CO129-238 - Governor Des Voeus - 1888 [7-8] — Page 538

the general Revenue of the Colony, but from a special rate levied on

levied on shipping.

12

A tax of 11⁄2 cent per ton would

produce the

sum required; and though euch an impost would on varions grounds be highly objectionable, His Excellency is inclined to regard it as a the imposition of so heresy a burthen on

lesser evil than

an income the whole of which is

may

- urgently required for other purposes.

It is very possible that there be considerations unknown to this Excellency but known to Her Majesty's Government, which entirely alter the complexion of these questions, eriz : _ that as to the degree of necessity for the cable, and that from which any subsidy should come. ff, notwithstanding the

objection above indicated, the cable should be held to be valuable for the purpose of defence that would no doubt furnish contribution from the

as to the

oource

a reason

for a

Houral Rovence of the some part of

534

the subsidy, but not of the whole : for

even in this case it is to be borne in.

-mind, that the defense assisted is the whole British brade of the Eastern seas, and not merely that of Hongkong.

Course rest with

a

The final decision on these doubtful point will of

of course Her Majesty's Government; but with: view to his forming upon the whole quation such a judgment as is possible in the probable absence of a complete knowledge of sucessary facts, Wisbaneller, would be very glad of the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce.

Shave

to

(Signed) Frederick Stewart,

Colonial Secretary.

the