HISTORY
in the factories, that is, the trading posts; foreigners were not allowed entry into the city of Canton, or allowed freedom of movement, except across the river to the Fati Gardens three times a month; they were not allowed to ride in sedan chairs, or to have Chinese servants. Learning the Chinese language was discouraged, at least to the extent that only Chinese were No direct recognized as interpreters in any negotiations. communication with the local Canton provincial officials was allowed except by way of petition presented through the co- hong. These restrictions on personal freedom were regarded as humiliating, and the sense of grievance they gave rise to was increased by the commercial restrictions of the co-hong of anything monopoly, which prevented the institution approaching a free market, and by the absence of any right In addition there were to own property such as godowns. constantly varying port charges and customs dues, which though not heavy, were arbitrary and indefinite. Added to all this, the foreigners were referred to as barbarians, treated as such, and regarded as standing in need of occasional correction.
When the East India Company lost its monopoly of the China trade in 1833, Lord Napier was sent out as Chief Superintendent of Trade to act as the official representative of British commercial interests. His mission was quite un- successful, partly due to the fact that his instructions were in conflict with the Chinese regulations governing the trade, and partly due to the refusal of the Chinese to treat with any foreign official on a footing of equality.
a footing of equality. Napier ran into trouble, and he was eventually forced to retire to Macao where he died. The Headquarters of the Superintendent of Trade never were established in Canton, and remained in Macao The failure of until transferred to Hong Kong, in 1842. Napier, and the ending of the East India Company's monopoly stimulated much heart-searching and led to attempts to find a solution of the difficulties at Canton. 'Captain Charles Elliot,
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