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science.

2. In that letter Mr Pears, by direction of the Association's standing Committee, draws Your Lordship's attention to an article in "the" Overland China Mail" of the 23rd February last, of the correctness of which they are assured there is no doubt.

3. The paragraph in question is the report of proceedings before the Police Magistrate, in connection with the examination of witnesses for/against certain Chinese Prisoners accused of being implicated in the murder of Mr Holworthy on the 8th January.

The Crown Solicitor appeared for the prosecution and the paragraph alluded to states that "Mr D. Caldwell watched the case on the same behalf."

4. There is absolutely no foundation for such a statement. Mr Caldwell had no authority or instructions, from this Government nor, so far as I am aware, from anyone else to watch the case; but as the information which led to the arrest of the prisoners had been given to him in the first instance, and there was a large reward in the event of conviction, he was no doubt anxious to watch what passed, especially as his thorough knowledge of the Colloquial Chinese enabled him to perceive any misinterpretation of the evidence. I believe Mr Caldwell is often employed by private parties for this purpose, and certainly if I thought it likely that his aid would enable me to trace the murderers of Mr Healworthy, it would be a singular course for the Social Science

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