and the mode of compelling obedience in
Civil cases.
I have thought it necessary to call
to your attention to these points in consequence of some observations made by the Law Officers of the Crown; and I will only add, though without any intention to fetter you in respect to
the course which you
should pursue that it might be the most convenient course as regards criminal matters to allow the Consuls to deal, summarily as sole Magistrates, with offences of
a
minor character, and even with
more serious offences with the
concurrence of Assessors, chosen from
the
149
the British Community; while all offences
of a grave nature, which, if committed in
England, would be reserved for trial
by a Judge of Assize, might be sent to the Court at Hong Kong :
That Court you
will observe, is
empowered, in consequence of the appointment of the Colony of Hongkong for the trial of Offences committed by British Subjects in China, to take cognizance of such matters, and the Consuls are authorized to send British Offenders to Hongkong for trial, and while I leave it to you to determine what instructions it may be proper to give Her Majesty's Consuls in this
respect
IND