the lot of these children is far happier
than if they had been left to their ordinary fate. So say these
Chinese gentlemen; so said the noble and wealthy, the much
respected slave trader and holder, a century ago in England. The
answer to him then is the only answer for these Chinese gentlemen.
It is a long one which presents itself to everyone who has studied
the slavery and the slave-trade question. Besides this long
argumentative answer, one question must be answered:--Is it right
to do or sanction wrong that good may come?"
"A very long time has elapsed since I received your letter
forwarding that dispatch [containing the request of the Secretary
of State for the Chief Justice to state his views as to Dr.
Eitel's representations], in June last; but the delay has been
advantageous, as it has enabled me to obtain a memorandum on the
subject by Mr. Francis, barrister here, and for a year Acting
Puisne Judge ... I write on this subject from an experience in
Hong Kong since early in 1861; Mr. Francis from a very extensive
experience in both China proper and in this Colony since some
years previously." He then enters into history to show that "Mr.
Francis of necessity studied ... the whole law on the subject of
slavery or bonda