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This it is impossible to predict. But whatever it may be, I see no advantage in an Enactment which ties the Secretariat inextricably to the Superintendancy of Branch. I think this much better remedied, quite independently of existing questions about Sir Bowring's tenure.
Out of considering the Act, I must confess it is not a very easy task to alter it, and still retain, what I apprehend ought to be retained, the legislative power of the Hong Kong Council in Chinese matters.
For the present, assuming that there is no intention to break Sir J. Bowring's decision & revert to the Duke of Newcastle's argument - I allowed to have his £1000 a year might...