guage, and religion, and not influenced by their opinions. However respectable the character of the residents may be, I cannot believe that such an arrangement could work satisfactorily.
consistently with the introduction of the Representative system; but I see no reason to expect any considerable change of circum- stances which could remove objections, now in my opinion insur-
10. If it were suggested, as indeed some passages in your de-mountable. spatch appear to suggest, that the object of introducing the system of election should be to afford to the Governor increased means of learning the wishes and feelings of the population, but without transferring to the Legislative Council increased power either in enacting laws or controling expenditure, -- I should regard such a scheme as liable to other and equally conclusive objections.
11. For the simple purpose of discovering the persons most competent to give advice as to public matters, the judgment of the officer administering the Government seems to me quite as good a test, in such a community as Hongkong, as public election, whe- ther under a restricted or an extended franchise, and except as a means of transition from the present system to one in which a considerable share of power should be given to the representative members of the Legislature, I am persuaded that such a system could not be established without creating future dissatisfaction.
12. If there were no other material objection to the change which you desire to introduce, I should regard the peculiar posi- tion of Hongkong as presenting an additional difficulty not easily to be got over.
13. The Island is held by the British Crown, not at all because of any natural advantages which it possesses, but simply as subsi- diary to the intercourse between the British and the Chinese Empires. In this point of view it is of great importance. Great commercial interests and the future progress of civilization throughout the East are to a great extent involved in the main tenance of British rule and of orderly government in Hongkong.
14. It is true that the government of such a dependency pre- sents some peculiar difficulties, arising not only from its internal condition, but its immediate neighbourhood to Chinese territory. I should be glad if I could believe that the time was near at hand when the most essential objects of government could be secured
|
15. There is nothing, however, in the views which I had ex- pressed, that should prevent you from conducting the affairs of the colony with the greatest regard to the feelings as well as the in- terests of the population, where paramount considerations of a general nature do not interfere.
16. You have alluded to the fact that, at Singapore, Chinese re- should sidents have been introduced into the Magistracy. If you bereafter be able to select from the Chinese inhabitants persons deserving of confidence, whom you may think fit to hold this or any other administrative office, I should be willing to assent to such appointments. The experiment, however, should be very cautiously made, and until considerable experience had been gain- ed, I should not think it wise to place a Chinese in any position in which he could exercise authority alone, and without check on the part of British officials.
17. I can see no objection to a moderate increase in the number of the Legislative Council, if you should think that desirable; and I approve of the steps which you have taken, in laying the Estimates before that body, and inviting their observations upon the items of public expenditure.
18. I shall, however, rely on your continuing to administer the Government in conformity with the principles on which it has been established, and not parting with that authority, which, when wisely exercised, I believe to be best calculated to secure the general welfare of a community placed in such exceptional condi- tions. I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
H. LABOUCHERE.
Governor Sir JOHN BOWRING, &c., &c., &c.,
Hongkong.