defences of Hongkong, and that such plan should be transmitted to both the Governor and the General Commanding the Troops, with instructions to use all the authority and influence of their respective offices to assist in carrying it into execution." I followed up this opening by a long series of official despatches and of private letters to English Statesmen, and to the chief Authorities at the War Office. My persistent representations, aided by those of the Naval and Military Authorities at this Station, and by the energetic support of this Council, have led to the undertaking of that system of Defence Works which is now being vigorously pushed forward by General CAMERON. Moreover, my application, also su pported by this Council, for a flotilla of torpedo boats was granted by Her Majesty's Government. As I said in a recent address: "It is morally certain that our defences by land and sea will be com- pleted before there will be any occasion to test them; and, as you already know, the highest Naval and Military Authorities in the Empire consider that, when completed, they will place Hongkong in safety against foreign attack."
9. I may next remind you that the action of my Government throughout the difficult and delicate crisis of the Franco-Chinese hostilities met with the entire approval of the Imperial Government. With the support of Admiral Sir W. DOWELL, with whom I was in constant communication, I main- tained British rights and British neutrality, and, at the same time, I preserved friendly relations with the Belligerent Powers. Socially, I made the Government House a neutral ground on which English, French, American, German, Russian, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese Ministers, Admirals, Generals, and other high Officers, on visiting this Port, frequently met, and so learned to be in good humour with England, and to some extent with each other.
10. I have never failed to direct, from time to time, the attention of the Imperial Government, and of the British Legation at Peking, to measures calculated to advance the interests of the mercantile community, such as the opening to commerce of the great South-Western Provinces of China. The cordial co-operation of the Chamber of Commerce has never failed me.
11. Throughout my administration, I have devoted much care to the improvement of the public institutions and establishments; and, above all, to public education. I have elsewhere expressed my belief that the new Victoria College, with its scholarships enabling some of the most promising students to complete their education in England, will render an important service not only to this Colony, but also ultimately to the neighbouring Empire of China; and that this will prove a powerful and honourable method of extending British influence. Already indeed several men in high office under the Chinese Government owe their education to the schools established at Hongkong under British auspices.
12. In connection with our public establishments, I desire to place on record my high appreciation of the ability, diligence, and public spirit of the Heads of the chief Departments of Government who form the Executive Council; and of the faithful and efficient discharge of their duty by the Civil Service generally,
13. With regard to Legislation, there have been passed during my administration fifty-five Ordinances; many of which are additions of permanent value to the Statute-Book.
14. To sum up :-The reconstitution of this Council, with increased control over the management of the local affairs and taxation of the Colony;--the extensive Works of Water-supply, Sanitation, and Defence;--the new Victoria College; the new Public Park; the reclamation of Causeway Bay; together with many other important Public Works;-a large amount of useful and practical legislation; these must ever remain permanent monuments alike of my administration, and of your support. Whatever measure of success may have been gained by my Government, it could not have been achieved without your able, experienced, and hearty assistance. As I remarked once before, "Governors and Legislatures should speak by their actions;" and it is confidently hoped that our united efforts will be found hereafter to have promoted the general welfare of all races and classes in this Colony.
Finally, in bidding you Farewell, I pray that you, Honourable Gentlemen, and the long line of your successors in this Council, may exercise your important functions through years of growing prosperity and happiness. During the brief period of forty-three years which have elapsed since this island, then barren and desolate, was erected into a British Colony, it has risen, by the blessing of Providence on the enterprise and energy of our race, to the proud position of the third greatest Mart of shipping in the British Empire, ranking next after London and Liverpool. If this city cannot boast the ancient historical associations of the great cities of the Mother-Country, it will be remembered that (as it has been truly observed), the lot cannot be considered otherwise than fortunate of those who have to make, instead of inheriting history.
The Honourable P. RYRIE then addressed His Excellency as follows:-
Your Excellency, I rise to move an address in reply to the eloquent address you have just given us. It gives me much pleasure to record that since you have been President of this Council your management of the public business of the colony has been such as I have never seen equalled in this chamber. I think that since we have had these regular meetings the business has gone on much more smoothly, and if anything happens we always meet again very soon and can put the matter straight.
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