505
and to a strong adverse feeling throughout the Colony
driving His Excellency the Governor into an embarrassing
position. For there is already a deficit on the esti-
mates for 1898, to be met by increased taxation and a
further fresh taxation would be thereby involved.
The universal feeling throughout the Colony,
is that the Military expenditure is already unduly
heavy. It stands as follows for next year.
Military Expenditure
Approved Estimate
1897.
Estimate
1898.
ntribution to Imperial Government in aid
Military Expenditure (174 per cent of evenue exclusive of that derived from
nd Sales).
409,294
414,435
ntribution towards "Barrack Services"
49,000
40,000
lonial Defences, Expenses of the lunteers.
12,000
12,000
ntribution towards Defence Works.
30,000
$470,294
$496,435
4.
There are moreover so many questions pending
between the Colonial Government and the War Department
in Hong Kong that I submit that it is highly desirable
and indeed very necessary that we should work harmonious -
ly with the Colonial authorities, and meet their con-
venience