303
ON:
Canton and Hongkong.
Whatever view may be taken, on political grounds, of this subject, the completion of a Chinese Telegraph Line is an event, and a very significant event, of the progress of modern ideas and of modern enterprise among the Chinese. Until lately, the Chinese Government and people remained obstinately attached to their immemorial policy of national isolation; and, in particular, resolutely opposed to the construction of railways and telegraph lines, by which China (a word unknown to the Chinese themselves) is generally called by its inhabitants.
But this new line has now been successfully carried out by a Chinese Company, with Chinese capital, and under Chinese management. It is favourably regarded by the European community at Hong Kong, which will derive much benefit from a speedy mode of communication between this great emporium of trade, and Canton, the chief commercial city of China. The new line is looked upon, moreover, as the auspicious commencement of a new era; and a general hope is expressed that the present generation may...