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that whatever compensation may be found to be equitably due to the holders of these (Divan) licences will be pro- vided from Colonial Revenues.
6 They have not had the advantage of any statement of the actual financial position and outlook of the Colony at present, but They understand from the telegraphic correspondence forwarded with Mr. Just's letter (31592/09) of the 25th September last that a bill had then been passed imposing increased spirit duties which were expected to yield a revenue of from $500,000 to $600,000, 1.8. apparently more than double the loss on opium.
A further element of doubt is thus introduced into the question of the amount fairly contributable by His Majesty's Government, regard being had to the 5th and 6th paragraphs of Mr. Just's letter of the 10th September last which concluded with a statement that "justice would "appear to require that the contribution from Imperial "funds should be sufficient to make up the difference "between the revenue brought in by the new taxes and that "which is lost by the reduction of the rent of the opium *farm".
4
4 My Lords, however, of course recognise that even if on the above basis (which Lord Crewe suggested as theoretically just although practical considerationsled him to propose a contribution of one half of the loss), the deficit should prove to be 'nil', His Majesty's Govem- ment are publicly pledged to some contribution. Having regard to all the circumstances, including the fact that another question is still outstanding, They suggest that a
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