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his men immediately on receiving proper notice. In the first instance "Citizen is altogether wrong as regards this alleged austom. It is true that on occasions of riot the military cannot act unless on the requisi- tion of the civil powers, that is to say before the military can draw their awords against riotous citizens, they must first be instructed to do so by the civil authorities, the military being happily in our country subservient to the civil power. But there is no role or custom that renders such notice necessary for the mili tary to turn out in common with civilians and volnateoring their services on each an occasion as the late typhoon. No requisition is needed for the peaceful interposition of the military on suob emergencies. So much for “ Citizen's' knowledge of "home" customs, which every one else is well aware of. The truth is, the military are the only parties to blame on the melancholy occasion. They bad an op- portunity of being useful, and of earning the gratitude of the public if the commanding officer had obosen to avail himself of it.
In conclusion I deny that Mr. Deane bas committed any ill-advised action, such as should bring down upon him the condemnation of the Colony, Placed in the position he holds withont previous training, it was impossible that he could at first have been faultless; any faults he may have committed have been light and venial ones. He is a good and useful officer, and there are few officials who can be pointed to as more able or efficient.
One word more. Dacasions like the late one bring out amid their tragic scenes more or less romance. The noble and chivalrous conduct of Messrs. McLeod, MacEwen, Baird, Lieutenant Prior, and the two brothers Taufer stand out in bold relief from the dismal picture. Con- duct such as theirs would be a credit to any community, and I trust it will not be allowed to pass unrecognized or unrewarded. I would I suggest that when the evidence of our late mis- fortune is cleared away a public dinner should be given, and some fitting testimonial presented them to record the appreciation of the public of their gallant conduct.
Yours, &c.,
FAIR PLAY.
Hongkong, 3rd October, 1874.
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