46
British professions I do not believe that it has ever been advanced in my English Court of Justice, and whenever it has formed the subject of diplomatic correspondence; it has been expressly negatived.
The law on the subject is too clear to admit of a doubt. Señor Choca ought to be given to distinctly understand that as consul he enjoys legally no immunity from our laws, either civil or criminal, and that he is no less subject to the jurisdiction of our Courts than any other foreigner residing here. Courtesy confers certain privileges upon him, but certainly not that of exercising a probate jurisdiction.
476
With respect to the action of the Official Administrator; it is completely in order. He is acting under the authority conferred upon him by Section IV of Ordinance No. 9 of 1870, which is as follows:
It shall be lawful for the Official Administrator, whenever he shall think it expedient so to do and upon evidence of death as he shall deem sufficient, to take possession of the private papers, monies, goods, chattels, and other movable property whatsoever of any deceased person which shall be found within the colony, and to provide for the safe custody thereof.