[ { "id": 285472, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-152 - Lieut Governor Whitfield - 1871 [9-10]", "page_number": 86, "title": "CO129-152 - Lieut Governor Whitfield - 1871 [9-10]", "content_text": "# Annexure referred to in clause 22. of the Memorial,\n\n## RESOLUTIONS\n\n## PASSED AT A PUBLIC MEETING HELD IN THE\n## CITY HALL, HONGKONG,\n\nOn Monday, the 25th day of September, A.D. 1871,\n\nfor the purpose of taking into consideration the present defective state of the Police, the prevalence of unchecked crime in the Colony, the recent action of the non-official Justices of the Peace, the Colonial Secretary's reply to their deputation to His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor,\n\nand the further steps to be taken by the residents in consequence thereof. The Honorable **PHINEAS RYRIE**, in the Chair.\n\nProposed by Mr. DIXWELL.\nSeconded by Mr. COXOS.\n\n**RESOLVED.** That life and property in Hongkong have never been more insecure than at present, and that the prevalence of serious crimes and the reckless daring of the criminal classes is the natural result of the defective composition and total disorganization of the Hongkong Police Force, and of the inadequacy of the Colonial Police Law.\n\nCarried unanimously.\n\nProposed by Mr. DENNIS,\nSeconded by Mr. HAYLLAR.\n\n**RESOLVED.** That, in the opinion of this meeting, there is no reason why, with the large annual expenditure for Police purposes, the Force should not be as efficient as any body of Police in the East, and that there is urgent need for a searching inquiry into the Police Law of the Colony, the numbers and composition of the Force, its organization, its defects and their causes, into the action and result of the employment of all bodies openly or secretly connected therewith as well as into the regulations now in force regarding Police action at the Gambling Houses, into the details of the enormous expenditure out of Colonial Funds on the present ineffective system, and into the justice of the prevailing opinion that the existing Criminal Law of the Colony does not provide powers stringent enough to enable the Courts and the Authorities to deal with the vast number of bad characters belonging to the habitual criminal classes who flock here from the mainland of China.\n\nCarried unanimously.\n\nProposed by Mr. FRICKEL\nSeconded by Mr. COUGHTRIE.\n\n**RESOLVED.** That no inquiry can be satisfactory, or complete, which is not conducted by a Commission composed, in great part, of members of the Community unconnected with the local Government, and armed with full powers to examine all classes of witnesses, whether Members of the Government or otherwise, to call for and compel the production of papers of every description, and to deal with the question of crime, its causes and the means of prevention in all its branches.\n\nCarried unanimously.\n\nProposed by Mr. DEACON,\nSeconded by Mr. DADABHOY.\n\n**RESOLVED.** That this meeting approves of and adopts the action of the non-official Justices of the Peace in their meetings on the 30th of August last, and on the 11th instant, and views with indignation the inertness of the local Executive and the treatment accorded to the Deputation of the Justices and to their representations, as evidenced by the Colonial Secretary's reply to their address of the 2nd instant.\n\nCarried unanimously.\n\nProposed by Mr. C. MORGAN.\nSeconded by Mr. J. J. DOS REMEDIOS.\n\n**RESOLVED.** That the thanks of the community are due and are hereby given to the Honorable P. RYRIE and to his brother Justices, for their prompt action in the matter of the recent alarming increase of crime in the Colony.\n\nCarried unanimously.\n\nProposed by Mr. CRAWFORD.\nSeconded by Mr. J. K. DAVIS.\n\n**RESOLVED.** That the Community of Hongkong are entitled as of right to a full investigation into the causes that have led to the present deplorable state of affairs in the Colony, to a full explanation of the conduct of the Government in relation to the Police Force, and to a voice in the disposal of the large sum annually contributed by them for the purpose of preventing, detecting and punishing crime.\n\nCarried unanimously.\n\nProposed by Mr. MELCHERS.\nSeconded by KAIN.\n\n**RESOLVED.** Lastly, that the Secretary of State for the Colonies be memorialized on the subject, and that a Commission of Inquiry be prayed for in accordance with the terms of the 3rd resolution; that the Draft Memorial prepared by the Justices aforesaid, and circulated through the Community is approved of by this meeting, and that a Committee be now appointed to complete and forward the same with the least possible delay through the proper channels, and to take all proper steps for ensuring that due attention be paid to its prayer.\n\nCarried unanimously.\n\nProposed by Mr. PYKE\nSeconded by Mr. MACLEAN.\n\nThat the following gentlemen be appointed on the Committee to complete and forward the Memorial:\n\n| Name |\n|------|\n| Mr. A. McIVER |\n| J. GREIG |\n| J. F. BUXEY |\n| J. J. FRANCIS |\n\nP. HASLAM, Chairman \n... Secretary \nAmmary", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-152 - Lieut Governor Whitfield - 1871 [9-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 288358, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8]", "page_number": 303, "title": "CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8]", "content_text": "291\n\n23.—Mr. RICE applies to be made Assistant Superintendent of Fire Brigade.\n\n24.—Police Morning Report, 4th April, 1870.\n\n(2)\n\n4. It is almost needless to say that the various avocations of the members of the Commission prevented their meeting on consecutive days, and that considerable difficulty was experienced in fixing times for meeting which would suit their convenience and that of the witnesses. The Commission, however, met altogether forty times, and the following witnesses were examined, some at great length:-\n\nThe Honourable J. G. AUSTIN.\n\nThe Honourable J. W. BIRCH, Colonial Secretary, Straits Settlements.\n\nW. M. DEANE, Esq.\n\nB. DIXWELL, Esq.\n\nG. Dods, Esq., M.D.\n\n(3)\n\n19.—Mr. DEANE's Report on Memorial of 27th September, 1871.\n\n20.—Mr. DEANE's Report on Police and recent Crime.\n\n21.—Mr. RICE's Report on Police, with Appendices A. and B.\n\n22.—Mr. AUSTIN'S Remarks on Mr. DEANE's Report (No. 20.)\n\nThe Honourable J. G. AUSTIN.\n\nW. M. DEANE, Esq.\n\nF. DOUGLAS, Esq.\n\nMr. Inspector GRIMES.\n\nSir EDMUND HORNBY, Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of China and Japan.\n\nMr. Inspector HORSPOOL.\n\nThe Rev. J. LEGGE, D.D., LL.D.\n\nThe Honourable C. MAR.\n\nT. F. RICH, Esq.\n\nThe Honourable C. C. SMITH.\n\nK. YOUNG, Esq., L.R.C.P. & S. Edin.\n\n5. The Commission's invitation extended to the public through the newspapers to give evidence in regard to the questions submitted to them met with no response, but one application to that effect having been forwarded to them, which was subsequently withdrawn.\n\n6. The Documents laid before the Commission and which they have carefully consulted are as follows:-\n\n1.—W. M. DEANE, Esq. Report on Police for the year 1868.\n\n2.—C. V. CREAGH, Esq. Report on Police for the year 1869.\n\n3.—W. M. DEANE, Esq. Report on Police for the year 1870.\n\n4.—Shanghai and Hongkong, Comparative Statistics of Crime.\n\n5.—Sir R. G. MACDONNELL. Severe Duties of Police. General Remarks on Force.\n\n6.—Sir R. G. MACDONNELL. Gaol. Crime: Requirements for Suppression.\n\n7.—Gaol. Number of Prisoners in at same time during last six years.\n\n8.—Honourable J. G. AUSTIN. Remarks on Returns for 1870.\n\n9.—Criminal Cases in Supreme Court in 1869 and 1870.\n\n10.—Supreme Court Criminal Cases, January, 1857, to December, 1860. Cases from January, 1861, to December, 1870.\n\n11.—Cases before Police Magistrates, January, 1861, to September, 1871.\n\n12.—Mr. DEANE discovers errors in Mr. Rice's Returns.\n\n13.—Mr. RICE unable to explain the errors in his Returns.\n\n14.—Mr. DEANE'S Amended Return of Police Cases for 1870.\n\n15.—Mr. RICE on errors of Returns for 1870. Unable to explain them.\n\n16.—Mr. DEANE's Return of Police Cases, January to September, 1871.\n\n17.—Mr. DEANE'S Comparative Return for 1868, 1869, and 1870.\n\n18.—Public Memorial to Secretary of State, as to.\n\nReport on West Indians.\n\n27.\n\n25.—Mr. Rice again applies to be made Assistant Superintendent of Fire Brigade.\n\n26.—W. M. DEANE, Esq. List of men seconded or lent.\n\n28.—Distribution and Tours of Duty, 16th December, 1871.\n\n29.—Power to reduce Officers in Police, as to.\n\n30.—District Watchmen. Report by Registrar General.\n\n31.—Gambling Licenses. Papers laid before Parliament, 1868 to 1871.\n\n32.—Blue Book 1867. Straits Settlements, Gambling at.\n\n33.—Singapore, Gambling at. Inspector HORSPOOL's Report.\n\n34.—Malacca. Report on attempts to suppress Gambling.\n\n35.—Chief Justice's observations on decrease of Crime.\n\n36. As to arrests made by Mr. DOUGLAS.\n\n37. Digests of orders issued by Messrs. DEANE and RICE.\n\n38. Papers of Shau-ki Wán Murder Enquiry Commission.\n\n39. Singapore Estimates.\n\n40. Draft Gambling Ordinance by Honourable Chief Justice SMALE.\n\n41. Mr. MAR's Reports on Police.\n\n42. Gaol and Police Departments, as to co-operation, &c.\n\n43. An Appendix to Mr. Rice's Report.\n\n44. Memorial of Inspectors as to Inspectors of Brothels.\n\n45. Minutes of Police Stores Enquiry Commission.\n\n46. Papers on Police matters during Major-General WHITFEILD's administration.\n\n47. Pawnbrokers. Papers as to law in regard to.\n\n48. Branding and Deportation. Papers on.\n\n49. Police Rules. Copy of proposed.\n\n50. Transportation to Andaman Islands. Papers on.\n\n51. Police Premises. Purchase of land for extending.\n\n52. Three Police-court cases, cited by Messrs. DEANE and DOUGLAS respectively, as shewing how the robberies of 1871 were stopped.\n\n53. Rules of the Mauritius Police Force.\n\n54. Correspondence as to Mr. DEANE'S Orderly.\n\n55. Lighting of the town. Papers as to.\n\n56. Mr. MAY's scheme of night duty, beats, reliefs, &c.\n\n57. Mr. RICE's scheme of beats, with plans and tables.\n\n58. Mr. RICE's further Report on Police matters.\n\n59. Acting Colonial Surgeon's Report on Police Hulk.\n\n60. Harbour Master's (H. G. THOMSETT, Esq., R.N.) suggestions as to the Water Police.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 288363, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8]", "page_number": 308, "title": "CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8]", "content_text": "296\n\n(12)\n\nAccordingly the Commission are not surprised to find that Mr. DEANE records the following opinion (p. 15): \"I do not think the Chinese force has so far had fair play.\" Under these circumstances the majority of the Commission believe that the experience hitherto acquired of Chinese as policemen forms no real criterion of their capacities, and that the question of their employment as constables remains nearly an open one.\n\n33. In opposition then to the judgment of Mr. MAY the Commission refer to Evidence of Dr. Legge. The evidence of Dr. LEGGE, whose opportunities of forming an estimate of the Chinese character are probably unequalled, and whose personal character, completely impartial position, and singular learning in all matters connected with China give to his testimony a weight almost unique. He says (p. 113):\n\n\"I have been here 20 years, and I have been all the time very closely connected with the Chinese, whose language I speak.\n\n\"The subject of Police has necessarily often come before me. I have always been impressed with the thought that the body of the Police to be effective must be Chinese. There must also be a European element.\n\n\"First of all, it seems absurd to think that foreigners, ignorant of Chinese habits and language, can form an efficient Police. The difficulty is want of fidelity on the part of a Chinese Police. But I think no foreign Police can be efficient here, and I think this is especially applicable to the foreigners we have had, viz., East and West Indians, because the Chinese have a thorough contempt for all coloured races.\n\n\"The question then becomes-how is it possible to get a faithful Chinese Police? I believe that there is in the Colony, especially now, a large body of respectable Chinese, wealthy and having a great stake in the prosperity of the place. A faithful Chinese Police can only be had by having a good understanding between the Government and these.\n\n\"Fifteen years ago, under this idea, I urged on the Government the advisability of bringing out Cadets from home. My idea was that the Cadets, becoming well acquainted with the Chinese language and people, should then, in such positions as the Registrar Generalship, the Superintendency of Police, and the Magistracy, form links between the Government and the respectable Chinese. I do not think the thing can be done without the Government's putting its shoulder to the wheel. I think that a very considerable improvement has taken place since the introduction of the Cadets.\n\n\"Suppose my premises to be admitted, I would then have the Chinese town divided into wards. I would have a headman, but I do not think we can introduce the principle of vicarious responsibility. Chinese admitted into the Police except on the recommendation of a headman.\n\n\"Over each ward I would have ...\n\n\"Chinese are much afraid of our Police system and the attendances at Courts which it involves. It is very much the loss of time which makes them so apathetic about the law. I think the appointment of a headman who should be the organ of the Chinese (in his district) would do away with a good deal of this. I do not think there would be danger of extortion and other evils. Before I went home I could have picked out eight men who would have taken charge of eight wards.\n\n\"I think the system I propose would give great protection to property. It would not prevent violent crimes. The Chinese Police system is very good in prevention and detection, but is not efficient against violence.\n\n\"The question is-What can be done to get the best Police, though it may not be very good? And I am convinced it must consist for the most part of Chinese. If we carry out the principles I have indicated I have no doubt we could make a far better Police than the Chinese Government can. I think there is no people in the world so amenable to moral influences and rules as the Chinese.\n\n\"I would give Chinese rank and pay from $8 to $10 a month. I do not think we should recruit in other provinces. I think the organisation of the Chinese Police might be proceeded with at once. The only way to stop bribery would be to punish severely when it was found out. The efficiency of the Police would depend very greatly on the efficiency of the Head. It would depend very much on the Chinese liking their Head, but they would like him none the less for making them do their duty.\"\n\n34. The Commission may also refer to the evidence of SIR EDMUND HORNBY, whose opportunities of obtaining an insight into the working of the Chinese Police system at Shanghai must have been very considerable. SIR EDMUND says (pp. 129, 130):\n\n\"I find the Chinese Police at Shanghai plucky, and as much to be relied on, even against their own countrymen, as any other nation. I would not use one set of Chinese against another, any more than I would police Englishmen with French, or vice versa. But I would use the Chinese system against themselves, and it is my experience that Chinese can be held faithful to European masters by a proper system of rewards and punishments. Our Chinese detectives have been very successful. The whole Police system of China, in the North at least, is that of the responsibility of the elders, and this plan works very successfully. I don't know why this system should not work in Hongkong. A system of vicarious responsibility would purify even the Thieves' Quarter. I expect the criminals congregate in the solely Chinese part of the town.\n\n\"Other evidence.\n\n\"Conclusions.\n\n(13)\n\n\"Chinese are very sensible of honourable employment, and, if once placed in a post of honour by Europeans, would be careful not to lose it. Chinese always arrest their criminals through the Ti-po, he through the elders. If left more to themselves, they would co-operate. The European Police system only creates antagonism. There would be abuses no doubt in the Ti-pò system, but they would be abuses tending to order. The Chinese are used to their own tyranny, and it may be said that the Police system leads to nearly as much of a legalised kind!\n\n\"Cantonese are both cleverer and braver than Northerners. I have seen a Chinese constable tackle an English sailor, be knocked down half a dozen times, and bring him off after all. The great difficulty in such a scheme as the Commission proposes would be to establish a rapport between the Chinese and their immediate superiors.\n\n\"I have no faith in governing one race by another. I have had great experience in Turkey, and after trying many nationalities found nothing would do but Turks. But by the mere imposition of a large body of constables, of whatever class, you will never obtain order. What is wanted is, to gain the co-operation of the respectable Chinese, and utilise it.\"\n\n35. Inspector GRIMES also thus expresses himself (p. 117):\n\n\"I think the force should consist of Europeans and Chinese. The Chinese should be respectable and well paid, getting from $15 to $18 a month.\"\n\nSimilar views may be found in the evidence of the Honourable C. C. SMITH, and of Messrs. DIXWELL, DOUGLAS, and RICE. It should also be mentioned that Dr. DONS, Acting Colonial Surgeon, and Dr. YOUNG, Superintendent of the Civil Hospital, see nothing in the physical constitution and powers of endurance of Chinese to prevent their undertaking the severest Police duties likely to be required of them.\n\n36. After a most careful consideration of the above conflicting testimony the majority of the Commission have arrived at the following conclusions:\n\n(a) That the reasons which dictated the employment of a large number of Indians no longer exist, and that their disproportionate costliness, and the other drawbacks connected with them already detailed (see paragraph 25) render it essential that a substitute for them should be found.\n\n(b) That, as to recruiting the bulk of the force from Chinese, many of the most forcible arguments against such a course no longer exist, and others would seem not to have a sound basis.\n\n(c) That, whilst admitting the great force of many of Mr. May's objections, the majority of the Commission do not deem them insuperable, or of such a character as to outweigh what they think the paramount necessity of policing the Colony with men who understand the habits and language of the people among whom their duties mainly lie.\n\n(d) That, in all callings which bring them into close relations with foreigners, many of them of a highly fiduciary character, the Chinese, where they have been well selected and looked after, have shown themselves capable, adaptive, and open to educational influences, frequently in a very high degree; and there seems to be no reason to suppose that the ordinary duties of constables are different in their essence from those which Chinese have proved themselves in so many ways well fitted to perform.\n\n(e) That one of the drawbacks most forcibly urged upon the Commission to account for the want of success in our Police system and the administration of criminal law, has been the apathy of the Chinese and their want of sympathy with the cause of order. That, in the employment of alien races as a Police force, who in ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 288370, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8]", "page_number": 315, "title": "CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8]", "content_text": "303\n\n(26)\n\ndisgust, and not least that of public ridicule. They have a horror of being deprived of their queues and of exposure in the public stocks. There are, therefore, strong arguments for resorting to these penalties. Transportation also presents singular terrors to them, but the want of any penal settlement for our convicts deprives the Colony of that mode of disposing of its worst characters. It is to be hoped that some place may be found for the purpose, and evidence on this subject worthy of consideration is recorded at pages 63 and 64.\n\n80. A subject intimately connected with the working of the Police force is that of Gambling. The current of popular opinion both here and at home has set so strongly against the licensing system which was in operation a short time ago within the Colony, that it may be looked upon as abandoned once and for all. Any discussion of the principle of that system would be, therefore, useless. But the problem of how to deal in any satisfactory manner with the inveterate taste of the Chinese for gambling still remains open, and the magnitude of the question has been fully revealed by the working of the licensing system, and the enormous sum paid monthly into the Treasury for the grant of the Government privilege. This monthly sum, viz., $15,000, may be taken to represent approximately the bribing power of the gambling fraternity, and it need scarcely be pointed out that a distribution of but a comparatively small portion of it amongst the Police would totally demoralise any force, especially if composed mainly of Asiatics. It does not fall within the province of this Commission to suggest what laws should be enacted for the future suppression of Gambling, but, whatever the nature of these, the Commission earnestly trust that the general body of the Police may not be concerned in any way with their administration.\n\nSecretary.\n\nDissentients.\n\n(27)\n\n82. It is also the pleasing duty of the Commission to acknowledge the ability and indefatigable zeal of their Secretary, Mr. LISTER, whose knowledge and very valuable and willing aid have been most instrumental in lightening and turning to account the labours of the Commission. Mr. LISTER is recommended to the favourable attention of the Government.\n\n83. The Honourable H. LOWCOCK, Mr. LEMANN, and Mr. STEWART differ from the rest of the Commission as to the material of which the rank and file of the Police force should be composed. Their views on these particulars are embodied in separate reports sent herewith.\n\n(Signed)\n\nALFRED LISTER,\n\nSecretary,\n\n(Signed)\n\nT. C. HAYLLAR,\n\nW. KESWICK,\n\nF. W. MITCHELL,\n\nH. LOWCOCK,\n\nW. LEMANN,\n\nF. STEWART.\n\n81. It only remains to add that there will be found among the notes evidence on subjects, especially on those connected with crime, which have not received special notice in this Report, by reason of their not having fallen strictly within the field of enquiry for which the Commission were constituted. The excellent Index compiled by Mr. LISTER makes reference to all such matters easy. The Commission would call attention to the evidence of both Messrs. DEANE and DOUGLAS as to the character and composition of the criminal classes, the sources whence they spring, their habits, haunts, and hiding places. Some valuable remarks as to the difficulties in the way of efficient Police supervision presented by the nature, paving, and lighting of many parts of the town, especially in Tai-ping Shan, and suggestions for improvement in some respects will be found at page 6. A return containing practical suggestions for improvements in lighting, from Mr. NEWTON, the manager of the Gasworks, is appended in manuscript and merits consideration. Some views expressed by Mr. DOUGLAS with reference to the establishment of a reformatory in connection with the Gaol deserve attention (p. 60); and valuable remarks from this gentleman on gaol discipline will be found at pages 55 and 64. To Mr. DIXWELL, recently Chairman of the Municipal Council at Shanghai, the Commission are indebted for much useful information respecting the working of the Police at that Port, and to the Honourable J. W. Binch for a complete description of the Singapore system.\n\nHun. Iswcock\n\nAs I am not able altogether to agree with the opinions of the majority of the Police Commission expressed in their Report with reference to the future organisation of the force, more especially as regards the employment of Chinese, I take the opportunity of expressing my views on the subject.\n\nOriginally there were considerable objections to employing Chinese in the Police at all for very good reasons, and I contend that all or most of them exist now, if not in the opinion of all the members of the Commission certainly in that of the larger portion of the Community.\n\nWhen first formed, it was necessary that the force should be in a measure protective and it was therefore obviously desirable that an antagonistic, though not necessarily an oppressive element should be introduced, hence the employ", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 291572, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-164 - Sir Kennedy - 1873 [7-9]", "page_number": 251, "title": "CO129-164 - Sir Kennedy - 1873 [7-9]", "content_text": "249 \n\n(2) \n\n4. It is almost needless to say that the various avocations of the members of the Commission prevented their meeting on consecutive days, and that considerable difficulty was experienced in fixing times for meeting which would suit their convenience and that of the witnesses. The Commission, however, met altogether forty times, and the following witnesses were examined, some at great length:- \n\n**The Honourable J. G. AUSTIN** \n**The Honourable J. W. BIRCH, Colonial Secretary, Straits Settlements** \n**W. M. DEANE, Esq.** \n**G. B. DIXWELL, Esq.** \n**G. Dons, Esq., M.D.** \n**F. DOUGLAS, Esq.** \n**Mr. Inspector GRIMES** \n**Sir EDMUND HORNBY, Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of China and Japan** \n**Mr. Inspector HORSPOOL** \n**The Rev. J. LEGGE, D.D., LL.D.** \n**The Honourable C. MAY** \n**T. F. RICE, Esq.** \n**The Honourable C. C. SMITH** \n**R. YOUNG, Esq., L.R.C.P. & S. Edin.**\n\n5. The Commission's invitation extended to the public through the newspapers to give evidence in regard to the questions submitted to them, met with no response, but one application to that effect having been forwarded to them, which was subsequently withdrawn.\n\n6. The documents laid before the Commission and which they have carefully consulted are as follows:\n\n| No. | Document Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1. | **W. M. DEANE, Esq.** Report on Police for the year 1868. |\n| 2. | **C. V. CREAGH, Esq.** Report on Police for the year 1869. |\n| 3. | **W. M. DEANE, Esq.** Report on Police for the year 1870. |\n| 4. | Shanghai and Hongkong, Comparative Statistics of Crime. |\n| 5. | **Sir R. G. MACDONNELL** Severe Duties of Police. General Remarks on Force. |\n| 6. | **SIR R. G. MACDONNELL** Gaol. Crime: Requirements for Suppression. |\n| 7. | Gaol. Number of Prisoners in at same time during last six years. |\n| 8. | **Honourable J. G. AUSTIN** Remarks on Returns for 1870. |\n| 9. | Criminal Cases in Supreme Court in 1869 and 1870. |\n| 10. | Supreme Court Criminal Cases, January, 1857, to December, 1860. Cases from January, 1861, to December, 1870. |\n| 11. | Cases before Police Magistrates, January, 1861, to September, 1871. |\n| 12. | Mr. DEANE discovers errors in Mr. RICE's Returns. |\n| 13. | Mr. RICE unable to explain the errors in his Returns. |\n| 14. | |\n| 15. | Mr. DEANE'S Amended Return of Police Cases for 1870. Mr. RICE on errors of Returns for 1870. Unable to explain them. |\n| 16. | Mr. DEANE's Return of Police Cases, January to September, 1871. |\n| 17. | Mr. DEANE's Comparative Return for 1868, 1869, and 1870. |\n| 18. | Public Memorial to Secretary of State, as to... |\n| 19. | Mr. DEANE's Report on Memorial of 27th September, 1871. |\n| 20. | Mr. DEANE's Report on Police and recent Crime. |\n| 21. | Mr. RICE's Report on Police, with Appendices A. and B. |\n| 22. | Mr. AUSTIN's Remarks on Mr. DEANE'S Report (No. 20.). |\n| 23. | Mr. RICE applies to be made Assistant Superintendent of Fire Brigade. |\n| 24. | Police Morning Report, 4th April, 1870. |\n| 25. | Mr. Rice again applies to be made Assistant Superintendent of Fire Brigade. |\n| 26. | **W. M. DEANE, Esq.** Report on West Indians. |\n| 27. | **W. M. DEANE, Esq.** List of men seconded or lent. |\n| 28. | Distribution and Tours of Duty, 16th December, 1871. |\n| 29. | Power to reduce Officers in Police, as to. |\n| 30. | District Watchmen. Report by Registrar General. |\n| 31. | Gambling Licenses. Papers laid before Parliament, 1868 to 1871. |\n| 32. | Blue Book 1867. Straits Settlements, Gambling at. |\n| 33. | Singapore, Gambling at. Inspector HORSPOOL'S Report. |\n| 34. | Malacca. Report on attempts to suppress Gambling. |\n| 35. | Chief Justice's observations on decrease of Crime. |\n| 36. | As to arrests made by Mr. DOUGLAS. |\n| 37. | Digests of orders issued by Messrs. DEANE and RICE. |\n| 38. | Papers of Shau-ki Wán Murder Enquiry Commission. |\n| 39. | Singapore Estimates. |\n| 40. | Draft Gambling Ordinance by Honourable Chief Justice SMALE. |\n| 41. | Mr. Mar's Reports on Police. |\n| 42. | Gaol and Police Departments, as to co-operation, &c. |\n| 43. | An Appendix to Mr. RICE's Report. |\n| 44. | Memorial of Inspectors as to Inspectors of Brothels. |\n| 45. | Minutes of Police Stores Enquiry Commission. |\n| 46. | Papers on Police matters during Major-General WHITFEILD'S administration. |\n| 47. | Pawnbrokers. Papers as to law in regard to. |\n| 48. | Branding and Deportation. Papers on. |\n| 49. | Police Rules. Copy of proposed. |\n| 50. | Transportation to Andaman Islands. Papers on. |\n| 51. | Police Premises. Purchase of land for extending. |\n| 52. | Three Police-court cases, cited by Messrs. DEANE and DOUGLAS respectively, as shewing how the robberies of 1871 were stopped. |\n| 53. | Rules of the Mauritius Police Force. |\n| 54. | Correspondence as to Mr. DEANE'S Orderly. |\n| 55. | Lighting of the town. Papers as to. |\n| 56. | Mr. May's scheme of night duty, beats, reliefs, &c. |\n| 57. | Mr. Rice's scheme of beats, with plans and tables. |\n| 58. | Mr. RICE's further Report on Police matters. |\n| 59. | Acting Colonial Surgeon's Report on Police Hulk. |\n| 60. | Harbour Master's (H. G. THOMSETT, Esq., R.N.) suggestions as to the Water Police. |", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-164 - Sir Kennedy - 1873 [7-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 291577, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-164 - Sir Kennedy - 1873 [7-9]", "page_number": 256, "title": "CO129-164 - Sir Kennedy - 1873 [7-9]", "content_text": "## 254 \n\n(12) \n\nAccordingly the Commission are not surprised to find that Mr. DEANE records the following opinion (p. 15): \"I do not think the Chinese force has so far had fair play.\" Under these circumstances the majority of the Commission believe that the experience hitherto acquired of Chinese as policemen forms no real criterion of their capacities, and that the question of their employment as constables remains nearly an open one. \n\n33. In opposition then to the judgment of Mr. MAY, the Commission refer to evidence of Dr. Legge. The evidence of Dr. LEGGE, whose opportunities of forming an estimate of the Chinese character are probably unequalled, and whose personal character, completely impartial position, and singular learning in all matters connected with China give to his testimony a weight almost unique. He says (p. 113): \n\n\"I have been here 20 years, and I have been all the time very closely connected with the Chinese, whose language I speak. \n\n\"The subject of Police has necessarily often come before me. I have always been impressed with the thought that the body of the Police to be effective must be Chinese. There must also be a European element. \n\n\"First of all, it seems absurd to think that foreigners, ignorant of Chinese habits and language, can form an efficient Police. The difficulty is want of fidelity on the part of a Chinese Police. But I think no foreign Police can be efficient here, and I think this is especially applicable to the foreigners we have had, viz., East and West Indians, because the Chinese have a thorough contempt for all coloured races. \n\n\"I believe that there is in the Colony, especially now, a large body of respectable Chinese, wealthy and having a great stake in the prosperity of the place. A faithful Chinese Police can only be had by having a good understanding between the Government and these. \n\n\"Fifteen years ago, under this idea, I urged on the Government the advisability of bringing out Cadets from home. My idea was that the Cadets, becoming well acquainted with the Chinese language and people, should then, in such positions as the Registrar Generalship, the Superintendency of Police, and the Magistracy, form links between the Government and the respectable Chinese. I do not think the thing can be done without the Government's putting its shoulder to the wheel. I think that a very considerable improvement has taken place since the introduction of the Cadets. \n\n\"Suppose my premises to be admitted, I would then have the Chinese town divided into wards. I would have a headman, but I do not think we can introduce the principle of vicarious responsibility. I would have no Chinese admitted into the Police except on the recommendation of a headman. \n\n\"Over each ward I... Chinese are much afraid of our Police system and the attendances at Courts which it involves. It is very much the loss of time which makes them so apathetic about the law. I think the appointment of a headman who should be the organ of the Chinese (in his district) would do away with a good deal of this. I do not think there would be danger of extortion and other evils. Before I went home I could have picked out eight men who would have taken charge of eight wards. \n\n\"I think the system I propose would give great protection to property. It would not prevent violent crimes. The Chinese Police system is very good in prevention and detection, but is not efficient against violence. \n\n\"The question is--What can be done to get the best Police, though it may not be very good? And I am convinced it must consist for the most part of Chinese. If we carry out the principles I have indicated I have no doubt we could make a far better Police than the Chinese Government can. I think there is no people in the world so amenable to moral influences and rules as the Chinese. \n\n\"I would give Chinese rank and file from $3 to $9 a month. I do not think we should recruit in other provinces. I think the organisation of the Chinese Police might be proceeded with at once. The only way to stop bribery would be to punish severely when it was found out. The efficiency of the Police would depend very greatly on the efficiency of the Head. It would depend very much on the Chinese liking their lead, but they would like him none the less for making them do their duty.” \n\n34. The Commission may also refer to the evidence of Sir EDMUND HORNBY, whose opportunities of obtaining an insight into the working of the Chinese Police system at Shanghai must have been very considerable. Sir EDMUND says (pp. 129, 130): \n\n\"I find the Chinese Police at Shanghai plucky, and as much to be relied on, even against their own countrymen, as any other nation. I would not use one set of Chinese against another, any more than I would police Englishmen with French, or vice versa. But I would use the Chinese system against themselves, and it is my experience that Chinese can be held faithful to European masters by a proper system of rewards and punishments. Our Chinese detectives have been very successful. The whole Police system of China, in the North at least, is that of the responsibility of the elders, and this plan works very successfully. I don't know why this system should not work in Hongkong. A system of vicarious responsibility would purify even the Thieves' Quarter. I expect the criminals congregate in the solely Chinese part of the town. \n\n\"Other evidence... Conclusions... \n\n\"Chinese are very sensible of honourable employment, and, if once placed in a post of honour by Europeans, would be careful not to lose it. Chinese always arrest their criminals through the Ti-po, he through the elders. If Chinese here were left more to themselves, they would co-operate. The European Police system only creates antagonism. There would be abuses no doubt in the Ti-po system, but they would be abuses tending to order. The Chinese are used to their own tyranny, and it may be said that the Police system leads to nearly as much, of a legalised kind! \n\n\"Cantonese are both cleverer and braver than Northerners. I have seen a Chinese constable tackle an English sailor, be knocked down half a dozen times, and bring him off after all. The great difficulty in such a scheme as the Commission proposes would be to establish a rapport between the Chinese and their immediate superiors. \n\n\"I have no faith in governing one race by another. I have had great experience in Turkey, and after trying many nationalities found nothing would do but Turks. But by the mere imposition of a large body of constables, of whatever class, you will never obtain order. What is wanted is, to gain the co-operation of the respectable Chinese, and utilise it.\" \n\n35. Inspector GRIMES also thus expresses himself (p. 117): \n\n\"I think the force should consist of Europeans and Chinese. The Chinese should be respectable and well paid, getting from $15 to $18 a month.\" \n\nSimilar views may be found in the evidence of the Honourable C. C. SMITH, and of Messrs. DIXWELL, DOUGLAS, and RICE. It should also be mentioned that Dr. Dobs, Acting Colonial Surgeon, and Dr. YOUNG, Superintendent of the Civil Hospital, see nothing in the physical constitution and powers of endurance of Chinese to prevent their undertaking the severest Police duties likely to be required of them. \n\n36. After a most careful consideration of the above conflicting testimony the majority of the Commission have arrived at the following conclusions:— \n\n(a) That the reasons which dictated the employment of a large number of Indians no longer exist, and that their disproportionate costliness, and the other drawbacks connected with them already detailed (see paragraph 25) render it essential that a substitute for them should be found. \n\n(b) That, as to recruiting the bulk of the force from Chinese, many of the most forcible arguments against such a course no longer exist, and others would seem not to have a sound basis. \n\n(c) That, whilst admitting the great force of many of Mr. MAY'S objections, the majority of the Commission do not deem them insuperable, or of such a character as to outweigh what they think the paramount necessity of policing the Colony with men who understand the habits and language of the people among whom their duties mainly lie. \n\n(d) That, in all callings which bring them into close relations with foreigners, many of them of a highly fiduciary character, the Chinese, where they have been well selected and looked after, have shown themselves capable, adaptive, and open to educational influences, frequently in a very high degree; and there seems to be no reason to suppose that the ordinary duties of constables are different in their essence from those which Chinese have proved themselves in so many ways well fitted to perform. \n\n(e) That one of the drawbacks most forcibly urged upon the Commission to account for the want of success in our Police system and the administration of criminal law, has been the apathy of the Chinese and their want of sympathy with the cause of order. That, in the employment of alien races as a Police force, who in...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-164 - Sir Kennedy - 1873 [7-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 291584, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-164 - Sir Kennedy - 1873 [7-9]", "page_number": 263, "title": "CO129-164 - Sir Kennedy - 1873 [7-9]", "content_text": "261 \n\n(26) \n\ndisgust, and not least that of public ridicule. They have a horror of being deprived of their queues and of exposure in the public stocks. There are, therefore, strong arguments for resorting to these penalties. Transportation also presents singular terrors to them, but the want of any penal settlement for our convicts deprives the Colony of that mode of disposing of its worst characters. It is to be hoped that some place may be found for the purpose, and evidence on this subject worthy of consideration is recorded at pages 63 and 64.\n\n80. A subject intimately connected with the working of the Police force is Gambling. The current of popular opinion both here and at home has set so strongly against the licensing system which was in operation a short time ago within the Colony, that it may be looked upon as abandoned once and for all. But any discussion of the principle of that system would be, therefore, useless. The problem of how to deal in any satisfactory manner with the inveterate taste of the Chinese for gambling still remains open, and the magnitude of the question has been fully revealed by the working of the licensing system, and the enormous sum paid monthly into the Treasury for the grant of the Government privilege. This monthly sum, viz., $15,000, may be taken to represent approximately the bribing power of the gambling fraternity, and it need scarcely be pointed out that a distribution of but a comparatively small portion of it amongst the Police would totally demoralise any force, especially if composed mainly of Asiatics. It does not fall within the province of this Commission to suggest what laws should be enacted for the future suppression of Gambling, but, whatever the nature of these, the Commission earnestly trust that the general body of the Police may not be concerned in any way with their administration.\n\n## Secretary \n## Dissentients \n\n(27) \n\n82. It is also the pleasing duty of the Commission to acknowledge the ability and indefatigable zeal of their **Secretary**, Mr. LISTER, whose knowledge and very valuable and willing aid have been most instrumental in lightening and turning to account the labours of the Commission. Mr. LISTER is recommended to the favourable attention of the Government.\n\n83. The Honourable H. LOWCOCK, Mr. LEMANN, and Mr. STEWART differ from the rest of the Commission as to the material of which the rank and file of the Police force should be composed. Their views on these particulars are embodied in separate reports sent herewith.\n\n(Signed) \nALFRED LISTER, **Secretary**.\n(Signed) \nT. C. HAYLLAR \nW. KESWICK \nF. W. MITCHELL \nH. LOWCOCK \nW. LEMANN \nF. STEWART \n\n31 \n\n81. It only remains to add that there will be found among the notes evidence on subjects, especially on those connected with crime, which have not received special notice in this Report, by reason of their not having fallen strictly within the field of enquiry for which the Commission were constituted. The excellent Index compiled by Mr. LISTER makes reference to all such matters easy. The Commission would call attention to the evidence of both Messrs. DEANE and DOUGLAS as to the character and composition of the criminal classes, the sources whence they spring, their habits, haunts, and hiding places. Some valuable remarks as to the difficulties in the way of efficient Police supervision presented by the nature, paving, and lighting of many parts of the town, especially in Tai-ping Shan, and suggestions for improvement in some respects will be found at page 6. A return containing practical suggestions for improvements in lighting, from Mr. NEWTON, the manager of the Gasworks, is appended in manuscript and merits consideration. Some views expressed by Mr. DOUGLAS with reference to the establishment of a reformatory in connection with the Gaol deserve attention (p. 60); and valuable remarks from this gentleman on gaol discipline will be found at pages 55 and 64. To Mr. DIXWELL, recently Chairman of the Municipal Council at Shanghai, the Commission are indebted for much useful information respecting the working of the Police at that Port, and to the Honourable J. W. BIRCH for a complete description of the Singapore system.\n\nHon. H. Lowcock.\n\nAs I am not able altogether to agree with the opinions of the majority of the Police Commission expressed in their Report with reference to the future organisation of the force, more especially as regards the employment of Chinese, I take the opportunity of expressing my views on the subject.\n\nOriginally there were considerable objections to employing Chinese in the Police at all for very good reasons, and I contend that all or most of them exist if not in the opinion of all the members of the Commission certainly in that of the larger portion of the Community.\n\nWhen first formed, it was necessary that the force should be in a measure protective and it was therefore obviously desirable that an antagonistic, though not necessarily an oppressive element should be introduced, hence the employment...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-164 - Sir Kennedy - 1873 [7-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428830, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 171, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2\n\nsupply various buildings then being erected, application for such extension was made to the Trotai, and at that time there was no objection on the part of the Chinese authorities, who granted the necessary permit through the consulate; within the last twelve months, however, the company has met with considerable opposition, which now seems to be taking a more acute form. A notable case is one which occurred a little time back, when the company was prevented from carrying a supply of gas into a private shop abutting on the North Szechuan road extension, a municipal road. In February last year a native fitter was sent to North Honan road extension to lay a branch main to supply a new terrace of foreign houses slightly to the north of the Commercial Press building. A Paoshan constable stood by and watched the fitter until he had cut the main so as to insert the branch pipe. As soon as this was done, and without allowing the fitter to reconnect the cut pipe, he arrested him on the double charge of opening the ground without a permit and damaging a pipe belonging to the Chinese authorities. The man remained in custody for about twenty-four hours, and was then released on an application by the gas company, the consumers further along the main were, however, without gas during the night. Pipes were fixed in a house, No. 617a, Kaifeng Road, and a permit obtained from the council to lay a service, as the position selected was within the municipal boundary. No complaint was made by the native police at the time, but soon afterwards they began to threaten the consumer that unless he discontinued to use the gas he would be arrested, and, finally, to avoid this constant persecution, he had the gas cut off.\n\n\"Another case, occurring on the North Szechuan road extension, was that at a shop where a gas company's fitter deposited a meter, and a Paoshan constable, who was standing by, took it out and placed it on the North Szechuan road and told the fitter that it was not allowed to fit gas-pipes there.\n\n\"These are only a few cases of obstruction to these two companies. Whilst opposition to the two companies above mentioned has been going on locally, the Chinese authorities in Peking have approached the British Minister to curtail the operations of the telephone company.\n\nThere can be no doubt that the opposition to the water, gas, and telephone companies is with a view to disposing of the question of settlement extension, but my committee are unanimously of the opinion that, from the foreigners' point of view, no satisfactory solution will ever be arrived at which does not include the extension of the settlement as is desired by the municipal council.\"\n\nI beg to enclose, for the information of His Majesty's Government, an extract from the Shanghae municipal council's report for last year, relating to the extension of the settlement. The association's Shanghae branch writes :-\n\n\"With reference to the Dixwell road extension, I would point out that the road is now cut through; the road the native authorities were supposed to be making, running at right angles to the council's, is left as it was for about 30 yards on either side leading from and running to nowhere, clearly indicating that it was a case of obstruction only.\n\n\"The police confusion on the border is as great as ever, and, as pointed out in my telegram, friction is only avoided by allowing cases of obstruction to pass unnoticed. I enclose some extracts from the police daily reports. (See Annexe A.)\"\n\nIf further evidence be required for the urgent necessity of including Chapei within Shanghae settlement limits, it may be found in the disturbing fact that the Chapei local authorities have shown no disposition to co-operate with the municipal council in taking preventive measures against the introduction of plague, although they have been urgently requested to co-operate with the health officer.\n\nShanghae has hitherto been immune from bubonic plague, although seriously threatened by large numbers of plague-infected rats found within its borders; it is of vital importance, both to foreigners and Chinese, that no effort should be spared to guard against an outbreak, which would be a disastrous calamity to the whole community.\n\nThe following is an extract from the health officer's report of last year :--\n\nThe most dangerous places as regards plague-preventive measures were Li Hongkew and Chapei, on the borders of the settlement, where plague-infected rats had been found. After considerable trouble the sanitary staff was permitted to extend rat-destruction operations outside the settlement into these insanitary neighbourhoods. No preventive measures whatever were undertaken by the Chinese municipal authorities, although the methods used within the settlement boundary were fully explained and co-operation urgently requested. This circumstance clearly demonstrates the need of an extension of the settlement for purposes of sanitary safety, for, were it possible to keep plague out of the settlement by energetic sanitary measures, there would, under present conditions, be constant danger of reinfection from the insanitary and populous places immediately outside the boundary, which are now, unfortunately, beyond sanitary control.\n\nThe recent riots at Changsha are evidence of unrest in Central China, and my committee would respectfully submit that representations be made to the Chinese Government, pointing out the very serious responsibility incurred by local officials in perpetuating a state of friction which cannot fail to stir up ill-feeling between foreigners and Chinese at this time, and at a place like Shanghae, where interests of the greatest magnitude are involved.\n\nI have the honour to enclose copy of the \"Shanghae Municipal Gazette\" of the 7th April, from which it will be seen that Mr. P. C. Kuox, Secretary of State, writing from Washington to the secretary of the American Association of China, states that the legation at Peking and the consulate-general at Shanghae have received instructions to support the request of the Shanghae Municipal Council for such extension as will seem to meet the requirements of the present situation.\n\nTaking this in conjunction with the fact that in Chinese official correspondence the settlements are invariably referred to as Anglo-American, my committee are of opinion that the present affords an opportunity for joint action on the part of His Majesty's Government and that of the United States with a view to the termination of a state of friction which is becoming chronic, and may lead to serious trouble.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nF. ANDERSON,\n\nChairman.\n\n169", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428882, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 223, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n221\n\n19141\n\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[18217]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[May 23.\n\nSECTION 23 JUN 10]\n\n(No. 139.) Sir,\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received May 23.)\n\nPeking, May 4, 1910.\n\nSINCE Sir John Jordan's despatch No. 28 of the 18th January, 1909, was written there has been considerable correspondence on the subject of the extension of the international settlement at Shanghae, which I propose to summarise briefly for your information.\n\nThe reply from the Wai-wu Pu to Sir John Jordan's note of the 14th January, 1909, copy of which was enclosed in his despatch above mentioned, refused to consider the proposal for the incorporation of the district in question within the municipal boundaries on the ground that it was incompatible with the treaties. The Wai-wu Pu further stated that the police and sanitation of the district were matters of internal administration, and in any case could not justifiably be subjects of complaint to foreigners residing in a district which the Chinese did not consider to be part of the port opened by treaty.\n\nIn transmitting this reply to Shanghae Sir John Jordan expressed the opinion that every attempt should be made to settle the question locally before the foreign representatives were approached, and, in pursuance of this line of policy, the Viceroy was invited by Sir Pelham Warren to visit the district to the north of the settlement and there convince himself of the unsanitary conditions obtaining there on the occasion of his Excellency's visit to Shanghae to open the Opium Conference. The Viceroy, however, declined the invitation on the ground that the pressure of public work and a slight indisposition prevented his accepting it, while further negotiations conducted by the consular body only added to the correspondence without obtaining any result.\n\nMeanwhile the ratepayers of Shanghae met on the 22nd March, 1909, and passed a resolution unanimously in favour of the incorporation of the district in the settlement. Seeing that the time had come for collective action on the part of the diplomatic body, Sir John Jordan telegraphed to His Majesty's consul-general at Shanghae on the 6th April of last year to suggest to the consular body, without disclosing whence the suggestion came, that a copy of the ratepayers' resolution should be sent to the doyen of the diplomatic body, and the question thus referred to the foreign representatives. The consular body took action in the sense desired, and at the meeting of the diplomatic body held on the 9th July last it was decided, against the advice of Sir John Jordan, in the first instance to address a note to Prince Ching calling attention to the unsatisfactory sanitation and policing of the district in question, and requesting that measures be taken to remedy the state of affairs. A note in this sense was accordingly sent by the doyen on the 22nd August last, of which a copy is enclosed herewith for your information. To this note no reply was returned by the Wai-wu Pu, and the Chinese authorities at Shanghae continued a policy of aggressive interference and obstruction, the most notable instances of which were the disputes arising over Mr. Algar's land and the Dixwell road extension, which were fully reported in Sir John Jordan's despatches Nos. 345 and 417 of the 23rd September and 12th November last respectively.\n\nNor were the consular body able to effect any settlement by the negotiations which they continued to carry on independently of the representations being made in Peking. The only result of their activity was to make the Viceroy send instructions to the Shanghae taotai to have the matters of sanitation and police properly arranged \"in due time.\" His Excellency also refused to receive a deputation which the consular body offered to send to Nanking to explain the situation and, seeing that it was useless to continue representations locally, the senior consul again referred the matter to the doyen in a despatch of the 9th December last. Unfortunately, this despatch was put by in a drawer at the Austrian Legation, and it was not until the 6th March last that it was discovered and circulated among the foreign representatives. The doyen was thereupon empowered to ask for a speedy reply to his note of the 22nd above mentioned. He accordingly did so and received on the 23rd March last\n\n[2751 %-5]\n\nB", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428883, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 224, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2\n\nIt is hardly necessary for me to point out that the accompanying note from the Wai-wu Pu, the Chinese Government's answer is quite unsatisfactory, though the German Legation expressed the opinion that their arguments were conclusive. I have, in my minute on this note for circulation among my colleagues, laid stress upon the fact that the Chinese Government have taken seven months to reply to our representations and have suggested that we should, as a first step, \"enquire of the consular body at Shanghae whether any practical steps have been taken by the Chinese Government towards the improving of the sanitation and the policing of the district in question before accepting these vague assurances as satisfactory.\"\n\nNo action has, however, so far been taken by the doyen, and there the question of the extension of the settlement stands, as far as the joint action of the diplomatic corps is concerned. I have, however, as subsequently stated, ascertained for myself from Sir Pelham Warren that nothing has been done towards the improvement of the sanitation or policing.\n\nThe effect of all these negotiations with the central Government and the local authorities would appear to have been to stimulate them to active measures, taken, not with the desire to effect any real improvements, but to hamper all foreign enterprises and injure all foreign interests in the Paoshan district. The cases of Mr. Algar's land and the Dixwell road extension, of which mention is made above, are examples of this obnoxious policy, while the request made by the Wai-wu Pu that the telephone company should be instructed to confine its operations within the settlement limits, which is fully reported in my despatch No. 133 of the 30th ultimo, is to be attributed largely to the same cause. But the most serious instance of interference, and one which may, unless firm measures are taken, lead to a regrettable incident, forms the subject of Sir Pelham Warren's despatch No. 31 of the 5th ultimo, of which I have the honour to enclose a copy. The unwarrantable obstruction which has been offered to the legitimate enterprises of the Shanghae gas and water companies is fully explained and the question reviewed in all its bearings in this despatch, and I need only say that I am in complete accord with what Sir Pelham Warren says on the subject.\n\nOn the 30th ultimo His Majesty's consul-general telegraphed that the taotai had refused to agree to the terms upon which Sir Pelham Warren was ready to consent to a temporary limitation of the right of the two companies to extend their mains on Chinese-owned property pending discussions of the whole question, although he had made concessions to him in agreeing that a period of two months should be allowed for the discussion, during which time any permits required by the companies must be applied for through His Majesty's consulate-general, and in reducing the distance of 200 yards from the main pipes to 150 yards; while the taotai wished him to agree at once to a definite limitation of area and to the grant of reciprocal privileges to the proposed Chinese company. Sir Pelham Warren stated that interference by the Chinese police with the employés of the companies had recommenced, and he asked whether he might take steps to afford protection to the companies' interests, as he was convinced that energetic action in one instance would strengthen the taotai's hands against the opposition of the gentry and enable him to assent to Sir Pelham Warren's proposal.\n\nI have instructed Sir Pelham Warren in reply that such interference by the Chinese police cannot be allowed, and that he should take effective steps to afford protection to the companies while engaged in their legitimate business outside settlement limits. I have requested him to inform the taotai of these instructions, and if he does not receive a prompt and satisfactory reply, to take such action as he may consider necessary to show that he is in earnest, while avoiding, if possible, the actual employment of force and allowing the aggression, if any, to come from the Chinese side. I have instructed him further that the Chinese police cannot in any case be allowed to exercise their duties on bona fide British-owned property, as reported by him in his despatch, and that steps must be taken to prevent this.\n\nI trust that you will approve my action in the matter.\n\nThere can, to my mind, be no doubt that the aggressive and uncompromising attitude of the Chinese authorities is part of a campaign deliberately aimed at restricting foreign enterprise, which will grow in proportion as we yield. The immediate object of the Chinese is to prevent the extension of the settlement limits; but that such extension is necessary is proved, if further proof were needed, by the condition, under Chinese rule, of the district which it is sought to incorporate. In this connection I would draw your attention to Sir Pelham Warren's description of the conditions obtaining there, which shows that practically no improvements have been effected since Sir John Jordan visited the district in the early part of 1908 and was impressed by the necessity of reform. I myself inspected the boundaries and all the district beyond when I was in Shanghae last December, and was disgusted at the unsanitary conditions existing close to the well-to-do foreign houses inside the settlement. It is difficult, however, to get the foreign representatives to take any concerted action when many of them, and notably the doyen himself, have little interest in the question; but the American Government, to judge from the enclosed despatch from the State Department to the American consul-general at Shanghae, which has been furnished to me confidentially by Sir Pelham Warren, are as anxious as we are to get the matter settled, and as ready to give support to the proposal of incorporation. There is some hope, therefore, that the American Minister's co-operation will make up for the half-hearted nature of the assent which the foreign representatives give to any proposal to approach the Chinese Government in the matter. I have, &c.\n\nYour Highness,\n\nW. G. Max Müller.\n\n3\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nDean of Diplomatic Body to Prince Ch'ing.\n\nAugust 22, 1909. I HAVE the honour to inform your Highness that in July 1908 the consular body at Shanghae addressed a communication to his Excellency the Viceroy of Nanking regarding the question of the extension of the northern boundary of the international settlement, in which it was pointed out that the duties of sanitation and police were exercised in a very defective manner in the district lying between the existing limits and the Shanghae-Nanking Railway line, and that this state of affairs constituted a permanent danger to the health and good order of the international settlement.\n\nA resolution passed at the annual meeting of the ratepayers of the international settlement on the 22nd March of this year, urging the extension of the northern boundary, was forwarded by the consular body to the foreign representatives at Peking, and I am now desired by my honourable colleagues to invite the serious attention of the Chinese Government to the conditions obtaining in the district above mentioned, and to request that measures may be taken to ameliorate the sanitation and police, so as to remove the apprehensions justly entertained by the municipal council.\n\nI avail, &c.\n\nEnclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nWai-wu Pu to Doyen of Diplomatic Body.\n\nMarch 23, 1910.\n\nTHE chief president of the Wai-wu Pu and Prince of the 1st Order, Ch'ing, makes an official reply:\n\nSome time ago a note was received that the consular body of Shanghae wish to extend the northern boundary of the international settlement, and that they say that the sanitary conditions and the police in the territory lying south of the Shanghae-Nanking Railway and north of the settlement are very unsatisfactory. The diplomatic body have been requested to draw the attention of the Government to this fact, and to find ways for the improvement of the sanitary conditions and police, with the view to remove the justified apprehensions of the Shanghae Municipal Council, &c.\n\nAs sanitation and police all are to be managed by the Chinese local authorities, our board at that time addressed a communication to the Superintendent of Trade for the Southern Ports (ordering him) to give orders for the management (of these affairs). Afterwards we repeatedly received telegraphic replies by the Superintendent of the Southern Ports to the following effect: For the sanitation of a place water-works are of the greatest importance. I have already ordered the Shanghae taotai to raise funds for the establishment of those; as to the necessary affairs of police I also ordered the Shanghae taotai to take part with all officials concerned in energetic action for reforms, &c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428885, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 226, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "6\n\nwritten reply (copy and translation of which I enclose), and the secretaries, when they came on the 29th ultimo, stated at first that they had nothing to add to it. On being told, however, that in this case work would be resumed forthwith, and that the responsibility for any disturbance would rest with the taotai, they began to discover fresh meanings in the Chinese text of the taotai's letter. The permission to repair existing mains must, they thought, include the connection of new service pipes to the mains within a reasonable distance, and Taotai Wang, moreover, had denied that he had ever given orders to intimidate intending consumers. They asked that plans should be supplied showing the existing mains laid by the two companies; these I undertook to supply as soon as possible, but added that in the meantime work on new services from existing mains would proceed.\n\nThe following day the taotai asked that no work at all should be done pending the production of the plans, but this I refused to agree to, and between the 30th ultimo and the 1st instant three new gas services, which were urgently required on the North Szechuan road extension, were completed without further interference.\n\nThe plans were completed on the 4th instant and taken to the taotai on that day by Mr. Barton together with my despatch, copy and translation of which I enclose.*\n\nThe taotai explained that the object of limiting the operations of the two companies was to preserve a field for the Chinese Water and Light Company which was about to be inaugurated. It was pointed out to him that this could not possibly form any ground for arbitrary interference with vested British interests or for curtailing the freedom of trade secured to British subjects by treaty.\n\nMy despatch to the taotai also refers to the repeated and emphatic protests lodged by His Majesty's Legation with the Wai-wu Pu in 1906 (and communicated to me in legation despatches Nos. 75, 85, and 88 of that year) against the establishment of the Chapei municipality in an area which already contained a large foreign population and much British-owned property, and it was impressed on the taotai that the present arbitrary action of the Chinese police was such as the Chinese Government had been warned would not be tolerated by His Majesty's Government.\n\nThe taotai stated that these protests had not been communicated to his office, but he understood that the Chinese Government had not acquiesced therein.\n\nThe taotai promised to give me within ten days a written reply to my statement of the terms as set forth in my despatch, on which alone I was prepared to agree to a temporary limitation of the right of the two companies to extend their mains on Chinese-owned property. He has since agreed to the immediate installation of five gas and water services for consumers who were urgently in need of them.\n\nThe Shanghae taotai himself is not unreasonable in this matter, but it is very difficult to bring home to him his responsibility, as far as foreigners are concerned, for the acts of his nominal subordinate, Police Taotai Wang. The latter is a headstrong, anti-foreign young man, to whom the task of employing some hundreds of so-called policemen to check settlement extension is a thoroughly congenial one, as he showed in the Paoshan Road dispute last September.\n\nIn dealing with a situation created by such a man, determined action is, I venture to think, essential, and I trust that you will approve my communication to the taotai that, in the event of his declining the proposal contained in my despatch, I shall be forced to take steps myself to afford protection to the British companies engaged in their legitimate business outside settlement limits.\n\nAs regards the proposed Chinese waterworks, the only detailed information obtainable is that contained in the Nanking Viceroy's memorial which appeared in the \"Shih Pao\" of the 7th instant (extract and translation of which I enclose). It will be observed that eight months' unceasing work will be required for the completion of the undertaking, and up to date the erection of a bamboo fence round the site is all that has been done.\n\nIt is doubtful whether the best machinery and skill can produce healthy water from the Soochow Creek, owing to the small volume of the stream and the number of factories discharging impurities into it. The site chosen by the Chinese is immediately adjacent to the Cantonese Cemetery, which is a much-used mortuary covering several acres; the pumping machinery and pipes are, I believe, being made by a local Chinese engineering works, and in any case it is doubtful whether the work can be executed for the sum named, viz., 200,000 taels.\n\n* Not reproduced.\n\n7\n\nEven supposing the works to be erected as described in the memorial, it is quite certain that they can only be run at a heavy loss, for the greater part of the better-class buildings in the Chinese municipal area are already supplied by the British companies, and the number of such buildings shows little sign of increasing under the existing régime, except on the foreign-owned roads.\n\nThe object, then, of this new Chinese semi-official undertaking is the same as that which prompted the founding of the municipality itself, namely, the prevention of settlement extension.\n\nThe pursuit of this object has been an expensive one for the Chinese authorities, for the revenue derivable from the few people forced to inhabit the area under their exclusive control cannot bear anything but a small proportion of the cost of maintaining a large police force and a public works department.\n\nThe knowledge of this fact can only embitter their feelings towards foreigners, and now it is proposed to throw more good money after bad in the hope of thereby sealing once for all the fate of the foreigner's demands. The effect of this can only be to still further embitter existing relations, and unless the foreign representatives are prepared to sacrifice their large vested interests in the northern suburb by relinquishing the demand for extension, it would appear fairer to endeavour to prevent this further useless waste of money by the Chinese authorities.\n\nIt will be observed that the memorial refers to the proposed scheme as being preferable to making connection with the British company's pipes. In the spring and winter respectively of last year the Chinese police negotiated with the gas and water companies for supplies of gas and water, and the taotai states that he personally has always been in favour of such an arrangement, but was overruled by the Viceroy, who insisted on a purely Chinese company.\n\nThe attitude of the companies throughout these negotiations, so far as it is shown to me, was entirely reasonable, and the terms offered by them were fair. The water company, owing to its agreement with the council, was in a more difficult position than the gas company; but these difficulties could have been removed had the Chinese been really desirous of obtaining good services of gas and water at reasonable rates. The unofficial element among the Chinese residents would, I believe, have welcomed an agreement with the British companies; but as a weapon against extension such an agreement would have been useless, and so was discarded in favour of an independent Chinese company, regardless of economic considerations.\n\nWith regard to the question conveyed in your despatch No. 14 of the 31st ultimo, which has just reached me, as to whether any practical steps have been taken by the Chinese authorities to improve the sanitation and policing of the district north of the settlement boundary, the answer must be in the negative.\n\nThe general condition of the area in question, to which your attention was called during your recent visit to Shanghae, remains practically unchanged. The number of beggar huts has increased, and on the side of broad roads, built at great expense three years ago, are now being erected rows of hovels only one degree better than these. The two-storeyed Chinese shops and dwellings erected by the speculative builder on some portions of these roads remain unoccupied for the most part, or are used as coolie quarters or as stables for the Chinese mounted police.\n\nIn the Stone Bridge Road district and on the immediate boundary of the settlement the population which was there before 1906 remains, but shows little sign of expansion or improvement. Beggar villages intrude themselves even here, and open cesspools abound in all quarters.\n\nIn the district beyond the North Szechuan Road the proposed Chinese Road, referred to in my despatch No. 79 of the 27th October, 1909, which cuts the Dixwell Road extension, remains unmade, while the Municipal Road is completed and houses are springing up along it.\n\nAs regards the police arrangements, the circumstances under which Major Menzies was selected as the reorganising officer are eloquent testimony to the object of his appointment.\n\nI understand that he is not allowed to effect much in the way of improvement, even if he could. The most elementary reforms, such as the control of pawnshops and removal of beggar colonies, are neglected; and the great gambling sheds of Li Hongkew continue to flourish as before, with the result that a convenient Alsatia is provided for many of the criminals who prey on the settlements.\n\nUnder these circumstances I am of opinion that the only way in which the Chinese objections to the operations of British companies outside settlement limits can be satisfactorily met is by pressing to a successful issue—as a condition precedent\n\n224", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429799, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 536, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "# Health Report.\n\nIn reply to the senior consul's letter of the 13th July regarding the sanitary conditions in Chapei, it is well, in the first place, to quote extracts from Dr. Stanley's report of the 23rd December, 1908, on the same subject, for since that time no really serious effort has been made to improve the deplorable condition of things which then existed, and his remarks are as applicable now as when they were written :-\n\n\"The sanitary conditions beyond the northern boundary of the settlement since the spring of 1907 have undergone little or no real improvement. A few roads have been made, sewers have been laid in two of the busiest thoroughfares, some improvement in the drainage and paving around newly erected houses has been effected, a feeble attempt has been made to stop coffin-dumping near the settlement boundary under pressure from this office, and an inefficient system of house-refuse collection has been established.\n\nThe impression on a sanitary expert is that measures have been attempted without knowing the reason why, being made more with the object of 'look-see' than with any intelligent or real desire for sanitary amelioration.\n\nThe need for extension for the purpose of sanitary safety is more urgent than ever. At present these grossly insanitary places, becoming more and more populous, just beyond the boundary, are a standing menace to public health.\"\n\nIt is impossible to attach too much significance to this omission in view of the council's arduous and successful efforts in the settlement against the risk of plague infection. House refuse appears to be usually dumped into any convenient pond, with the result that many of these are foul masses of corruption. The public urinals are fairly well built in places, but are entirely neglected, and the public latrines are very insanitary. There is no supervision of food supplies. No restraint is exercised in regard to dumping coffins. Creeks and stagnant pools are never attended to, thus nullifying our attempts to suppress the mosquito nuisance. Beggar-boats and huts abound, and the dreadful state of their surroundings in many cases defies description.\n\nIt can be stated in a general way that no satisfactory sanitary measures are enforced by the Chapei authorities, and this district remains, consequently, a serious menace to the health of the settlement.\n\nA. MOORE, Acting Health Officer.\n\n# Engineer's Report.\n\nThe senior consul, in his letter of the 13th July, 1910, asks for information as to what has been done by the Chinese in Chapei to improve the police and sanitary conditions.\n\nFor the purpose of this report it will be advisable to divide what is known as Chapei into two distinct sections:\n\n1. The portion bounded on the north by the Shanghai-Nanking Railway, on the west and south by the Soochow Creek, and on the east by the foreign settlement. (See plan No. 1.)\n\n2. The neighbourhood of North Szechuan Road and the rifle range, bounded on the west by the Shanghai-Nanking Railway, on the east by the Sawginkiang, and on the south by the foreign settlement. (See plan No. 2.)\n\nThe accompanying plans, Nos. 1a and 2A, show in red colour the foreign-owned land in these districts.\n\nIn section 1 any public works which have been undertaken have been done entirely by the Chinese. In section 2, however, whatever development has taken place has been carried out by the council as a result of the acquisition of the rifle range in 1895, the construction of North Szechuan Road in 1903, the acquisition of the Hongkew Recreation Ground in 1905, and the construction of Dixwell Road Extension in 1909.\n\nThe public works carried out by the Chinese in this district appear to have been more of an obstructive than a constructive nature, and consist merely of the laying out of roads on vexatious lines, in many cases over foreign-owned land. Two cases in particular may be quoted—a road leading from nowhere to nowhere across Dixwell Road Extension, and a road (since diverted at the instance of His Majesty's consul-general) behind the butts, laid out originally with the sole intention of obstructing the extension of the rifle range in a northerly direction.\n\nTo revert to section 1, which must form the subject of the greater part of this report, plan No. 1 shows, in full red, the lines on which macadamised roads have been constructed, and, in dotted red, the lines which have apparently been marked out for construction.\n\nIn 1903-4 the council was approached with reference to the construction of a bridge across the Soochow Creek at Markham Road, and after some discussion and correspondence it was eventually decided that the bridge should be built by the council at the expense of a syndicate of landowners on the north side of the creek. The bridge was accordingly built, and a road now marked as Markham Road Extension was laid out in a north-westerly direction to meet the new depot of the Shanghai-Nanking Railway, near the Cantonese cemetery. This was the first serious attempt to lay out a road in this district.\n\nIt was followed by an attempt at improvement of the Stone Bridge Road, a native thoroughfare of some importance connecting Sinza with Kading and Nanziang. This line of road has, however, been a main route of communication for very many years, and the fact of its being opened up should not (except as far as its widening is concerned) be confused with recent developments in Chapei.\n\nAt a point in the Stone Bridge Road about 800 feet south of the railway, several large holes appeared in the centre of the road in June last. These were caused by the sinking of the subsoil, and more than one was as much as 3 feet across and 1 foot deep. From the personal observation of a member of the staff of this department, these holes existed for at least one week, and no measures appeared to have been taken to guard the approaches to them.\n\nOther lines of roads constructed or contemplated and varying in width from 15 to 35 feet are shown on the sketch plan herewith.\n\nIn only a very small degree have building operations followed the laying out of roads; in fact, one might say that development, even where it has taken place, is only skin deep, for one has only to probe the surface to be brought in contact with the most wretched conditions imaginable.\n\nSeveral of these roads have been constructed along lines of important drainage creeks, with a total disregard of the functions which those creeks were intended to fulfil.\n\nStone Bridge—Except for Markham Road Bridge, the Stone Bridge is the only means of crossing the Soochow Creek above Thibet Road.\n\nIn its present condition the bridge is quite unsafe for even pedestrian traffic. The deck planking is very rough and uneven, and in places the planks are worn to a thickness of less than an inch. There are several holes through which a pony might quite easily put a foot. Several of the stringers are rotten, and although some attempt has apparently been made to strengthen them (though not recently) they are still unsafe. The railings are very shaky and in some places could be pushed over by a couple of men. It may be remembered that in May 1907 these railings gave way while a crowd was standing on the bridge, and about a hundred people were precipitated into the creek, of whom over fifty were drowned.\n\nThe width of the bridge—10 feet—is not sufficient for the amount of traffic which passes over it in normal times. Apart from this, the northern approach has been fenced in, and access can only be had through a gate 8 feet wide.\n\nThe Shanghai taotai wrote to the senior consul on the 7th January saying that the bridge was about to be repaired \"at an early date,\" but nothing has been done. In reply to this letter, the council offered to defray half the cost of building a new bridge, but this offer has so far been ignored.\n\nApart from the dangerous condition of the superstructure, the obstruction to navigation and detriment to conservancy of the Soochow Creek caused by the stone piers are matters which deserve the most serious consideration. The aggregate width of these stone piers is more than half the width of the creek. The sectional area of the creek is also reduced from 2,960 to 1,570 square feet. The accompanying plans Nos. 3 and 4 convey a good idea of the obstruction caused to navigation.\n\nThe rebuilding of the Stone Bridge in one clear span is a matter of the greatest importance, and should of course be effected under foreign supervision and at the joint cost of the council and the native authorities.\n\nWater Supply.—Water tanks and/or filters are in course of construction on the...\n\nPage 5", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 } ]