337
and have means of obtaining information
as to their previous history and occupations
which we can never
possess
The Judge requires only to be satisfied in his own
mind of the
guilt of
the
party accused
and
There is no
as a matter of
course
punishment follows
chance, therefore,
with them as there is with
persons whose guilt is beyond all doubt escaping through deficiency of evidence or through legal technicalities.
10.
Again in the suppression of piracy
in this Country requires the prosecution of active measures on land and these can only be legally or effectually undertaken by the Chinese Government. If pirates were handed over by them to the Government, the Provincial Authorities who are generally very ignorant of what is going on at a distance from the Capital would soon find out the piratical character of Villages on the Coast, and it would then be their interest to follow up offenders, causing them so much trouble, in their haunts on shore. Evidence also would soon be furnished at the trials of the apathy or Connivance of the nearest local authorities who would then be called to account by the Central Government.
And further the punishment
11.
which follows upon conviction for piracy is more severe in China than it is according to law.
By the Chinese Criminal