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out the intentions of the Legislative.
With reference to the two points which remain undecided: - the propriety of Their Lordships' instructions to Officers visiting British Ships on the High Seas, in order to enforce the penalty of forfeiture where Emigration Papers are found on board, and where the Passengers appear to be suffering from ill usage, or neglect, and for the Commander of Her Majesty's Ships, compliance with the requisition of a Consul, or Revenue Officer, to convey to the nearest Admiralty Court any vessel seized for infraction of the provisions of the Statute, My Lords are prepared to adopt the course suggested by Secretary Labouchere.
Instructions will consequently be given to Officers Commanding Her Majesty's Ships to leave Chinese Passengers on board British Vessels on the High Seas, if no legal papers be found on board, and if the Passengers appear to be suffering from ill usage or neglect.
In cases where Officers of Her Majesty's Navy are called upon by Consular Officers, or Officers of the Customs, or British Consular Officers, to give their assistance in conveying to the nearest Admiralty Court ships which have been seized by the last mentioned Officers in the execution of their duty, My Lords will direct that, upon a written requisition to that effect signed by the officer who has seized the vessel, the Commanders of Her Majesty's Ships shall,