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The matter has had the careful attention of the League for many years, and its members have sifted evidence received from a variety of sources with due regard to its reliability, and in relation to the official statements.

The Resolution was consequently based on the sincere conviction that the efforts so far made are inadequate to deal with the situation, and the constructive side of the Resolution makes quite clear the further efforts which we believe to be neces- sary to secure the position referred to in the last sentence of the Resolution.

I beg to enclose the current issue of the "Slave Market News", in which the speech of the proposer of the Resolution is quoted verbatim. This speech contains actual facts in regard to the general situation which cannot fail to arouse serious misgivings as to the adequacy of the steps so far taken to abolish the Mui-tsai system in fact as opposed to abolition on paper or in theory.

I beg to remain, etc., (Signed) M. CHAVE COLLISSON,

Hon. Political Secretary.

Appendix No. 10.

Proclamation by Captain Elliott.

2nd February, 1841.

By Charles Elliot, Esquire, a captain in the Royal Navy, Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British subjects in China, and holding full powers, under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, to execute the office of Her Majesty's Commissioner, Procurator, and Plenipotentiary in China.

The island of Hongkong having been ceded to the British Crown under the seal of the Imperial Minister and High Commissioner Keshen, it has become necessary to provide for the Government thereof, pending Her Majesty's further pleasure.

By virtue of the authority, therefore, in ne vested, all Her Majesty's rights, royalties, and privileges of all kinds whatever in and over the said island of Hong- kong whether to or over lands, harbours, property, or personal service, are hereby declared proclaimed, and to Her Majesty fully reserved.

And I do hereby declare and proclaim, that, pending Her Majesty's further pleasure, the government of the said island shall devolve upon, and be exercised by, the person filling the office of Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British subjects in China for the time being.

And I do hereby declare and proclaim, that, pending Her Majesty's further pleasure, the natives of the island of Hongkong and all natives of China thereto resorting, shall be governed according to the laws and customs of China, every de- scription of torture excepted.

And I do further declare and proclaim, that, pending Her Majesty's further pleasure, all offences committed in Hongkong by Her Majesty's subjects, or other persons than natives of the island or of China thereto resorting, shall fall under the cognizance of the Criminal and Admiralty Jurisdiction presently existing in China.