CO129-260 - Governor Sir Robinson Acting Governor O-Brien - 1893 [9-12] — Page 183

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capacity as Magistrate, being well acquainted with the fact that the arts of Chinese criminals are without exception bad, on receipt of communications from Chinese officers applying for the extradition of offenders, he never delayed their rendition nor did he show them undue favour. In this way an end was put to all differences between the Chinese and the British Empire, and protection was afforded to petitioners. When acting as Registrar General he was able to render assistance to the Po Leung Kuk in bringing about the arrest of many kidnappers and in rescuing many women and girls who were their victims, and whilst he held that post, kidnapping became gradually less common. The whole Chinese community rejoiced at this and loyally obeyed his instructions. Again he put the leasing of the Market premises on a satisfactory footing and obtained for the Government a large addition to the revenue and the yearly increase under this head amounts to a large sum. Petitioners submit that a consideration of these facts might perhaps justify a lighter view being taken of Mr. Mitchell-Innes' action in the case in which he has been found to blame and that he may be graciously pardoned, and if their prayer is granted, they will be ever grateful.

Her Gracious Majesty has ever shown leniency to all her subjects, and the Secretary of State has doubtless the power after examining into the circumstances to pardon a fault. All classes of the community will be grateful if they have the good fortune to retain the services of an officer so well acquainted with local circumstances, and one so well fitted