6.2.
Not a single remonstrance, representation or even remark complaining of its provisions has reached the Government from any Chinese inhabitant. After offering the most mature consideration to the whole subject, if the Ordinance as it stands should be confirmed by Her Majesty in Council, His Excellency will not, as at present advised, recommend alteration of its provisions - but will submit the present correspondence to the Supreme Authorities at home.
With regard to the objectionable character of the provision in Clause 12 of the Ordinance Act of 1866, (on the subject of Costs and Fees) His Excellency has to state that the provision only extends to Common Law proceedings what has always been the position of the Crown (intended for the protection of the interests of the people) in all Equity and Admiralty cases, but His Excellency consents to propose to the Legislative Council an Ordinance for suspending the action of the clause in question, pending a special reference on the subject to Her Majesty's Government.
As to the constitution of the Legislature in the Colony, His...