His Excellency that I hardly feel in a position to advise whether it would be advisable to carry out such a proposal today. All the facts of the case are better known to the Governor than to anyone else. It seems that from those facts His Majesty's Government will be able to determine whether the thing shall be done or not. All that I feel justified in saying is that I do not suppose that, so far as the Church of England in this Colony is concerned, any great opposition would be made to the step, if finally decided upon.
The Church of England merchants of Hongkong no doubt feel themselves quite able to provide for their Chaplains, especially if the Cathedral is handed over to them and all future appointments are left in their hands.
If the Government finally determine to withdraw such grants from the Church of England, I would respectfully urge that the Bishop, Clergy and Laity of that Church be immediately informed, in order that such steps may be taken to prevent confusion arising from the avoidance of any Ecclesiastical post at present maintained by the Government.
I have to...
54/ J. S. Victoria.