6
(
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smiled at it, and the China Mail recorded the opinion even of one who signed the address that Mr. Keswick's labours as regards the public purse had been rather in the opposite direction. I myself certainly testify, what Dr. Stewart must have known, that during my administration Mr. Keswick had suggested and supported at the Finance Committee that the salaries or allowances of certain Officials who had more or less an opportunity of facilitating his business transactions, should be increased; whilst his objection to my financial arrangements was that too tight a hold was kept on the purse strings. On the occasions that I laid annual Estimates before the Legislative Council, Mr. Keswick never suggested their reduction.
8.
But, apart from this, I venture to ask Your Lordship to express such an opinion upon Dr. Stewart's conduct as will prevent, in future, any Executive Officer of the Queen from endorsing the protest (to use the words in which his signature to the Address is referred to in the China Mail) "against the principles of Colonial Government."
9.
Though, I am happy to say, Dr. Stewart was the only Executive Officer who signed the Address, I took the opportunity of subsequently vindicating in the Legislative Council on the 3rd of June...