10. of the Sapenzen Act to Chinese Emigration and that the Local Officer in omitting that Act did but anticipate the decision of Parliament. To this excuse we should be disposed to give due weight, but it could scarcely be accepted as a sufficient justification without admitting a very dangerous principle to the duties of the servants.
While, therefore, under the altered state of the Laws it may not be expedient to take any practical steps in this matter, it appears desirable, if Mr. Labouchere should require it, that in the view which the Government take, that the Government should not be left under the impression that the explanations of Mr. Hillier and Mr. Hawkins appear to the Secretary of State as satisfactory as they have been considered by Sir J. Bowring.
LEE [illegible] We have the honor to be, Your obedient humble Servants, M.W. Benedoch, Mexaudubond