Sessional_Paper_1893 — Page 895

[LXXXII]

9. That all rewards be paid by Government out of Government funds under existing regulations, upon the recommendation of a judge or magistrate.

An

There are many other points that would have to be considered and provided for, but here is, I think, a framework upon which all else needful could be built. Association thus constituted would have a position and standing before the Government and public which would entitle it to great consideration and liberal support,

The Government would have a substantial entity to deal with, solid guarantees against the abuse of any powers it might confer, and legalized means of contracting and directing.

The subscribers would have legal rights, and could exercise efficient supervision over of the management of the institution and the disposal of its funds.

Subscriptions would be voluntary, and no liability to pay would arise, except in the event of the Company being wound up and unable to pay its debts.

SIR,

Copy of Letter from Chinese Secretary to Colonial Secretary.

HONGKONG, 3rd October, 1879.

I have the honour to address you in the name of the Committee appointed by His Excellency the Governor, under date of 12th November 1878, to inquire, in concert with certain Chinese gentlemen, into the matter referred to in their petition of 11th. November 1878 (C.S.O. 2641), and to draw up some scheme, for the approval of His Excellency, to check the crime of kidnapping.

The Committee now submit to His Excellency the papers I forward under this enclosure, which contain not only information as to the character and extent of kidnapping practised in Hongkong, but also a detailed scheme for the suppression of this crime by means of the aid which an organized Native Society for the protection of women and children would render to the Executive.

The Committee beg to urge upon His Excellency the Governor to sanction the proposed Association, and to authorise the Chinese gentlemen who are the promoters of this excellent organization to take the necessary steps to carry out their ideas.

I have, &c.,

The Honourable W. H. MARSH,

Colonial Secretary,

&C.,

&c.,

&c.

E. J. EITEL.

Minute by His Excellency the Governor.

I shall have much pleasure in submitting the details of the proposed Association for the consideration of Sir Michael Hicks-Beach.

I have recently expressed to Mr. FUNG MING SHAN and the other Chinese gentlemen who nearly 12 months ago brought this important matter to my notice my best thanks. for their valuable co-operation in checking kidnapping and the disgraceful traffic in human beings.

7th October 1879.

J. POPE HENNESSY.