Commanding the Troops at Hong Kong, to administer the Government provisionally in the event of a temporary vacancy, from whatever cause, in the office of Governor.
It has been finally decided that the exclusion of all Military officers is absolute, even at Hong Kong, then I strongly recommend that a dormant Commission of Lieutenant-Governor should be prepared in favour of the Chief Justice for the time being (as in the Australasian Colonies); for the provisional administration of the Government by the Chief Justice, though not so natural and senior as that of the General Commanding the Troops, would preclude some of the most grave and palpable evils of the system now in force.
To save the vested interests of Mr Marsh, I would suggest that in the despatch concerning dormant Commission, it might be stated that it should not be brought into operation, except in his (Mr. Marsh) absence from the Colony.
I have the honour to be My Lord, Your Lordship's Most Obedient Humble servant,
G. M. Bowen
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