published in the Colony, and, whilst on one side there may be the amount of fluctuation, there may be on the other side depreciation. I confess, in earnest, that I have a much higher estimate of the vitality and energy of this Community than to suppose, if it was thoroughly aroused, that "such a Public Meeting had satisfactorily indicated its dignity as affected by the Daily Press."
In whatever paper I read the report I might almost suppose myself perusing the proceedings of a Meeting in favour of the Stamp duty, and I look in vain for any rational foundation on which to build the strong assertion of the only Journal committed against that duty.
The resolution I carried, viz: a Resolution to memorialize the late Secretary of State, was not moved by a Member of the English Community, but by the Dutch Consul, a highly respectable Foreign Merchant.
7. Your Lordships, I trust, will not imagine that I in the least underrate all respectful manifestations of Public opinion; but so far as that opinion and feeling may be allowed weight with Her Majesty's Government in confirming or disallowing the Stamp Ordinance, - it is my evident duty to report for your information what I believe, and my belief - so far as I can gather from the proceedings at the last Meeting, the discussions in the Press, and private sources, is that a rational appreciation of the probable effect...