And the record of the Mixed Court, as organized and administered by the terms of the Chefoo Convention, has not inspired the confidence of cither the native or foreigner. That record has been of doubtful utility and, excepting the past twelve months, had become more and more dissatisfactory as an agency in the enforcement of obligations. During the twelve months passed, the foreign Assessors have practically controlled the proceedings of the Court and, all of that time, it has materially grown in the confidence of the public. The native suitor, equally with the foreign, have both experienced and acknowledged the improvement, and neither desires to return to the old way of justice presiding with both eyes open, instead of being blind, as she should be, in her great and responsible office.
It is well to speak plain ject which is the foundati the prosperity of a port like Shanghai, for without confidence in the administration of justice the balance wheel of business will be unsteady in its movements. No one doubts the absolute impartiality of the English and American and other foreign judges who hold the sessions of their Courts in China, and, since the foreign assessors have been entrusted to direct the proceedings of the Mixed Court, itis repented that a like confidence in that Court has prevailed.
In the " North-China Herald" of October 37, and Derember 29. 1825. editorials appeared in words. as We are anxious to call the attention: of our local authorities to the state of the Settlement. As fast as the most respect able householders return to their old residences in the City and suburbs, their places are filled by a continually degenorating class of tenants, and we believe the very same of the Shanghai population is now to be found within the limits of the foreign concession. Surely thi of things cannot be allowed to continue."
But it has continued, and become worse as the years have gone by since 1855, until the Settlement flooded with the most undesirable population of China. In a general sense. the Settlement is made a home of refuge for plotters, thieves, and vagabonds, and traffic along its Ori
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.