T
My n
127
Government, Mr. John Bright, who, defending his vote for a dowry to a Royal Princess, wrote, "I feel that in the course I am now taking, and which I now "explain to you, I am acting in accordance with the general character of my "countrymen, with whom, whatever has a taint of unkindness and meanness is "condemned." The generous sentiment and vote of this distinguished states- man would doubtless be equally recorded in favour of a soldier who has earned his pension by honourable service,
10. I feel bound frankly to state that I feel in a measure ashamed of my present position in Hongkong. As a retired officer receiving my pension, how- ever I might regret disappointed ambition, I could still look forward with some complacency to the decline of life, holding a respectable position, earning a decent salary to supplement my modest pension, and conscious that I was doing good if undistinguished service to the Colony which paid me; but mulcted as I am of my pension, I am at my age placed in the same position as the most junior officers of the Hongkong Civil Service. I have undertaken the superintendence of the Gaol here. I shall keep my word and remain until it is in the opinion of the authorities brought to such a state of discipline and efficiency that it can be readily handed over to a successor. But if I should then still be in the ignominious position in which I now find myself placed, I feel it would be unbecoming in me to remain. I should see myself placed, at my age and with my service, in the same position as the youngest cadets of the Colony, whose emoluments now exceed mine, and who, but for my army rank would at half my age be placed before me in social position.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
A. H. A. GORDON,
Maj.-General (retired),
Supt. Fictoria Gaol.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.