are so great that looking to the great evils which would possibly result in the present state of things by a decision of the Court to that effect I am disinclined to place them upon their trial.
3. It would seem that the Consular Court is under the Order in Council of March 1865 the proper Court for the trial of offences of this description but there would be very great difficulty in bringing the matter before the Consular Court at Canton which is I assume the Consular Court that would have jurisdiction in this part of China. Undoubtedly the parties may be tried by Court Martial for the offences with which they are charged and I have to suggest with a view to the prevention of a possible failure of justice that the Military Authorities may be communicated with and that it be suggested to them to try the accused by Court Martial if they see no objection.
I shall if you desire write a full report upon the subject in order that you may communicate with the Secretary of State for the Colonies as to the desirability of passing an Act of Parliament or Order in Council for giving the Court in Hongkong jurisdiction in similar cases.
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