and M. Canal Robertson in bringing the evil prominently to the notice of the Vice Roy of Canton, and do not doubt that if the suggestions made to,
and apparently approved by the Vice Roy,
are faithfully carried out, in a few years piracy might be subdued by Chinese Government vessels.
We are convinced, however, that it would be vain to hope for anything like a faithful performance, on the part of the Chinese Authorities, of any duties which they might promise to undertake and refer to the suppression of piracy.
As regards co-operation of British and Chinese Naval forces for that end, we are deeply impressed with the opinion pronounced by H. C. Sir R. Alcock that any arrangement that may be concluded with Chinese Authorities to share the work to be borne by cruisers of either nation, would only fix the British with their share, and leave the Chinese free to neglect their part.
We cannot believe that the Chinese Authorities feel any real interest in the matter, or care one iota for the protection of trade. Their main object is their own enrichment. They do not hesitate to resort to illegal squeezes, which indeed frequently have the character of piratical blackmail on the transport of merchandise. The Chinese Government permit the fleet of the Vice Roy conferring at present