CO129-288 - Public Offices & Others - 1898 — Page 457

447

equally important to bear in mind that the

country regarded as a British possession,

is in its infancy, and that it must be some-

time before its inhabitants can become accuS-

tomed to the incidents of a British adminis-

J Whatever laws therefore are ex-

tration.

tended to the new territory must be adminis-

tered with the utmost circumspection,

and

every allowance must be made for local

circumstances and local prejudices.

C

I feel satisfied however that you

will realize the importance of a gradual and

cautious policy in the task set before you,

and that I may safely leave the matter in

your hands.

31

There are various other questions

to be considered in connection with the new

territory, which will require your careful

consideration, and some of which have doubt-

less already received your attention. I do

20

not