"Daily Press
The Daily Press.
HONGKONG, SEPTEMBER 18,
to
his
THE public meeting has satisfactorily vindicated its dignity and that of the colony by adopting the only course which, if it wished to avoid humiliation, lay before it. Any body of men, as any single man may be liable in this world to defeat, but no one is bound to sacrifice honest convictions without struggling on their behalf, bravely to the last. At one time it seemed not impossible that while the real feelings of the vast majority present were notoriously enlisted on the side of the opposition, there might be a painful collapse of the whole movement because of the reluctance of those who were present to stand forward and take a leading part in the proceedings. Those who organised the programme on the first occasion appeared to be a little touched at remarks which had been made disapproving of the "cut and dried" nature of the proceedings at the first meeting, and more or less piqued at this criticism on their arrangements which was certainly never intended to disparage their public spirit in taking the first steps towards a demonstration against the Stamp Act. At any rate, however, they came this time altogether unprepared with resolutions or suggestions, and after the GOVERNOR's reply was read to the meeting there was an awkward pause during which no one seemed disposed to say anything. Encouraged by this, there arose out of the meeting remarks in favour of the Stamp Act from a gentleman who said at the same time that he did not intend to oppose the course of the meeting. It is not given to everyone to be able to sympathise on the subject of the Stamp Act both with the policy of the GOVERNOR and the course a meeting which by an overwhelming majority manifested an unconquerable aversion to measures both in principle and detail, but it must be a very keen satisfaction to feel yourself on good terms with all parties to a dispute, though whether those who were present found themselves enabled by help of the impartial voice from above,—by these gentle pleadings from the Peak, to admire Sir RICHARD's bill and cordially concur with the sentiments of the community as well, is another question. Mr. BARNARD did not, it must be confessed, steer between two courses.
Whether from a chivalrous determination to espouse the weaker side, or from a natural adhesion to the principle of Stamps or from a sincere conviction that the introduction of the proposed ordinance would have the effect of repressing the excessively litigious spirit of the residents in Hongkong—whatever may have been the impulse which led him to take the part he did, Mr. BARNARD, mailed, or perhaps we ought more appropriately to say, nailed his colours to the mast and came forward as the collector,—not exactly of Stamps, but of voices in favour of their introduction. Some little want of familiarity with the past events of the colony led the self-constituted champion of the new duties to draw his arguments from singular sources and he was inclined to think that the affection for the military contribution which had grown up in the minds of the colonists of late was an illustration of the way in which they would eventually come to love the principle of Stamps. As for the argument that he, Mr. BARNARD, when he first came here had said to the Attorney General "why had the colony not got a Stamp Act," the meeting did not seem carried away by it to the extent which might have been anticipated, nor was it seriously impressed by the picture which the speaker drew of reckless and selfish merchants going away from this place after a few years with large fortunes, leaving their "predecessors" the taxes to pay. Successors, no doubt the learned gentleman intended to say, but allowances may very properly be made for the heat of debate.
All this, however, was the fun and chaff incidental to a public meeting in a place where people are so happily constituted as to see the comic element even in a proposal to make them pay an inconvenient tax. The meeting which took place yesterday was ready enough to have a laugh at its own or anybody's expense but not one whit less indisposed to admit the obnoxious principle of laying a burden upon trade, than that which assembled on the 28th of August. The resolution which Mr. BOSMAN moved in a short but highly forcible and pertinent speech embodied all the action which it was necessary on this occasion for the community to take. The GOVERNOR has rejected its appeal; it became a point of honour therefore as well as a matter of expediency to take those further steps which are invited on such an emergency by the regulations of the Colonial Service. If it did not communicate to the Secretary of State, the unchanged conviction of the Hongkong residents that the Stamp Act is dangerous to the welfare of the community and prejudicial to the interests of its commerce, it would stand before the Home government as a community destitute of principles or convictions, swayed by momentary gusts of feeling and unworthy to claim consideration for its most deliberate opinions. Now, however, the case is widely different. By every means in its power, the inhabitants of this colony will, when the memorial about to be prepared goes home, have uttered its solemn protests against the principle of meeting the expenditure of the local government, whether just or unjust, by burdens on trade in any form. It is not possible now for the Colonial Office to throw off on Sir RICHARD MACDONNELL the responsibility for the new policy, sacrificing him if that policy should turn out badly, and taking a due share of the credit, if it should turn out well. The Home government, which it is to be hoped will not be left to act on this matter altogether without a show of solicitude on the subject from independent members of Parliament, will have to consider the policy of the Hongkong Stamp Act on its own merits, with the knowledge that many eyes are watching for its decision. Under these circumstances it is to be doubted whether it will continue to regard the opinion on a commercial subject like this, of one stranger to China, even though he be the GOVERNOR,—as of greater moment, or entitled to greater respect than the collective opinion of the whole mercantile body.
Page 206
PUBLIC MEETING ON THE
STAMP ACT.
In compliance with the advertisement in Monday's paper a Public Meeting was held yesterday afternoon for the purpose of having laid before it H.E. the Governor's reply to the memorial against the Stamp Ordinance and of taking its views as to what further steps it may be deemed advisable to adopt in the matter.
The attendance was very large, the Court House being filled, and many were unable to obtain admission.
Mr. Tonnochy called the meeting to order, stating that the first business would be to appoint a chairman. Mr. Maclean, proposed by Mr. Bosman and seconded by Mr. Ryrie, was unanimously chosen and accordingly took the chair.