Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 24

6

Review of Puble Occurrences. During the

JAN

that he might promulgate them for obedience thereto; it has never been the case that a written document was given in return. On this occasion, I, the mi- nister and governor, have already given my authoritative decisions perspicuously. It is incumbent on the said chief and others to take the authoritative decisions which have been issued, and promulgate them for information. Why do they, again and a third time, obstinately refuse to transmit the injunctions, and dun with requests to give a written document in return? Exceedingly does it indicate refractory stupidity! Uniting the above, I again issue these orders, and require the bong-merchants to deliver them to the said chief and others, that they may transmit the orders to the said naval captain, that he may promulgate them for the information of the said nation's civil and military, and cause them all to know them fully. As to the said naval captain availing himself of the north wind that now blows, and returning on an early day-let him make haste and set sail. It is by no means the case that I, the minister and governor, have not taken the said nation's document, and clearly and fully given my authoritative decision in reply. These are the commands. Can. Reg. Jan. 16th.

13th. Dispatches for the admiral, on the Indian station, left Can- ton to be forwarded by the Wolf, and captain Freemantle at the same time proceeded to rejoin his ship (the Challenger) at Lintin.

19th. Charles Marjoribanks, esq, late president of the select com- mittee of the honorable E. I. Company's factory, sailed for England. and J. F. Davis, esq-, succeeded to the presidency.

February 2d. There being an eclipse of the sun, his excellency Chú, the lieutenant-governor, went into mourning for it this day.

5th. A rebellion broke out on the northwest frontiers of this pro- vince, among wilu tribes of mountaineers.

9th. The governor published the following edict, regarding opium, addressed to the hong merchants.

"Opium is a spreading poison,-inexhaustible;-its injurious effects are ex- treme. Often has it been severely interdicted, as appears on record, But of late, the various ships of barbarians which bring opium, all anchor, and linger about at Lintin, in the outer ocean, and, exclusive of cargo ships, there arc appointed barbarian ships, in which opium is deposited and accumulated, and there it is sold by stealth. That place is in the midst of the great ocean, and to it there are four passages and eight communications (i. e. it is accessible from every quarter). Not only do traitorous banditti of this province go thither, and in boats make clandestine purchases, but, from many places, in various provinces, vessels come by sea, under pretence of trading, to Lintin; and in the dark. bny opium dirt, which they set sail with, and carry ofl': as, for example, from Hiảmuu (or Amoy) in Fukien, Ningpò in Chèkiáng, and Tientsin in Chilí provinces &c. And there are native vagabonds, who clandestinely open opium furnaces; then traitorous merchants from outside (or other provinces) first go to Canton shops, and secretly agree about the price; next make out a bond and buy ;— proceedings which are direct and gross violations of existing prohibitions.

"At present, some one in the capital, has represented the affair to the amperor. and strict orders have been respectfully received from his majesty. To