Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 306

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Journal of Occurgences.

MAY,

A new tsotang, or under-magistrate, arrived in Macao about the middle of the month, and has issued several proclamations-one for- bidding the Chinese to sell strong drink to foreigners, another threat- ening punishment to bandits and robbers, a third prohibiting all the good natives to embrace the religion of the foreigners or to as- sume their dress, and a fourth disallowing their serving the barba- rians as chair-bearers, nurses, &c.

Lin, late commissioner, governor, &c., left Canton for Chěkeäng early in this month, leading 2000 soldiers, for the defense of Ningpo, Chinhae, Chusan, &c.

Summary punishment was inflicted upon a 'traitorous native' on the 8th instant in the streets of Canton. The man had presumed to speak regarding the business in hand between the Chinese and fo- reigners. Accordingly it was necessary that he should be disciplined and others admonished. Two small sticks-little mimic flags were stuck one through each ear, so as to stand erect one on either side of his head. His hands were bound behind his back, and then with one man beating a gong before him, and another following to beat his bare back with a rattan, he was marched through the streets of the city under a guard of soldiers.

Interruption of the trade, which had been carried on with unusual dispatch during the last month, and first half of the present, was at length again to be interrupted. The Horatio was the first ship that sailed from Whampoa after the raising of the blockade; she went to sea on the 12th ult. The Akbar followed on the 14th, and others soon succeeded. Thus business went on until Friday night, the 21st instant, when the scene changed, hostilities by fire and sword com- mencing at dead of night.

The perfidy and cruelty of the Chinese government has been ex- hibited in the late rupture in a manner that will deprive its officers of all sympathy for whatever sufferings they may have to bear. The conduct of these officers has been false and treacherous to a degree of which we had supposed man, even but half-civilized, quite incapa: ble. Such treachery deserves the strongest reprehensión, with pu̟- nishment the most signal and exemplary. When such treachery can be practiced with impunity a government cannot long exist. And if the Great Pure dynasty must be supported by such means, its downfall will be no matter of surprise or regret.

When the advanced squadron reached the gates of the city, on the 18th of March, its government and people were spared without ran- som, on condition of their ceasing from hostilities, and allowing an immediate restoration of trade. There was neither doubt nor equi- vocation in the terms of agreement. Nothing but good faith was needed to render the engagement permanent and safe. In a measure, the Chinese officers succeeded in restoring confidence. The people returned to their homes and shops in the city, and business comp- menced. On the first of this month, there were all the appearances of peace, and little concern was manifested for the safety of persons or property in the provincial city. Such were the appearances; but they were all false and treacherous,