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position further to prove that with the exception of carrying the weapons in question lep publicly no real change has been effected by the Vice Roy's last instructions.
12. I presume, therefore, that Your Lordship is not disposed in so very important a matter and in the face of the above facts to sanction any searching of vessels visiting this Port, though it could only be useful if the arrangement were carried out honestly and effectively by all the parties to that arrangement.
13. Whatever might have been said as to the duty of this Government to risk some risk for a great public object and to make commercial sacrifices for that object, such language would surely be inapplicable at present, when the attempt has been made and failed either through the indifference or weakness of the Chinese Authorities.
14. I have also to draw Your Lordship's attention to the fact that the Ordinance enabling the Governor to issue such Proclamation as that which Your Lordship suggests is an Ordinance expressly limited by the Legislative Council to 12 months' duration from its commencement, which latter was fixed for the 1st July last by my Proclamation of 13th June last.
15. Therefore, there will be no authority whatever for issuing such a Proclamation after the 1st of next July, unless there be fresh Legislation on the Subject, whilst even during...