Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-09-02
COLONEL ]. s. MosRY.
The Hong Kong Press of July Goth, re

y.
in Hong Kong, who has been succeeded by
Colonel r. E. Withers, on the advent OF
democratic President to power, leaves here
to-day by the Pacific Mail S. S. Co.'s steamer
City of New York. The gallant Colonel
came here about six years ago, and during
his residence in the Colony has made nu-
merous friends During his iucumbency OF
the post he has instituted many reforms IN
the conduct of the Consular business, has
exposed some glazing abuses, and saved his
country some $40, 900. He has always shown
himself the jealous ard unfinching pro-
tector of the rights of American subjects,
and has brought to bear upon his work
great natural shrewdness and much legal
acumen. He has always been distinguished
by manly independence and uncompro-
missing straightforWardness which have
sometimes involved him in disputes, out Of
which, however he has invariably emerged
with flying colors. 1t was at first hoped BY
his friends here that his eminent services TO
his country would have secured him from
the general notice to quit which was served
on the members of the Diplomatic and Con-
sular Services, and the news OF his removal
was received with equal surprise and regret.
The Chinese community have testified their
appreciation of Colonel Mosby in pleasing
and practical form, and his foreign friends
have not been behind hand in expressing
their sorrow at his departure. We under
stand the gallant Colonel, who is member
of the American bar, intends to practice as
such in San Francisco, and we sincerely
hope he may meet with the success that his
abilities and the experience gathered here
of marine law and Chinese questions entitle
him to expect
Upon his arrival at San Francisco re.
reporter of the Call interviewed the Colonel
whom he describes as follows:
"Col. Mosby presents few of the features
and characteristics of the ideal guerilla
chief, in which role he was so conspicuous
during the civil war. The picture the Col
onel presented last night was that of a man
about so years of age, Of medium height,
with slight, wiry frame, features clear cut,
excepting the nose, which is aquiline, eyes
small and piercing, forehead full, but not
high, head not large, but we'll poised and
shaped, and covered with shortcut dark
hair fringed at the temples with steel gray.
Covering the figure was loose. fitting, snuff:
colored coat, and surmounting all was soft
| felt hat of brick-red color, with its broad
brim curled up to the crown before and be-
hind, causing it to resemble the chapeau bas
of centennial days, aud being in perfect har
mony with the pleasant, clean-sbaven face
beneath it. As to the nativity Of the Colo
mel there could be no doubt, for upon bis
arm bung crooked cane, ard the large
semi circle described by the crook plainly
said, "Virginia, by gosh, STRIP
The first subject broached-after the eli.
mate-was Of course that of Chinese immi-
grafton, being of paramount interest to Cal.
| ifornia.
Upon this subject the Consul said that he
knew absolutely nothing and had refused
to dirty his hands with it. When the Sec
rotary Of the Treasury issued an order to
Collectors of Ports to admit Chinese on GER
ti6cates setting forth that they were mer-
chants, signed Ivy the American Consuls, it
was shown to Consul Mosby, but he imme.
diately wrote the State Department that he
would have nothing to do with the order
would sign no such certfcates-as he be-
lieved that such course would practically
annu the restriction act and create corrup.
ton among the Consuls.
"Why," said the Colonel, ''if was cor
rupt I would rather have Consulship with
authority to sign such certificates than own
one of Mackay's bonanzas. There would be
more money in the Consulship."
AFTER your seven years. experience as
Consul, do YOU consider the Chinese de-
sirable class of immigrants for the United
States?n
II know nothing about it, refused to
have anything to do with it. A man can
| no more have anything to do with that
Chinese immigration business, as it now is,
without becoming besnircbed, than he can
| handle smutted kettle without becoming
| besmutted."
"Have you ever thought of a solution for
the Chinese question pm
"Yes I believe that an act restricting
the number of Chinese that vessel may
carry would effect the desired object. The
number should be placed so low that it will
not be an object for vessel TO carry Chi
nese alone and scheme to get that class Of
traffic. Such an act could be enforced, and
would in no way conflict with tho terms Of
the treaty between the United States and
China"
GAS you paid no attention to the Chinese
question while in Hong Kong, to what did
you devote your time?'
"When | first went to Hong Kong I found
it extremely dull and irksome, confined as l
was upon a small island, after heretofore
active life but, like the Prisoner Of Chillop,
S-lLci " "uIC CfCu LILY SnaiuS oCCthO NY
friends Hong Kong being British port,
I, as United States Consul was ipde-
pendent of any Minister, the United
States Minister resident being in Eng
land and the United States Minister
to China being located at Peking, 1900
miles away, I was answerable for my acts
to the State Department alone. A great
many American ships visit Hong Kong
more than any other trans-Pacific port
and was kept busy hearing the grievances
and settling the differences Of the seahriDg
men,"
"What is your opinion of The Chinese ?"
II like the Chinese. Yes, I liked the
Chinese merchants met in Hong Kong very
much. Before left there they presented
me with an address and silver cup"
Colonel Mosby said that he had heard of
General Grants death two days before eav-
ing Hong Kong, and expressed much sorrow
at his demise "He was one Of the best
friends I ever had" remarked the Colonel,