1903 - The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

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a distinct advantage over his opponent, an advantage which I beg you
to consider whether it would not be wise to procure in our own interests
as well as in those of the gent>ral community . You must rl:'member,
gentlemen, that in di:-;cussing the appointment of a rrprescntative we
have to consider the functions of the Legi.;;latiYe Council. It exists
principally, as you are all aware, for the making of laws, and who could
be better able than Mr. Pollock, .,vith his legally trained mind, to
protect and fight fearle" .~ly for the interests committed hy us to his
care Gentlemen, I take .it that you desire to ~ecur e the serYices o£ a
representative who will voice your· views in the Councils of this Colony.
If this be so, I can confidently appeal to you to support Mr. Pollock.
He is willing to come to you at critical times and ask your advice on all
matters. that relate to your interests, and urge thm with all the power
and ability that you so well know he posse:>scs. Do not be carried away
by t.he cry" Let us have a business man, a shipping man, to represent us."
Let us choose the best man. Use yonr matured judgment in considering
this important question, ancl support l\ft·. Pollock, the candiclate who
is most likely to serve your interests, and through his influence with
the Government secure from time to time the legislation you consider
desirable in the interests of the Colony. (Applause.) Gentlemen, I will
not detain you longer. I leaYe the is,;ue of this election conficlently in
your hands, resting satisfied that you will exercise that Round judg ment
for which the business men of Hongkong are alreacly noted. (Applause.)
l\1r. N. A. SIEns seconded.
Mr. J . H. LEWIS said:-Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,-We have
listened with much interest to Mr. Law's Ploqurnt speech in advocating
the election of lVlr. Polloek. I quite agree with what l\1r. Law says
with regard to M1·. P olloek's qualifications as a legal advi:;er, but l
maint.-'1-in that what 'Ye want as the representative in the Legislative
Council of a commercial body is a commercial man (H ear, H ear and
Applause), a man who is practically a merchant and who is in daily and
continual touch with merchants. I think we want the very best man,
but with all due deference to Mr. Pollock I do not think he will be the
hest man. \Ye know what Mr. Hcwett can do working for the general
community. H e is able, he is willing, and he takes a Lrm ty interest in
his work ; and I tlJink that if we Plect him to n'p·rs