Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 147

1842.

Last Ten Years, from 1832 to 1841.

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11th. The magistrates of Canton issued an order for the purpose of regulating the exchange of dollars, Mexican, Spanish, Bolivian, Peruvian, &c. Can. Reg. April 21st.

13th. Sir G. B. Robinson wrote to viscount Palmerston, expressing "his unfeigned regret at the dissensions and violent party spirit that so fearfully prevailed among the mercantile community of Canton," calling his "attention to this dangerous state of society." He then adds:

"Without reverting to the past, I wish strongly to point out the absolute neces sity of placing the officers of government as much beyond these influences as prac- ticable; their most streauous efforts and best excrtions inust be in vain, if counter. acted by a strong under-current, if I may so express it. To prevent an evil of this nature is perhaps impossible, but I conceive it might be in a degree lessened, were cvery British subject, every British ship, removed from the river previous to the commencement of any sort of communication with the local authorities. Timely and reasonable notice being given, I should not anticipate remonstrance on an occasion where personal apprehensions would have their due weight. A retire. ment to Macao would hardly have the desired effect, and probably lead to many difficulties; to avoid which I would venture to recominend the embarkation of all British families and subjects resident at that place, until political arrangements were perfectly concluded, on board the merchant ships, which might then take their station in some of the beautiful harbors in the neighborhood of Lantao or Hongkong. How far the latter measure is practicable, I am uncertain, but think, if accomplished, it would make a greater impression on the Chinese than any expedients hitherto resorted to."-Corresp. p. 95.

14th. The Governor Findlay, captain McKay, sailed for Fukien, carrying G. J. Gordon, agent of the Bengal government, to visit the Bohea (Wúí) hills. Mr. G. had visited the Ngánkí hills in Novem- ber of the preceding year. Vol. III., p. 72.

21st. The prefect of Canton, in consequence of continued drought, having previously forbidden the slaughter of animals, published an edict prohibiting the catching of fish as well as the killing of animals. Can. Reg., 21st April.

28th. The prefect, having erected an altar and engaged the ser- vices of a Budhist priest, offered prayers for rain.

May 1st. No rain having fallen after three successive days devot- ed to prayers by the priest and prefect, the former proposed to the latter to enter on another engagement for three days, but the prefect at once bid him begone. Vol. IV., p. 46.

8th. After an uninterrupted drought of eight or nine months in Canton and its vicinity, there were copious showers of rain.

11th. Mr. Gordon and his party, while proceeding up the river Min. were fired on by the Chinese soldiers. Vol IV.

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XI NO. 111

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