the Triad Society completely justifies the adoption of the most vigorous measures for suppressing and punishing them and for all persons who shall become Members of them. The same considerations vindicate the propriety of the decisions to deliver up to the Chinese Authorities any Sailing who may escape from the penalties which they may have incurred in China.
It is, however, not equally evident that the Ordinance which was transmitted is properly framed. First, It makes no exceptions in favour of persons who may have joined the Triad Society in ignorance of its designs or under the influence of terror. The latter case, as appears from the Particulars of the Case of the 21st January is not infrequent really. An illustration...
Secondly, an indelible stigma inflicted on the cheek of a Criminal, even if final, when attended by fine (as I presume was intended in this instance) is yet evidently objectionable as fastening on the malefactor a stigma from which he could never be rescued by any future good conduct. It would consign him to a life of infamy and finally obstruct his return to honest and reputable society.
Thirdly, The Ordinance subjects to similar penalties the members of all Secret Societies. But mere membership, in the terms of an Association, would scarcely seem to require a punishment so severe or, perhaps, any punishment at all. Fourthly, Exclusion from the Colony is itself an indefinite punishment. It does not offer whether the man is to be banished for life or for any short period, nor what is to be the penalty of returning from such a banishment.
Fifthly, It has been stated by a Member of the House of Commons in his place in that House, that by a recent Edict or law of the Chinese Government a number of Triad Society members may be put to death at once, and without any formal trial.