to such lengths there can be no palliation, no excuse. It was, in the words of TALLEYRAND, "worse than a crime, it was a blunder." The matter has now arrived at a point where a public apology is due from either of the parties to the other; no doubt the Head of the Executive will know how to deal with the facts.
Turning from the official to the man, it is a reflection truly painful to entertain that a life spent in long and arduous labour in an ungenial climate should towards its close be surrounded by such disturbing influences and tumultuous scenes as that referred to. The picture more pleasing to the contemplation is that of the venerable Judge, full of honours and of years, his duty bravely done, peacefully awaiting the closing of the day, amid the love, reverence, and esteem of his fellow men.
Page 250
In view of the remarks made by His Lordship the Chief Justice yesterday morning in the Supreme Court, we think it is only right to state that Mr. Gibbons, the Registrar of that Court, has never had any communication with this Office, either directly or indirectly, except on matters of business connected with advertising. We should be sorry indeed to allow the public to think that the Registrar had in any way inspired any remarks in these columns on the business of the Court, as that would unquestionably be conduct eminently unbefitting a servant of the Government. No doubt the Chief Justice was quite right when he so kindly recommended Mr. GIBBONS to steer clear of the Press, but that gentleman certainly stood in no need of the warning.
RAFT.
Hong Kong
62
To His Excellency Sir J. Pope Hennessy.
MINUTE.
Downing Street, 3 June 1881.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 32 of the 9th of April reporting that you had granted four months' vacation leave, with two months' leave on half salary, to the Chief Justice, Sir John Smale, who was proceeding to England with a view to...
Page ...
The original text ends abruptly. The following names and numbers appear to be part of a routing or filing list:
Mr. Wingfield.
Mr. Bramston.
Mr. Meade
Mr. Herbert,
Mr. Grant Duff.
Lord Kimberley.
8625, Hong Kong,
Sov...
473
3 June
3
XCR(85)72 or similar reference is not present, however, "8625, Hong Kong," could be a file reference.
&
3