280 RECOLLECTIONS OF FORTY YEARS. 



tuted to protect the trade and navigation of our sub- 

 jects in foreign jurisdiction, to exercise justice and 

 control over our said subjects, and to supply the 

 Government with information which may enable it to 

 insure the prosperity of foreign trade, we have recog- 

 nised the fact that this object cannot be attained if 

 the persons selected for the duties of consul have not 

 acquired by special studies adapted for the character 

 of their work, as well as by a certain amount of 

 experience, a thorough knowledge of public law, of 

 legislation, and of commercial affairs." 



This rule, though at times disregarded, was con- 

 firmed by the royal decree of August 20, 1833, 

 relating to the personal composition of the consu- 

 lates, the fifth clause of this decree providing that 

 u Consuls-General are to be selected from among 

 the first-class consuls, the latter from among the 

 second-class, and the latter from among the students 

 for consulships," the only exception being in 

 favour of the clerks employed in the commercial 

 branch of the Foreign Office after so many years' 

 service. 



That learned jurisconsult, M. Pardessus, in his 

 " Cours de Droit Commercial " (Part VII. chap, vi.), 

 has devoted several chapters to the political character 

 of consuls, their jurisdiction, the various administra- 

 tive or mixed functions which are conferred upon 

 them, and to the punitive rights which in certain 

 cases they have as against individuals of their own 



