The prisoner was indicted, on three counts, Ist, for wounding with a knife, on the 23rd November, 1874, causing grievous bodily harm; 2nd, for an assault, causing actual bodily harm; and 3rd, for a common assault.
prosecutor was a Chinaman, named Bott Zin-sheng; the prisoner was an Arab, or native of Muscat, who had formerly served. on board the P. & 0. steamer Delhi.
Mr. H. Brovcwast Minter appeared for the defence.
The following answered to their names as juryman, and went into the box, but were not sworn, the prisoner not being formally arraigned, for reasons which appear below:—Messrs. Rowley Miller, H.R. Hearn, R. Johnstone, T. G. Williamson, and Williams.
The Jupcz asked if there was an interpreter present?
Yaxo Heptxo, the Consular interpreter, was in Court, to interpret for the prosecution; but there was no one present who could interpret Hindostanee or Arabic.
Acting-Superintendent Sreieutxc said he had despatched a messenger for one, who would probably be in Court presently.
The Jupoz, after an expr that the Jury should be delayed, knowledge of English,' by readin, indictment over to him, and asking him what had been said to him.
The JupcE—The Courtcannotproceed without an interpreter. These men (alluding to the risener) serve in our ships a number of years, yut they never understand English when it suits their convenience not to The Court sat for some time salema silence, during which the jurors in waiting quietly departed, leaving their five less fortunate brethren sit ti box, one of whom, with much resignation, requested that a message might be sent to his mafoo to take his trap home.
Another interval of silent waiting followed, during which three grave-looking, but dirty Chinese entered by the public door, followed in haste by a police-sergeant. This official whispered something to Mr. Srareiixe, who afterwards informed the Court that the sergeant had been unable to find an interpreter.
The Jvpce—Then I cannot detain the Ju any longer. The prisoner must be remitted fo prison, "(To theJary|—Gentlamen, you are Mr. Brovewaat Mriten—Would the Court, before the Jury are dismissed, nestion whether the prisoner is a British subject or not?
The JupGz—Have you been able to commudicate with him? No one else has.
Mr. Mitter—No, I have not.
The Jopcz—Then for his own sake the prisoner had better go back to gaol. If that question is raised, and the prisoner prove not to be a British subject, nor the subject of any Treaty Power, he will have to be banded over to the Chinese authorities. It will be better in the interests of the prisoner not to raise the question.
Mr. Minuer asked if the adjournment was sine die? If 80, it would be rather hard upon ner, who had already been in gaol for immerit was not occasioned by the absence witnesses, for they were all present; but because there was nointer-prefer, and the trial could not proceed without one. His Lordship added that if, ultimately, the prisoner be found guilty, he would of course take his previous imprisonment into account.
Mr. Mruter—Yes, my Lord, we none of us suppose you will do your worst. But suppose he is found not guilty?
The JuvcE intimated that he had mentioned the best course under such unlooked-for circumstances.
was stated that the prisoner had been detained in gaol because the prosecutor was unable to leave the hospital.
Mr. Mruuer said the wound appeared not to have been a very serious one, The Jopex, referring to the surgical testi-many taken at the committal, read to the effect that if the wound had been very little deeper it would have been very dangerous.
The Court shortly afterwards rose, and the accused was taken back to prison,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.