Quotation of the day

From a man who knew his business, James Matheson of Jardine, Matheson & Co. — one of the original opium runners and hence founders of Hong Kong:

“The Gazelle was unnecessarily delayed at Hong Kong in consequence of Captain Crocker’s repugnance to receiving opium on the Sabbath. We have every respect for persons entertaining strict religious principles, but we fear that very godly people are not suited for the drug trade. Perhaps it would be better that the Captain should resign.”

(From Derek Sandhaus’ forthcoming Tales of Old Hong Kong)