Page
400
ORIGINAL CORR
NCE.
(To the Editor of the Friend of China.) Sin-Will you permit mu to offer a few remarks upon the Bamboo Prohibition," although in opposition to that. dreadfully long prasy letter, signed Signnis," which yas (1. think, most unnecessarily) insatted in your Just paper Sigma talks about ordinances, reference to thom, oe, in a manner that I am sure must have tured your rendors
serribly, if any there were that had patience to wade through so much dull heavy matter. Now, in iny humble option bamboos, are most decidedly to biania, and evince extrame selfiancas. Do thoy, merely for the sake of feeling their watchmen are awake by mrking their banglion desire to deprise a high military chief from happing? besides, havo they no consideration for peoples antipatties? Have we not read of solne ancient men (in every sense of the word) that have disliked the perfume of the roa gnu the sight of
all the residents in this island that wish watchmen to strike
a cat; may put this be the case with the sound of the hambon to the fureshid military chief-may it not remind him of his youthful days when a bamboo or rattan made impressions that rendered both his sent and sleep uneasy, and that were not envlly forgotton or effaced Surely those that wish their watclinian to strike the Bamboo," have not
then these things into their consideration for had thoy, hould suppose they would not for the sake of protecting
few palty thousands of dollars, or property to ten times the amount, have desired to recall disagreeable recollections.
I have even heard some people anteusonably assert, that those who have caused, this "Bamboo Prohibition to be issued, have military guards around their dwellings, and consequently alsop in security. He upon them for such a supposition-can they fur one moment imagine that any
porconal feeling can have actuated the Legislation Council
when this "Prohibition was issued. No nought, but the beneficial effects arising to the colony froth the Banthoo" consing to be strable ever enteroit the minds of the Ligislauve Council as they felt, I presumo certain that when their mus ters had in it oral demonstration that the only guard the Evernment afford them, viz., their owd was vigilant,' they" would be compelled to have occulor, and is not early rising conducive to bealth 7 Soge fractious folks, might object to
leaving their bed half a dozen times during the night as they would say their ainda had been actively employed all day, absurd quite, activity of b dy as well as mind in a tropical climate is absolutely necessary for healths sake: Aghia some that have just left their native land think is **bambo" prolibition a most arbitrary one, tolk offer legality, ridiculous when they have been a few years or even months resident i Hongkong they will know better, and like me king the rod that paternally charlises them for their own good (pleasures) some there are also that have female relatives dependant upon them for protection and the ladies having been accustomed to live in a country where
there was neither fear or danger of a hole being cut in the, wall of yine dwelling surrounded by a band of robbers, unnaturally (of course) teure to their ghanber with a slight degree of apprehension and now the watchon having
THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND
HONG-KONG GAZETTE.
On Wednesday it blew a strong gale from
refuses to abide by the award, and, inhabitants to this absurd custom, and it now only remained to be ascertained, to what extent this ri- the north west, the wind coming to
reduced the aument one-third.
diculous prepossession overlaid the general com eastward, but little damage
Flere have been such cases of gross injustice
ounted by Governors of this colony, mon sense a happier mode of sounding the shipping in this harbour. So dragged considerably, provious to afrik Loir that we fear a statement of them will not be public mind could not have been devised, and is masts, but after the ton hamper was duced believed in England. We pledge ourselves supposed to have been suggested by a wrinkle acquired in Doneybrook fir, where the tempor rance for the truth of what we now mention-and as and complaisance of the visiters may be generally they lay quite secure. From the appe of the clouds the previous evening the Chinese Britons, we are ashamed that such things should estimated by their regard on indifference for sticks. were aware of the approaching gale, and most occur in a British colony, but, we thank God, of the boatinen sought shelter under lee of the they are not sanctioned by British law. Cowloon shores; a few however were upset,There is a sophistry which can palliate the but we have not heard of any lives being lost worst actions, and there are men, who, so long from seven in the morning until noon, the as they themselves escape, can witness with barimeter fell rapidly, and at one time there perfect apathy the wrongs inflicted upon others, were apprehensions of a Typhoon, but luckily we may have such characters among us, but ended in a mere equinoctial gale. The they are fow we stata it knowingly, that kroincter was 299 10 or among the inhabitants, the highest and the lowest point of about half a degre under the range of the lowest, alike disapprove of His Excelleney's
conduct in this matter. weck,
We have been requested by the Colonial Chaplain to intimate that, divine service con- tinues to be performed in the Colonial Chapel as usual, and that no interruption to this sacred duty has ever been contemplated,
I was expected that the last Government
Those who read this short article, need no longer enquire why do thes not open the Courts? They will be opened by-and-bye, when it suits the convenience of our rulers, and in the meantime, we may be and de. prived of our property, the government funding an apology for their actions in ordinances, which have never received the sanction of Her
Majesty's Government, and therefore are not
A Philosophical inquiry into the origin of Bamboo beating, and the connection of that custom thith the rise and progress of European Society in
China. By a modern Confucius.
(Continued from our his)
CHAPTER 3RD,
It has been since fully ascertained that the trea of Prejudice is deeply rooted in Victoria, and that the predilection for bamboo beating is merely a giant branch which ramifies in every direction. A rast, or heartless statesman would lay the axe to the root of the tree at once, but not so the reflect- ing and considerate ruler,
Better lou off the branches ons by one, than shake the fabric of society by any rude convulsion. When we become a little more enlightened the trunk may be cut down to ranke a Gallows-that great emblem, if not engine, of civilization,
In justice to
ce to the « friend of China.” that Garr which Reason Aurora first visited this Isle, we must prouined the er we have been describing
the Silver age. R
CHAPTER 4th.
During the labour of cas arch, the anxious his- torian not wifrequently introduces matter, which, propriety of arrangement and chronological order suggest shouldnot have precedence of ca "lier events -Prima fheie, it may be supposed, that we have Tillen into this error, in having touched upon the Bamboo notice previous to introducing an act of official condescension, which is, initself, suflicient to stamp the present administration with the cha
erer of a paternal government, le pr
racter
We illú le to a Courtcond invllation, sent round by the Colonial Scretary, requesti in the sugges. tions and opratins of the inhabitants regarding the The motives of the best actions will not haar los mist offsett i thile of organizing an effi stent Po strict an inquiry, therefore we shall not prestane lice. The park the bickivarlaess of house- to criticis the early policy pursued in this colony, hilders ou this occasion, the sullen sitenes pre- Man, though naturally a gregarious being, hikes evail by many, and the perfect inlifference most of his fellow, animals, is not constitutionally evinced by all, cfearty munifested that legislative suited for the restraints, of Socie y herd to wisdom, dino, predominate amongst their int l gether is one thing, to subnt individually to the actual qualificationy; or, if it did, that their all soft enllar of social esteem is another and purbing narcotic speculations had effectually nothing but the discipline, of regalit worn as steeped their sense of other interests in forget- can possibly temper the action of self will aid fulness. We did not, however, inadvertently omit reconcile the discordant elements of an infant this subject in our last Chipter. Pailin hropy i
250god, as to throw a vell over the defects of poor munity.
naked, shivering, human nature, which truth, upon secourt thoughts, compells as to tear off
Gazette would have contained a notice of the immediate opening of the court, No such notice however appeared. Perhaps His Honor the Chief Justice is 170 much engaged, with legislative dutics, to attend to judicial matters. The secret council has greater charms than the open court, and it is an easier and more pleasant task to make laws than to We have heard many dispense them, reasons assigned for this delay--some allege that His Honor has left his law (library) at the Cape, hearing it would inconvenience him in Hongkong others again assert that enervated by the climate, the arduous duties of the council, and the difficulties he has encountered in finding a suitable house, he is already incapable of undergoing the fatigue of the bench. There may be something in this, ceased to strike the alarum tot alarm) call up the aforesaid though we hear His Honor has helped himself gentleman some For 4 times during the night saying “Lam
to a house, more on the principle that might sure, Lhear anise and the gentleman sallying forth in night
Sir Henry Pottinger having accomplish his costume pistal is hand hitids the hards snoring. Whilst the malos, right, an that of doing as we would tisk, atmaly that of forging the bit, len the operi
be done by, hut the tr gentleman retiring to his concli utter curse's certainly not against the paternal government, that watches (not) for he unseemly delay, may be given in a few words — tions of them mere to his judicions successor. S » I have abtructed too long upon your time but rermit me to It is not convenient for the government of the Athenians were ungrateful to Phocion, sa remark that those, who make such unreasonable complaints Hongkong to place the inhabitants under the were the Victorians oblivims, or insensible, of the cannot belong to the Legislative Council or receive govern. laws of England. Before doing so, they would my valuable ingredients, which the great Sir ment pay, which being the case they are not in a position compromise, pay, or in some way settle with Heary had mingled in the bitter at whobsone I have not the How to notice, the ridiculous complaints those that have claims on them. A couit of dupprepared for their regeneration. The classic
eye
of that Statesmin saw far into futurity, there made against the Contis not being opened. I may possibly justice is not the place where it would before, it is not with ut having sit for his pictury, if allowed dd so in your next. I have the honor to be desirable to have their actions laid bare. that he adjusted his mutla and left the Land Mr. Editor, your obdt. Bevis, Justice, therefore, sleeps, and the fat of the thus procl timing his belief, that fature Victorians
Greeks did the Statues of Photion.
protection. MEASUR
to judge of the best mode of protecting their own property,
The period having a rived wh ́n that gr`a' ad- Junct of civilization, a supreme Court, was to b: 65- tablished in ih land, it bozama ina ter of delicate speculation, how the ardent liege of Victorii were to be restrained from surfeiting the uscives, at th's grest fount of Law and Justice.
After Sandry, metings in Dovning, street, the Expedient was hit upon of sending out the repusto officers separately, and this funiarizing the Vie- torians to the presence of a portion of the bellre
„AN ENEMY TO IMPERTNENT REMARKS Governor and his irresponsible council is suth would honor his portrait as much as the repontant the arrival of the whole. In order, however, that
SIR,-I have been a good deal amused by all this sur about the Bamboo question, and which has furnished so much scope for the many grave and lodicrous remarks that have recently adorned your columns,
I am a plain man Mr. Editor and have neither time nor talent to go into the Pros and Cons of this momentous
Topis, which it fuight puzzle a greater carnist than myself to settle, but when I hear that the main argument for the continuance of this practice rests on the necessity of House -holders and Possessors of Property being duly advertised of the wakefulness of their Watchmen, I would propose a sim ple substitute, which, I think, it will be admitted cames
with it an unfailing remedy testet weg bonement
Let every one who upholds the Bamboo system have a hell inside his bed curtains, with a string and handle to it in the street, wall landet inte
The whatchman can then, as he perambulates the pre mises and goes bis round, ring it as often as may be desired for the particular edification of his master. This will have s two fold advantage; it will confine the nuisance to the cars than he love of sleep, and will give increased security for the Vigilance of the watchman, who must be kept in con- stant movement during the night in order to perform this. enlivening operation. As the case now stands, the beaters of the bamboo lounge or sit as Drowsiness invites them, and always contrive tomake most moise when they are least waltefugi
la find Your obedient servant,
of the anxious Individual whose love of property is greater
*
NOTICE.
FAIR PLAY.
|
cient to deprive men of their property; in a manner, the most unjust.
Few of our readers will remember the 6th of Sir Henry Pottinger's immortal ordinances, which most of them, we dare a scrt, never took the trouble to road, and it is only lately that the colony has experienced its mischievous effects: Sir Henry contented himself with making laws-this was the hero's hobby the quite another thing, enforcing of thein was o that be entrusted to our military magistrate and " coadjutor in council, whose memory retained such portions of Sir Henry's laws as might be convenient. By ordinance six, Sir Henry declared that such were the cares of offices, and the multiplicity of business thrown upon his shoulders (through the ignorance and incapacity of his subordinates!) that until the and the opening of a arrival of a Chief Justice, an Supreme Court, he would refer disputed. questions to the arbitration of good and faithful men, mutually chosen by the disputants, merely reserving Autocratic power to reverse their
During the administration of Sir Henry there were too many vital evi's existing to attend ming toly to mare whimsical Diosyn rastés. To this us, therefore, mather than in want of nerve in the Ex Governor, may be attribute the imunity with which the ancicut and barbarous custom of Bamboo bating was practised in those times. There can be little doubt, however, ha) Sir Hy remained much longer at the helm, that he would. like his successor, have exacted from the people actions conformable to the light with which they were privileged. If what was exuasa ile during the dark night of Europe's literary trance, could not be suffered in the days of Bacon and Lecke, much less could actions, which were tolerated in the infancy, of the " Friend of China," be on lured after that Luminary rose to its theridian, and poor. ed upon the hitherto benighted Victorians an ineffable flood of light, AMIZA
The benign and civilizing influence of this great organ having been acknowledged so early as the latter days of the Ex Governor, it was even then, conceived that the people were somewhat prepared for freedom.
the pople should have the full benefit of their new istitution, the fiome govern neu éinst ritelv sent them out a barrister, but, in so dang, evinced the saine for thought as to the avoidance of desplay, by wrapping the learned gentleman up in a Coa- suls ch
The wisdom and prudence ex-hibited in those proceedings were son manifested in Hongkong.
On the arrival of the Chief Justice, The Cut 4 he could not stir,? But, like a comet, he was wondered at, Men would fell their neighbours, that is he ;
hers woul I say, where? higher the Statute Book? Such being the state of the public mind on the arrival of one or two members of the great tribunal, what would it have been had the whole court as rived together and defiled before the multitude? We verily believe the most ext nvagant scen's would have ensued. Neighbour would have as saulted neighbour, from the sheer dusire of being tried by his Peers,, an' favored with a bumper of English justice. Even the Poppy Lords of the Lind, those mighty noblesse, who, being rich, can appeal to the house of commis, could have scarcely preserved their wontal e suposure. Lika the ship:
;
award if he thought fit-that is, that nominally To apportion them a share in the administration wrecked seaman, whom attachment to ram led to
questions were settled by arbitration, but in reality such of them as concerned His Excel- New advertisements, will be received, until 4 lency, his parasites, or government, he adjudi- O'Clock, on the Avenings previons to publicated himself. This beautiful specimen of the cation, viz. Tuesdays and Fridays, 1801
ENGLAND UNITED STATES
CALAOTEA
BOMBAY
SYDNEY
MADRAS BATAVIA
MANILA
LATEST DATES. June 6 May 13 July 23 July 18 May 3
July 71
SINGAPORE Angast 15 August 20 COUSAN", August 13, SHANGHAL
August 11 Foo.cHow-Foo August F August 17
Aug. AMO
THE FRIEND OF CHINA,
AND HONGKONG GAZETTE,÷
VICTORIA, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH, 1814.
A sale of public land takes place to-day. The sale will be on the ground; for particulars see Mr. Markwick's advertisement.
of the colony became the next point of solicitude with their rulers, But, before entering upon st measure so important, it was deemel prudent to ascertain the real amount of common sense diffused throughout the mousses
tap the powder barrel wirly a red hot iron, thng
risk. But wisdom, would, one an I all, have game access to the halft of Justice at
« Oer their wild mool full couquest gaine !,.
The noisy watchman's han I restrained, "Sent their fierce zeal on a homelier cruise,
And stopped the fregman's arm, to aid the
[freeman's Sponse (to be continned)
legislation of the free and enlightened govern ment of Hongkong, was virtually a dead letter; One Honorable Gentleman declared, that he there was a something within Sir Henry's knew Victoriin merchants who were unique in their breast that told him he was assuming powers line. Men, who had not only the ability to alidain which were only possessed 1 by the head of the
a good price for bad sherry, but also the tact to most despotic governments he feared to ad- make a dozen of sle-port, at an equally remunera-|| minister his own laws and well be might, for ting rate, a sine qua non in the bargain; nay more, more tyrannical enactments never passed any to make the purchaser take his leave as the obliged
'Tis sull a watchword to the earth, When min would do a deed of worth, council, or were inflicted on any colony. Siringo, Exactly the people for us, said another
He paints to, Greece, and rushes on nry's successor,however, is less scrupulous: Honorable member is upon one of them, and
Till life is t-ór freedbin "won in Le hesitates not to take advantage of all or appoint him, forthwith, commissioner of t rys
Greece? Tell me, dear, "and means,
He will not only induce the iuha And why point
you can?—and why do all will persuade them to construct the drains also; writers of every grade of celebrity laid the “and, what will not be less agreeable to us individays gone bye" Is there nothing in this dually, he will perfectly convince the liages that present day to emulate? Shall the deeds they are the favored parties, and have every which are here of every day (or rather night)" 4 reason to be thankful.””. Not quite so fast, get occurrence, pass unheeded? Is there no “tlemen, if you please," said a third speaker.' name here to incite to do a deed of worth? « many a nag is brisk in his meadow that requires Think you that the name of our noble General spurs on the high road... I know a man who ex would not be worth a host in the struggle “ till cells in the accomplishments that have been just
strength is spent or bamboo won ?” expatiated on, but he is full of prejudice."
Noris it to the things of the present day only, "Prejudice," what magic there is often fg a word! Through what labyrinths of thought will that we are to confine our meed of praise. not expect without from such not a single expresion sometimes conduct us. What results may we not
covering of urdities, and under the flimsybitants to make the roads themselves, but be Mr. Editor, if v
any of these
justice they afford, commits deeds as a governör, which, were they the actions of a private gentleman, would bå branded as dishonourable handel
We give the following, as one of the many instances in which justice has been doled out in Hongkong. For the improvement of the town it was necessary to take down certain It may be unnecessary for us to mention premises. The proprietor of these premises that, the “Philosophical cuqury which we was one of the first who built a súbrantial and are in the course of publishing is a contribution; respectable house in the colony, and is in every equally unnecessary to say, that we do not respect a valuable member of the community. concur in the sentiments, it contains. Our As a flatter of course, it was intimated to his readers cannot fail to note that it is the labour that he would receive compensation for the producing combinations of disjointed things, and beginnings shall we dure to say,
of a practiced pen, elegantly and classically worded--but subtle to a degree. Light words cover deep thoughts and this emanation of a strong but prejudiced mind, will require a closer inspection than a mere casual glance. In a thin garb it would cloak many deformities, and laugh, or sneer away inany grievances In China, at least, people are not to be mis- thed with sophystry, and though we cheerfully gise publicity to these clever papers, we are well aware that however cummingly wraped up they contain apologies for delinquencies which are not to the laughed away, or ad- vocate measures, which are not to be tolerated.
house, and that another building allotment would be granted him--though we may remark that the one of which he was to be deprivel, was about the most valuable in the town. It was further proposed that the amount of com- pensation should be lelt to arbitration. On the part of Government, the Acting Surveyor- General was named, the owner of the house chose a gentleman of the first respectability, The arbitrators met, and after due deliberation agreed upon certam sum as fair and reason. able compensation. Su
So far all was right, but will it be believed that, a virtue of the power conferred upon him by the sixth ordinance, His
finally leading the mind to sonie hitherto unheeded being termed enthusiasts-one" corresponding subject, Who would have imagined that the thi. spirit" "whispers hopes of happiness, in the syllable prejudice could have led afegislative stilling of brawling brooks, and squalling chil- council, in the consideration of the Interesting, dren. It is a consummation most devoutly to weighty, and fruitful theme it had specially assem be wished for, and why not to be attained After the and terren topic of Bamboos? yes, such wore the signal, tho bloodless
recently mutations of thouglit on this memorable occasion, achieved. I grieve that Moore should have Our limits will not admit of our catering more written such lines as- deeply into this strange peculiarity of the homin med, let it suffer, therefore, that it was egret | nemdian, that the common sense of the people
could not be better tested, than by the proalga but from the sublime down to the most insigni- tion of a sole, against Bamboo beating. Prejo, ficant, all poets constantly harp upon dice, it was believed, had wedded many of the LIT OF OTHER Dave" (only one, I think,
bled to discuss, to the comparatively dry. hght, with such a leader at the victor
On Er the swords of former tanes, And, cht for the man who bore their !
THE