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that they should be given a consultative voice in questions of an Imperial character. This sentence seems to point to some kind of Imperial Federation, and it is possibly written with reference to the military contribution question which has not been without difficulties in various colonies, including Hongkong. The subject is so wide and so vague that it would be useless to attempt to discuss it.
The question of a general remodelling of the colonial system of Great Britain, for it would probably amount to no less, as it would necessarily become part of any scheme for a federation of the Empire, is a most interesting question; but one of too wide and far-reaching a scope to be dealt with in regard to a single case alone. But I may state simply that under the existing system, when questions arise which concern the various colonies, it has been the endeavours of my predecessors in office, and it is my own earnest endeavours, that the claims, the interests, and even the prejudices of each Colony shall be adequately set forth and fully and fairly considered.
15. To sum up, the petitioners ask nominally that Hongkong should be given self-government and an elective system.
In my opinion, the place and its circumstances are wholly unsuited for what is proposed. An Imperial station, with great Imperial interests, on the borders of a foreign land, the nucleus of wide-reaching British interests in the Far East, must, it appears to me, be kept under Imperial protection and
466
that they should be given a consultative voice in
questions of an Imperial character. This sent ence
seams to point to some kind of Imperial Federation,
and it is possibly written with reference to the
military contribution question which has not been
without difficulties in various colonies including
raised Hongkong. The subject, is so wide and so vague that it would be useless to attempt to discuss it.
The question of a general remodelling of the colonial
system of Great Britain for it would probably
amount to no less as it would necessarily become
part of any scheme for a federation of the Empire
id a most interesting question; but one of too wide
and far reaching a scope to be dealt with in regard
to a single case alone. But I may state simply that
under the existing system when questions arise which
concern the various colonies, it has been the endeav-
ours of my predecessors in office and it is my own
earnest endeavours, that the claims, the interests
and even the prejudices of each Colony shall be
adequately set forth and fully and fairly considered.
15. To sum up the petitioners ask nominally
that Hongkong should be given self government
and an elective system.
+
In my opinion the place and its circumstances
are wholly unsuited for what is proposed. An Imperial
station, with great Imperial interests, on the
borders of a foreign land, the nucleus of wide
reaching British interests in the far East, must
it a pears to me, be kept under Imperial protection
and
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