British subjects who may commit any crime in China, shall be tried and punish- ed by the Consul, or other public functionary authorized thereto according to the laws of Great Britain.
Justice shall be equitably and impartially administered on both sides.
Art. XVII-A British subject having reason to complain of a Chinese, must pro- ceed to the consulate and state his grievance. The consul will inquire into the merits of the case, and do his utmost to arrange it amicably. In like manner, if a Chinese have reason to complain of a British subject, the Consul shall no less listen to his complaint, and endeavour to settle it in a friendly manner.
If disputes take place of such a nature that the Consul cannot arrange them amicabiy, then, he shall request the assistance of the Chinese authorities, that they together examine into the merits of the case, and decide it equitably
protec-
Art. XVIII.-The Chinese authorities shall at all times afford the fullest tion to the persons and property of British subjects, whenever these shall have been ønbjected to insult or violence. In all cases of incendiarism or robbery, the local authorities shall at once take the necessary steps for the recovery of the stolen proper- ty, the suppression of disorder, and the arrest of the guilty parties, whom they will punish according to law.
Art. XIX.-If any British merchant-vessel, while within Chinese waters, be plundered by robbers or pirates, it shall be the duty of the Chinese authorities to use every endeavour to capture and punish the said robbers or pirates, and to recover the stolen property, that it may be handed over to the Consul for restoration to the
owner.
Art. XX.-If any British vessel be at any time wrecked or stranded on the coast of China, or be compelled to take refuge in any port within the dominions of the Emperor of China, the Chinese authorities, on being apprised of the fact, shall im- mediately adopt measures for its relief and security; the persons on board shall receive friendly treatment, and shall be furnished, if necessary, with the means of conveyance to the nearest Consular station.
Art. XXI.-If criminals, subjects of China, shall take refuge in Hongkong, or on board the British ships there, they shall, upon due requisition by the Chinese au- thorities, be searched for, and, on proof of their guilt, be delivered up.
In like manner, if Chinese offenders take refuge in the houses or on board the vessels of British subjects at the open ports, they shall not be harboured or concealed, but shall be delivered up, on due requisition by the Chinese authorities, addressed to the British Consul.
Art. XXII.-Should any Chinese subject fail to discharge debts incurred to a British subject, or should he fraudulently abscond, the Chinese authorities will do their utmost to effect his arrest, and enforce recovery of the debts. The British authorities will likewise do their utmost to bring to justice any British subject frau- dulently absconding or failing to discharge debts incurred by him to a Chinese subject.
Art. XXIII.-Should natives of China who may repair to Hongkong to trade, incur debts there, the recovery of such debts must be arranged for by the British Court of Justice on the spot; but should the Chinese debtor abscond, and be known to have property, real or personal, within the Chinese territory, it shall be the duty of the Chinese authorities, on application by, and in concert with, the British Con- sul, to do their utmost to see justice done between the parties.
Art. XXIV.—It is agreed that British subjects shall pay, on all merchandize im- ported or exported by them, the duties prescribed by the tariff; but in no case shall they be called upon to pay other or higher duties than are required of the sub- jects of any other foreign nation.