain his fare. It has been proved in Court that the man was probably already dead, and that no violence was used. The Self-Government Society, however, stated that he had been kicked to death, and demanded a re-trial. The preliminary investigation had been undertaken by the British Consul as the vessel was British, and he pointed out that he had no jurisdiction to try the case further. Matters were not improved by a letter written by the Portuguese Consul at Canton which was alleged to be insulting to the Viceroy and which he afterwards agreed to withdraw.

5. The Society, however, saw a good opportunity to be avenged not only on the Portuguese but on the British who had rendered their former attempt abortive, and had damaged their prestige ("spoilt their face") by inflicting punishment on, and obtaining disavowal by some of its prominent sympathisers. They accordingly determined to organise a Boycott against Messrs. Butterfield and Swire judging that if they could humiliate the largest and most influential of the British firms in the Far East (who are owners of the "Fatshan") they would regain "face" (partially perhaps already re-gained).