1-42.
•
Last Ten Years, from 1832 to 1841.
257
In conclusion, I am to request that your lordships will furnish me with a copy of any instructions which you may now, or at any future time, think proper to give to the naval commander-in-chief in the East Indies, bearing upon the ques- tion of our relations with China, in order that the same may, if necessary, be transmitted to her majesty's superintendent in China, for his information and guidance.
I am, &c.,
(Signed)
PALMERSTON." Corresp. pp. 193-194.
25th. On the 4th and 17th of August, and on the 18th and 19th of September, the governor and lieutenant-governor issued orders to the hong-merchants, requiring captain Elliot inmediately to send away all the opium-receiving ships from China, of which an abstract is here given.
No. 1.
**The English superintendent Elliot, being authorized to direct even trifling matters, is so much the more called on to interfere in an important matter, which, as it is contrary to the laws of the celestial empire, must also be obnoxious to the instructions which the superintendent has from bis own government. The bene- volence of the great emperor is universal, but it cannot suffer depraved foreigners to tempt natives to do evil.
“The strict terms of the imperial edict require on the part of their excellencies, the utmost diligence; and, being apprehensive that the long-merchants may not have explained the subject with sufficient earnestness, this second edict is there- fore issued. The superintendent is to be instructed, immediately to send away all the vessels anchored at Lintin, and other places outside the port; and here- after, the trade must be confined to articles legally dutiable, and no contraband articles, such as opium, must be imported.
"The goodness of the government in permitting foreigners to have a general mart for their commerce, at such an important emporium as Canton, is then spoken of; but it is shown on the other hand, that the emperor can be awfully severc, as well as good and merciful; and that it will be well, therefore, to avoid such conduct as will lead to the entire stoppage of commercial intercourse."'
No. 2.
"The goodness of the government in permitting the continuance of trade, under all circumstances, for a space of 200 years, is highly extolled, and the contumacy of foreigners reprobated; and it is asked, if they can suppose that while they render the Chinese seas a common sewer for the filthy opium, the go- vernment can fail to put the laws in force against them; if in the several foreign countries, individuals of another country were, with their ships, to contravene the laws, and continue for a long time so doing, the king of the country would certainly enforce the laws against the offenders. How much more must the go- vernment of this empire punish the contumacions disobedience of barbarians ? "The king of England has been hitherto dutiful and respectful, and has plainly probibited the conduct complained of; and, lest any of his people should bring shame on their country, has sent the superintendent Elliot to Canton, to hold them in check. But a month has elapsed since strict investigation concerning these receiving-vessels was entered upon, and yet the superintendent has not sent any of then away. It is to be feared, therefore, he is unfit for the situation at superintendent. If he can willingly bear reproach on account of these vessels.
33
VOL
NO