Shanghai 8th September, 1904.
Sin,—As the result of four successive letters addressed to the French Municipal Council in regard to the action in a certain recent cuse of Inspector Mascarel-Hand a native Police officer of the French Settlement, this Council has been informed that the matter has been referred to yourself for enquiry, and that all the correspondence is in your hands. The Council in'addressing yon in this metter trusts that its import ay he cognised and that the Council' may be informed of the results of your enquiry into the conduct of the Police ollicers concerned, and of the action which has been, of is being, taken in the matte The Council has addressed the British Assessor at the Mixed Court of this Settlement with a view to obtaining a rehearing of the case against the native shopman who is alleged to have been induced by Inspector Mascarelli to bind himself as security for the production of the prisoner, Ma Toh-fong, bist the decision of the Court has hec:: given thi such re-hearing can take place unt unless the authorities of the French tlement have taken stops to convict and punish Inspector Masearelli_ and his native assistant, if guilty, for their action in this matter.
Observing that the Council's first official communication 0: this subject was addressed to the French Council on the 9th August, I have the honour to request the favour of a reply and to observe that all the evidence of this case points to the fact that in the absence of formal onquiry into the action of the French Police officers grave injustice appears to be in-
Translation of letter from the French Consul-General, date 13th September, 1904, addressed to the Chairman of the Council.
Six,—On my return yesterday from a! journey in the Yangtsze Valley, I found your letter of the Sth instant awaiting me, concerning the affair of Mr. Masearrelli, and I hasten to reply thereto.
The Municipal Cornell of the French Settlemant, having no authority whatsoever over the Police, could naturally not take up such a question with you, which fact explains the di uch "has ocenrred in the matter.
From the verbal enquiry instituted by myself, it would appear that fasearelb acted in his private capacity in taking steps to obtain the release, under security, of the Chinaman, Ma Teh-fong, his brother-in-law; and as the French vil Code permits every solvent French citizen to offer himself as security, the action of Mr, Mascarelli and the representations which he made to the Police of the Foreign Settlement to obtain the release on scenrity of Ma Teh-fong, appear to be perfectly legal and unactionable under any Article of the said Code.
As to the action of the native Inspector Wang vis-i-vis the Chinaman who consented to serve as security for Ma Teh-fong, I have not been able to obtain any proof that this Police officer used the slightest intimidation or threat in the matter. The formality of security was asked, as in all cases where bail is required, as u personal service, and the Chinese shop-keeper in question, without taking steps to ascertain definitely the extent and consequences of his action, consented of his own accord.
Such is the communication which I have obtained up to the present in my enquiry into this affair, and T hasten to communicate the same to you. In case yon should consider that it does not vee with the facts in your possession Tinay state have' not been com-T beg to inform you consider any properly- demand on your part for legal proceedings against Mr. Mascarelli, and to arrange immediately for his prosecution in accordance with French law if the charges which you have against him are of a serious or criminal character.
Mr. Mascarelli has served in our Police Force for twenty years; he has advanced through all its grades by work and good conduct without ever incurring any punishment. Therefore, I feel convinced that you will agree with mo, Sir, that in the face of the grave charges made against him in your letter, it is necessary to secure to him a free discussion and the impartiality of a public trial before the Consular Court. I have therefore the honour to inform you, Sir, that as soon as "The health and vigour of an individual depend upon the quantity and quality of the blood. When the tissues have been al work, there are thrown into the blood waste products, and if these be not eliminated, but through any cause detained in the blood, they influence nutrition and function and finally produce organic disease." The flicted on the Chinese shop-keeper p-Koopor Now Fremanitarian." In cases of Serofuls, Scurvy, T have the honour to be, Bezema, Bad Legs; Skin and Blood Diseases, Pimples and Sores of all kinds, the effects Your obedient servant, of Clarke's Blood Mixture ax marvellous. Vice-Chairman.
Thousands of wonderful cures have beea L. Rararp, Es Acting Consul-General for France, Shanghai. sold everywhere at &s. 94. per bottle. effected by it, Clarke's Blood Mi of worthless imitations and substitutions.
Jany formal complaint is submitted by you, stating the criminal or other charges which either the Chinese prisoner concerned, or the Municipal Council itself may consider necessary to bring forward, I will give the necessary orders that proceedings be instituted against Mr. Masearelli and the Inspector Wang, reserving naturally their rights, in case such accusation should fail of the necessary proof. Youmay rest assured that absolute justice will be dono in the matter.
Tam, ete., L. Raragn, Axpensox, Esy.,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.