339
und is productive of the best results.
Having watched the proceedings by the Chinese officials in such cases, he expresses himself satisfied with the consideration given to each case, and the discrimination shown in awarding punishments proportionate to the gravity of each offence.
I concur with me as to the impolicy of our burdening ourselves as we do at present with the custody of all the pirates captured. I find too that Mr. Ball, the acting Chief Justice, concurs in this view, and considers that a large proportion of the piratical cases which have been tried before him might with great propriety have been handed over for adjudication to the Chinese Authorities.
13. I have also had an opportunity of conversing on this subject lately with Sir F. Bruce, Her Majesty's Minister in China. He has for some time been earnestly endeavouring to induce the Chinese Government to adopt stringent measures both on shore and afloat for the suppression of piracy along the whole seaboard of the Empire.
14. Her Majesty's Consul at Canton, Mr. Robertson, a Gentleman who has been 20 years in China, entertains the same opinion, and I enclose the answers furnished by him to certain queries.