No. 11. — 1858-9.] STATE OP CRIME IN CEYLON. 



,299 



The average of convictions in these cases, amounts to but 

 35 per cent., and it cannot fail to be observed, that whilst in 

 the few last years, the convictions have materially decreased, 

 the cases withdrawn and dismissed, owing to the non-appear- 

 ance of prosecutors, have been greatly increasing. The above 

 Table would induce us to believe, that the offence indicated 

 was on the decrease ; but, unfortunately, there is reason for 

 knowing the contrary to be the case. It is urged, that since 

 this class of offenders ceased to be prosecuted by the Queen's 

 Advocate before the Supreme Court, they have become far 

 more daring, relying with confidence on the delays and diffi- 

 culties attending prosecutions in the District Court by private 

 parties. The numerous withdrawals and dismissals indicate 

 the degree of impunity which they are enjoying ; and it may 

 be well worth the consideration of the authorities, if it would 

 not be advisable to instruct the several Deputy Queen's Advo- 

 cates to take all such cases out of the hands of private pro- 

 secutors, and follow them up with the utmost vigour. 



The next leturns are those from Ratnapura and Kalutara. 

 the figures of which differ very materially, though, on exami- 

 nation, the varying results may readily be accounted for by 

 the peculiarities of the two Districts. Kalutara, it must be 

 remembered, is the great centre of Arrack distillation, and we 

 must not be surprised at finding a certain class of cases pre- 

 ponderating in the Court of the District. 



Eehirn of Persons convicted and acquitted, or dismissed, in the District 

 ( kmrt of Itatnapura, for three years ending December 81st, 1857. 





Offences 



Offences 





against 



against 





Person. 



Property 





<v 





o> 







Convict 



Acqniti 



o 



Acquit! 



1855 







1 











1856 



2 







1 







1857 







1 



2 



2 



Cattle Other 

 Stealing. Offences. 



i i 



Total. 



2 



1 7 



o ! 10 



