Me
265
to Gaol for 2 months with Hord Labour.
4.
On the 22nd. July a very representative
deputation of Chinese merchants came to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs after holding a meeting of their own. At the prior meeting they had resolved that it was desirable to form themselves into an association to resist appeals for subscriptions on behalf of the new revolutionary movement in China, hoping by this means to prevent by corporate action any reprisals by the rebel Government on their property in China. They also wished to have the corporate name for purposes of telegraphing their sentiments and advice to the Central Government at Peking. The object of seeing the Secretary for Chinese Affairs was to ascertain how far their proposed action would be legal. Ir. Hallifax easily convinced them that combined action, without forming an association, would be sufficient in Hongkong, and that the contemplated organization could not protect them in China. He also satisfied them that tele- -grams to Peking would serve no useful purpose and that their best course would be to prepare a memorandum in detail of the injury done to the interests of this Colony by the rebel movement. This they agreed to do: but up to date they have not handed in the Memorandum partly, it is believed, because pressure has been brought to bear on them to prevent their overtly opposing the revolutionary Government.
It is impossible to foresee what the outcome
of the present grave situation in the Kwangtung Province will be. The greatest source of danger at present is the depreciation of the Canton Hotes in which the troops have hitherto received some part of their pay.
I have sent a copy of this Despatch to His Britannic Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Peking.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servent,
Governor,&c..
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.