ASIA + DS 597 .336 .B75 1878a BRITISH NORTH BORNEO COMPANY CHARTER Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924078409665 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 924 078 409 665 VICTORIA, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith. To aU to whom these presents shall come Greetmg. WHEEEAS an Humble Petition has been presented to Us in Our Council by Alfred Dent, of 11, Old Broad Street, in the City of London, Merchant; the British North Borneo Provisional Association, Limited ; Sir Paitherford Alcock, of 14, Great Queen Street, in the City of Westminster, Knight Commander of Our Most Honourable Order of the Bath ; Eichard Biddulph Martin, of 68, Lombard Street, in the City of London, Banker, a Member of the Commons House of Parliament ; Eichard Charles Mayne, Companion of Our Most Honourable Order of the Bath, a Eear- Admiral in om- Navy; and William Henry Macleod Eead, of 25, Durham Terrace, in the County of Middlesex, Alerchant. And whereas the said Petition states (among other things) to the effect that on the 29th day of December, 1877, the Sultan of Brunei, in the Island of Borneo, made and issued to the Petitioner Alfred Dent and another, or one of them, three several grants of territories, lands, and islands therein mentioned, and a com mission. And whereas the said Petition further states that by the first of the g]-ants aforesaid the Sultan of Brunei granted to the grantees co-jointly their heii'S associates successors or assigns all the territory and land belonging to the Sultan on the West Coast of Borneo comprising Gaya Bay from Gaya Head to Loutut Point including Sapangar Bay and Gaya Bay and Sapangar Island and Gaya Island and all the other islands within the limits of the harbour and within three marine leagries of the coast, likewise the province and territory of Pappar adjoining the province of Benoni and belonging to the Saltan as his private property ; and in consideration of that grant the grantees prcjmi^ed to pay seve- rally and co-joiutly to the Sultan his heirs or successors the sum of four thousand dollars per annum ; and l)y that grant the said territories were fi-om the date thereof declared vested in the grantees their heirs associates successors or assigns for so long as they should choose and desire to hold them ; provided however that the Sultan should have the right to i-osnmo tlio control .iiul govormiioiit of tlio said territories if the ahovc'-moiitioiuMl aiinuul compeu.satiou should iu)t have heen paid for three successive years. And -whereas the said Petition further states that by the second of the grants aforesaid the Sultan of Brunei granted to the grantees co- joiutly their heirs associates successors or assigns all the territories belonging to the Sultan from the Sulaman Pdver on the north-west coast of Borneo unto the Eiver Paitan on the nortli-east coast of the island containing twenty-one states together with the island of Bangney and all the other islands within three marine leagues of the coast for their own exclusive uses and purposes ; and in consideration of that grant the grantees promised to pay severally and co-jointly to the Sultan liis heirs or successors the sum of six thousand dollars per annum ; and by that grant the said territories were from the date thereof declared vested in the grantees their heirs associates successors or assigns for so long as they should choose to hold them ; pro^dded however that the Sultan should have the right to resume the control and government of the said territories if the above-mentioned annual comjDensation should not have been paid for three successive years. And whereas the said Petition further states that by the tMrd of the grants aforesaid the Sultan of Brunei granted to the grantees their heu-s associates successors or assigns aU the following territories belonging to the kingdom of Brunei and comprising the States of Paitan, Sugut, Bangaya, Lahuk, Sandakan, Kina Batangan, Mumiang, and all the territories as far as the Sibuco Paver with all the islands within three leagues of the coast belonging thereto for their own exclusive and absolute uses and purposes ; and in consideration of that grant the grantees promised to pay co-jointly and severally as compensation the sum of two thousand dollars per annum ; and from that date the said territories were thereby declared vested in the grantees their heirs associates successors and assigns for so long as they should choose or desire to hold them ; provided however that the Sultan should ha-\'e the right to resume the control and govern- ment of the said territories if the above-mentioned annual compensation should not have heen paid lor three successive years. And whereas the said Petition further states that by the commission aforesaid, after reciting to tlio cfCcct that the Saltan of Brunei had seen fit to gra.nt to his trusty and wdl-lx-loved fi'ieuds the grantees cortain ])i)rtioiis of tlie (loininiinis owiual l)y Iiiin coiDjirisin-i' (lipontii'e nortlicni portiou of tlif isliu)(l of I'onino from rlie Sulainnu liivor ou tlie west const to j\riilu(ln Bay nnd to tlie Eiver raitau and thence the entire eastern coast as far as the Sihuco River, comprising the States of Paitan, Sugnt, Bangayan, Lahuk, Sandakan, Kiua ' Batangan, and Mumiang, and other lauds as far as Sil)nco Paver furthermore the provinces of Kimanis and Benoni, the province of Pappar, and the territory of Gaya Bay and Sapangar Bay with all the land and islands belonging thereto and likewise the island of Bangney for certain considerations between them agreed, and that one of the grantees therein in that belialf named was the chief and only authorised representative of his Company in Borneo ; it was declared that the Sultan had nominated and appointed and thereby did nominate and appoint the same grantee supreme ruler of the above-named territories with the title of Maharajah of Sabah (North Borneo) and Eajah of Gaya and Sandakan with power of life and death over the inhabitants with all the absolute rights of property vested in the Sultan over the soil of the country and the right to dispose of the same as well as the rights over the productions of the country whether mineral vegetable or animal with the rights of making laws coining money creating an army and navy levying customs rates on home and foreign trade and shippuig and other dues and taxes on the inhabitants as to him might seem good or expedient together with all other powers and rights usually exercised by and belonging to sovereign lulers and which the Sultan thereby delegated to him of his own free will ; and the Sultan called upon all foreign nations with whom he had formed friendly treaties and alHances to acknowledge the said Maharajah as the Sultan himself in the said territories and to respect his authority therein; and in case of the death or retirement from office of the said Maharajah then his duly appointed successor in the office of supreme ruler and Governor-in-Chief of tlie Company's territories in Borneo should likewise succeed to the office and title of Maharajah of Sabah and Rajah of Gaya and Sandakan and all tlie powers above enumerated be vested in him. And whereas the said Petition further statas that on the same day the Pangeran Tumongong (Chief Miuistor) of Brunei made to the same two persons their heirs associates successors or assigns a grant of the pro- vinces of Kimanis and Benoni on the north-west c0ii,st of ]5oruoo with all the islands belonging thei-eto -within tln-ee luarino leagues of the coast the said territories belonging to him as his private pi-o])(n'ty to hold for their own (!\clusiv(' aiul iibsuhitc uses and ])nr))(iS('S : and in considera- tion of that gnint tlio grantcnvs promised to ^imv as compensation to the Pangeraii Tumongong Ins lieirs or successors the sum of three thousand dolhirs per annum ; and the said territories Avcre tliorehy declared vested in tlie grantees their heirs associates successors or assigns for so long as they should choose or desire to hold theiu ; and they further promised to protect the Paugeran Tumongong with kindness. And -whereas the said Petition further states that on the 22ud day of January, 1878, the Sultan of Sooloo and the dependencies thereof (in the said Petition and in this Our Charter referred to as the Sultan of Sooloo) made and issued to the same two persons, or one of them, a grant of his rights and powers over territories lands states and islands therein mentioned, and a commission. And whereas the said Petition further states that by the last- mentioned grant the Sultan of Sooloo on behalf of himself his heirs and successors and with the consent and advice of the Datoos in Council assembled granted and ceded of his own free and sovereign will to the grantees as representatives of a British Company co-jointly theii- heirs associates successors and assigns for ever and in perpetuity all the rights and powers belonging to the Sultan over aU the territories and lands being tributary to him on the mauiland of the island of Borneo commencing from the Pandassan Piiver on the north-west coast and extending along the whole east coast as far as the Sibuco Eiver in the south and comprising amongst others the States of Paitan, Sugut, Bangaya, Labuk, Sandakan, Ivina Batangan, Mumiang and aU the other territories and states to the southward thereof bordering on Darvel Bay and as far as the Sibueo Paver with all the islands within three marine leagues of the coast ; and in consideration of that grant the grantees promised to pay as compensation to the Sultan his hehs or successors the sum of five thousand dollars per annum ; and the said territories were thereby 'declared vested in the grantees co-jointly their heirs associates successors or assigns for as long as they should choose or desire to hold them ; provided however that the rights and priveleges conferj-ed by that grant should never l)e trunsferrod to any other nation or company of foreign nationality without the sanction of Our Grovern- nicnt lirst being olitaincd ; and ui case any dispute should arise between the Sultan his lu'irs or successors and thegianteo ilierein in that behalf specilied or his Cuni])any the matter should l)e suhinitted to Oiu- Consul- Cieneral for Borneo : and that grantee on behalf of himself and his C'()ni]niny fnrtlicr proiiiisod tcj assist tlic Rultaii liis licirs or successors witl) his b(!st cHjuiJso] and lulvicf wljf.'ucvcr the siUtan mi^'ht stand in need of the same. And Avhcreas tlie said Petition further states that by the last- mentioned commission, after reciting to the effect that the Sultan of Sooloo had seen fit to f,n-ant unto his trusty and well-beloved friends the grantees certain portions of the dominions owned by the Sultan com- prising all the lands on the north and east coast of tlie Island of Borneo from the Pandassau Paver on the north-west to the Sibuco Piiver on the east coast including amongst others the states of Paitan, Sugut, Bangaya, Labuk, Sandakan, Kina Bataugan, and Mumiang, and all the lands and territories in Darvel Bav as far as the Sibuco Pdver together with all the islands belonging thereto for certain considerations between them agreed, and that one of the grantees therein in that behalf named was the chief and only authorised representative of his Company in Borneo, it -was declared that the Sultan of Sooloo had nominated and appointed and thereby did nominate and appoint the same grantee supreme and independent ruler of the above-named territories ■with the title of Datu Bandahara and Eajah of Sandakan with absolute power of life and death over the inhabitants of the country with all the absolute rights of property over the soil of the country vested in the Sultan and the right to dispose of the same as well as the rights over the pro- dnctions of the country whether mineral vegetable or animal with tlie rights of making laws coining monev creating an armv and navv levying custom dues on home and foreign trade and shipping and other dues and taxes on the inhabitants as to him might seem good or expedient together with all other powers and rights usually exercised by and belonging to sovereign rulers and which the Sultan thereby delegated to him of his o^vn free and sovereign will ; and the Sultan called upon all foreign nations with whom- he had formed friendly treaties or alliances, and he commanded all the Datoos Nobles Governors Chiefs and People owing "allegiance to him in the said terri- tories, to receive and acknowledge the said Datu Bandahara as supreme ruler over the said States and to {ji)oy his ccnnmands and respect his authority therein as the Sultan's own ; and in case of the death or retire- ment from office of the said Datu Bandahara then his duly ajipointcd successor in the office of supreme ruler and governor-iu-chief of tlio Company's territories in Borneo should likewise if appointcid thereto by tlic Compiiiiy succeed to the title of Datii Jliuukliani and Enjuli nf Siiudakiin iuul all tlic; jirAvors above eiiuinoratcd be vested in liim. And whereas the said Petition fnrther states that all the interests and po-\vers of the grantees under the several grants and commissions aforesaid came to be vested in the Petitioner Alfred Dent. And whereas the said Petition further states that the Petitioner Alfred Dent and his associates from time to time of necessity- expended large sums of money and made great exertions in and about procuring the grants and commissions aforesaid and putting them into use and discharging the obligations arising thereunder. And whereas the said Petition further states that the Petitioner The British IS'orth Borneo Provisional Association, Limited, consists of persons who lately agreed to join together for the temporary purposes of acting as intermediaries between the Petitioner Alfred Dent, on the one hand, and a Company to be incorporated (if We should so think fit) by Eoyal Charter, on the other hand, and of carrying on until the grant of such a Charter the management of the affairs arising under the grants and commissions aforesaid, and who, for convenience of common action and for limitation of liabihty, have incorporated themselyes under the general Statutes relating to companies, that Provisional Association having for its objects as declared by its Memorandum of Association (among others) the following, (that is to say) : To purchase from Alfred Dent his interest and powers in over and affecting territories, lands, and property in Borneo, and islands Iving near thereto, including Labuan. To aequh'e by purchase or other lawful means other interests and powers in over or afiectiug the same territories, land.s and property, and interests and poAvers in over or afiectiug other territories, lands, and property in the region afort said. To obtain from the Crown a charter incorporating and regulating a Conipan}' constituted with the hke objects as aforesaid, or other objects relating to any territories, lauds, and jirojierty as aforesaid. To transfer to tlie Company so inco]-poratod any interests and powers as aforesaid for the time being vested in the Association. AihI wlu'i-f'fis till' said rctitioii [lutJu'r states tliiit nil the iatcvests and powers of the Petitioner Alfred Dent under the severiil grants and commissions aforesaid have been transferred to and are now vested in the petitioner, the British North Borneo Provisional Association, Limited. And whereas the said Petition further states that that Association will, in accordance with its provisional character in- dicated in its name, and iu pursuance of the express provisions of its Articles of Association, be vohnitarily wound up in manner provided by Statute, as soon as a sale or disposal of its territories, lands, and property to a Company to be incorporated (if "\Ye should so think fit) by Royal Charter lias been effected, and will, after payment and discharge, of its debts and liabilities, and after distribution among its members of tlie proceeds of such sale or disposal and of any other its-, assets, be dissolved. And whereas the said Petition fmiiher states that the Petitioners Sir Rutherford Alcock, Richard Biddulph Martin, Richard Charles Mayne, and William Henry Macleod Read are, mth the Petitioner Alfred Dent, the Directors of that Association. And whereas the said Petition represents that the success of the enterprise in which the Petitioners are engaged as aforesaid would be gi-eatly advanced if it should seem fit to Us to incorporate by Om- Royal Charter a Company to carry on that enterprise. And whereas the said Petition further represents that such a Chartered Company would render to Our Dominions services of much value, and would promote the commercial prosperity of many of Ovu- subjects. And whereas the said Petition further represents that the Petitioners are iu a position to raise the capital requisite for the proper and effective conduct of the enterprise aforesaid, and they thereby undertake to do so on obtaining the grant of siTch a Charter. And whereas by the said I'etition the Petitioners therefore most humbly pray that "We will be graciously pleased to grant Our Royal Cliarter for incorporathnig a CompaJiy to curry oji the enterprise aforesaid ])y such name and with such powers and privileges aud subject to such conditions as to Us may seem meet. Nuw Thkuei'ore "We. liaviun; tiikeii llic siiid Pt'tition into OurEoyal consiilenitiou in Our Coiuicil. iiu;l being satisliod that the intentions of the Petitioners are praiscwovihy and deserve encouragement, and that the enterprise in the Petition desciibed may he productive of much benefit to Our Dominions and to many of Oui- sul)jects, by Our Prerogative Eoyal and of Oiir especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion have constituted erected and incorporated, and l)y this Our Charter for Us and Our Heirs and Pioyal Successors do constitute erect and incorporate, into one body pohtic and corporate, by the name of The Beitish North Borneo Company, the said Alfred Dent, Sir Paitherford Alcock, Eichard Biddulph Martin, Eichard Charles Mayne, and William Henry Macleod Eead, and such other persons and such bodies as fi'om time to time become and are members of that body, with perpetual succession, and a common seal, with power to alter or renew the same at discretion, and with the further authorities powers and privileges conferred and subject to the conditions imposed by this Our Charter ; and We do hereby accordingly will, ordain and declare as follows (that is to say) : Transfer to Company of Grants and Commissions. 1. — The said British North Borneo Company (in this Our Charter referred to as the Company) is hereby authorised and empowered to acquire by purchase or other lawful means from the British North Borneo Pro\'isional Association, Limited, the full benefit of the several grants and commissions aforesaid, or any of them, as the same is vested in that Association, and all interests and powers of that Association thereunder, and all interests and powers vested in that Association in over or affecting the territories lands and pro- perty comprised in those several gi-ants, or in over or affecting any territories lands or property in Borneo or iu any island lying near thereto, including Labuan, and to hold use enjoy and exercise the same for the purj)oses and on the terms of this Our Chai-ter. Fiilriliiifiit hji ('^(iiiijninn of I'riiinisr.s of (Irinitrrs. 2. — The Company, as representing the original gnintces under the several grants aforesaid. sh;i,ll be bound by and shall hiUil the jjroniisi.'s of payment and other ])r()iiiis(;s then.'in m;i.dc, subject to any suhs('(pu'nt agm'uuaii, an'cctiug those proniiscs. J.lrilisli rliiiraclrr of' Ciniiinniii. 3. — Tlic Compiiny sliiiU alwuys be and ivuiain Britisli in character and domicile, and sliall have its principal office in England ; and all the members of its Court of Directors or other "overnincr bodv and its principal representative in Borneo shall always he natnral-born British subjects or persons -who have been naturaHzed as British subjects by or under an Act of the Parliament of Our United Kingdom. Restriction on Transfer hij Conrpanij. 4. — The Company shall not have power to transfer, wholly or in part, the benefit of the grants and commissions aforesaid or any of them except "\\ith the consent of one of Our Principal Secretaries of. State (in this Oirr Charter referred to as Our Secretary of Stiite). Differences n-ith Sultans. 5. — In case at any time any difference arises between the Sultan of Brunei or the Sultan of Sooloo and the Company, that difference shall on the part of the Company be submitted to the decision of Our Secretary of State, if he is willing to undertake the decision thereof. Foreign Poioers. 6. — If at any time Our Secretary of State thinks fit to dissent from or object to any of the deahngs of the Company with any Foreign Power, and to make to the Company any suggestion founded on that dissent or objection, the Company shall act in accordance therewith. Slavevj. 7. — The Company shall to the best of its power discourage, and, as far as may be practicable, abolish by degrees, any system of domestic servitude existing among the tribes of the coast or interior of Borneo ; and no foreigner, whether European, Chinese, or other, shall be allowed to own slaves of any kind in the Company's territories. licliijions of Inliahitants. 8. — The Company as such, or its officers as such, shall not in any way interfere with the religion of any class or tribe of the people of Borneo, or of any of the mhabitants thereof. 10 A (hnhrisl ration of Justice to Jnha]iitmiix. 0. — In tlie administration of justice by the Gt)mi)any to the people of Borneo, or to any of the inhabitants thereof, careful regard shall always be had to the customs and laws of the class or tribe or nation to which the parties respectively belong, especially with respect to the holding possession transfer and disposition of lands and goods, and testate or intestate succession thereto, and marriage divorce and legitimacy, and other rights of property and personal rights. Treatment of Inltahitants, grneralhi. 10. — If at any time Dur Secretary of State tliinks fit to dissent from or object to any part of the proceedings or system of the Company relative to the people of Borneo, or to any of the inhabitants thereof, in . respect of slavery or rehgion or the administration of justice or other matter, and to make to the Company any suggestion founded on that dissent or objection, the Company shall act in accordance therewith. Jurisdiction over British Subjects and in Mixed Gases. 11. — In case at any time We think fit to make provision by Order in Our Council for the exercise and regulation of Our extra-territorial jurisdiction and authority in Borneo, and to appoint any of the Company's officers to discharge judicial or other functions thereunder in Our name, then and so long the Company shaU provide all court- houses and estabhshments necessary or proper in that behalf, and bear aU expenses of the exercise of the jurisdiction or authority which those officers are so appointed to exercise. Facilities for Jlritisli Xational Ships. 12. — The Company shall freely afford all facilities requisite for Our ships in the harbours of the Company. Ajijiuintiiicnt of Couijutiii/s jirinripa,] rcprrsnUativr. 18. — The appointmeut l)y the Company of tlic Company's ])nncipai representative in Ikjrneo shall always Ix' suliject to the iip]U'i)val of Our Secretary of State;. Flofi. 14. — The Couijiany may jjcist and use on its Imildings and elsc- whe]-e in Borne) and on its vessels su:]i distinctive flag indicating 11 the Britisli cliaraoter of the Company as Onv Secretary of State and the Lords Commissiouers of the Admiralty from time to time approve. General Powers of Companii. 15. — The Company is hereby fm-ther ai;thorized and empowered : (?'.) To acquire and take by purchase cession or other lawful- means, other interests or powers in, over, or affecting the territories, lands, or property comprised in the several grants aforesaid, or any interests or powers whatever in over or affecting other territories, lauds, or property in the region aforesaid ; and to hold, use, enjoy, and exercise the same for the purposes and on the terms of this Om* Charter. (w.) To improve, develop, clear, plant and cultivate any territories and lands comprised in the several grants aforesaid, or otherwise acquired under this Our Charter. (m.) To make and maintain therein roads, harboui's, railways, telegraphs, and other, public and other works, and carry on therein mining and other industries. (iv.) To settle any such territories and lands as aforesaid and to aid and promote immigration into the same. (v.) To grant any lands therein for terms or in per- petuity absolutely or by way of mortgage or otherwise. (vi.) To make therein exclusive or other concessions of mining forestal or other rights. (cii.) To farm out for revenue purposes the right to sell in the Company's territories spirits tobacco opium salt or other commodities. (viiL) To make loans or contributions of money or money's worth for promoting any of the objects of the Company. (ix.) To acquire and hold or charter or otherwise deal with steam-vessels and other vessels. (x.) To acquire and hold any ])ersonal property. {xi.) To deal in merchandise!, the growth ])]'()dnce or manufacture of tlio Cuiiipany's territories, or other merchandise. 12 (xii.) To Ciirry on iiiiy lawful oomiucrce trade or (Ic'iiliiig wljiitovt'V in coniiL'ction with any of the objects of the Oonipuny. {xiii.) To estabhah and maintain agencies in Our Colonies and Possessions and elsewhere. (xiv.) To act as agent in the region aforesaid for any other Company or body or any person. (xv.) To sue and be sued by the Company's name of incorporation as well in Our Courts in Our United Kingdom, or in Our Courts in Our Colonies or Possessions, or in Our Com-ts in foreign countries, as el3e^vllere. (xvi.) To take and hold, without licence in mortmain or other authority than this Our Charter, messuages and here- ditaments in England and in any of our Colonies or Possessions and elsewhere, convenient for carrying on the management of the affairs of the Company, and to dispose from time to time of any such messuage and hereditaments when not required for that purpose. (xvii.) To do all lawful things incidental or conducive to the exercise or enjoyment of the authorities and powers of the Company in this Our Charter expressed or referred to or any of them. Questions of Title. 16. — If at any time Our Secretary of State thinks fit to object to the exercise by the Company of any authority or power within any part of the territories comprised in the several grants aforesaid, or otherwise acquired under this Our Charter, on the ground of there being an adverse claim to that part, the Company shall defer to that objection. Vrohihition of Monopoly. 17. — Nothing in this Our Charter shall be deemed to authorise the Company to set u]j or gram any general monopoly of trade ; and sub- ject only to customs duties imposed for revenue purposes, and to re- strictions Hf im[)ortation similar in character to those apphcable in Our Uniti'd Kingdom, trade with the Company's territories shall he free. 13 Deal of Hdtlaiicnl. 18. — AYithia one year after the date of this Our C'hurter there shall be executed by the members of the Company for the time bcjing a Deed of Settlement providing for — (/.) The amount and division of the capital of the Company and the calls to be made in respect thereof. ((t.) The registration of members of the Company. {Hi.) The preparation and the circulation among the members of annual accounts. {iv.) The audit of those accounts by independent auditors. {v.) The making of Bye-laws. {vi.) The making and using of official seals of the Company. (I'u.) The winding-up (in case of need) of the Company's- affairs. [viii.) Any other matters usual or proper to be provided for in respect of a Chartered Company. 19. — The Deed of Settlement shall before the execution thereof be submitted to and approved by the Lords of Our Council, and a certificate of their approval thereof signed by the Clerk of Our Council shall be indorsed on this Our Charter and on the Deed of Settlement. 20. — The provisions of the Deed of Settlement may be from time to time varied or added to by a Supplementary Deed made and executed in such manner and subject to such conditions as the Deed of Settle- ment prescribes. And We do further will ordain and declare that this Our Charter shall be acknowledged by Our Governors, and Our isaval and Mihtary Officers, and our Consuls, and Our other Ofiicers, in Our Colonies and Possessions, and on the High Seas, and elsewhere, and they sliidl sever- ally give full force and effect to this Our Charter, and shall recognise and be in all lawful things aiding to the Company and its officers. And We do further will ordain and declare that this Our Charter 14 shall he taken construed and adjudged in the most favourahle and heucficial sense for and to the hest advantage of the Company as well in Our Courts in Our United Kingdom, and in Our Courts in Our Colonies or Possessions, and in Our Courts in foreign countries, as elsewhere, not- withstanding that there may aj^pear to be in tliis Our Charter any non-recital, mis-recital, uncertainty or imperfection. And ' We do lastly will ordain and declare tliat in case at any time it is made to appear to Us in Our Council that the Company has failed to comply with any material condition by this Our Charter prescribed, it shall be lawful for Us, Om* Hehs and Successors, and We do hereby expressly reserve and take to Ourselves Our Heu'S and Successors the right and power, by writing under the Great Seal of Our United Kingdom, to revoke this Our Charter, without prejudice to any power to repeal the same by law belonging to Us or Them, or to any of Our Courts Ministers or Officers, independently of this present declaration and reservation. In witness whereof We have caused these Our letters to be made patent. Witness Ourselves at Our Palace at Westminster, the first day of November, in the forty-fifth year of Our reign. By Her Majesty's Command. CARDEW.