720
27.
234
ke willing to undertake if direct application were made to the Official sources, – and it is almost impossible to convince a Chinaman that influence is not procured and exercised over the higher functionaries to obtain the dispatch of business and other favours. The Commission which I appointed to examine into the levying of fees was unable to substantiate the undoubted fact that extortions are frequently practised by subordinate Clerks and functionaries, according to what is understood to be a universal practice in China.
12.
With reference to Fees received by Magistrates I cannot learn that such have been levied; in fact it is seldom the Justices of the Peace exercise their functions except in their Sessional attendances.
13. Among the Fees of Office those received for the registration and Shipment of Seamen appear prima facie objectionable as interfering with the freedom of labor and the natural action of supply and demand. But the present state of things is not complained of and to some extent the official registration is protective to the Seaman and secures him from being victimized by a class of