Page:Crime and government at Hong Kong.pdf/57

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

53

a lorcha;" for that is "even admitted by Mr. Caldwell." That all this while, Mah Chow Wong was a "notorious" pirate, is what Mr. Caldwell "must have known."[1]

Those only who are familiar with the History of Jonathan Wild in all its details, can fully comprehend the part, which this "connection" of Chinese pirate and European officer of police, has had in the Reign of Terror, as I have called the administration of government, under Sir John Bowring, at Hong Kong.

But, even to those not so prepared by study, I do not despair, representing, from the records published, in a moment of infatuation, by the Hong Kong Government itself, such a picture of their proceedings as shall leave no doubt, even in the most sceptical mind, as to the quality of that "connection," their designs, and their acts; and the consequent and necessary duty, of all honest men, whether in the service of the Local Government, or enjoying a position of independence, to do their utmost to detect and expose the guilt, and bring down conviction and punishment upon the confederacy, and all who abetted or protected it.

An experience, acquired by thirteen years of service, as Superintendent of Police, Magistrate, and Coroner, entitles Mr. May's evidence on this head to great consideration and respect. He tells the Government Commissioners:—

"I have for many years known Mah Chow Wong. … I knew that that man was Mr. Caldwell's principal and most relied-upon informant. … My knowledge of Mah Chow Wong arose from my knowing that

  1. Printed Report, p. 2.