CO129-095 - Public Offices - 1863 — Page 538

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed

Present understanding to exist, I am to mention that at the commencement of the Russian War in 1854 a Battery at Wist Point was not only paid for by the War Department (as have been all the other Batteries in the Colony), but as late as October 1851, the principle on which the present matter turns was admitted by the Secretary of State for War, and "the Secretary of State for War" when even the rent of a house for the use of the Military in the rear of the Barracks mentioned was (in addition to the cost of the Battery) refunded to the Colony by the War Department.

I enclose copies of the despatches in question as the Acting Governor wishes this Major General to see the relations (undisturbed to this date) in fee matters between the Colonial and War Departments, and to note that though arose from want of instructions from home, seven years elapsed before the refund was made, the delay being due to the War Department's tardiness and not from any denial of the claim.

In the present instance, as in that of 1854, the precautions taken were judged "necessary by the Governor and Executive Council, and this opinion was supported by the Senior Military and Naval Officers. The circumstances are precisely similar, and His Excellency the Acting Governor thinks that precedent and practice had better be followed in the first place, and that Her Majesty's Government should adjust the expenditure finally, for with them, of course, the final decision rests.

The Acting Governor is anxious that the Major General should understand not only that he does not assume to himself the right of pronouncing on whom eventually the charge should fall, but that he refrains from expressing an opinion on the subject until that opinion shall be duly called for.

Under the above circumstances, I have to return the account you enclosed, but shall be glad if you can furnish copies for transmission home.

I have &c. &c.

(180) Mr. H. Alexander, Acting Colonial Secretary.

Your Copy &c.

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Present understanding to exist, I am to mention that at the commencement of the Russian War in 1854 a Battery at Wist Point was not only paid for by the War Department (as have been all the other Batteries in the Colony), but as late as October 1851, the principle on which the present matter turns was admitted by the Secretary of State for War, and "the Secretary of State for War" when even the rent of a house for the use of the Military in the rear of the Barracks mentioned was (in addition to the cost of the Battery) refunded to the Colony by the War Department. I enclose copies of the despatches in question as the Acting Governor wishes this Major General to see the relations (undisturbed to this date) in fee matters between the Colonial and War Departments, and to note that though arose from want of instructions from home, seven years elapsed before the refund was made, the delay being due to the War Department's tardiness and not from any denial of the claim. In the present instance, as in that of 1854, the precautions taken were judged "necessary by the Governor and Executive Council, and this opinion was supported by the Senior Military and Naval Officers. The circumstances are precisely similar, and His Excellency the Acting Governor thinks that precedent and practice had better be followed in the first place, and that Her Majesty's Government should adjust the expenditure finally, for with them, of course, the final decision rests. The Acting Governor is anxious that the Major General should understand not only that he does not assume to himself the right of pronouncing on whom eventually the charge should fall, but that he refrains from expressing an opinion on the subject until that opinion shall be duly called for. Under the above circumstances, I have to return the account you enclosed, but shall be glad if you can furnish copies for transmission home. I have &c. &c. (180) Mr. H. Alexander, Acting Colonial Secretary. Your Copy &c.
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present understood to exist, I am to mention. hat at the commencement of the Russian War in 1854 1854 a Battery at wist Point was not only paid for by the War Department (as have the other Batteries in the Colony. been all hut as late as le on October 1851 The principle which the present matter turns was admillest by the Scorstars of attate for the bestonic and "the Secretary of State for War when even the rent of a house for the use of the Contitary in the rear of the tallers mentioned was in addition to the cart of the Battery) refunded to the Colony by the Car Department. _ I'enclose cokies of the despatches in quistion as the as the asting Covernor wishes this major General to see the retations (undisturbed to this date) in Fee matters between the Colonial and bar Dikartments and to note that though arose from want of instructions from Seven years clapsed before the refund was onade the delay The War Department a of the foropristy and not-from any denial of the claim. _ in the present instance as in that of 1854 The precourtions taken were judged "necessary by the Governor and Executive Council J L Council and this by the Senior The opinion brilitary Caslo then was 533 Supported and haval Officers. are precisely similar and His Excellency the Acting covernor thinks that precedent and practice had better be followed in the first place, and that Ker majesty's Government should adjust The Expenditure finally, for with them of course. : The final decision resto . the acting Governor is antious that the major General should understand not only that he does not assume to himself the right of pronouncing on whom eventually the are should fall, but that he the expenditure refrains from expressing an opinion on the Subject, until that Called & for opinion Shall be duly linder the above circumstances I have to return the account account you enclosed, but shall be glad if you can furnish copies for transmission Komie. I have &c. &c. 180) Mr. H. Alexander, Acting Colonial Secretary bul. Seer lary Your Copy & Sport
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present understood to exist, I am to mention. hat at the commencement of the Russian War in 1854

1854 a Battery at wist Point was not

only paid for by the War Department (as have

the other Batteries in the Colony.

been all

hut as late as

le on

October 1851 The principle which the present matter turns was admillest by the Scorstars of attate for the bestonic and "the Secretary of State for War when even the

rent of a house for the use

of the Contitary in

the rear of the tallers mentioned was in addition to the cart of the

Battery)

refunded

to the Colony by the Car Department. _

I'enclose cokies of the despatches in

quistion as the

as the asting Covernor wishes this major General to see the retations (undisturbed to

this

date) in

Fee

matters between the Colonial

and bar Dikartments and to note that though

arose from want of instructions from

Seven years clapsed before the refund

was onade

the

delay

The War Department a

of the foropristy

and not-from any denial

of the claim. _

in the present instance as in that of 1854 The precourtions taken were judged "necessary by the Governor and Executive

Council

J

L

Council and this

by the Senior

The

opinion

brilitary

Caslo

then

was

533

Supported

and haval Officers.

are

precisely similar

and His Excellency the Acting covernor thinks

that

• precedent and practice had better be followed in the first place,

and that Ker

majesty's Government should

adjust

The

Expenditure finally, for with them of course. : The final decision resto .

the

acting Governor is antious that the major General should understand not

only that he does not assume to himself the

right of pronouncing

on whom eventually the

are should fall, but that he

the expenditure

refrains from expressing an opinion on the Subject, until that

Called

& for

opinion

Shall be

duly

linder the above circumstances I have

to return the account

account you enclosed, but shall be glad if you can furnish copies for transmission Komie.

I have &c. &c.

180) Mr. H. Alexander,

Acting Colonial Secretary bul. Seer lary

Your Copy & Sport

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