each accused person is allowed to hire a "lawyer" to argue for their case; the man in the grey robe is probably the "lawyer" of the accused - the man in purple.
Note
Transcribed caption: a magistrate adjudging a criminal - the person kneeling uncovered is the accused - the person kneeling beside him is probably some relative pleading for the accused - the others are constables and secretaries
Hamilton College Library, Clinton, New York, United States.
(1900-1999).
Sketches of life in Ning-po - page 37.
Digital Collections, Hamilton College Library.
https://litsdigital.hamilton.edu/do/4ac4608f-2c75-400e-b3ab-69fca688c48e
Hamilton College Library, Clinton, New York, United States.
1900-1999.
“Sketches of life in Ning-po - page 37”.
Last modified May 02, 2024.
Digital Collections, Hamilton College Library.
https://litsdigital.hamilton.edu/do/4ac4608f-2c75-400e-b3ab-69fca688c48e