In view of the many cases of robbery and murder in this port, Admiral Tseng, Military Governor of Shanghai, considers that the only remedy is to inflict the sever est punishment on the robbers. He has submitted his views to the Central Government and gives three causes (1) As China assumes no jority diction over the settlements, Chinese law is not applicable there.
(2) Owing to the cosmopolitan population of the settlements, the bad find easy hiding place and it is difficult to locate them.
(3) Because of the lack of severe penalties, and of the inadequate punishment often meted out to criminals after their arrest.
He submits two remedial mes sures be requested that robbers and (1) The Consular Body should murderers, when arrested be at once handed over to Chinese sathorities for trial and punishment irrespective of whether they have had connexion with the rebel more ment or not.
(2) The severest punishment be inflicted on all robbers and murderers upon conviction by the Chinese authorities, to serve as a deterrent.
A reply has been received from the Central Government, stating thst the Governor's suggestions have been referred the Ministry concerned for decision.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.