CO129-282 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [3-4] — Page 359

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-titled to sane,

and a man without a discharge cannot ship aboard

any ship in the waters of this Colony. However, as I had no power

to deal with the man, I gave up the attempt, discharged bin with

"No character" and informed my Government at length of my reasons

for disobeying my instructions.

In view of possible future repetition of such affairs

I have the honour to inform you that I shall feel constrained to

abide by the letter of my Regulations and consider that a seaman

like Brenner becomes by his own act and the act of the Police Magis-

-trate "a man without a country",

It would appear that the Treaty ains to clothe the

Consuls of the two Countries with certain powers, not enjoyed by

any one else. Whatever power the local ordinance confers on foreign

Consuls is enjoyed in like measure by the Masters of ships.

I have the honour to enquire if "the assistance pro-

-vided by law" as construed in your letter No.408 will arrest and

try an alleged deserter from an American Ship in harbour, at the

sole request of the Master of said ship?

Trusting the Government will give these several in-

quiries its distinguished consideration.

Honourable

7.Sercombe

Smith,

Acting Colonial Secretary.

Hongkong.

I have etc.,

(Signed) Rounsevelle Wildean,

Consul.