HONGKONG CONSTITUTIONAL
REFORM.
CROWDED MASS MEETING APPROVES ELECTIVE PRINCIPLE.
NANIMOUS DEMAND FOR AN UNOFFICIAL
MAJORITY.
in the chair and with him were
THE HONGKONG FILEGRAPH.,
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10. 1919.........
Governor himself, are sent home ed a position on the Legislative Colony of British Honduras, Legislative Council If they don't sentation should be given to the to the Secretary of State for the Council, either on the Official side which obtained an Unofficial ma. suit you, you can get rid of them, general electorate na Mr. McGuigan Colonies; but it is equally true as Acting Attorney General, or jority a5 late an the year 1913, you but you not get rid of the suggests
vote bas
7
A DEMOCRATIC DEMAND..
zure
It is very small body and I was wondering how a small body would look with two
that the debate is accompanied a representative of the public. will find precedents for there elected representatives of the Cham- The Chairman: Gentlaman: Hr. by a private despatch-at least I (Hear, hear.) Therefore gentle being an Unofficial majority; ber of Commerce or the Justices of Cartwright's amendment is to the infer that it from the Governmen, when I spproach a ques- fand if these Colonies have the -Peace. I submit again that effect that one member should be ment, which is not laid upon the tion of this sort, I am not an unofficial_majority a do the interests of the Chinese uslected by the Chamber of Com table. cannot be called for and [speaking without ample are not see why Hongkong should munity and the Portuguese commerce as before, one by the Justicen therefore in navez published periance behind me. As our no: also be trusted with an Un manity aro in every respect--those of the Peace as before, one by the either to the members of the chairman has pointed out to you, official majority. (Hear, hear) of the great maases of them, I am Chinese community as suggested, Legislative Council who have you have two questions to con- About a year ago when the last debated the subject or to members sider, this afternoon, one is the meeting of the Constitutional not speaking of those separate few which is a new rate, cas to be of the public who are so deeply question of election of the Unoff. Reform Association was held who live at the Peak, but the work Portuguese bat the voters to bo interested in it. It is common cial members instead of the I pledged myself to bring ing classes only, nearly ground down British subjects and three by British knowledge that the Official vote nomination of them by the Gov-, forward motion for Con in the gutter-they have no conflict voters on the jury list and people has been usej 00 many arnment and the other is the stitutional Reform as soon as the in intarests with the mass of British qualified for but exempt fram jury occasions, even during the time securing of an Unofficial majority and of the war was in sight and people of this Colony and their in-service. That brings the whole of since I have been connected on the Legislative Counsil, With, I am very happy to be able this terests it appears to me, are rate the British subjects on the jury bak with the Council to defeat what regard to the principle that the afternoon to come before you and in the hands of the directly elected into the purview of that electorate. nounced views, not only of the elect its own representatives on much pleasure in seconding the (Applause The issue here is very sure in seconding the proposal of were the considered and pro- publie ought to have the right to redeem that pledge and I have representatives of the British masses Mr. Alves said: 1 have much plem. Chamber of Commerce whom I the Legislative Council, I cannot, resolutions which have been pro plain and simple. The question is whe. Mr. Cartwright and I wish to add The meeting organised by the Constitutional Reform Association have the honour to represent, but imagine that any thinking person posed by the Chairman (Loud ap ther you want to elect represents a few words. Gentlemen, to tell for the purpose of putting resolutions before the public for reform in of the community at large. In the can have more than one view. plause), the electoral system under which members are returned to the first case I can recall, within my namely that the representatives of The Chairman: The resolutions tires yourselves or leave it to you the truth Mr. Cartwright took section. Reference bas been made away the amendment from me. When Legislative Council, was largely attended last evening, the Theatre own experience, the attempt to the public should be elected by are now open for discussion Royal being packed. The audience included a sprinkling of ladies, destroy German trade marks was the public. (Applause). With re-
to the method of election to Parlia I saw this resolution in the papers. As was confidently anticipated, the resolutions, with certain amend frustrated by the Official vole, gard to securing an Unofficial Mr. J. H. McGuigan said: Mr. Mant. Well there are no Chambers and I saw that the Chamber of Com mants, were duly carried, and the spirit of the meeting showed that The second case, the attempt to majority Ou the Legislative Chairman, I would like to move an Parliament and I do not think that tives I thought it rather funny. I of Commerce electing Members of merce should have two representa the steps taken were not by any means premature; indeed, not a pass a resolution, premature Council it will be within single person present advocated a continuance of the present system, though it may have been, to the the knowledge of
amendment to the resolution. masy of jeffect that Germans should put you that a petition
Invited to mount the stage, Mr any publia man would dare to face am a member of the Chamber of W8.5 Beat {he allowed to return to this home by me nearly three years McGuigan said: Mr. Chairman and British audieres with a propesi Commerce and it only consists of Hon. Mr. P. H. Holycak was through their authorised memColony within a period of years ago to the Secretary of State for Gentlemen, perhaps I had better tion like the one that is put before about 900 mambers.
berg, nominated as they were by Hon. Mr. R. E Pollock K. C. the Government, to join ouragain defeated and ridiculed the Colonies. Since then the Con- rest the amendment if the Chair in this resolution. I am
there is no need to argue the point. and Mr. H. B. L. Dowbiggia. petition to the Secretary of State by the Official vota (Applause), stitutional Reform Association man will allow me, before I say The question is whether you want hoads on it. (Laughter). I saw that (Hon. Secretsry of the Associa-for the Colonies for an elective Albeit that
since has been formed and I can assure anything My amendment is that confirmed been adopted and tion). Others on the „stage' were: representation instead of nomina-
you that the Committee of that part three of the resolution be totes yourseiros. We are asked "Do the proposition was repugnant and Messrs E. A. M. Williams, C. G. tive, and at that time, they in spirit almost in every part of Association, in framing the re- amended by deleting all the words Fou want a rote" Yes, and that said Now I must come forward and Alabaster, OB. E. J. P. Braga, A. chose through their own members the British Empire. (Applause). I solutions which are before youter "British subjects" in the means I want the people to get a try to see whether we can make the G. Coppin. A. S. D. Cousland. F. to write to the Government in I cannot conceive, gentlemen, that this afternoon, have given them B. L Bowley, A. Forbes, Dr. affect saying they did not desire if we had had an Unofficial major- the most anxious and careful con. second and third lines to the end rote not a few but the whole lot thing more practicable." A small The people of Great Britain to-day body with two heads is phenomenal Forsyth, Messra C. D. Wilkinson, to take part in the request. Well, ity to deal with the question, that aideration. The chairman has of the pagraph and substituting J. W. Graham, A. E. Griffe, C. H. gentlemen, in the last few days the Service dollar would have re said that the question of Constitu- the following words: "One shall 18. oh and poor alike, have a 885, (Laughter) We are not going to bave P. Hay, E. Ormiston, W. L. Pat they have apparently held various did and when so long ago as am a suficiently old resident of the Portuguese community and of Britain itself but the whole Em There is an other consideration gen mained so long undecided as it tonal Reform is an old one, and I present the Chinese community, one complete say in the condition of the such a representation made a laugh-
British people. Not merely the late Londen, J. A. Flummer. A Ritchie, meetings in the Chinese Chamber, something like sixteen months this Colony to have signed the shall be elected by British subjects pire is their bands I submit the tlemen that will show you that ena ing stock later on by outsidera. D. Templeton.
of Commerce and we learned At the Chairman's invitation somewhat to our surprise that the resolution was passed which petition of 1894 which went home of British race on a franchise the British population in this Colony Chamber of Commerce representative the Hon. Secretary read the notice there was a genuine desire ama the burden of the exchange loss for the Colonies, the Marquis of Parliamentary elections in reat respect to our kith and kin at home tlemen, if you will look at the list pledged the Colony to undertake to the then Secretary of State game as that which now obtains for is not one whit inferior in any is more than enough. (Laughter). Geol. the Chinese to reform their repre- in order that justica might be Ripon, sad the answer which w Britain." (Load applause), sentation: and, being a proses brought the Services here, the received on that occasion was that The Chairman said: Gentlemen, sive.body, it was but natural that vote was lost again, by the O-the Unofficial majority could not bonourable and right honourable ought to be equaly capable with for the Justices of the Peace, Jon"
and if they are able to guide Great of members of the Hongkong Chant Britain and the Colonies, well we should incorporate in our own ideals what appeared to be a fair cist majority. I am not piling up be granted. cial representation on the Legisla thing for the Chinese alko. the instances, gentlemen. My makes suggestion-a suggestion gentlemen who have moved and
The
will find that though everybody is tive Council of this Colony. It resolution which I have to pro honourable friend on my right that a Municipal Council might be seconded the resolution and really regard to such questions as come
up for our guidance in Hongkong. 1) a good many years since the sub pose to you deals with two wide tells me it was not put to the vote granted to this Colony. Well, gen- it appears to me that the speeches I quits agree that all questions of eligible the chances for those to be ject was first mooted by my hon. i principles. The firet is the prin- and I am incorrect in stating that; tlemen, we have not been granted ware in favour of the amendment Imperial importance should he in
elected are very very few and, gentle ourable friend on my right, and, ciple of election versus nomins. but it is true, although I was! as you know, petitions have al- tion by the Government for all absent at the time that the Un- that day to this. And when in 1916 the public represented by public re- ties. This Colony is not in any way the Peakites should be quite satis
even a Municipal Council from We have been told about not having the hands of the Imperial authorimen, those few we see invariably are Peskite people. Therefore I think B petition for AC ready been enthome on the same Unofficials save the two Chiness official members and the Execu
Unofficial presentatives. Now, owing to the in the 3.5.20€ circumstances. 23 subject which have met, with re- members. The second is to ensure tive Council, as well at that time, majority on the Legislative Coua peculiar dircumstances we are placed Australia, New Zealand er Canada, Ged to have two members represent fusal. On the last cecasion we that the wishes of the public undertook to bear the cost on the eil went home again to the Secre- should have carried the matter on all public and local or domes part of the Colony, which would tary of State for the Colonies, who in this Colony with regard to There are peculiar circumstances ing them in the Council allowing of
differences of race and language, here which necessitate
to carry the amendment (Langhter) further but for the fact that we the questions shall be carried have been incurred had the per- waa Mr Banar Law, the petition were engaged upon & great world out. One thing which I think this mission been granted to pay the was rejected without any reasons perhaps it is necessary to agree to amount of control. In fact the full-to transfer that one sest to where wide war, and rightly or wrong, Government has failed to realise, Service salaries at the exchange being given for its rejection. Well, separate representation of the Chin control of Imperial questions shout it should be, because it is not fair ly, as opinion may be conceived not only before the war but more months of discussion has at last and I am not going to go over the but there has not been a case rade responsible to the British people. I eat to the Chamber of Commerce rate of two shillings which after as the Chairman has pointed out ess and Portuguese communities. be in the hands of those who are, that the public should renounce that we thought it wise էր. hold especially since the war broke out,
been granted (Applause) I hands in order that we and the Home Government in have stated gentleman that there and valid and sufficient reasons say special section of the British questions which are municipal rat the proposal of Mr. Cartwright. (Ap- sameground again-there are good out for separate representation of agree with all that, but on other I have much pleasure in seconding consequence, is that there is such a thing as public opinion in this so animosity on my part in why we should have sa Unofficial community. (Applause). We have tors we should have the right to plaure.) Colony (applause) and Government of this Culong or the large assembly gathered here this si antagonism to the popular de majority in this Colony. Some had a long bitter, uphill struggle to say what is to be done. I leave the The Chairman: I can only say that
the ping up these examples of offici- home officials by pressing the afternoon has proved the fact that mands. I have merely cited the people have attempted, I believe, get rid of class representation is amendment in your hands.
convening the meeting.
"MR. HOLYOAK'S SPEECH.
we have met to consider proposals
for the forming of the Unoffi-
OUT
is
might not in аду mauner whatsoever. prejudice either our own case or embarrass either the
Bat Lord Ripon did
to sidetrack the suggestion by
Του
have heard the speeches "of the
greet
ber of Commerce and those eligible
It is I regret that Mr. Alvee has found the matter, which after all was one of public opinion cannot and will that may prove to you the de- saying that we should press for a Britain applause) At langth we very plain and very simple. I have representation of the Chamber of domestic referm. And therefore, not be ignored. (Applause). The sirability and necessity, if you de Municipal Council; but I am not have succeeded. Now the propertied not asked anyone to second it. I Commerce so unfortunate. (Langh- As I say, we held our hands until resolutions which I have to pro- our wishes carried out, of in favour of that course, because classes have not materially improved took the chance. I do not know if ton)"
having an Unothicial majority. It I fear very much that if we were the conditions of the British working anyone will second it or not (Load the conclusion of the war, The pose are as follow. war happily has now been trium That this public meeting of is a vastly different thing to pass granted's Municipal Council it maases during my life time. The phantly finished and wo are free Hongkong residen's whilst arm vote in Council by s majority of would be still subject to Govers people themselves have at length to consider this question, which ing its unswerving loyalty to the one and having it defeated by an ment influence and control; and their chance and it remains to be
Crown and Empire, is of opicion cial majority and an erplans therefore we have in proceeding seen what will be done.
tion forwarded by private dispatch for constitutional reform to go for certainly there has been no
a
Bat
C330
Applause)
Mr. B. L. Frost seconded
A PORTUGUESÉ REQUEST. Mr. Leo D'Almada said: Mr. Chairman, members of the Commit-
tee of the Constitutional Reform Az
asly at home but in the distant that the instructions to His to explain why it was defeated- the reform of the controlling made out here for giving special another amendment. I did not come may make in connection with the re-
(Applause)and there have been body, the Legislative body.
most intimately concerns us "not
parts of the Empire, of which Hoogkong is no insignificant part Our present system of govern- ment has been aptly described as one of benevolent despotism (ap plause) and latterly of benevolent
seek to disturb that, we do say
that the hour has come when » greater say in the domestic police of this Colony should be allowed British residents of it. (Applause),
It cannot be too clearly stated that
cellency the Governor relative to the mode of selection of the
Council Legislative
require amendment in such a way as to
secure.--
at present, namely, S.
benefit of the whole Empire-exempt from jury service; and the
.--08
should be elected by the Chinese com-
reason why the Portuguese member
ANOTHER PROPOSAL. MEH. A. Cartwright: Mr.Chair-sociation and Gentlemen, before pra man. I have pleasure in moving, ceeding with any remarks which J
and must be in the near future
laws and representation to either the Tham here this afternoon with the inter-solution and the amended recohitions which passAs our many occasions in connection which controls the distribution ber of Commerce or the Justices of tion of speaking because I have other which have been placed before you. with what I call purely domestic
of our revenues. I think. the Peace. (Loud applause). "I opportunities of expressing my I should like to say, although I do 1. That as regards all the proff. affairs in this Colony, such as the gentlemen, that this must appeal think there is no likelihood, with all opinion, but in view of the amend-"not held any brief for the Portiguésé autocracy. Well, gentlemen, there cial members of the said Council calling, for example, for a com- to gcn as being a scard position due deference to the gentleman ment that has been moved I feel, community, it behoves me as a Brit- is much to be said for this form of (other than the two Chinese mission of enquiry into the hot and it is of no avail for anybody moving this resolution, that the constrained to Move- second ish mahinët of Portugese race that government in distant parts of the nominated membersl the principle pital administration here, which I am supposing another critic members representing the Chamber amendment. I cannot give you the I should extend the codial thanks of of election instead of nomination is not above reproach-(Applause) suggesting that we have able of Commerce and the Justices of exact wording of it, but it is to this the commanity for the suggestion Empire, which must include par.
shall be applied. manent officials, when they are
any other of the public permanent officials in this Cappy- the Peace will do permanent, and the carrying on of
more for the effect that one member only repre- "that one of the unofficiat members to 2. That the number of anoficial services which would automati Well, they als have very able a policy from year to yest, and, members shall be increased from clly be turned down by the permanent officials at home in ses of the people in this Colony sent the Chamber of Commerce, one be elected should be a British sh whilst we do cot in any sense 6 to 9, and that the number of Official vote. I think the Colony Great Britain, but I have rever than the similar class did when the Justices of the Peace and four fect of Portuguese race. There is no official members shall remain as that upon questions which affect forwardin opposition to a proposal in Britain. I agree with nearly method suggested, except that cre in this Colony, although they arẽ s
ought to be put in a position heard such
they had control of the Government the general community in the doubt gentlemen that the Portuguese an argument put 3 That of the given elected the very life of individuals of this was House of Commonz. You not to-night with regard to the housing so for this reason, Mr. McGuigan voice and although that voice is ö the welfare, and in some instances with regard to representation in everything that has been said here more be given to the British, I do rast community, have but a feeble unofficial members (all of whom Calory. we ought to be able to only have these permanent re- conditions of the people of this whom I know very well, has aid feeble it has at last been heard and shall be British subjec sl two shall be deemed that, having asked for presentatives at home working in Colony, and to the sazitary or lack that no politician in England would I earnestly hope that that heating be elected by the Hongkong we do not seek and have never General Chamber of Commerce; an enquiry it should be granted. the Government offices, but you of sanitary arrangements (applause) venture to go before the electorate will be given that patient and an- Bought to interfere in any degree one by the Justices of the Peace mands for an enquiry are put representatives of the people in the Colony and of the state of merce or any Chamber of Commerce titled to. Gentlemen, it has been (Applause). No question or de- also have behind them the sad arising therefrom the health of and set that the Chamber of Com xious consideration which we are en- whatsoever with any part of three (two of whom shall be of what over be called the Im. British race and one of Portuguese lightly by say Unoffel member, the people's house, the House education in the Colony. "There is should be represented in the English suggested that a Chinese member
They involve a very great deal of of perial policy of the British na race) by British subjects who are trouble and I cannot conceive and, applying that principle by evident need of soms nach 'change House of Commons.
Commons - (Applause)-- tion, as dictated at home for the jurymen, or are qualified for, but that any Uncficial member of analogy here, I think we ought to the personel or constitution of A voice: British House of Community and I myself fail to see any (Applause)-and I do not hesitate que by the Chinese General the Legislative Council would have an Unofficial majority on the Legislative Council as will re- móng also to state that in no part of the Chamber of Commerce, or some Put a question to the Government the Legislative Council in this dect itself in the improved condi Mr. Cartwright: British House of should not be elected by the Ror-
without being perfectly sure Colony (Applause). Empire will more loyal subjects other body representative of the
As my bon. tion of the masses of the people. Commons-Very well. of his facts. of the British Crown be found Chinese community.
start with friend, The Chairman, has pointed It appears to me not a bit of good feetly true; but you must not forget said also that that should not be so, community. It has been And in order that due and and that requires a good deal out to you, there is not of e urse, to change the government unless that there is a University vote re- because this being a British Colony, than in Hongkong. At the same time, that should not deter us prompt attention and considera conditions it is an exceedingly one of us of interfering with ibe My idea is that those improved and even in the latest reforms, that that no aliens should have the right of investigation and under present any question in the minds of any the change brings improved results, presented in the House of Commons British Interests should prevail and from taking a survey of the lion may be given to the opinion thankless job (Applause). There Naval and Military policy of this results are not so likely to coma has not been taken sway. Iven to vote for a British subject. But situation and cocsidering what thus publicly expressed this meet fore, gentlemen, it is with con Empire. That policy must be treat by sectional representation such as ture to think that the Chamber cf. as far as that is concerned it seems" can be done to bring about a ing requests the Government to fidence that I leave the resolutions ed as one and that policy will in larger increase of representation transmit this resolution by tele in your hands and whilst they the future, as in the past, be direct is proposed in the resolution de by Commerce representation and the' to me, at any rate, that there is some upon the Legislative Council to gram to His Majesty's Secretary may not perhaps be ideal, and I ed by the naval sod military ex- wider representation such as my representation of the Justices of inconsistency in the resolutions put deal with such questions as the, of State for the Colonies. hospitals, police. Banitary Board, And this, gentlemen, brings me do not say they are from every perts at Home. (Applause). They amendment proposes (Applause) the Fescs is somewhat analags forward, beesuse they allow members educational administration, bons to the reason for asking for an Point of view, they nevertheless will direct that policy in the future What we do requira is a vastly in- As any rate it has this merit that, of the Chamber of Commerce to vote. ing reform, the question of Vanfficial majority of one, and represent a sincere and carefully as in the past and you may be creased supply of better houses at it has existed for a very long time for & member although the Chamber dealing with revenue raised with, the reason, briefly, is this: My considered effort to improve the quite certain that the Unofficial lower rents. (Applause) We want and we don't usually do away with includes alien members and such in the Colony, and as to what experience in the Legislative here and to infuse into them more always support & policy which est possible rate. (Applause). We to be mischievous. I think it right for a member of the Council, while conditions under which we live members of the Council will our commodities at the very cheap Institutions unless they can be shown members would be entitled to vote part of it shall be devoted to Im- Council is nothing like so long of that liberty of action and self tends to the good of the Eu are all tired of high prices in this that the commerce of this Colour Portuguese who are not British sub perial needs and what part to the my honourable friend on my development of the Colony itself, right; but he will corroborate what government which is our birth- pire, and the defence of the Colony and do our interests in this should be directly represented. I;
right (Loud applause.) the majority of which are always I say, that upon every oconaira dealt with by some such body at | when the Government sees fit to
jects are deprived of their right to nobody will venture to ruggeat, respect harmonise particularly well think it right also that the Justices vote for their own member: Tizi ap- home as a Municipal council refuse a resolution proposed by The Hos. Mr H.E. Pollock is after the contributions which this with the members of the Chamber of the Peace, who I imagine repre- pears an inconsistency that cannot Reference han recently been made the Uncficial reembers of the secmdling said: Mr Chairman Colony has made in this war la of Commerts and the estates of sent the mees established and best be removed and I would ask you in in the Press to the question of Council, directly that amoues and gentlemen, I have very much men, money and materials, that the Peace I (Cries! No and laughter), known people here, may of them sing these resolutions that it Chinese representation, and I ment has been made the Official pleasure is seconding the resolu- the men of this Colony are I am in favour of changing but when professional or not represented in Portuguese member may frankly tell you that when vote is automatically registered tions which have been proposed to deficiens in patriotism or devotion we have been fighting to make the the Chamber of Commerce should to the Lexislative we were considering this very against it, which always means you. I do not speak from a small to the Empire. (Applause) In world safe for democracy, it also have a vote much in the same tuguese mer fully we were largely influenced that the resolution must be de experience of the Legislative Asking for an Unofficial m jority hoves us Hongkong people to make way as the Universities at home. at the onset of affairs in not infested, I am perfectly well aware Cachepause I remind you that in this Colony were not acting Hongkong safe for democracy, and at the time I see no mean viting them to take part in this that the full facts of the debate, of the 30 years during which I have without a prea dent. In the the way to that is to get the power why the representation of the appeat because lons" than two. 88 on one occasion was pointed resided in this Colony for one Colony of British Guiana, in the in the Eands of the people and flect her of Cen Jakrs ago they were invited out by His Excellodey the half of that period I have occupi- Colony of Cyprus and in the EER YOU
"ope, own representatives on th
to
MR. POLLOCK'S VIEWS.
Empire-applause)--and I think
It is per tuguese
[for?