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than I can confess myself to him, that such a reduction, however desirable and logical in itself, is just now within the scope of practical politics. But if the Chamber of Commerce will present me with a full statement of its views and wishes, I shall have much pleasure in transmitting that statement to the Colonial Office, where it is sure to receive the respectful attention due to any communication emanating from so important and representative a body.
Perhaps, however, the Chamber may prefer to see this question, and the manifold questions connected with it, submitted, in the first instance, to the deliberations of a re-constructed Legislative Council. For, in conclusion, Gentlemen, I may take this opportunity of stating that I have satisfied myself that the present constitution of the Legislative Council of this Colony is wholly inadequate for the proper discussion and settlement of our public affairs. I firmly believe that the community at large will be better represented and satisfied, while the Government will be more fully informed, and, at the same time, strengthened by the weighty support of public opinion, if the Unofficial element is considerably increased. At the present moment there are really only two Unofficial Members. I shall propose forthwith to Her Majesty's Government that for the future there shall be six Unofficial Members; and that the system which has worked successfully in Ceylon shall be adopted also here. I mean that two of those six members should be, as a general rule, appointed on the recommendation of the Chamber of Commerce, and one more at least on the recommendation of some other public body, such as the Bench of Justices of the Peace. One of the six Unofficial members will of course be chosen from among our Chinese fellow subjects. It will be remembered that representatives of the native communities have for many years past held seats in the Legislatures of British India, Ceylon, New Zealand, and the Straits Settlements. Without going further into details at present, I believe that you Gentlemen, agree with me in thinking that a system of the nature thus shadowed forth will confer on the Colony most of the advantages, without any of the drawbacks of popular election; which, for obvious reasons, is impracticable in a heterogeneous community, circumstanced as is that of Hongkong. Should the Imperial Government sanction my proposals, I feel confident that the Colonial Government and Legislation will derive valuable assistance from the knowledge and ability of the gentlemen recommended by the Chamber of Commerce. The Official and the Unofficial Members alike can have no object in view but the general welfare of the Colony; and I am sure that we shall all work together cordially towards that common object.
G. F. BOWEN.
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