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already pointed out the probability of a decline in the excess of colonial revenue over expenditure, an excess arising entirely from the sale of land even now upon the wane; and your memorialists have no hesitation in expressing their opinion that if additional taxation is imposed upon this colony a further deficit in revenue is likely to result; the principle of enforcing contributions for purposes in which the contributors are not immediately concerned, being once established, would engender a feeling of apprehension that it might ultimately not be limited to the present demand; foreigners with increased expenses, without corresponding advantages, would be less desirous of settling in Hong Kong; and Chinese, if order is restored on the mainland, would still more readily withdraw, and the numerical importance of this class has been already illustrated.
Your memorialists having now stated the reasons for their opinion that the proposed contribution cannot equitably be demanded of them, and even if it were otherwise, why exemption should be made upon the grounds of services rendered and existing indirect levies on military account; and lastly, the fact of the present rate of taxation being heavier than that of their fellow subjects any British colony, conclude with the expression of their hope that on the consideration of these points you may be enabled to advise Her Majesty's Government to carry out the prayer of your memorialists that the collection of the said contribution be countermanded.
in
FRANCIS CHOMLEY.
C. W. MURRAY.
JAS. WHITTALL.
THOS. SUTHERLAND.
Committee appointed at the public meeting.
(True copy.)
W. H. RENNIE,
HONG KONG,
for the Colonial Secretary.
5th September 1864.
EDWARD H. POLLARD.
T. G. LINSTEAD.
Inclosure D.
Sir,
Auditor-General's Office, Hong Kong,
3rd September 1864.
A question will arise at the next sitting of the Legislative Council with regard to the item in the Estimates of 20,000l. for contribution in aid of military expenditure, and I conclude from what took place at a public meeting lately held on the subject, that this expenditure will not be allowed to pass unchallenged.
From the published correspondence it seems to be definitively decided by Her Majesty's Government that the contribution is to be paid, the votes of Councillors, official or unofficial, will therefore be of little moment; but I apprehend that if Members of this Government were to vote in opposition to the grant, their willingness to abide by the decision of the Secretary of State might be called in question, more especially as this decision has been conveyed after consideration of all the arguments adduced by His Excellency the Governor and yourself in support of the colony's claim for exemption.
Although personally opposed to the grant, therefore I shall feel it my duty to support it; but I wish distinctly to state that I entirely concur in the opinion expressed that troops are not required for the internal security or defence of the colony, and that Hong Kong would sustain but little loss by
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