The trial of Richard Toulmin, master of the American ship Dosing, on the charge of killing one Cheng Lai-eang on the 7th of July last at Wuchou, was commenced on the 8th inst,, in the United States Consulate, Canton, before Mr. H.R. Williams (Acting Consul'in charge) assisted by Consul-General Goodnow, with Messrs. E. B. Ward, J. J. Losus, H. K. Shoemaker, and J. & Murray (American citizens), as Asaocintes. Seats were also given to Commander Walker of the USS. Mr. Manseld, acting British Consul, the Namboi magistrate and his interpreter, and Mfr. (el itor) appeared for the prosecution, and Kung, Secretary to the Viceroy. Mr. Brutton, D, Melbourne (barrister) for the defence. The prisoner, who pleaded not guilty, was at the request of his counsel, allowed to sit during the P ings. Bratton opened the case for the prosecution in a Jong speech detailing the facts as known to him, and then called Mr. J. W. Woods, who had the management of the Dosing, and who was wounded in the hand by one of the shots fired by the captain on the occasion referred to. He was cross-examined at some length by Mr. Melbourne, and Dr. Macdonald was then called and gave evidence that he had made medical examination of the deceased and gave results. Two other Chinese witnesses were next examined and the enquiry was adjourned.
Hongkong, 10th December.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.