144
Ho A-mei, of course, was no novice at the game of political pressure. He had been acting in public affairs for nearly thirty years. Ho Tung, a younger man, had not yet so much experience in the public arena. But as the years passed, he would outshine Ho A-mei as a public figure. Neither, however, was given the honour to represent his community on the Legislative Council.
In spite of all the Governor's threats, a compromise was reached. The regulations were not repealed, but the Governor issued a statement in answer to the Chinese petition.
He stated that in view of the advice given by the Registrar General and by other leading European residents, thus implying that Chinese opinion was of little value in the matter, "I have out of consideration for the comfort and convenience of the orderly Chinese community issued the following instructions to the Police." His instructions said the regulations were not to be enforced except in case of persons abroad after midnight whom the police might have reason to suspect criminal intent.
The China Mail, true to form, deplored this compromise and was sure that the Chinese would view it as vacillation and weakness.
The Telegraph was for strength but also for freedom of speech. It stated that if anyone stirred up or incited "the ignorant masses" to resistance or disobedience, it would be the first to call for the deportation or punishment of the guilty party.
"We advocate strong and decisive measures whenever the need arises, but there must also be in all British colonies the right of freedom of speech."
It called for an immediate repeal of the objectionable regulations: "We repeat that the Light and Pass Ordinance is an insult to the intelligence and honesty of any community and is a slur on the Chinese that ought to be wiped out of the Colony's records."
The suggestion, however, was not acted on and the law remained.
144
Ho A-mei, of course, was no novice at the game of political pressure. He had been acting in public affairs for nearly thirty years. Ho Tung, a younger man, had not yet so much experience in the public arena. But as the years passed, he would outshine Ho A- mei as a public figure. Neither, however, was given the honour to represent his community on the Legislative Council.
In spite of all the Governor's threats, a compromise was reached. The regulations were not repealed, but the Governor issued a statement in answer to the Chinese petition.
He stated that in view of the advice given by the Registrar General and by other leading European residents, thus implying that Chinese opinion was of little value in the matter, "I have out of consideration for the comfort and convenience of the orderly Chinese community issued the following instructions to the Police." His instructions said the regulations were not to be en- forced except in case of persons abroad after midnight whom the police might have reason to suspect criminal intent.
The China Mail, true to form, deplored this compromise and was sure that the Chinese would view it as vacillation and weak-
ness.
The Telegraph was for strength but also for freedom of speech. It stated that if anyone stirred up or incited "the ignorant masses" to resistance or disobedience, it would be the first to call for the deportion or punishment of the guilty party.
"We advocate strong and decisive measures whenever the need arises, but there must also be in all British colonies the right of freedom of speech."
It called for an immediate repeal of the objectionable regula- tions: "We repeat that the Light and Pass Ordinance is an insult to the intelligence and honesty of any community and is a slur on the Chinese that ought to be wiped out of the Colony's records.”
The suggestion, however, was not acted on and the law re- mained.
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