CO129-282 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [3-4] — Page 196

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ENCLOSURE

195

was a widow at the time

of her marriage at the

Consulate.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

"Your Most Obedient

Humble Servant,

Mach прич Administering the Government,

COPY.

Sir,

2 98

Hong-Kong, February 21st.,1898

Your communication requesting an explanation

why I celebrated the marriage between Albert Cotry, an Ane- rican Citizen stopping in Hong-Kong and Mary Jex, without the Registrar General's Certificate or the Governor's li-

cence at hand, and in reply can only say that being summon - ed to the U. S. Consulate, I found that the U. S. Consul had made out the usual certificate in accordance with U.S.Law

which I thought was sufficient, as I had no idea that any thing he did was illegal, as a U. S. Citizen was married in

the Consul's presence under the laws of California where I

was ordained to the ministry.

Now if any law has been broken it has been

because the provisions of the local statutes were unknown

to me. I certainly meant not to break any law and thought

that what was asked of me at the U. S. Consulate by and for a

U. S. Citizen was in accordance with international law.

I have,&

30.

To the Hon. J. H. Stewart Lockhart,

Colonial Secretary.

(Sd.) C. R. Hager.

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