14

15

233

the local law so as to

give

the

Colonial Legislature (which, as I have shown above, partakes of the nature of a Municipal Council) the ordinary privilege. of having submitted for its_ consideration the Munisipal well as the General taxation. It will be recollected that,

while this concession would be in accordance with English law, custom, and national feeling, it can be granted at Hong Kong without risk of

practical

practical inconvenience; for the Governor retains a majority of official votes in the Legislative Council. Of c

course,

I am

of-

opinion, that the official majority

should not be used to control.

absolutely united Unofficial

an

Minority, especially in finansial questions, except in extreme cases of necessity, and particularly cases in which Imperial interests

may

7.

be involved.

in

If you

should

agree

with the views which I have

how

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