In reply to the information the accused pleaded guilty.
Mr. Fleming—The defendant has entered a plea of guilty to this charge for the reason that he has never made denial of the fact that he strack the ative police-officer. He has not claimed either that there was any jastifcation for that assault. In fact, the incident is matter of extreme regret to him. The defendant has bee, until recently, seaman in the United States navy, and hho has eight years continuous service to his credit. At the conclusion of his firet and second instalment of four years he received honourable discharge, and I hi the Court will take this into consi ing sentence. His navy has been clean and honourable, My client has never been in trouble of any kind before, and if a long sentence was passed in this case it would probably result in him not being able to re-enlist in the The defendant was in the elect in this matter, but be was under the influence of liquor, It was a well-known fact that sailors were apt to get into difficulties when ashore, The defendant was pot rich man bat be bad succeeded in raising $50 and be wished to give it as a free and voluntary gilt to the constable 19 was injured in this aasanit. It demoages for it was intended as gift anda mark of regret. The man is not @ criminal in aay cense of the word and I ask your Hoacur to impose light sentence ix view of all the circumstances. is Honoar:—You have got yourself into this diffcolty, and really there is no excuse to be offered. The Court, takes into consideration your services and record rendered in the navy, and the fect that it is eatistied there was no malice in what you did. You got intoxicated and thea yon permitted yourself to assault an elficer who was doing his daty. It ie a very serious thing The Coort is gratified to bear that yon have ¢: through Counsel regret, and it is impressed by the statement that you have not hitherto been involved. It ought to be distinct aod clear warning to you that you most behave yourself that you cannot visit Shanghai, or port in Chios and assault any-circumstances the Court is disposed to offence, and taking into consideration your services to the United States Navy, fand the fact that you have sided this officer to pay his expenses, you will be sentenced to ten days' imprisonnient in the American Gaol here. The sentence will date from the time you were arrested under warrant, I hope that immediately alter your sentence expires you will|sbout 609
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.