CO129-018 - Others - 1846 — Page 516

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BRITISH POSITION

Painful, however, as it is to contemplate the mistakes of the past policy, and the defects of our present position, there is much to cheer and encourage the efforts of the statesman, if efficient measures be vigorously and promptly adopted for their remedy.

Our mistakes appear to have had their origin in a misplaced leniency, in the manifestation of a magnanimity which was misunderstood, and which conveyed no real and permanent benefit on the conquered, A proud and corrupt Government, like that of China, inflated with the highest ideas of self-importance, viewed honourable and humane con- sessions as indications of timidity or folly; and where it could not op- pose force by force, it would naturally resort to the weapons of the weak, -dissimulation, cunning, and perfidy.

When, therefore, we found ourselves the victors of China, it was our duty, while carefully abstaining from doing aught to diminish the control of the Chinese Government over its subjects, to have adopted such measures, and to have taken such precautions, as would have pre-

Keying, a high minister, imperial commissioner, and viceroy of the provinces of Kwang-tung and Kwangsi, respectfully presents this duly prepared memorial to the throne. I, your minister, find that the Christian religion is that which the nations of the western seas venerate and worship,-its tenets inculcating virtue and goodness, and reprobating wickedness and vice, It was introduced into, and has been propagated in China, since the times of the Ming dynasty, and for a period there was no prohibition against it. Afterwards, because natives of China, who professed to follow its maxims, frequently made use of it to commit mischief, the authorities made examination, and inflicted punishment, as is on record.

"In the reign of Kia-kin, a special clause was first enacted in the penal code, for the punishment of this offence, and hence the natives of China were in reality prevented from committing crime,-the prohibition not extending to the religion which the foreign nations of the west worship.

"It now appears that the present envoy, Lagréné, has requested that those Chinese who follow his religion, and are in other respects blameless in the eye of the law, be held free from punishment for so doing; and as this seems what may be carried into effect, I, your minister, accordingly request that hereafter all who pro- fess the Christian religion be exempted from punishment, and looking up, beseech the imperial grace. If any should walk in the former ways or commit other offences, they will be adjudged according to the established laws.

"With reference to the subjects of France, as well as of all other foreign countries who follow this religion, they are to be permitted to erect churches for worship only at the five ports open for foreign trade; and they are not to presume to enter the interior, to propagate their doctrines. If any disobey this regulation, and rashly exceed the fixed boundaries (of the ports), the district authorities will at once apprehend them, and deliver them over to the nearest Consul of their re- spective countries, to be restrained and punished: they are not to be precipitately punished with severity, or killed. By this will tender compassion'be manifested to those from a far, as well as to the black-haired race, the good and the bad will not be confounded together, and by your Majesty's gracious assent, will the laws and principles of reason be displayed with justice and sincerity :-and this is my petition, that the practice of the Christian religion may henceforth entail no punish- ment ou those who are good subjects.

"Wherefore, I respectfully prepare this memorial, and looking up, I beg that your imperial grace do cause it to take effect. A respectful memorial.

"On the 9th day, 11th month, 24th year of Taoukwang, the imperial reply was received, assenting (to the petition),”

"RESPECT THIS."

The above mandate was received at Suchau, on the 25th day, 12th month, 24th year of Taoukwang,

Shanghai, 1845.

J. Mc D.

AND PROSPECTS IN CHINA.

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vented the grievous necessity of another war, by retaining an island or position, as a guarantee, which would command peace; by the establish- ment of a permanent British embassy at Pekin; and by securing per- fect freedom of intercourse for British subjects with every part of China, internal or maritime. This would have been sound policy, and at the same time merciful towards both the Chinese Government and people. The former would probably be saved the disastrous calamity of another war, which may end in the subversion of the ruling dynasty, and the latter, as an imitative and tractable people, would have received the great benefits of unrestricted commerce with a more civilized nation, capable of turning to full advantage the qualities of an industrious and peaceable race, in a country improved by art, and favoured by nature to a high degree.

In order, therefore, to accomplish the important objects which it appears desirable should be attained by England, for the sake of China as well as for our own interests, the following points are submitted for consideration :—

1st. The final cession of Chusan to the British Crown. (a) Failing this cession, the island to be placed under the protection of Great Britain, like the Ionian islands. (b) This not being granted, Chusan to be made a free port, open to all nations, with perfect freedom of residence, &c.

2nd. In consideration of the Chinese ceding Chusan to England, we might agree to withdraw our Consular stations from Amoy, Foochoo, and perhaps from Ningpo.

3rd. If the Chinese Government refuse to cede Chusan, then we ought to demand the permanent establishment of a British minister at Pekin, with a guard of honour from a ship of war, to be constantly stationed in the Peiho, and that all official intercourse be carried on at Pekin.

4th. We ought also to require that British subjects be permitted to reside in any part of China, with perfect security for life and property, for the free enjoyment of their religion, and for the prosecution of any lawful and proper business.

5th. That other ports be opened to British commerce, viz., those in the Yang-tze-kiang river, and to the northward; and that it be per- mitted us to navigate any river in China.

6th. That one of the other islands of the Chusan group, viz., the populous and cultivated island of Lowang, twenty-six miles in circum- ference; or the island of Tehinsauna, eight and a half miles long from east to west, with good anchorage in both monsoons on the north-east part of the Chusan group or archipelago, be ceded to us. By the adoption of such a system of definite policy, we should be establishing a physical and moral power in China of the utmost consequence to us as a nation, and pregnant with beneficial results of the highest mag- nitude.

It is the duty of statesmen to legislate and act for the future as well as for the present. The prescient mind can discern in the vista of coming events a period when the peninsula of Hindoostan will claim that right of self-government for which we are now educating the Anglo Indian people. We ought to be preparing for such a change, and to be now engaged in the formation of a controlling and directing power in

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