A Renter's telegram received yesterday states that Mr. Chamberlain has addressed 'a despatch to the Governor of Hongkong conveying his decision concerning the creation of additional unofficial members of Council. This announcement has created some little speculation in the Colony, some believing that an appreciable increase in the number has been made, while others think that only one or two more members have been conceded, and that the unoflicials will be increased also. Unless there is an unofficial majority I fail to see the utility augmenting the number of members. I think, too, the General in command of the troops ought to have a seat in the Legislative Council. In the Straits Settlements, where the garrison is much smaller, this privilege is accorded to him, and it should here' I am not sure that I would not give the Commodore a seat on the Council also. Both would be independent of the Government and yet both would represent Imperial interests. They might even hold the balance of power.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.