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matter of repute and notoriety, I know that Ma-chow Wong has, for years, been considered an extortioner, a recipient of bribes from gambling-house keepers, a confederate of pirates, and a receiver of stolen goods. I also know, that, because of his well-known position with regard to Mr. Caldwell, which every Chinaman in the colony very well knew, Ma-chow Wong was supposed to be in possession of great power, and was held in great dread. Of the extent of the dread I became fully aware, when it was my duty to investigate the cases against him. I spoke to very many Chinese of standing and property, and they all exhibited a knowledge of his evil character, but a reluctance to do more than own it.
"As an instance,—at the time that an appeal was made to his Excellency for the pardon of Ma-chow Wong, I knew that a Chinese petition, numerously signed, had been presented in his favour. Late one evening, one of the wealthiest, perhaps the wealthiest, Chinaman in the colony came to me, and said, that he also represented the feelings of another wealthy Chinaman. The man said in broken English, 'I am almost afraid to come to you, I come all same thief; but I want you to tell the Governor, that the Chinese who signed the petition dared not refuse to do so; but, if the Governor really wants to know, what those people mean, who signed it, let him give each of them one black ball, and one white one, and there won't be very many in favour of Ma-chow Wong." I told him, 'I can't tell the Governor any such nonsense. If you are a race of cowards, you must bear the consequences.'"
