Page:Europe in China.djvu/347

their work proceeded, the Governor succeeded in making amicable arrangements also with most of the European holders of marine-lots in front of the city, and that part of the Praya the frontage of which properly belonged to the Government was forthwith taken in hand. But two British firms (Dent and Lindsay), holding the small portion of land situated between the parade-ground and Pedder's wharf, obstinately resisted, though the estimates for the sea-wall and piers for this section amounted to less than £14,000. Finding, in 1858, that a sum of £20,000 of hoarded surplus funds was available for public works, the Governor, who had been advised by the Acting Attorney General (J. Day succeeded by F. W. Green) to proceed by Ordinance, had a draft Bill prepared by a Committee consisting of the Acting Attorney General, the Colonial Treasurer (F. Forth) and the Surveyor General (Ch. St. G. Cleverly). These officers assured the Governor that they were satisfied with the Bill which they prepared and which was published in the Gazette (October 23, 1858). The first reading of the Bill was opposed by Mr. Dent, voting alone. Owing to the Governor's absence on a trip to the Philippine Islands, the second reading of the Bill was delayed until 4th February, 1859. On that day the Governor was confident of success. The Acting Attorney General had assured him that the Bill would pass and would even have the support of one of the unofficial Members. But when the Council met, to consider this Bill on which the leading merchants were at issue with the Governor, the Chief Justice and the Lieutenant-Governor were absent, and Mr. Dent's motion that the Praya question be adjourned sine die was, to the intense surprise of the Governor, carried by six votes against three. The effect on the audience was startling. There was a tragico-comical tableau, which a local artist forthwith perpetuated by some woodcuts published in the Daily Press. It appeared that none voted in favour of the Bill except the Acting Attorney General, the Colonial Treasurer and the Auditor General. The Colonial Secretary (W. T. Mercer) had quite lately returned from furlough and thought the Bill might be considered later