the question whether a fresh tax - such as
the Stamp Tax which brings in some $30,000
a year
in the Straits Settlements should not be imposed. Or whether on the ground of the heavy expense of the Mint the Military contribution should not be postponed say until the 1 Jan 1866 instead of fresh taxation would
I
may
+ See however No. 88 last despatch in printed papers
Evidently
a
very
satisfactory
fact that since the imposition of the Stamp tax in the Straits Settlements there has been no falling off in the population, but a steady
upward
M.A.
increase
In Robinson has summed up the salient points very clearly and conveniently. There is nothing that I have to say which is worth adding. Any general reflection that I could offer appears already in the printed papers. I therefore forward the despatch at once knowing you wish to take it into early consideration.
With regard to the state
of
the Colonial finances,
Despatch
No. 147
also received yesterday.
7 Nov.
12
Lee Memoranda annexed.
Page 90
Page 91