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BRITISH POSITION
3rd. The reduction of the duties on commerce and of the port charges on small coasting craft, and the regulations respecting junks trading with Hong Kong, require further modification; and a satisfactory
been following us, and increasing in numbers, from the building known to foreigners as the Five-storied Pagoda. At first they commenced with throwing stones, which endangered our lives, and by some of which we were struck. This attack was aided and encouraged by a number of Chinese, who followed us along the top of the city wall, hurling large stones, which, if they had struck, would have killed those at whom they were aimed. Mr. Jackson was first attacked, by men brandishing swords and daggers; his arms were pinioned, and his gold chain snatched from his neck. The Reverend Mr. Stanton and Mr. Martin perceiving that Mr. Jackson was not following, returned to aid him, and were themselves seized; one of the assailants thrust a dagger at Mr. Martin's breast, two endeavoured to throw him on the ground, and whilst struggling with them, his pockets were rifled. The same course was pursued with Mr. Jackson and Mr. Stanton. The latter lost his watch, the former still retained his, but everything else was taken. The assailants then left us; but the persons on the wall followed us for some time, hurling large stones, and using menacing gestures, and opprobrious language.
"Proceeding southward beneath the wall to reach the river side, we were again followed and attacked by another party; Mr. Jackson received a violent blow on his chest, and a roof was torn up to furnish large sticks to the assailants. In this attack Mr. Jackson was deprived of his watch; our clothes were torn; and at one time the people were disposed to strip us. No resistance was offered, it was hope- less to have attempted it, not only by reason of the numbers and weapons of the multitude, but also on account of the attack on us from the watch tower and along the walls.
"The outrage was entirely unprovoked; our own official character, and the pre- sence of a minister of religion, was a guarantee for peaceful conduct; and had his presence not restrained Mr. Jackson and Mr. Martin, bloodshed might probably have ensued. Reaching a more populous part of the suburbs, we rested a moment and then proceeded home; but not unfrequently hearing opprobrious epithets, mingled with cries of "kill them, kill them."
"From no nation in Europe would British subjects suffer this treatment; there can be no excuse for tolerating a continuance of such conduct towards us in China; and we think there cannot be a doubt that the Chinese Government have it in their power effectually to put a stop, not only to the personal insults which the English daily experience, but also to prohibit effectually the repetition of the injuries we have experienced. By the probibition to enter the city of Canton, the lower classes of the Chinese are encouraged to regard us as inferiors, and to treat us with marked contumely. No measures, that we are aware of, have ever been taken by the authorities to prevent the constant insults to which the British community are subjected; and which, instead of diminishing by time, or being subdued by acts of kindness, seem to become more frequent and more virulent,
"Anxiously desirous to maintain peace, and to promote amity, we make this representation, believing that unless the Chinese authorities remedy the evils com- plained of, the most serious consequences must inevitably and ere long ensue.
"We have, &c., (Signed) "R. M. MARTIN, "Treasurer at Hong Kong, and one of H. M.'s Council
in that Colony.
"R. B. JACKSON,
"H. B. M.'s Vice-Consul at Canton.
"VINCENT STANTON,
"H. B. M.'s Chaplain at Hong Kong."
"Articles of which the restitution is required :--A watch, capped, and double cased in gold. A watch, double cased in silver. A gold chain and gold seal, with armorial bearings. A gold pencil case, cornelian top. A bunch of keys. Two small keys. A silver-mounted walking cane. A silk purse, studded with
steel beads."
AND PROSPECTS IN CHINA.
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arrangement with reference to internal transit duties, which latter is par- ticularly essential if Chusan be not made a free port, or be not perman- ently retained as one of our colonies; and,
4th. The cession of Hong Kong to the British crown, was no gain, in any one point of view, to England; on the contrary, its occupation has caused a great destruction of valuable life, and a considerable waste of treasure; while the retention of the island, even with the most rigid economy, must involve an annual sacrifice, unattended with any bene- ficial results. We made no arrangement for the revision of the treaty at the end of seven or ten years, when the working of its provisions would have been tested by time and experience; and no stipulations for the protection of those professing the Christian faith. Both these points were conceded to the Americans and French as soon as asked, and we are indebted to foreigners for concessions that ought to have been obtained by ourselves.
Having briefly reviewed the past, it may now be inquired what is our present position and policy? Do we feel secure of continued peace with China? Do we possess any commanding political position, the retention of which, by a moderate naval and military force, may arrest the direful calamity of another war? Have we any check to exercise over the Chinese, which may compel them to keep peace? developing, by precept or example, any moral control or influence which may surely, though slowly, establish our power, and win the respect and attachment of the Chinese Government and people ?
Are we
These important questions cannot, it is to be feared, be answered in the affirmative. The frequent expression of men of all classes of society is "another war with China is inevitable; affairs are not yet settled."
On the evacuation of Chusan we shall have no position in Chira capable of dictating peace; and by the final abandonment of that island in January next, we shall have adopted the most effectual step that could be taken for the encouragement of a bloody, and perhaps disastrous, conflict, of which it is impossible to see the termination, and which it is very probable may engender deep and bitter feelings of national hostility to us, unquenchable by time or circumstances.
As a Government, we are doing nothing for the inculcation of our language, or for rearing a corps of useful and honest interpreters, Euro- pean or Chinese; we are not merely negative, but prohibitory, as regards the dissemination of true religion*, although there is no point on which the Chinese Government and people are more indifferent; and on other points we are equally unmindful of our permanent interests.
* The Christian world is indebted to the French mission in China for a revoca-- tion of the former imperial edicts against Christianity, and for the promulgation of the following edict, granting toleration and protection to the Christians. A Russian religious and scientific mission has been established at Pekin since 1728, under the sanction of a treaty. The mission is changed every two years. The French have, under the able auspices of M. Lagréné, obtained, I understand, other concessions relative to religion and literature. The "Journal des Débats," in November last, had four columns of a triumphant article on the Christian conduct of France in China, and in eulogy of the now prevalent idea in France, that her mission, or des- tiny, is the promulgation of Christianity in the distant regions of the globe. M. Lagréné is, I understand, a lay jesuit of high standing. Whatever he be, however he deserves great credit for procuring the following "edict."--
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