the Government;
Mr. May himself says in answer to the first question, that where the police force boarded the "Reindeer", the Chief Mate, then in command, asked "by what authority the police came on board". This we understand as demanding a warrant, for we know of no such step being taken without one.
I refer Your Excellency also to the testimony of the mate, herewith enclosed, to the same point.
"Put Your Excellency, states that no warrant is necessary by Law—in Custom. I do not think that the Ordinance referred to comes quite up to this point. It gives the power to board, but does not prevent the smuggling. I was under the impression that though the Police could interfere in a breach of the
Revenue,
272"
or other infraction of the law, actually taking place, without warrant, yet to make an arrest, and
that
This had
certainly such an arrest as this, a warrant was necessary. I have always understood on English law, certainly its spirit, if not its letter. The doctrine you assert is certainly startling
OL T
that in accordance both with law and custom an embroidered crown upon a policeman's cap is sufficient warrant for searching a ship, and arresting any men on board, be it to be understood that it is the law of the Colony, and the doctrine upheld by its authorities, that any one of the police whom I see about your Streets, of inferior education, limited responsibility, how is it in his power at any
time to board an American ship
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