CO129-193 - Governor Hennessy - 1881 [5-7] — Page 565

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members of his family, by Yone thing tong smarting at the time under reproof administered to him by the deceased. The matter was early reported at the time and an inquest held on the bodies. The Viceroy was good enough to write to the Governor of Hongkong to send Li Ping tai, the subject, and to a subordinate military officer, to receive Gong Pak-tung and the other 12 criminals for conveyance back to Canton for trial and punishment. All the above facts are matters of record. Contrary to all anticipation, however, three months have now passed without the criminals being conveyed to the office commissioned to bring them back to Canton. To this is to be added the fact that though the instigator of the crime, as well as the principal in its commission, were clearly indicated by the evidence of Gong Stoi-tung and others, still there are 11 of the murderers still at large. Over 60 wounds have been inflicted on the deceased, and severe injuries were found on the bodies of the others. It was a glaring case of lawless thirsty conduct which warranted a thorough investigation, and the law should be more enforced. The Viceroy earnestly requested to press the case and to issue instructions to his subordinates.