request that we would immediately prepare the Draft thereof, and transmit the same for consideration to H. Mr. Govt.
That should we on the other hand be of opinion that her Majesty possesses no such power under the abovementioned Act, your Lordship would be glad to be favored with any suggestion which we might have to offer as to the best mode of attaining by other means the desired object as above set forth.
That your Lordship conceives that the Penalties and Imprisonment imposed by the order of the 20 February would be sufficient; and as one object for which the power referred to would be invested in the Chief Superintendent, would be to enable him effectually to repress riotous and disorderly conduct on the part of British seamen, it would be desirable that, at least to a certain extent proceedings under the order should be summary.
That in the event of our being of opinion that regulations such as described, might be issued, M. Addington is pleased to request that we would draw up a form of Preamble founded on the order, for any regulations which the Chief Superintendent may have occasion to issue.
In obedience to your Lordship's commands we have the honour to report that we are of opinion, that the Statute 3 & 4th Will IV C. 93. Sec 6. enacts, that it shall be lawful for her Majesty by any Council or Commission, to give to the Superintendents or any of them, Powers and authorities over, and in respect of the trade and commerce of her Majesty's subjects within any part of the said dominions; the extent or nature of those powers is, however, not defined, and the Statute does not expressly provide for a power to be given to the Superintendent himself to issue regulations, and directions touching the Trade or commerce.
Although such a power is given to her Majesty by the next clause of the Act, and for the good of her Majesty's subjects within any part of the said Dominions.
It appears to us, therefore, that whatever regulations, not of a temporary nature it may be thought right to make touching the Trade and Commerce, and the good government of her Majesty's subjects in China (which may of course include provisions against riotous or disorderly conduct on the part of British seamen) it would be right to work directly by...