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already aware, the prospective withdrawal of all Ecclesiastical Grants, as directed by the Colonial Office without reference to the local Legislature, is not in harmony with the general feeling of this Community; which would (as I am informed) have preferred the process formerly termed "levelling up" to total disestablishment. It is not stated that, since the disestablishment of the Church in Ireland, payments continue to be made by the Government to Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Presbyterian Chaplains for visiting Prisons and other public Institutions. Full information on this subject has already been laid before you in my despatch no. 2044 of 1883, and its enclosures.
Personally, I am sensible of the weight of the considerations which have probably weighed with Your Lordship and with your predecessor (Lord Kimberley) in your view of this matter. I now solicit Your Lordship's instructions as to the reply which...