especially prohibited even than
arms.
I have received no written Communication from my Colleagues on the subject of the Memorandum, but all of them seem to agree that for the present we must be content to wait a reasonable time for the result of the reference to the Provincial authorities, with whom it will always rest, if not to originate, at least to give effect to any rules or laws applying under their Jurisdiction, and to whom any action were evidently fra.
358
The laws as they exist are aimed to secure the same objects as those we have in view, and in my opinion, if carried into execution, they would suffice to prevent all dangerous armament and overmanning of junks for piratical purposes. Their Registration at each Port would help to secure the rest, with the organization of effective preventive Steamers, in connection with the Customs Maritime Service. Therefore, it is urgent for the Central Government to refer such questions before taking any action in administration. This last is making rapid progress.
I believe