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opium confiscated from the "Gunga" and the fine imposed had been returned.
I regret, however, to inform
Your Excelleney
that
up
till
now
an
quite unable to advise
of the question.
days ago
It
was
any
J
settlement
currently reported some
that the two Crown lawyers,
who had been consulted by the
Spanish Authorities, had
given
their
opinion in favor of the steamer, but
I have since heard it rumoured that
مد
their decision was not quite unanimous as it was at first
· supposed to be.
hopeful
that
There is, however, one feature in the case, and that is,
>>
the Opium has not yet been sold by - publie auction and that consequently the
proceeds, along with the fine imposed, have not yet been distributed
-been distributed amongst
the various Government Officials, entitled to a share thereof, as is invariably done when confiscation has been finally
decided upon.
So
long
time has elapsed
since
a
the unfortunate affair occurred that I
cannot but think that a decision here
was
difficult - probably owing to difference of opinion amongst the head
authorities consulted- and that the case
may possibly
have been transmitted
to Madrid, with the request that- instructions should be telegraphed out.