38.
36
84′
It will not be found necessary for some time to come, to recur to this unpleasant, irritating, and much controverted subject. The Draft Ordinance now submitted for consideration to Your Lordship has been the subject of great care and thought on the part of the Attorney-General (Mr. O'Malley) and of Mr. Justice Russell, two of the most able and most conscientious Officials to be found in this or any other Colony; fully cognizant, moreover, of the very peculiar conditions of life in this heterogeneous Community, which can be thoroughly appreciated only by persons long resident in Hongkong. The framers of the new Ordinance have also enjoyed the assistance of Mr. Stewart, and of other gentlemen of great local experience.
And their draft expresses the matured judgment of the Executive Council, and of all in this Colony who are best qualified to form sound opinions on the subject. Of course all legislation whatsoever must be to some extent of a tentative and experimental character; and it is probable that experience may hereafter demonstrate that...