on details of proposals: -
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1 (a) Justice will depend very largely on individuality of judge, on salary he is paid, and on his independence of executive. in present state of China we have little hope of satisfaction on these points.
1 (b) If the expression "throughout China" is inserted it
appears to us likely to postpone this concession
Chen
indefinitely and pay well make it appear as an insincere prevarication to
If omitted on the other hand, it would be necessary to examine any codes that the regional authorities promulgated before agreeing to apply them in British Courts. This concession, if granted, presupposes a code substantially reasonable and modern. Until
satisfied that this exists and is enforced in accordance with modern and civilized ideas of justice we see very serious danger for mercantile interests. There appears to be no hope of obtaining justice in modern civilized sense under present existing Chinese law and
administration.
Presume there is no intention of
applying Chinese law in British Courts in suits between British subjects.
1 (c) Before expressing an opinion would be glad to receive a clearer indication of the meaning of "subordinate legislation".
1(d) This presupposes that system of taxation and methods of collection are equitable. So inequitable are present methods that they arouse justifiable fears for the future 9.g. in Canton and in other parts of China certain taxes are credibly reported to have been exacted by intimidation for three years in advance, The Chinese Section of the
Canton