Page:Crime and government at Hong Kong.pdf/70

 1858, received from a Chinese pawn-broking firm, a large bribe, avowedly for having tampered with the administration of criminal justice.

There had been made, through Mr. Caldwell, a most improper, yet most successful, application to Dr. Bridges' Government,—for the remission of the sentence of transportation, passed by the Supreme Court, on one of their partners,—who had been convicted of the offence of receiving stolen goods, under very aggravated circumstances; and against which application the Chief Justice, the jury, and the Attorney-General, had strongly protested.

This Shap Lok was the go-between, who negotiated the business, and the hand to receive the bribe;—only a small portion of that bribe being intended for her own recompense;—at least, so it was understood between her and the Chinese applicants.

The punishment of fourteen years' transportation was altogether remitted;—and the short term of imprisonment for three years—certainly not more than three—was substituted.

The bribe was thereupon duly paid. With reference to these deplorable facts, the Commissioners' Report is as follows:–

"It has also been proved that a Chinese female