AGE
that
"M. May himself says "answer to the first question, "when the Police force boarded the "Reindeer", the Chief Mate, then in command, asked "by what authority they came on board". This we understand to mean demanding a Warrant, for such a step could be taken without one. I refer your Excellency also to the testimony of the Mate, herewith enclosed, to the same point.
"Best, your Excellency states that no Warrant is necessary by law or 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 prescribe the mode. I was under the impression that though the Police could interfere in a breach of the peace, or other infraction of the law, actually taking place, without warrant, yet that to make an arrest, and certainly such an arrest as this, some warrant was necessary. This I had always understood as English law, certainly its spirit, if not its letter. The assertion is certainly startling - that an embroidered crown on a policeman's cap is sufficient warrant for searching a ship, and arresting anyone on board. Is 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, is...
174
...of Police
all