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It is reasonable to believe Chang's claim to the Acting British Consul in Canton that he had no wish for disturbances in Hong Kong, 19
Canton depended on Hong Kong for provisions of arms and ships as well as on loans from banks and contributions from wealthy Chinese there. It is more difficult to believe that he had not desired at least some anti-French activities in Hong Kong. A French invasion of Canton was imminent in the minds of Canton officials, and they believed that non-cooperation of Chinese in Hong Kong could do much to hinder French war efforts.50 It is no surprise that he should appeal to the Chinese in Hong Kong to refuse working for the French.
In fact, a more pertinent question is why did Hong Kong Chinese of various classes respond to the proclamation? Again, Marsh and the English newspapers were convinced it was fear of retaliation in China, and the Daily Press spoke of agents sent here to make sure that Canton's instructions were followed.51 Perhaps this did apply to parts of the population. But I believe there were other forces at work. One of these was a mixture of strong anti-French and patriotic feelings.
The war between China and France had been well reported in Hong Kong newspapers, and local Chinese had apparently kept a close eye on its development throughout. In September, 1884 sketches of the siege of Keelung in which the French had been repulsed, were being sold in Hong Kong streets.52
It was reported by several sources that among local Chinese, there were strong feelings against the French, and the local Chinese newspapers gave vent to similar expressions of public opinion.
In September 1883, the Hua-tzu jih-pao went so far as to suggest that awards should be offered by the Chinese government for the heads of French officers and soldiers for their evil acts in Tongking and Annam. The Hong Kong newspaper proved more zealous in this respect than the Canton government. The Governor-General of Kwangtung and Kwangsi, Chang Shu-sheng, became so alarmed at this provocation by the Hong Kong newspaper that he protested to the Acting British Consul in Canton, H. F. Hance. Hance in turn complained to Marsh, who was Acting Governor at that time, and he issued a warning to the paper.54
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It is reasonable to believe Chang's claim to the Acting British Consul in Canton that he had no wish for disturbances in Hong Kong, 19
Canton depended on Hong Kong for provisions of arms and ships as well as on loans from banks and contributions from wealthy Chinese there. It is more difficult to believe that he had not desired at least some anti-French activities in Hong Kong. A French invasion of Canton was imminent in the minds of Canton officials, and they believed that non-cooperation of Chinese in Hong Kong could do much to hinder French war efforts.50 is no surprise that he should appeal to the Chinese in Hong Kong to refuse working for the French.
It
In fact, a more pertinent question is why did Hong Kong Chinese of various classes respond to the proclamation? Again, Marsh and the English newspapers were convinced it was fear of retaliation in China, and the Daily Press spoke of agents sent here to make sure that Canton's instructions were followed.51 Perhaps this did apply to parts of the population. But I believe there were other forces at work. One of these was a mixture of strong anti-French and patriotic feelings.
The war between China and France had been well reported in Hong Kong newspapers, and local Chinese had apparently kept a close eye on its development throughout. In September, 1884 sketches of the siege of Keelung in which the French had been repulsed, were being sold in Hong Kong streets.52
It was reported by several sources that among local Chinese, there were strong feelings against the French, and the local Chinese newspapers gave vent to similar expressions of public opinion.
In September 1883, the Hua-tzu jih-pao # # went so far as to suggest that awards should be offered by the Chinese government for the heads of French officers and soldiers for their evil acts in Tongking and Annam. The Hong Kong news- paper proved more zealous in this respect than the Canton government. The Governor-General of Kwangtung and Kwangsi, Chang Shu-sheng, became so alarmed at this provocation by the Hong Kong newspaper that he protested to the Acting British Consul in Canton, H. F. Hance. Hance in turn complained to Marsh, who was Acting Governor at that time, and he issued a warning to the paper.54
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