litigation cases, and that the percentage payable to these men was sometimes as much as two hundred dollars a month. There was among the leading merchants as well as among the principal barristers (Dr. Bridges, J. Day, H. Kingsmill) a strong and unanimous feeling in favour of an amalgamation of the two legal professions as a permanent remedy of the existing state of things. This proposal of an amalgamation was further supported by a letter addressed by 50 local firms to the Attorney General, and even the leading attorneys (Cooper-Turner, Hazeland, Woods) were either in favour of amalgamation or remained neutral. But the other attorneys raised a powerful opposition. The question was under the consideration of Sir J. Bowring for six months and he gave both sides full and patient hearing. When the Amalgamation Bill was considered by the Legislative Council (June 24, 1858), Mr. Parsons was heard and examined on behalf of the attorneys but, when he claimed to represent also the local Law Society, it was proved that he had received no authority from that body. After the most painstaking inquiry, the Bill was passed by seven votes against two and exercised thereafter a beneficial influence as long as it remained in force.
The cause celèbre (apart from the actions for libel above referred to) of this period was a dispute raised by General J. Keenan who, since July 11, 1853, officiated in Hongkong as U.S. Consul. After some animated correspondence with the Colonial Secretary (in October, 1855), concerning his views as to Consular rights and jurisdiction over American subjects on board American ships in harbour, the gallant General forcibly took the law into his own hands. In result, he had to answer (November 13, 1855) a charge of rescuing a prisoner (American) from the Civil Authorities charged with assault and battery. The case was, however, amicably arranged and General Keenan became a very popular man in the Colony.
The finances of the Colony gave Sir J. Bowring much anxiety. Finance was supposed to be one of his strong points. But he was hampered in every way and could not achieve much.
