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two thousand (2000) souls; and that the Garrison, their families and dependents, comprise, two-thirds of this number. It will be seen, therefore, that the Sanitary Works sanctioned are more required for the military than for the Civil portion of the British residents; though they will be executed entirely from the Colonial revenue, and from taxes paid by Civilians, including the Chinese population of above one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) souls.
I shall not, of course, take any action with regard to the loan suggested by General Sargent until I shall receive Your Lordship's opinion and instructions upon the general question of our military Defences, and upon this special point. In conclusion, I would venture to submit once more that, looking to the present condition of affairs in this quarter of the globe, it is expedient that Her Majesty's Government should come to a speedy and final decision respecting