}
800
"NOTICE.
New advertisements, will be received, until 4 O'Clock, on the scenings previous to publi. cution, viz; Tuesdays and Fridays.
LATEST DATES.
Mar. 7
FINGLAND
UNITED STATES
Feb.
CALCUTTA
Mar. 16
BOMBAY
Aril. 10
SYDNEY
Jan. 16
MANILA CHUSAN
SINGAPORE April, 28 April 3 17 May: SHANGHAI May 13 Foo.cnow-Foo ANDY May,
MADRAS
Feb. 22 BATAVIA
Feb. 12 THE FRIEND OF CHINA, AND HONGKONG GAZETTE. VICTORIA, SATURDAY, MAY 31st. 1845. NOTÍ: E —A Minii for England, PIA Rombay, per lip. per Si Herbert Compton," will be closed at this Office, at
P. M., on the 5th June,
Post-Offee, Victoria, 28th May, 1845.
CANTON.
On Sunday forenoon a fire broke out in a theatre within the walls of the city; it has been the cause of a melancholy loss of life, as well as the destruction of much pro- perty. The theatre formed the centre of a square, to which there was only access by one narrow lane. After the fire was observed the audience endeavoured to escape by the lane, but unfortunately the crowd from without were trying to force their way into the square, and prevented a large number of those who were within from obtaining egress-the two bodies appear to have got jammed, the greatest confusion prevailing. It is supposed that up werds of eight hundred lives were lost by the fire, the falling timber, or borne down by the crowd and suffocated. The bodies are so hor- ridly mutilated their friends cannot recognise. them; in consequence of this, hundreds lay un- claimed, and the worst consequences are to be apprehended from their exposure in such a climate at this season. It is to be hoped that the civil authorities will have them buried at once; though from the national prejudices of the people with regard to the dead, and the filial affection which prompts them to pay great respect to the ashes of their departed kindred, it is feared that days will be allowed to elapse before the unclaimed and unrecognisable. are disposed of.
We have had a call from a Gentleman who left Canton on Tuesday evening, who has fa By the vored us with further particulars. Mandarins books, the total number of killed is 1.257, including 52 male and female actors; the wounded are estimated at 2,100, On Mon- day-the day after the fire-part of the ruined wall fell and killed thirty more, wounding se- peral tens.
It is rather remarkable that,thirty years ago a similar accident happened at the same theatre, At that time the authorities forbade dramatic performances by the inhabitants; the present company are outside people. It is anticipated that an edict will be issued, strictly prohibiting all such exhibitions in future,
The authorities have purchased 400 coffins for the bodies that have not been claimed, and they will be interred immediately. A large portion of the dead are females; and it is fear- ed that not a few were murdered by the rob- bers that infest the city on purpose to obtain their bracelets and other ornaments,
Messrs. Fiebig and Ravac can have no cause for dissatisfaction with the result of their evening concert on Thursday, The audience comprised a large proportion of the European inhabitants, with a few Celestials, who ap peared to enjoy the "concord of sweet sounds" amazingly. The apartment, or hall, is well adapted for music, and the performance of Messrs. Fiebig and Ravac on the Viol- in was heard to advantage and much ap- plauded. We should not wish to find fault with the arrangement of the evening, but we would suggest to the performers, whether, in the event of their favoring the public with another concert, it would not be advisable to introduce a few English tunes, where the audience are chiefly English. To those, who, like ourselves, are not amateurs, music is most attractive from it associations, and there were perhaps not a few present, who would prefer the familiar air of a national ballad to the more splendid compositions which delight those only who are skilled in melody.
Through the kindness of Colonel Reignolds and the Officers of the 18th, their band was in attendance, and added to the enjoyment of the evening.
The proposed alterations in the sugar dury will, it is feared, effectually check all shipments of white, or clayed, sugar from China. Our increasing commerce in this part of the world requires that the import of manufactured goods should be met by a corresponding export of produce. The great staples of tea and silk are already shipped to quite as great an extent as the home consumption renders prudent, and failing a reduction in the duty on tea, it was hoped that, any changes in that on Sugar would be favorable to the tale of China, by enabling Merchants to purchase large quantities of clayed Sugar for the English market. If Sir Robert Peel carries his proposed measure, it will place white Sugar from China on a worse footing than formely, a matter which is extre mely to be regretted, as a slight modification would have secured a large export, alike to the
MAY
SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE
ARRIVED.
28-Velore, Bell, Shanghai.
28-Island Queen, Priestman, Bombay, 28-Starling, Chape, Macao.... 28-Midas, St. Schooner, Poor, Canton, 28-Sarah Louisa, Oldham, Whampoa.
SAILED.
MAY.
30-Arun, Balls, Chusan. 30-Bangalore Aiton, Whampoa
PENANG SHIPPING. ARRIVALS-April 9th H. M. Sloop Wolverine, from Singapore; 10th H. M. Ship Agincourt, from Singapore; 17th Ship Ann Maria, from Canton 24 March. par
THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE, foreign growth was reduced to 34s. and 5 persoode in Chinafor the last ten years, and to whom the lan- tangne. The another is Mr. Robert Thom, whose abilities cent additional, being 35s, 9d. per cwt; the duge spoken by the Chinese is as familiar as his veranenlar ty upon colonial Sugar continuing at 24s, and 5 are well known through at Europe, the gentleman who, in per cent, or 25s. 3d. giving a differential duty connexion with the younger Morrison, acted as interpreter to in favor of the colonies of 10s. 6d. At these Sir Henry Pottinger during his negotiations with the Chinese Plenipotentiaries; and this, not only in arranging the terms rates it was possible that the finest quality of of the recent peace, but likewise in since discussing and Chinese sugar might have been sold at a profit renting the articles of that commercial treaty which now in the English market, and we believe that throw China upen to European enterprise and activility. To him the public was previously indebted for his edition of experimental shipments have been made. The Esop's Fables in Chinese and Eng ish, and for an interes. scheme now proposed, though more favorable ting tale translated from the Chinese. The volume now to brown, or muscovadas, of foreign growth, before us presents, first of all, a paradigma, or specimen will have a contrary effect upon white or clayed sheat, on which each letter of the English alphabet, small and capital, written and printed, is accompanid by its pro- Sugar. Upon brown the duty is to be reduced nunciation to Chinese phonatic signs, as well as in mand. to, colonial 14s., foreign 23s. 4d.. giving 98 4. chou letter. The author then instructs the Chinese in all per cwt in faver of colonial, but placing those principles which are nsweary to be understood by them. foreign on a better footing by is. 23d. So far in rder to their finding, in the conventional sigas which he employs, the pronunciation of the English words; a thing this is good, and it will be favorable to the which he does almost as accurately as if he had availed brown sugars of Manila, and Batavia, also to himself of the sounds of the French language to give expres sion to them In this publication, which is merely the first those of China, provided any quantity can be part of the work, allthe words and all the phrases are arrang brought forward for shipment at rates that rule al according to an order the most methodical. Each Chinese in these places. Upon this subject we are in word is followed by Chinese phonetic signs, which give the pronunciation of the English aynonyme placed opposite. ignorance, though it deserves the attention of The second part will contain the rules of English syntax those engaged in commerce, as a large export. We may add that Mr. Thom has published this work at his to England would be highly beneficial to the own expense; and that he has distributed copies gratuitonsly to foreigners who reside in China, as well as to the native trade of both countries. It is the white sugar merchants of the new ports, henceforward to be brought into of China, from which we expected most; Snstant intercourse with Europeans and requiring the as- perior to any of the clayed sugars of the east, it stance which such a work affords. would soon find favor among the consumers of England, and an extensive export would re- lieve our imports. The proposed change in duty is unfavorable to this, and it is to be fea. red that, until some important reduction on the tea duty is forced from the legislature, by heavy losses, consequent upon glutted markets, there will be no great increase to present shipments. As compared with the colonies, white sugar of foreign growth formerly paid an additional duty. of 10s.6d.,and even at that rate it is questionable whether the article would renuncrate. By the scale lately proposed, the difference will be 14s.,an increase of 3s. 6d or upwards of 12 per cent upon the cost, supposing it to be put on, cwt. per board at 5 taels per picul, or 268. 3d. The distincion which has been, made between, white and brown sugar is a most unfortunate one, not alone to the trade of China, but also. to, the trade of Bengal, Manila, Java, and Singapore
from the later place about 10,000 tons of white Siam sugar are shipped annually.
Admiring the principles of free trade, which have induced Her Majesty's government to re. peal the duties on 430 articles of import, many of them the raw material of manufactures, and that to at an estimated sacrifice of £3,388,000 of revenue, we still question the wisdom of the scheme for the reduction upon sugar. It appears to us,that to support the West India trade,a great erdistinction has made between the colonies and foreign countries, than good policy would dict ate. A differential duly of Os. 4d on raw sugar, and the privilege of refining, might be consider ed an ample protection to the colonies, and this would not have checked shipments from other places, where trade requires that produce should be taken for manufactures. The loss to the revenne, upon sugar alone is estimated £1,300, 000; and if, as is intimated, the additional duty upon foreign white sugar is intended to pro- tect the revenue from even a greater falling off the desire will not be realized, as the great difference between the two descriptions will drive the high taxed article out of the market Joten Corina, Dring, entirely, and this to the manifest injury of trader Singapora, Forman, generally. To British India we consider the Amiga, Dalrymple, scheme as positively unjust-it is well known, Midas, St. Schooner, Poor, that even when admitted at the same rates as Thomas Crisp, Hart, that grown in the west, the white sugar ofStarling, Chape, Bengal has not usually paid when shipped to Euphemia, Russom, England. As regards China it is impolitic-Isabella Anna, Beard, the high prices which have ruled last year for Royal Exchange, Hubertson, D. & M. R. & Co. piece goods have deceived the Manufacturers M. de Tonkin, (Sp.)Cuarteron, P. de las Heras. as well as the Ministry, and enormous ship- ments in the course of transit, will glut the market, bringing down prices below those that remunerate. If Great Briain would derive the commercial advantages, which we now open to her in her trade with China, she must do so upon the principle of reciprocity-she must take an example from the Chinese, who admit her fabrics at a low duty, and at once reduce the heavy tax put upon their produce.
(Glasgow Herald, 25th Nov.) INTERCOURSE WITH CHINA. ROBERT THOH, ESQ.
The following article, highly and deservedly complimen. tary to Mr. Rubert Thom, Ceasul at Ningpo, a native of Glasgow, appears in the Journal des Debats" of the 24th
June 1844
It is understood to be from the pen of Mr. Stanislas Julien, member of the Institute, and Professor of Ancient Chinese in the College of France, without question the first European Sinologue of the day-
The work alluded to is a (binese
VESSELS IN VICTORIA HARBOUR, H. M. S. Castor, Capt. Graham............. H. M. S. Plover, Coinmander Collinson, H. M. S. Minden, Master Comding. Wellington.
Hospital and Store Ship.. H.M.Schooner, Young Hebe, Licut-Condg. Bate. B. Hormasjee, Coates, Mazeppa, Fraser, Falcon, Oliver, Palmyra, Campbell, John Barry, Hart, Island Queen, Priestman, will o' the Wisp, Kellet, Anglona, Lane.
Hannah, (Am) Cumings, Velore, Bell,
Younge Quene, MNally, Aurora, Massey, Syed Khan, Smart, "Bangalore, Aiton, Spec, Cole, Resolution, Wood, Sarah Louisa, Oldham, Buenis Ayrean, Boull, Sands, Snipe, Riddle,
:
Linnet,
J. Matheson & Co.. J. Matheson & Co. J. Matheson & Co. J. Matheson & Co Dent & Co. Dent & Co. Me Vicar & Co. McVicar & Co. Wetmore & Co. Turner & Co. Fletcher & Co. Gilman & Co. Gilman & Co.
Bell & Co. Murrow & Co.
Murrow & Co. Dirom Gray & Co. T. Church & Co Hughesdon & Co.
G. Livingston & Co. Livingston & Co.
G.
Fischer Willis & Co. Emery & Frazer.
J. P. Stürgis.
N. Duus.
A. Griffin.
H. Skinner. W. H. Franklyn.
BRITISH SHIPPING AT WHAMPOA,
H. M. Steain Ship, Driver, Commander Hayes.
Anne Jaue, Rigby,
Turner & Co. Turner & Co. Hesperus, Kolley, Willium the 4th, Woodin.W.&T.Gemmell & Co. W & T. Gemmell & Co. India, Sutherland,, Queen Mah, Rowe, Sands, Turner Church & Co. Flora, Hooge,
Boustead & Co.
BRITISH VESSELS AT Macao.
John Smith. Little Catherine, Perais, Isabella Robertson, Kelly, John Hudson. Ruparrell, Deane,
A. & D. Furdosjes. Carsair, Fr. ser, D. & Rustomjee & Co. Sultana, Wadge, D. 4 M. Rustomjee & Co.
AMERICAN AT WHAMPOA AND MACAO. Arab, Freeman,
Russell & Co, Rainbow, Lau.
Russell & Co. Fenice, Dumbry, Durt, Kennedy, Sappho. Gerry, Aquetnet, Mosher, Panama, Griswold,
Tiers Bourne & Co. A. Heard & Co. Wetmore & Co. T. C. Lewis.
J. N. A. Griswold,
SUNDRIES
The Bibliotheca Royals" (at Paris) has just had, trans. mitted to it from Cant b a wr, which, if we are not mis. taken, bida fair to open up Chica 1q us in a way far more efficacious than even the force of arms bas done. And thi by enabling the jobabitants of the Celestial Empire to ac aquiot themselves, without any other assistance than that which itself affords, with the ideas and scientific strainsenta which prevail in Europe. and English Vocabulary, published for the use of the binese,
is beaded by a preface in Chinese, written in a moderate John (Swede) Osterberg, and conciliatory tone, which the Emperer must have read with no less interest than satisfaction, it have been bought under his notice. This last named circumstance is by no ineans improbable, as, according to the Hongkong Gazette," of the 26th October, 1841, a considerable number of cuples had been forwarded to the Court of Pekin; and as inform ru has been received, since their arrival, of many of the
J. Matheson & Co.
FOR SHANGHAL
THE SCOPETREL Capt. Rogers, will sail for the above port on the 1st of June. For passage only,
N. DLUS, Victoria, 29th May, 1845,
FOR HOBART TOWN DIRECT.
THE fine Clipper barque ISABEL LA ANNA, having part of ner freight and several passengers engaged will have quick despatch.
bigh functionaries of that capital baving read and having been delighted with the work. Hither, the atmest exclu apply to sve object of Sinalogues has been to compile dictuaries for the series of Enropeans, but the opening of four new pers bas gisen bigh to stew wants, and, among its other conse. quences, has created a sort of necessity for the publiczien of the vocabulary which we have now the pleasure of assoune. ing. It was an idea ai unes bappy wed beld to aim at Jurishing the Chinese with the opportanity of acquiring, through the medium of their own hugage, an acquaintance with that of England. Bat an isunrise ditheulty had to be encountered in attemping to set fun to the eye the sounds of
benefit of the manufacturer, the consumer, and | a freign songue, the proncatciation of which is so arbitrary, For freight or passages.—Apply to
Last session of parliament con- the revenue. siderable modifications were made in the Sugar duties; the old prohibitory impost upon that of
by employing for that purpose the digus of a language which has no alphabet. To triumph over this obstaria, and others which need not be enumerated, nothing less was required than the king and experience of a man who has had his
W. H. FRANKLYN,
Chinam's Wharf,
Victoria, May 8, 1945,
Commissariat Office, Hongkong, 30th May, 1845. TENDERS of Mexican Dollara or of Rupees
until next at noon in exchange for Bills to be drawn by the undersigned on the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury at 30 days sight, in such sums as may be required, to the extent of Twenty Thousand Pounds.The Tenders to state sepe- rately the number of pence at which the Rupee
or Dollar is offered.
W. MILLER. Deputy Comm-Gent.
Commissariat Office, Hongkong, 27th May, 1845. REQUIRED for the Public service of the Royal
Engineer Department.
200,000 Large Tangoan Bricks,
25,000 Convex Tiles, 50,000 Tikwan Tiles,
2,000 pieuls of Lime, for which Tenders will be received at this office until Friday the 6th June at noon.
The Bricks and Tiles to be delivered and stacked. at the Commissariat yard and the Lime at the new Military Barracks, the deliveries to be completed by the 20th June.
Samples are required to be sent along with the Tenders.
FOR
W. MILLER, Deputy Comm. Genl.
FOR SALE-Ex “MAURITIUS," daily xe- pected from London. A quantity of 1 inch Iron Railing 5 feet high with Carriage gates &c. 10 feet wide, likewise a quantily of Book Safes 18 to 30 inch, Iron Safes 17 to 26. Apply to
HENRY & Co.
FOR
Hongkong, 31st May, 1845. TJOR SALE. —Ex "WILLIAM SHAND," daily
expected from London. A Galvanized Cor regated Iron Clodown, 60 feet long 20 feet wide, 4 feet enlosed all round, with an open Shed of 20 feet.
The above is complete with galvanized Iron- Shutters and Ligthening conductors. For plane 4c, apply to
HENRY & Co.
Hongkong, 31st May,"1845-
NOTICE.
THE MEETING of the MEDICO CHIRCUGICAL Society will b¤ ̈held on, Tuesday, 3rd, of June at 7 o'clock P... at De Holgate's, house No. 4 Gough Sreet, when a paper will be read by A, Tucker Esq. on the advantages to be gained by a Medical Association and a cursory review of dis,. cases incidental to Europeans in China.
Victoria, 30th May, 1845.
FOR SALE.
Ez "PALMYRA," "BARGAINS."!!}
To the Ladies of Hongkong. TO BE seen at WILLIAMS & Co. 18 Wellington,
Street, next door to the Roman Catholic Chapel school, a very choice collection of white embroidered and brand. Dresses, Childrens Robes &c. &c. &c. Ladies Habits, Collars, Capes, Cuffs, Cambric Hand Kis. Cambric Insertions, Ladies and Gentlemens Hose &c &c. &c,
As the above are all in the first style and last fashion, and decidedly the cheapest ever offered, Williaras & Co. flatter themselves that the Ladieo of Hongkong will honor them with an early inpection. Open from 10 till 4 o'clock.
Victoria, 30th May, 1845
CIRCULAR.
MONS. C. DUPUIG., TAYLOR AND DRAPER FROM PARIS. DEGS most respectfully to inform the Gentry Dand the Public that he has Removed his Es tablishment from Macao to Hongkong where he Intends conducting his Business in all its branches and trusts by strict attention, to merit a share of the Public patronage which he has for this last two years received.
Moss, C. Dupuio also begs to state that he in- teads to keep on hand a variety of Cloths suitable- for the climate, likewise a selection of Drills and fancy Jeans for Coats etc, etc.; also an assortment of Buffs, Vallencias, Silks, Satins and Fancy Vel vels for Vests of the newest style and fashion.
Moss. C. DUPUIG has a sinal assortment of Gents Kidd, Silk, and other Gloves, Elastic Braces, Say Cravats, Stocks etc, ele, etc..all the above articles are of the best description that could be pro- cured in the Colony, Gentlemen can depend an having their Clothes made in the first style of fa shion and elegance.
Address to Muxs. C. Dercio, Taylor & Drapers Wellington St., one door from Graham St. Victoria, Hongkong, 30th May, 1845,
FOR SALE.
Y Poblic Auction without reserve that House
BY
Auction as the Britains Boast, on
Monday 2th June; said lot measures as follows.
On Queen's Road
Rear..
East..
West
..144 feet,
..140 do.
60-- do.
.100 do.
The Ground rent is about $150 per year.
P. TOWNSEND.
Auctioneer
Terms Cash.
THE at
PUBLIC AUCTION.
THE undersigned will well by Public Auction at bis safe ruam on this day Saturday 31st inat.
Am
A quantity of Segare, Sherry, Port, Cider As pens sorted Lequeur, Chocolate, Maccaroni, Steel Perfumed Soup. Ink. Long Ells, Hams. Also a qeantay of fashionable perfumery, Parisian Images, aa busts of Byron, Franklm, Shakespear, Fanny Elaster &c. &c and numerous other articles,
P. TOWNSEND,
Auctioneer