been established before the Magistrate that there is prima facie case against them, that the crime done would be generally recognized and that it is necessary to be established by legal evidence. Although in the present instance there is no need to anticipate any difficulty in placing such evidence before the Magistrate, in many cases it would be essential that evidence for the purpose should be forthcoming from China. When such evidence is necessary, it is obviously a great difficulty in procuring it.
The Governor is informed that on occasion the Viceroy would follow the practice of the Colony in preventing a Criminal from escaping. In Extradition matters, it would be found that there is a great deal of trouble, and it would to a great extent mean that prisoners are wrongly set free through non-observance of any necessary legal formality. Repealing the Ordinance is in line with the desire of the part of Hongkong to carry out, as far as possible, the wishes of the Imperial foot of China.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) W.H.T. Marsh
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Colonial Solicitor employed in this Colony