New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-03-13
DENIED BY GREAT BRITAIN.
AN UNAvAILING REQUEST FOR A CHINESE
CONSUL AT HONG KONG.
Hong Kong. China, January


| Several months ago the Imperial Chinese Gov
eminent forwarded a request TO the British Foreign
Office that Chinese consul should be allowed in
Hong Kong Since Great Britain obtained the
concession of this island in 1914 she has rigor-
ously enforced her own laws upon all citizens of
her own dOminions and upon all Chinese sub
iects who remained upon the island. The island
was several years ago made Crown colony, md
O separate Governor and Council sent ont from
home to rule IT,, the previous military government
being done away with. All the civilized nations
of Europe and our own country sent consular
representatives 10 the new colony of Hong Kong
20 look after the interests Of their respective cOun
tries. China having only shortly before celed
the island 10 Great Britain did not think it in
cumbcnt upon her even advisable to establish
o Chinese consulate. and tins the Chinese sub
jects living in Hong Kong have remained under
the English laws.
The foreign population of Hong Kong, exclusive
Of the military and naval garrsons. numbers
about 10000, and the permanent Chinese popu-
lation more than 100000 and to this might be
added about $4,000 living in boats and engaged
In trading with the forts in iunks and sampans.
The Chinese element has always been unruly and
more or less riotous, and the military garrsons
have been Kept in state ready to enforce the
civil laws. Several formidable uprisngs have
shown the British officials the necessity of retain.
ing this part Of the population firmly within the
scope Of both the English civil and military laws.
Tie granting Of the request was in consc-
qucncc violently opposed by the foreign press
throughout the East. II objected TO the estab-
lShinent of this as precedent for future cases
which might arise as foreign possessions and in
tcrcSts Increase in China and other scmi-civlizcd
countries. The British Foreign Onicc realized
fuIly the gravity Of the step and It's probable
bearing upon British trade in China. but unwilling
10 run the risk Of offending the Chinese Emperor
by refusal. and al the same time desiring 10
conciliatc tn feelings OF the foreigners in the
East so far as possible, decided TO grant the cstab-
lishmcnt Of the consulate for period Of one
year; and at The md Of this time to Withdraw
the permission. If matters were found not to be
satisfactory 10 the colony. This information was
communicated TO the Chinese Emperor and after
due consd ration by the Imperial Cabinet was
declined and the request for the consulate
promptly withdrawn. The Imperial Government
considered il beneath lis dignity 10 appoint
Consul on probation. and the British Foreign
Office persisted in the limitation trial of one
year, China refused 20 make tho appointment
Oac cannot do otherwise than approve tin dig
ni0ed conduct of the Chinese Government in
this matter. The arrangement with regard 10
Hong Kong was one of those half concessions
which productive Of dissatisfaction and
III feeling than would have been n total refusal
There are many cases in which IL IL virtually
impossible 10 grant TO China the full privileges
which we allow CIVILIZED nations in general. he
cause hold her customs and laws n barharous.
II China aehs these privileges tie best course
i 10 give decided refusal and thus end the
matter.
What the future effect OF this breach Of friendly
diplomatic relations between Great Britain and
lima viii amount 10 cannot he for, seen. Ire
pride Of tie Chinese has been seriously wounded,
ana should IN occasion arise by which this
fancIcd injury may bc returned China will not
let il pas. The refusal 10 grant the cOn>ulshIp
has however, greatly pleased tie Chinese IN
habitants of Hong Kong, who infinitely prefer
Br ish rule 10 Chinese administration and the
cxtcriion always practiS"d by the official man
dnrns Probably the larger part of the Chinese
population Of Hong Kong is composed of people
who have removed from Canton and other cities
10 escape the yoke of Chinese government and
the prospect Of n return to this by the establish
mcnt of n consulate was by no means favoably
received by them. Its refusal has tended 10
c0nciliaIc this class of the people, although AT the
expense of the good will OF tie Imperial Govern