Interpreter for Chinese on the Rolls of the Supreme Court, on the 24th of August 1850.

With reference to this fact, I would beg to say that there is no qualification which a Magistrate may possess in other respects, which can, in any way, compensate for the incapacity to check those indispensable curses to native Courts - low Class Interpreters. I speak advisedly when I say that the native population have not, and cannot, have confidence in the decisions of our Courts, until the Magistrates on the Bench know something of the language.

It is not solely that the Interpreters be thoroughly kept in check, but that the magistrate may have a knowledge of the peculiar train of thought, the probable motives which actuate, and the ulterior aims of the native litigants and witnesses who appear before him, with the capacity to sift the truth from the maze of deceit and perjury which prevail amongst all Orientals.

I would beg further to represent that I have reason to...

Page 551

Share This Page