In the name of the people of Hongkong I thank you again for your courageous services. We are sorry to part with those of you who are shortly going to leave us, and we wish you health and happiness and good fortune in India or in any other place where you may be stationed.
Colonel Robinson responded for the Garrison, paying a graceful tribute to the Sisters and Medical officers who attended the late Captain Vesey and the privates who were attacked by the deadly pestilence, and assured the community that their recognition would ever be highly valued, and that the cup given for football would ever be remembered, for he would see to it that a similar cup should be competed for by the men every year. In conclusion he called for cheers for the Governor, which were very heartily given.
In St. John's Cathedral to-day there is a memorial window, under which is inscribed: "To the Glory of God, and in memory of Capt. Colthurst Vesey, who, during the plague of 1894, lost his life in the service of the public, this Memorial is erected by the people of Hongkong. Aucto Splendore Resurgo, Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
Having in the course of five articles reviewed the cause, ravages and effects of the Bubonic Plague in Hong Kong during 1894, and referred at some length to the recognition accorded the military forces for their invaluable services, I now turn to the amazing "Inkpot Incident", principal characters in which were the Governor of Hongkong (Sir William Robinson), the Secretary of State for the Colonies (the Marquess of Ripon), and the leader of the Hongkong Bar, Mr. John J. Francis, Q.C.
While the plague lasted, there was no more untiring worker than Mr. Francis in his capacity as Chairman of the Permanent Committee of our Sanitary Board. His efforts were recognised by the community in the presentation of a gold medal but Mr. Francis also expected Government recognition.
All he received was an inscribed silver inkstand, which he incontinently refused to accept!
On May 22, 1895, Mr. Francis received the following letter from His Excellency the Governor: "Sir, By the direction of the Marquess of Ripon, I have great pleasure in forwarding to you the accompanying handsome silver inkstand.
"You will find engraved upon it the following inscription: Presented by the Hongkong Government, with the approval of Her Majesty's Government, to J.J. Francis, Esq., Q.C., Chairman of the Permanent Committee of the Sanitary Board, in recognition of services rendered during the epidemic of Bubonic Plague in Hong Kong in 1894.
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In the name of the people of liongkong I thank you again for your courageous services. We are sorry to part with those of you who are shortly going to leave us, and we wish you health and happiness and good fortune in India or in any other place where you may be stationed.
Colonel Robinson responded for the Garrison, paying a graceful tribute to the Sisters and Medical officers who attended the late Captain Vesey and the privates who were attacked by the deadly pestilence, and assured the community that their recognition would ever be highly valued, and that the cup given for foot-. ball would ever remembered, for he would see to it that a similar cup should be competed for by the men every year. In conclusion he called for cheers for the Governor, which were very heartily given.
:
In St. John's Cathedral to-day there is a memorial window, under which is inscribed: "To the Glory of God, and in memory of Capt. Colthurst Vesey, who, during the plague of 1894, lost his life in the service of the public, this Memorial is erected by the people of Hongkong. Aucto Splendore Resurgo, Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.".
Having in the course of five articles reviewed the cause, ravages and effects of the Bubonic Plague in Hong Kong during 1894, and referred at some length to the re- cognition accorded the military forces for their invaluable services, I now turn to the amazing "Inkpot Incident", principal characters in which were the Governor of Hongkong (Sir William Robinson), the Secretary of State for the Colonies (the Marquess of Ripon), and the leader of the Hongkong Bar, Mr. John J. Francis, Q.C.
While the plague lasted, there was no more untiring worker than Mr. Francis in his capacity as Chairman of the Permanent Committee of our Sanitary Board. His efforts were recognised by the community in the presentation of a gold medal but Mr. Francis also expected Government recognition.
All he received was an inscribed silver inkstand, which he incontinently refused to accept!
On May 22, 1895, Mr. Francis received the following letter from His Excellency the Governor: "Sir By the direction of the Marquess of Hipon, I have great pleasure in forwarding to you the accompanying handsome silver inkstand.
"You will find engraved upon it the following inscription: Presented by the Hongkong Government, with the approval of Her Majesty's Government, to J.J. Francis, Esq., Q.C., Chairman of the Permanent Committee of the Sanitary Board, in recognition of services rendered during the epidemic of Bubonic Plague in Hong Kong in 1894.
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373
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