I believe you are the notary to the Spanish consul in this city?—I am.
Have you known the house of Zulueta for any length of time?—For some years.
During that time has the prisoner Pedro de Zulueta, like the rest of his firm, maintained a high character for integrity and propriety of conduct?—The highest, the very highest character; and unimpeachable to the best of my knowledge.
To the best of your knowledge, from their character and the character of their dealings, do you believe them to be wilfully capable of violating the law?—
Mr. Serjeant Bompas. No, I object to that question.
Mr. Kelly. Has their character been that of violators of the law, or the reverse?—As far as my knowledge goes, I should say that it was perfectly impossible that the house of Zulueta & Co. should be violators of the law.
Have you ever had any transactions in business with that house?—Yes.
Do you know that they act as agents for various houses in Spain, the Havannah, and other places?—Yes.
Do you know that they have for a great many years carried on business to a great extent indeed?—Yes, I do.
Perhaps you may happen to know that vessels under the Spanish flag cannot be commanded by English captains?—