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Government in the proper form and perspicuity making kre clearly setting forth for the information of the proper authorities their grievances and arguments. There are also so few members of the legal profession versed in
the Chinese language,both written and oral, and sufficient
-ly conversant with the manners and customs of the Chinese
people to render them the assistance they require both in
and out of Council. For the above and other reasons
equally potent the Chinese in Hongkong simply cannot
find sufficient men among themselves to adequately
represent them in Council and to advise and confer with
them out of Council; therefore a Chinese professional man
like myself representing them as I have honour to do in
Council, has not only to look after their welfare and
interest in Council, but, a great deal of his time is
occupied with explaining, advising and consulting with
them on many questions which are likely to vitally affect
their interest.
ite
I have been informed that in the self governing
Colonies of Australia, Members of the Legislative
Assemblies are paid members, presumbaly not with the
object of biassing, influencing, corrupting or warping their judgment with regard to any measure introduced in
the Assemblies. In England too, I understand, there are
such Members of Parliament as are paid to represent their
constituents, for instance, Labour Members like Mr. John
Burns and others, and also certain members of the Irish Party. Does the mere fact of Members receiving fees from their constituents for their services, make them liable to a charge of being prejudiced and hiassed in favour of
the interest of their constituents?
Besides, the Hongkong Legislative Council is composed of a majority of Official Members who can always carry
whatever measures the Government considers necessary to pass for the best interest of the Colony, and any Unofficial Member singly, or a number of them collectively, (9)