The Colony was at that time, in respect to its Chinese population, in a state of disorder which has happily been ameliorated, and partly, in consequence, of this Ordinance: Robberies were of constant occurrence, about a week before my arrival 12,000 rupees belonging to the Commissariat store were carried off, near Chekohoo, and the soldiers by which it was guarded were murdered, as then reported to Your Lordship.
A more vigilant and active Police has since corrected the above evil, and many robbers were either shot or captured. Still something was required, besides an European or Hindoostanee police, for the native population, something akin to the unpaid constables of the parishes in England, and this was found already existing among the Chinese institutions.
The Ordinance in question adheres to these as nearly as possible, and the Enactment is of course much more congenial to the 20,000 Chinese, who inhabit this island, than the unnecessary importation into their villages of foreign regulations. The appointment of these tithingmen and hundreders, for such in fact they are, gives to the individuals so appointed a degree of weight and authority among their Countrymen, and, on my personal explorations of the island, I have met with great respect and attention from them, returning the same with presents to themselves and their children.
Another advantage attending this Enactment under notice, is its Economy, as like the old parish Constables.