CO129-449 - Governor Sir May & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [7-9] — Page 261

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with the one object of protecting the "mi tsai". But as has

been already pointed out there is no attempt in the law to

suppress the custom. The number of cases in which the person

who acquired the child can be safely entrusted again by the

Secretary for Chinese Affairs with its care goes far to prove

that the idea of anything in the nature of slavery is no part

of the general conception of the system. Such persons indeed

not infrequently show their hand before the transfer is com-

-pleted by asking for assistance in verification of facts,

and such action is not discouraged as every case brought to

notice increases the opportunity for benevolent control.

5.

In conclusion I would refer you to the Go report by Sir J. Russell which was forwarded with Sir George 1642 Bowen's Despatch No. 189 of the 15th. August, 1883. The

1583

statement in that report, subject to the explanations given

in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 above, are still true of the

position at the present day.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

妈

Governor,&c..