Few men coming to China hat had greater opportunities over. a period of more than a quarter century of coming into the closest, Jpossible relationship with the [Chinese merchant, and I would like to say here as T have said els where that I have always found him first a gentleman and afterwards trader, and that I teave China th the' kindliest possible recollec~ tions of my relations with them all. I can only hope that the present unrest in China will speedidisappear and that China will soon obtain for her people—a people of fine character, great dustry and generous " hearts—a Government under which the coun: try will thrive and take its rightfal place amongst the nations of the world.
Mr. Chow Shut-kat and gentlemen, I thank you all again from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful reception you have given to-night, for your great kindness in inviting me to meet you Jand my other foreign friends. It fg an honour which I will always. be able to think about and look upon Jwith "immense pleasure, when I settle down to peace and retirement jin my own homeland.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.