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sets forth that the Chief Justice (Mr. Smale) has decided in a recent case, Meg v. Bangs, that a foreign resident in Macao has redress here against the publisher of a libel in Hongkong. There has been much excitement in connection with this case, and the various matters of Law, which the Chief Justice's Judgment involved, are of too great importance to be lightly passed over.
I therefore referred the Petition to the Attorney General with directions to report fully the whole matter for the information of Your Lordship.
3. On clear Enclosure No. 2 very fully. This he has done in a clear and comprehensive report, which I have had printed, so as to render it more available, and I invite the serious attention of Your Lordship to it.
It appears that, independent of the merits of the particular case, the Chief Justice's interpretation of the existing Law as to private prosecutions, an important question has been collaterally raised by Mr. Smale as to his right to insist on the Attorney General's conducting private prosecutions, and thereby ousting private parties of their right to choose their own Counsel. Mr. Smale also insists on commanding the advice and assistance of the Attorney General whenever and however he pleases.
5. On all these occasions the Attorney General has hitherto exhibited the greatest