trial just concluded there, and also by the reports which are current of preparations made by the Chinese Government for war with France. There seems to be reason to believe that the recent riots in Canton were not premeditated; and that the report that a Chinese had been drowned by a Portuguese employed on one of the river steamers caused the sudden outbreak of fury amongst a class of the population, who had for some time past been in an excited state, and who have had the reputation of being turbulent.
3. With regard to the Sam Hop-Ui society, they have generally been considered an element of danger in this community. Although their objects are professedly political, they are believed to be ready to take advantage of any disturbance, when plunder is to be obtained. I have therefore issued with the ...