But
evew
were the
Regulations clear and
peremptory against leave of absence being granted except
in
exses of imminently fatal illness I venture to think that the novel and fecutior position of Gt Britain in
China, _ the nature and
_the_nature_
prospects of
a new
years
this Island
Sett!, and the
226
exception to the general rule,
as
my temporary
particularly
absence could be no detriment to the Public Service, and as
$
I offered to take upon myself all the responsibility of my proceeding..
my
as
many
I have devoted to the_ study and personal examination of other Colonies,
and to
an investigation of
the Commercial and
Financial
relations of England might
have rendered
me
an
exception
put aside the question of
health [altho' it has been
materially shaken by my
residence and mental labours
or death is
of
here). Life little moment compared with the great interests which England has at stake
China.
in
These interests are too
vast and pressing to be affected