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satisfied of its propriety by preliminary investigation.

13.

Under these circumstances, and especially as you say you were doubtful whether a civil suit could be made a case for rendition under Treaty, His Excellency would have preferred your ascertaining by a private note or otherwise the probable action of the Governor before officially forwarding the Vice Roy's requisition. It must be very difficult for the latter, viewing such questions from a standpoint totally different from that whence they are regarded by English Law, not to ascribe the refusal of his request to motives which have had no influence whatever.

14.

It frequently happens, on the other hand, that this Government is obliged to make various references and applications through the Consul to the Vice Roy, and in the arrangement and general transaction of business resulting therefrom, difficulties may be raised and obstacles created by the Chinese authorities which would never have arisen, if the latter did not feel that somehow they had a grievance against this

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