Calcutta.] 



ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



257 



When Council assembled, to proceed in the first place to matters pro- 

 posed by the Governor-General ; and on any question of the Counsellors, 

 the Govern or- General may twice adjourn the discussion for forty-eight hours. 

 All proceedings of Council to be expressed as made by the Governor-General 

 in Council, and to be signed by the Chief Secretary. 



The Governor-General and Council to superintend the other Presi- 

 dencies ; the latter to obey their orders, except they may be repugnant 

 td orders of the Directors, acquainting the Governor-General, &c. with 

 their orders, stating the dates of the last dispatches from the Direc- 

 tors ; the subordinate governments also informing the Governor-General 

 in Council of the receipt of such dispatches as they may deem contrary 

 to the orders of the Governor-General, &c. who is finally to decide. 

 The Governor-General, &c. not to commence hostilities against native 

 powers, nor to enter into treaty for those purposes, but by the authority of 

 the Court of Directors, except in cases where hostilities have been com- 

 menced, or preparations for that purpose made. Subordinate governments 

 not to declare war, &c. but in consequence of orders from the Governor- 

 General, Src. or the Court of Directors ; and to make all treaties (if possible) 

 subject to the ratification of the Governor-General, &c.; also to inform the 

 Governor-General in Council of all things material to be communicated, or 

 that may be required of theni. 



The Governor-General may issue warrants for securing and proceeding 

 against suspected persons, and may also seize ships, &c. with the persons 

 of those engaged in illicit trade, and send them to England. 



If the Governor-General differs in opinion with the Council alter they 

 shall have stated their opinions in writing, he may direct such measures 

 thereon as he may see fit, on his own responsibility, so that such measures 

 could have been legally effected with the consent of the Council. These 

 powers not to be exercised by Governors-General succeeding in consequence 

 of death, &c, except provisionally appointed, or confirmed by the Directors. 

 While Governors-General are acting previous to confirmation, all questions 

 to lie decided by plurality of voices, the Governor-General having the 

 casting vote ; but the Governor-General in no case to act against the opinion 

 of the Council in judicial matters, or in regulations for the good order of 

 civil government, 5cc. nor by his own authority to impose dny tax, &c» 



When the Governor-General may be at either of the other Presidencies, 

 the powers of the Governors there to be suspended (except in judicial pro- 

 ceedings) from the proclamation of the arrival to that of the departure of 

 the Governor-General, or till his departure ; during such period the powers 

 of government to be vested in him, the respective Governors sitting and 



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