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whose conduct has been the subject of legal enquiry and condemnation, to assume that the British Tribunals have acted partially, corruptly or unjustly.
The question as to the refusal to deliver up the seaman Madison may be disposed of in a few words. There is no treaty between Great Britain and the U. S. authorizing the surrender of seamen who have deserted from Ships in the Ports of either Power, and in the absence of such treaty engagements, Sir John Bowring would have violated the Law if he had ordered the man to be given up, as demanded by the American Commodore and the American Consul.
Those who seek British Ports and invoke the aid of British Tribunals must abide by the decisions of those Tribunals. The charge against the Police is wholly unwarranted. To quit Madison's apprehensions and induce him to return to his ship, the Police Authorities promised him protection if it should be necessary. It does not need their denial to satisfy H. M's Govt that they could have had no motive or object in encouraging him to abscond, or in hunting for the sake of getting him punished, and so bringing trouble about.