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seizure of telegraph lines.
laying out of barbed wire.
obstructing roads et hoc genus omne.
A house divided against itself cannot stand
and while arguments are going on as to what is to be
done, and perhaps authority from home sought, a
dangerous crisis occurs, and one which might have
been averted by a rapid decision of one responsible
authority.
It must be remembered too that though the
Governor is Commander-in-Chief and Vice Admiral he
cannot move any Imperial Troops without the orders of
the General Officer Commanding-(Order in Council dated
the 26th October 1896)-and his duties as Vice Admiral
are confined to the law courts.
In this divided authority I see a great
danger and though I think it far better that the
General Officer Commanding should stand outside the
Local Government in time of peace, yet on the outbreak
of hostilities he should be made supreme on land.
It is in no way sought to interfere with
the trade, but simply to give the Military Authorities
power to carry out proper means in time of war, and
to ensure prompt action.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,
Major-General,
Commanding in South China.