732
CREGITTAL ODRRESPONDENCE.
To the Editor of the Friend of China.
Victorin, Sat March, 1845. No doubt Mr. Editor you think yourself a very shrewd fellow and all that sort of thing-you will exense me, however, if I tell you that there may be a difference of opinion upon this point. In my last letter I intimated to you that, there was a secret tax laid upon a certain class of the native females which was most oppressive and un-English; you have it appears made enquiries upon the subject, and then you so far palliate the government as to tell us, that it if for philanthropic purposes and all that nousense, not a word of which I believe. If for philanthropic pur- poses, why hide their light under a bushel, truy they have not so many virtues that we should lose sight of any of them. tell you, My dear Sir, that you have been swa allowing "soft sawder" like a Miss in her fcens. They do tax the unfortunates to the amount formerly stated; and they do tax the keepers of the houses where they reside to an extent that wou'd make people it hone stare, and cause a modest govern spent to blush Do you know how many woman of the class to which refer there are upon the island or how may houses they occupy? I dare say you lon't. Perhaps were I to tell you that six hundred dollars a mouth were raised from the wages of sin, you
THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.
the line of Steamers between Hongkong and | sɔ is guaranteed by the other. How mis- Point de Galle, where there will be a junction erably has the wisdon which dictated these with the splendid vessels from Calcutta to Suez. prudential measures been rendered nugatory: It is intended that the vessels shall commence and the imprudence of others, exposed the running on the 1st of January 1846, though lives of foreign residents at all the open ports For months from the delay which invariably takes place in in China, to the fury of the mab. building ships, and in organising the details of a British pennant has not been seen at Canton, a comprehensive plan, a few months additi Amoy, Foo-chow-foo-Chusan, Ningpo, or onal may be allowed before the system is in Shanghai-the troops have race t'v. been w the full operation.
drawn from Koolungsoo, an at this present Considering the magnitude of the trade of moment not a British sabjet in the dominions China, both with Great Britain and India, and of the Emperor of China (excepting on the island its growing importance, the advantages which of Chusan) has any other protection than that are to be derived from an oxpeditious and re-afforded by the merchant vassols that may be gular transit of letters and passengers, are of in these harbours. The consequences of this re- no trivial nature, and the liberality of Her Maprehensible indifference have been forseen-the jesty's government, though not greater than press has not failed to comment upon them-the might have been looked for, remembering the oldest foreign residents have avowed them--but enormous expence they have incurred in the official pride has turned a deaf car to their formation of the West India and North Ame-remonstrances. A couple of weeks ago, three rican lines of Steamers, is still a subject for Gentlemen holding appointments under the congratulation among the foreign residents of crown, were robbed, buffetted and grossly in sulted in Canton; but this has not roused our China.
It is true, that by a class of sailing vessels rulers from their soporific state, and no vessel of would not believe me. You talk about charitable unrivalled for speed, and we may add through war has been sent thither to demand redress for and benevolent institutions; this is all very well in its
he liberality of the owners of these vessels, mails an insult thus passed upon the crown in the place and when you can show me that the revenue si
At Amoy the defen- rom India and from Europe, have been receiv persons of its servants. Faised is solely for these purposes your will much obligeed in China with great despatch. It not muccless foreigners are under the greatest appre- frequently happens, however, that when the hension ; no sooner were the troops withdrawn mail arrives at Bombay, there is no chipper than the slumbering hatred of the people show about to sail, and the China portion is put oned itself, and though the particulars are not board a cotton ship, many of which, particu- known, the demonstrations have been sufficient publilarly during the north east monsoon, make longly marked to induce our rulers to despatch the
passages, and sometimes the mail for the suc Vixen up on a few hours notice. coeding month arrives first, This will all be bviated by the Steamers; the labour of cor- respondance much curtailed and sustained with a regularity which has hitherto been unknown n China.
Your most obedient Servant.
AN ENGLISHMAN.
NOTICE.
New advertisements, will be received, until 4.
O'Clock, on the evenings previous to cation, viz: Tuesdays and Fridays,
SINGLAND
LATEST DATES.
UNITED STATES
Dac. Nov
CALCUTTA
Fav 15
Jan.
Jan, 16 Jatt.
Mar. SINGAPORE
6 Feby MANILA CHUSAN Feby, 21
Feby. SHANGHAI Foo.chow-roo Jany. ANOT
Foby.
-
BOMBAY SYDNEZ MADRAS FATAVIA
Fev. 12
19 28
The Canton community well even derive greater benefits from the Steamers than that of Hongkong; knowing the precise day upon which the vessels sail, their letters will be here THE FRIEND OF CHINA, ready to forward, an advantage which from
AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.
various causes at present they cannot always attain. We allude particularly to the des VICTORIA, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2ND, 1845.
patch of H. M. Steam ships. Some months The Island of Koolungsoo was evacuated on, we read in the Loudon papers, that the 23rd ultimn, and the garrison consisting until the line was formed, steam communica of a wing of the 2d Regiment Madras N. I. tion would be kept up with the vessels be onder Major Apthorp, and a detachment of longing to the Royal Navy on the Indian and China stations. If such was the inten- Madras Artillery under Lieut. Collingwood ar rived in Hongkong in H. M. troop ship Saption of government, it has been completely phire on friday last. The wing of the 2nd will remain and do duty in Victoria, until the arrival of a relief from India. The Madras Artillery proceed to Chusan, in H. M. Ship Iris, which vessel sails early next week for that island, with Major General D'Aguilar and suite The Sapphire likewise goes up to Chusat about the 7th or Sth, with the head quarters of the 98th Regiment, and will bring down the remander of the 18th Royal Irish."
Private letters have been received, which mention that, the return of the 4th Regiment M. N. I. to Madras, depends entirely on the arrival of the Ceylon Rifles. The 42th M. N.I. being intended to relieve the 2nd Regiment.
We hear from Macao, that the Catholic Bishop Borja died on the evening of the 28th Ultime; deeply regretted by the Portuguese residents, and all who had the honour of his ac- quaintance. His Lordship, we are informed, was a humane, charitable and pious man; one whose place it will be difficult to fill with a successor possessed of those virtues which were so pre-eminent in the deceased, or equally well fitted for the high office he held.
We do not for an instant suppose that the lives of our countrymen at Amoy are in actual jeopardy, but it is intolerable to perceive that they are exposed to the insults of an ignorant rabble, while the forces that are in China for their protection, might for any protection received from, them be just as well at Ports mouth or Chatham. It is true that in the event of a massacre, they would be amply revenged, and fire and horror would again be carried into the ports of Clena after the most approved method of modern warfare and this is left them as a consolation. We repeat, we do not dread such a calamity as this, but it is puful to hear of the insults that are passed upon us. Our Governor has been knocked down at Macao, our Chaplain and Treasurer, buffeted and robbed at Can- ton, and now our countinen at Amoy are un- frustrated, as for months no mail has been calderstood to be in a manner beseived, ried either way by these vessels. Last summer when the Vixen, Driver and Spiteful made requent voyages to and from India, the ad- valages which might have been secured from their services, were usually in a great degree lost, from the suddenness with which their de- parture was announced. By some of those ex- raordinary coincidences, which are apt to shake: the faith of those who are not strong in their belief these vessels were always sent off in the greatest hurry, scarcely giving the Merchants of Hongkong time to write a few brief letters, and shutting out the correspondence of those resident in Canton entirely, We would not be so uncharitable, as to accuse the highly re spectable Admiral in command on this station,
designedly attempting to sacrifice the in- terests of the mercantile part of the community, by not giving them sufficient intimation of his intention of despatching his vessels, we will rather suppose that, it proceeded from extraor dinary, (though unknown) exigencies of the service, or from an unfortunate ignorance of the value of correspondence to those he so often disappointed. With the greatest respect for the Navy, we rejoice to know, that for the future, we shall be independent of them in this particular; the duty of running about with By the Red Rover, advices have been receivinails, is at the best an ignoble one for ves ed to the 15th of February. The second opium sels of war and it will be equally satisfactory sale was held on the second of that month; to those in command of armed steam ships on Patna brought an average of 17 Rs. per chest, this station, to know, that they will soon be re and Benares 70 Rs. more than at the January lieved of it-indeed we may say that they are already relieved from it. for as we have sale.
mentioned no mail to or from India has been carried by these vessels for many months.
CALCUTTA.
Opium sale, 2nd February, 1845.
Chests Lowest Highest Average. Patna, 1,800 1,235 1,265 1,253.1, 9. Benares,
1,140 1,150 1,143,10,9. Since the sale Patna has been held at 1,250 and Benares 1,140 Rs The Red Rover, Arrathoon Aprar, and Dhur will carry about 1.700 chests to China the Fire Queen a couple of hundred to Singapore and fifty to Penang.
The third sale is fixed for the 21st of April: 5,100 chests will then be put up for competi- don.
CHINA PRODUCE.
AMOY.
Were it that Her Majesty's Ships in China were too few, or were their other duties too arduous to admit of their presence at the free ports, we might regret the causes that deprived their countrymen of their protection, though we could not censure those who controlled. But is such the case tom! their movements,
Far from it; they have time to move about with Governors and ex Governors, with Admirals and Generals, and above all with dollars, and sycee, but it would appear that they have no ́ time for the other duties, which according to our limited comprehension, are the sole causes of their presence in China.
T
I
!
Gum Benjamin-Imports of first quality would command our highest quotation; second quality is also in demand. Supplies are very uncertain. Gum Copal-in little demand.
....
Hides, Bufalo-Continus in request at 84 0.44 per picul.
Buffalo Horns.--Supplies and sales at 851 p. pel. Mother o'Pearl Shells. --The two lots of Soloo Shel's lately imported from Manila, about 230 pi- cuts, have been offered for sale. The first lot was bought in at public Auction at $9; the second was soll at S and resold at 811 per pel. A further import of this Shell is expected from Sooloo direc
Oium-lhe market has bem very inactive during the week the only sales being about 15 ches's of Benares to Native Traders at 8555 a 500 per chest. Nothing doing in Petng. There is some inquiry for good Malta. Not ansactions reported in Turkey, The Steamer Fire Queen is hourly expected from Calcutta with supplies of the Secon Sale.
Pepper, Black Rhio and Singap re-Supplies
cleaned White-in demand at 8 84 a 81 per picul. selling freely at 843, 430 a 4, 35 per picul for
Rice. No sales of consequence have taken
place lately but prices are getting up and an im Sugar.-Two Vessels from Cochin China have rovement may now be expected in the Market. arrived with about 10,000 piruls, but no sules have- yet been effected.
Sago, Peart-Supplies saleable at $ 3,60 (withe out cases.) Four offered fredly at $ 2,80 per pizul and may be lower soon. Large imports of the raw material
Salt, Sion--Selling in samll lots at about quota- tions.
Saltpetre.--Stock moderate and in good de-
mand,
Sapanwood,--has been in good in demand and sales made of recent imports at 82 per pal. This.. has become a new Article of export by the China Junks who are likely to purchase Largely during
the
present Seoson,
Sticlac-About 100 piculs have been sold at about quotations and shipped to Pinang.
reported.
Silk Raw Canton No. 3.No sales have been
Segars, Manila. No supplies by the Flecha, Sales of No. 3 1 No. 4 at $9 per 1,000.
Tea, Junks. No transactions reported.
SHIPPING INTELLIGEN JE
ARRIVED.
-28-Royal Alice, Hall, Whampoa. Marer,
20-Ariel, M'Farlane, Whampoa. 29--Panama, Griswold, Whampon. 29- Red Rover, M.Murdî, Calcutta. 29-Flying Squirrel. Young, Whampoa, 30-Harlequin, Morris, Singapore. 30 -- Em Grey, Malison, Bombay. 30 - Cncipus, Eldred, Singapore. 31 - Alinéer, G. Bewn, Amoy, 3- Amistad, (Sp) Matta, à'anili, 31-Emu, L. Smith, London, A PRU..
| Wales. 1-II. M. S. Samarang, Sir E. Holmer, N. 3.
SAILED. MARCH.
28-Strathisla, Simpson, Sydney. 20- Sidney. Scholfiel), Bombay. 29-Royal Alice, Hall, Lomton.
30 – Panamo, (Am ) Griswold, Chusan. 30-Oriental, At-Fec, Whampoa.
31-Earl Grey, Molison, Whamp a 31-Alfred, Sapper, Manila and Sydocy.
31-H. M. Stramer, Vixen, G (Fard, Amoy,
REPORTS.
Mazeppo, Fraser, at Woosung, from Hongkong
It cannot be forgotten-nor will be forgotten when the inhabitants that last sunrner, of Canton were in the most imminent danger when they were actually protected by the marines and seamen of a foreign ship of war there were six pennants flying in the harbour of Hongkong; but not an anchor was raised for the protection of the lives and property of Bri-in 14 days. tish subjects, then in peril. It is true, that three VESSELS IN VICTORIA Harbour, of these vessels were employed for a few days. M. S. Custor. Capt. Graham. in carrying a Governor, and ex Governor, with H. M. S. Iris, Cept, Mundy, their respective suites, on a visit of ceremony. M. S. Samarang, Sir E. Hohner, to the Imperial Commission Keying, Verily H.M.S. Minden, Master Commanding Wellington.
Hospit: Fund Store Ship. "truth is stranger than fiction."
H. M. T. S. Sapphire, Fittock. Sylph. Macdonald, Warlock, Janney, Ariel, MyFarl ne, Red Rover, M⭑Murdo, Minerva) G. Brwn, Amazon. Abbot. Boxer, Woodbery.
SINGAPORE MARKET, 27ru FEBRUARY, EASTERN ARTICLES. Alum.-Continues in good demand at quoltaions; about 900 piculs have been shipped to Madras.
Anised.--Unsaleable; a small lot was tried as Auction a few days since but no purchasers could be found,
↑
Abeach, Batavia.-Stock being gradually re-Flying Squirrel, Young, duced about quotations.
Yonge Quene, 95, Me‘Nally. Linnet, 100. Cacique, Eldred, Harlequin, Morris.. Dart. (Am.) Kennedy.
Bee's Wax-In good demand at $31 a 33 per picol; the supplies are however very limited.
Belelaut.None in the Market and inquired fot. Cloves, Bouabon-Wanted to adimited extent, Cubebs. Are also wanted for shipment to Cal-Petrel, Am.) Rodgers, cutta.
China Rest-Saleable in small lots at quota. tions; stock moderate.
H. M. Steamer Vixen, Captain Gifford, was despatched for Amoy hurriedly on Monday morning. It is understood that by an arrival of the previous evening, His Excellency re ceived advices of an unpleasant nature, and hence the sudden departure of the Vixen. Our local readers are aware that a few days ago
Cassin. -- About 1.200 boxes have been imported the island of Koolungsoo was evacuated by the British troops, who have been garrisoned per Scaleby Cast'e which, we bear, is for tranship. there since the cessation of hostilities. Kooment. There is now none for sale and the Ar- to Great Britain, as a guarantee that the treaty Mandarins had been adjusted and that Cassia was lungsoo is one of two islands, ostensibly pledged ticle is in some demand; last sale at $13 per pel, Accounts from China state the dispute with the of Peking would he kept inviolate, at least s
the purchase of this articles; a late importa- Camphor--Much caution is required in tion from Singapore contained a good many boxes filled with common salt. It is feared that far as regards, the indemnity money--upon becoming more plentiful and at cheaper rates.
the trick may be repeated, particularly with the importations at Singapore in native vessels. Quotations 33 to 34 Rs. per Factory mannd, with a downward tendency.
Alum-Large stocks on hand, with little demand. Quotations 34 Rs. per Factory maund, with a falling market,
L
Cassia-A limited market at 15 Rs. per Bazaar maund.
Exchange-on China 220 Rs. per 100 8, with few sellers.
Freights. In demand. Latest date, from China ex John Brightman,
We mentioned in our last issue, that the en- terprising Mr. Henry Wise, who for years has been so industrious in the formation of a direct steam communication between, England and China, had sailed from Singapore to Borneo in H. M. Steamer Driver, and that from the latter place Mr. Wise would proceed to Polo Lubano, on which island a coal depot is to be formed, for
Camphor, China Further supplies of about 1.500 piculs by the junks which have been sold at 8141 a 141 per pical without cages. In conse quence of the scarcity of Lead many of the recent purchases will have to remain bere until cases can be made. The Natives have exported to India about 1,000 piculs during the week.
Cation Stock small and will soon be wanted for the Junks.
Cotton Good, Bengi and Madras Piece Goods. Neglected.
Dragons Blood-Yarket bare and seldom in- quired for.
payment of the last instalment of which the British troops should be withdrawn. It is very probable that Sir Henry Pottinger had other objects in view when he arranged the particulars of the treaty. The late Envoy was well aware of the deep seated hatred which the native population of the Celestial empire,en tertain towards "the foreign barbarians; "he saw the danger, which his countrymen would incur, if left unprotected in the new ports, some of which had sufferred severely during the war. but none so much as Amoy. This was pro- bably one reason, for his insisting not only on the temporary occupation of Koolungsoo and Chusan, the former commanding Amoy, the latter occuping a position contiguous to Ningpo and Shanghai, but also that at each of the five ports a British cruizer should be stationed- indeed to the latter stipulation he pledged his government, so that the obligation of keep- ing suen ships at these ports is as binding on the one party, as the permission to details. Stock large.
very
Starling, Chape, Corsair, Fr ser. Suipe, Riddle.
J. Matheson & Co.
J. Matheson & Co. J Matheson & Cn.
J. Matheson & Co.
Dent & Co. Macvicar & Co.
Lindsay & Co.
Fletcher & Ca. Emery 4 Frazer,
Murrow & Co. Murrow & Co.
A. Heard & Co.
N. Duus,
A. Griffin.
D. and M. Rustomjee, Hughesdon & Co. Vanguard, Walker. W. & T. Gemmell & Co. Ripley Smith & Co. Capt. Emx, Smith, Royalist, Le's.
FOR MACAO, CANTON AND WHAMPOA, THE fist. Sailing well armed. Lorcha “VICTO
RIA," Commanded by experigachd Europe ans, will be despatched about weekly, for the
above Ports;
For freight or Passage apply to the Agent,
J. MACLEHOSE, -" Commercial" Inn and Reading Rooms. Victoria 1st April, 1844.
TO LET.
AN elegant and well built house in Welling.
tun Street, close to Captain Board's Apply to,
Poutinger Street.
STEBANO IVANWICH.
ORIENTAL INSURANCE COMPANY. THE undersigned having been appointed Agents the above Oriental Insurances
Elephant's Teeth. Of suitable sizes wanted, Ebony, Ceylon-Wonted for the Junks. Gram-Market supplied; sales by Auction at
low rates. Gambier.--supplies and sales at $1,75 per pel Gallingals.--Stock moderate bot difficult of sale. | Company," of Calcutta, are prepared to accept Golé Best.-Sepplies readily purchased at quo tations. Shipments to Calentia per steamer Vie torta to the exter 1 of $40,000.
Gunnies-Saleable in small quantitice at quo.
risks for account of that Company to India. Eu-
in Calcetia or China.
rope and Amerira; payable in case of loss either
RUSSELL & Cn Agguts in China.