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( as all Colonies to call the Permanent Secretary of State should, of course, be absolute in all matters of Imperial Policy; and that, in the Crown Colonies, he should maintain vigilant superintendence also over the proceedings of the Governors and the local governments, and should prescribe for their guidance general line of policy to be pursued. All that the inhabitants of Hongkong claim is that this superintendence should be exercised (Colonial Department,) with even the principle recommended by Lord Grey; and that in petty details of municipal administration, the advice, as a general rule, should be followed, not of the Department in Downing Street, but of the Colonial Legislature on the spot. It will be recollected that the Legislature of Hongkong is composed entirely of persons of high standing — gentlemen by birth and education, of tried business habits...