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The coils attending existence of piracy have been the frequent subject of communication both to the Colonial and Foreign departments, and various plans have been recommended for Control and suppression. Whenever the Admiralty is able to furnish Appropriate vessels I anticipate little difficulty in abating the mischief, deeply rooted as it is an evil in Chinese habits, - (almost normal on the Coasts of China, which in all ages have been disturbed by sea robbers and Marauders. The enfeebled state of Superior authority, the advantage taken by pirates to hoist what they call the patriot flag, and above all the scanty and repulsive character of Chinese policy, and the unwillingness of the High Mandarins to come to any friendly understanding, indeed to pay any attention to the representations of the authorities of Western Nations, have greatly augmented the embarrassments of our position.
But I could not concur in an Act so arbitrary and extreme as that recommended by Mr. Bridges, namely the