Financially, the British people have certainly not been gainers by the acquisition of that colony.

Of course I shall be told that it adds to the prestige of Great Britain, but this is an empty, bumptious boast dearly paid for by the British tax-payer.
From an economic and moral point of view, however, I must admit that a great deal of good has been done by the British Government in Hongkong.
It has provided the Chinese with an actual working model of a Western system of government which, notwithstanding many difficulties, has succeeded in transforming a barren island into a prosperous town, which is now the largest shipping port in China.

The impartial administration of law and the humane treatment of criminals cannot but excite admiration and gain the confidence of the natives.

If the British Government, in acquiring the desert island, had for its purpose the instruction of the natives in a modern system of government, she is to be sincerely congratulated, but it is feared that her motives were less altruistic.
These remarks apply equally, if not with greater force, to the other colonies or possessions in China under the control of European Powers, as well as to the other colonies of the British Empire, such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and others which are called "self-governing dominions".

The Imperial Government feels very tender toward these colonists, and practically they are allowed to manage their affairs as they like.