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that they should be given a consultative voice in questions of an Imperial character. This sentence seems to point to some kind of Imperial Federation, and it is possibly written with reference to the military contribution question which has not been without difficulties in various colonies, including Hongkong. The subject is so wide and so vague that it would be useless to attempt to discuss it.
The question of a general remodelling of the colonial system of Great Britain, for it would probably amount to no less, as it would necessarily become part of any scheme for a federation of the Empire, is a most interesting question; but one of too wide and far-reaching a scope to be dealt with in regard to a single case alone. But I may state simply that under the existing system, when questions arise which concern the various colonies, it has been the endeavours of my predecessors in office, and it is my own earnest endeavours, that the claims, the interests, and even the prejudices of each Colony shall be adequately set forth and fully and fairly considered.
15. To sum up, the petitioners ask nominally that Hongkong should be given self-government and an elective system.
In my opinion, the place and its circumstances are wholly unsuited for what is proposed. An Imperial station, with great Imperial interests, on the borders of a foreign land, the nucleus of wide-reaching British interests in the Far East, must, it appears to me, be kept under Imperial protection and