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the chief opponent of the Government policy had been concerned. Returning to the original accusations of Captain Thomselt's application, the Governor handed in the following draft letter:
"Sir,
1. The Governor has considered your letter of the 16th instant, in which you apply for permission to take legal proceedings against the Proprietor of the "Hongkong Telegraph" for the publication of materials of which you assert were given to him by some Officer, who, you allege, abused his position by affording this information to the public press.
2. The Governor desires me to inform you that he cannot grant you the permission sought for. You should endeavour to deal with the matter in the proper Court, and that the Government will adopt, in regard to the Officer who, you allege, abused his official position by affording information to the Public Press detrimental to his character as a Government Officer, the course of laying the facts before the Executive, by whom they would be investigated.
3. I am to acquaint you that His Excellency is of opinion that the course you contemplate is quite unnecessary either to vindicate your character or to protect your position in the Public Service.
4. I am to add that copies of the various Appeal Papers relating to Emigrations, which at the request of the Editor of the Hongkong Telegraph were supplied to him, were supplied by the Governor's authority.
I have, &c.
Acting Colonial Secretary
The Acting Colonial Secretary said as to the special reason assigned by Captain Thomselt for asking permission to prosecute the Proprietor of the "Hongkong Telegraph", he thought Captain Thomselt's should be...