ENGLISHMEN IN THE • CHINESE SERVICE ,. [To the Editor
of the SPECTATOR.]
Sur,—It is by now ancient history, I know. But may I be allowed to correct an unfortunate impression that has been caused among some of us by your comment (January 19th) on Mr. F. W. Maze's appointment as Inspector-General of Chinese Customs ? In the first place, the " declaration which Mr. Maze in common with all foreign servants of the Chinese Government (cf., Mr. Hussey-Freke, Co-Director of the Salt Gabelle) was called upon to make, was in effect nothing more than an official pledge of loyalty, clothed, of course, in Oriental phraseology. Then I would dispute the analogy with Lord Macartney, who was a foreign Ambassador representing an- other sovereign state, and who naturally refused to " kotow " in the manner of a vassal state.
The post of Inspector-General of Chinese Customs is one of peculiar delicacy in the midst of the continuing politics uncertainty and confusion, and I am sure you would not wish to add to Mr. Maze's difficulties by unsympathetic comment.— I am, Sir, &c., AN ENGLISHMAN IN CHINA.
[We regret that anyone should take exception to our carefully worded comment on the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Maze, presumably, " interpreted" his oath of loyalty in his own mind, as a Westerner naturally would, and therefore we felt justified in treating the matter also from an English- man's standpoint. —En. Spectator.]
Previous page
