CO129-153 - Lieut Governor Whitfield - 1871 [11-12] — Page 231

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THE CHINA MAIL.

HONGKONG, SATURDAY, DEC. 23, 1871.

#7

As we hinted last evening, our corre spondent Rusticus Expectans Was under a mistaken impression regarding the materials which are to form the

Police Commission, It would appear from the "correct card" of the members, to which we have alluded, that the results of our "indignation" meeting have not been so very barren after all. For the sake of argument (although we do not purpose arguing at present) let us bear in mind that the meeting in the City Hall became necessary while Sir Richard MacDonnell's firmness was lack. ing in the administration; and now that the causes for the lack of security to life and property are to be investigated, His Excellency's appointment of the present Commission may be impartially looked at, The primary purpose of a Commis- sion, as suggested by the memorialists of that memorable meeting, was an impar tial inquiry by men untraminelled by any governmental proclivities or prejudices; and we therefore think that a list of gen- tlemen better fitted to attain the desired object, or who command more thoroughly the confidence of the public, could not pos- sibly have been named by Sir Richard. The Commission will consist of-Hon. T. C. Hayllar (acting attorney general), Hon, W. Keswick, Messrs F. W. Mit- chell, H. Lowcock, W, Lemann, F. Stewart, and G. Falconer. The list, in fact, will be found amply sufficient to allay the fears of not only "Rusticus Expectans" but of all who wore dubious on the question of popular representa- tion, as it contains (1.) three of the most independent and conscientious officials of the Government, (2.) four of the most fearless representatives of English muni- cipal rights, and, as a consequence) (3.) a preponderance of fair play and considera- tion for the Hongkong taxpayer. We think "Rusticus Expectans" and all his followers may rest content. This time the Report, we should think, will be published without fail,

The Daily Advertiséra B

HONGKONG, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1871.

It would have been difficult to select a more satisfactory committee than that chosen to enquire into the police question, and the public are well pleased that their desire to see it less official than represen- tative has been so fully acceded to. Every class of resident may claim a spokesman in the list. The Acting Attorney General and Postmaster General respectively repre- sent those officials who are, and those who are not, brought into constant con- tact with matters illustrating the actual working of the present system, while possess- ing to the fullest degree the public con- fidence as impartial and unbiassed judges. The names of Messrs. Keswick, Lowcock, Le-. mann and Falconer spoak for themselves,. while Mr. Stewart may fairly be taken to re- present the more studious and thoughtful class of colonists whose opinions, though of much value, are seldom allowed an op- portunity of public-we should say official --expression. This classification may not have been intended, but the public at large make it and are none the less content. Not one single member labours under even the slightest suspicion that fear or favour would influence his expression of opinion: Still more important is the consideration that they are all as totally unconnected with our local police as if they were mere- ly visitors to the colony. We ourselves fully shared the general impression that! the appointment of the Register General or the Senior Police Magistrate would be a mistake, as, however able these gentlemen may be, it is most necessary that under' existing circumstances they should be in a position to give evidence untrammelled by any obligations as members of the committee. That others have been chosen in their place is accepted as a gratifying sign that the Colonial Government intend the commission to act with exceptional freedom.

We are not aware of the precise powers delegated to the gentlemen named, but may presume that they extend to requiring

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