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a
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and its inhabitants, which it would take a man with from England some time to acquire. I daresay, it has been truly remarked by a historical writer (the late Mr. Stanhope1) that previous success, though far from necessity, is found, in practice, to be generally the best test for promotion in the public service. Captain Caunter's former success in the office of Superintendent of the Hongkong Police affords a presumption that he would continue to be successful if permanently appointed. He has requested me to transmit the enclosed letter for your Lordship's consideration.
7. If I were asked to give my opinion on this subject, I should report that I entirely agree with the Judges and the Attorney-General, that the new Superintendent should be an Officer of the Army or Navy, with some experience of prison duties and of the stamp described by the above-mentioned high legal authorities. Functionaries in the Enclosed papers.
It should of course be an indispensable condition that any Naval or Military Officer who may be permanently appointed shall