I have construed the import of these words in the Standing Instructions, which direct that each Council shall always consist of three Members", as implying that three shall be the minimum, and trust that this construction is correct.
The absence of Major General X'. Aguilar "Restangse, or my own absence at one of the Consulates, might happen to reduce the numbers of Council to a low and inconvenient number, were there less than the number now appointed, subject to Her Majesty's pleasure.
I have no hesitation in expressing to Your Lordship my firm conviction that, constituted as the Society of this place is, none but official persons should be eligible to the Stations above mentioned. Almost every person possessed of Capital, who is not connected with Government Employment is employed in the Opium trade, and I need not observe that such an occupation would be unsuitable in this place to a seat at the Council Board.
I have the honor to be, My Lord, Your most Obedient Humble Servant Jedans