a
10.8.
Frenchman to receive $60,000 but had not forwarded the Original Bond, and as payment could not be made except upon presentation of the original papers, that any delay in settlement of the matter is attributable to Mr. Landstein. The letter reached upon the 18th of July having been forwarded by the French Authorities at Saigon.
In contrast to this straightforward behaviour on the part of the Annamese, Mr. Landstein actually issued a writ of Summons against Lai Sin claiming $60,000 on the Bond, and caused the writ to be served on board the Pangwee, while Lai Sin was preparing to leave for Annam to carry out the undertaking.
The result of the suit has been to deprive the King of the possession of his steamer for more than eighteen months and to involve him in heavy law costs without a decision upon the merits or even upon the legality of the original seizure. Meanwhile, the plaintiff will have succeeded in getting $60,000 from a third person, of which he could never have obtained a single dollar without the assistance of the King.
If the proceedings were brought before the Privy Council, the judgment would, I believe, be reversed, and substantial compensation awarded to the King as well as reimbursement of the costs which he has paid. Lai Lin, however, declined to leave instructions for initiating an appeal, and seemed to think that his authority was exhausted by the release of the Pangwee. I cannot say what course the Annamese Government will take when they receive a copy of the judgment, but...
Page 180
...
Page 181