[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR. "] Sin,—However remarkable the apathy
displayed by the world at large in connection with the questionable methods employed in recruiting Chinese coolies for South Africa, it is obvious that the Chinese authorities themselves are at last realising the futility of expecting the British Government to afford adequate protection to the emigrants, and are, to a certain extent, taking steps on their own account. I append an extract from the Straits Budget, the leading weekly
publication in the Far East, and one renowned for the accuracy of its information ; the issue bears date of February 16th, 1905 :—
"The Viceroy of Canton remains firm in countermanding coolie emigration from his province to the Rand. Neither orders to the contrary nor promises, apparently, can move him. The Viceroy, at the date of last mail advices, was very much opposed to allowing any more Chinese labourers to go to South Africa, on the grounds that the employers of these coolies have not acted in accordance with their contracts. The Viceroy, it is further stated, has also sent a strong telegram to the Foreign Affairs Board at Peking on the subject. The chances are that under the circumstances there will be difficulty, for the present, in engaging Chinese in South China to go to the Rand."
—I am, Sir, &c., H. HERBERT NOYES.
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