E
other men-of-war, together with four torpedo- boats, and a large provision of submarine mines. I may add that I have recently received a letter from the highest offici! military authority in England, in which he writes that with the de- fensive power of various kinds already provid- ed, or which will shortly be provided for this harbour, you should laugh to scorn the possible attacks of all other nations now in the China seas." (the shipw of
"I am sorry to be obliged to detain you so long; but must now tell yon precisely what has already been done with regard to the two sub. jects referred to in the Resolution proposed by my hon. friend.
(1.) The Government entirely agree that there ought to be direct telegraphic communica- tion between Hongkong and Singapore. I have already communicated with the Imperial Go- vernment on this subject, both by telegraph and by despatch. I also brought it before the Ex- ecutire Council, which, after full consideration, passed the following Minute --
The Council advise that in the present depressed state of the Colonial Ravonne, it is impossible that this colony should give any substantial contribution towards a diroet telegraphic cable to Singapore, which is desirable for Imperial rather than for Colo- nial, for naval and military rather than for commer- cial interests.
"I have communicated on this point also with the Acting Governor of the Straits Settlements, who informs me that his Government, like that of Hongkong, is unable to give any substantial aid to the proposed scheme.
I was informed by the Manager of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company that it would cost about £400,000, that is, about twice the total revenue of this colony, but I have beou informed since that that is probably an extravagant esti- mate. However, it is quite possible the Imperial Government might be inclined to give a gua- rantee or to aid in some other way.
(2.) With regard to the second point of the Resolution now before the Council, viz., the provision of a flotilla of torpedo-boats, I have already stated that Admiral Sir W. Dowell bas informed me that four torpedo-boats, fally equip ped, are attached to this harbour. After consul- tation with him, I have asked the Imperial Go-i vornment, both by telegraph and despatch, to provide four more torpedo-boats, making eight in all, which the naval authorities consider amply sufficient. I may here add that the naval an- thorities believe that the Auxiliary Flotilla, formed of six of the stear-launches belonging to the Colonial Government, will afford very valu- able aid. At my reunest, the Imporisl Govern- ment has presented the Colony with a full equip- ment for this Flotilla of 7-pounder guns and Nordenfeldt machine-guns, and of rifles and re- volvers for the crews, together with a large sup- ply of ammunition.
"There are several other points connected with the subject of our Defences to which I should like to refer, if the Minute were not already longer than I intended. I should not omit, however, to mention that more than a year ago, I strongly recommended the increase of the Garrison by a considerable force of Artillery and another regiment of the line. As you are aware, a second battery of the Royal Artillery was sent out at once. It is impossible that, at the present crisis, a second battalion of English infantry should be spared; bat I have been assured that arrangements have been made for sending here as soon as possible at least one regiment of Indian troops and two more bat- tories of Artillery, making four batteries in all.
In conclusion, I would observe that nothing can be further from my intention, in writing this Minute, than to claim any special credit for the constant, zealous, and successful efforts which I bave made during the last two years for the improvement of our Defences. I feel that I have only discharged what is one of the first duties of the Governor of this Colony at the existing crisis."
If no other hon. gentleman wishes to address the Council I will now put the resolution to the vote, and I repeat that I hope it will be carried unanimously, for it is calculated to add force to the recommendations I have al- ready made to the Imperial Governmout on the subject of which it treats.
The resolution was carried unanimously.
#he_consideration of this Bill in Geminittee was continued and was concluded with the ex- ception of thepealing "Classe which was post-
poned:
Incorporation.
INCORPORATION OR...
VICAR APOSTOLIC.
Tho ATTORNEY-GENERAL--I now more the second reading of the Bill for the Incorporation of the Roman Catholic Vioar Apostolic of Hong- kon I stated on the introduction of the Bill what the object of the measure was. Difficulties had risen in connection with the disposal of property held by the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith and by persons as trustees for that body, and an application as made by them to the effect that an Ordinance fhould be passed incorporating the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, and placing them in a position to deal with the property. That application was sanctioned by the Socretary of State, who authorised the introduction of a Bill such as that now before the Concil. The principal points that were to be attefded to were these, that the Bishop or Viour Apostolic should be the person incorporated, or in the alterna- tive a body of trustees to bo appointed from time to time in some way prescribed by the Ordinance; it was to provide that proporty fow held by the Sacred Congregation should pass to the corporation; also it was to epower the cor- poration to acquire and hold property for the Church of Rome, nd to sell and dispose of pro- perty. All these directions are complied with in the three clauses of the Bilf as it now stands. The assent of the sored Congregation to this. measure has been obtained, and in a form which gives evidence of the satisfaction of that body. and the present Vicar Apostolic is constituted the first incorporation.
Hon. P. RYBIE--Was there not some objec. tion raised some time ago about the title "Vicar Apostolic of Hongkong?" I would propose he be called the Vicar postolic of the Roman Catholic Church in Hongkong," not the Vicar Apostolic of Hongkong
The ATTORNEY-GENERAI-I think that would be more correct. The terms which I have used was the term suggested by the Secretary of State, and it seems to me t comes to very much the same thing-he Roman Catholic Vioar Apostolic of Hongkong on the Vicar Apostolic of the Roman Catholic Church in Hongkong, HIS EXCELLENCY-But there is no territorial jurisdiction.
is.
The ATTORNEY-GENERALIunderstand there
HIS EXCELLENCY-If you say the Roman Catholic Vicar Apostolic in Hongkong it might be better.
Hon. T. JACKSON-I think here was some previous correspondence about this question, und I think it should be looked up.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL-The terms I have used here are the terms which long subsequent to any other correspondence were suggested by the Secretary of State.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY-Ther was some correspondence, but I have lost sight of it.
The AFTORNEY GENERAL-I wou ask the Council to assent to my motion, and before we go into Committee I undertake that these verbal alterations which have been suggested thall be considered, and I shall then be prepared to move the necessary amendments.
The Bill was then read a second time.
THE POST OFFICE ORDINANCE.. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL gave notice that at the next meeting he would move the first read- ing of a Bill to amend the Post Office Ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT.
The Council adjourned until Wednesday next.
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