186
Review of Public Accurrences During the
APRIL.
iinmense advantages that would emanate therefrom, in the event of his majesty's government at any time deeming such a course advisable. On the contrary, my object is to point out the little necessity that exists for so total a change of policy. by the adoption of an alternative which now presents itself, for the almost imper ceptible adjustment of existing difficulties, and the future management of affairs, as well as reduction in expense consequent upon this change in the nature of om establishment.
“The Chinese seein to have but one object; that is, to prevent our establish ing ourselves permanently at Canton. It appears to me, then, injudicious and vain to persist in the endeavor to place ourselves completely in their power, and entirely under their control and thraldom, when the very locality of that place alone, renders our residence there almost incompatible with the duties we have to discharge, and exposes British inerchants in a tenfold degree, to inconvenience and danger, arising from our collision with the mandarins. I conceive the principal object of maintaining a British authority in this country, is to exercise a salutary control over the safety, conduct, and perhaps property, of the king's subjects in China; to arbitrate and assist in the adjustment of disputes and differences ; and to prevent the occurrence of actions or proceedings, whereby the natives of China may be wronged or aggrieved; or to the prejudice of that high national character aud reputation, which it is so desirable to uphold and maintain, even for policy and interest alone.
To these ends, a full and efficient control over the shipping is the main point ; little else seems requisite. While that power is retained in our hands, and exer- cised when necessary, with judgment and discretion, little difficulty will exist in the management of other matters. No man can quit the country, or evade the fulfill- ment of just claims against him ; and it (cannot be doubted that the knowledge of our ability effectually to interpose our lawful authority, will check those evils which might be expected to result from the total absence of any officer of his majesty's government, unconnected with trade, unbiased by party feelings, and ever vigilant over the safety, welfare, and bearing of the king's subjects. Feeling somewhat doubtful how far my residence at this anchorage, on board this little vessel of seventy-four tons, in conformity to the public notice under date Novem- ber 21, would answer the expectations I had long since formed of its utility and ad- vantage, and being uncertain in what manner the Chinese would view the change of position I had assumed, trifling as it is, I delayed this dispatch until the present period when the season is well advanced, and I am competent to speak with con- fidence and truth on the efficient means I here possess to discharge at least a most important part of my duty. In this place I shall not enter into any argument ou the mischiefs attendant upon that disunion and opposition which I fear inevitably results from the existence of a Council or Board of three or more persons, but under the impression that the management of affairs would devolve infinitely bet ter on a single individual, whose vicws and proceedings, not liable to opposition and counteraction, could be carried into effect on his whole and sole responsibili- ty, I submit, with all due deference, that he should reside on board some vessel in the vicinity of the shipping, completely out of the power, and free from the restraints, of the Chinese. His situation should be centrical, for general commu- nication, and his means of locomotion entirely unshackled. To effect this, and to afford him a comfortable habitation, I would suggest the purchase or hire of a small merchant vessel about 200 tons.) rapable of accommodation for the
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