Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 266

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Review of Public Occurrences During the

MAY,

Aor, having made arrangements with the native chief there, to convey them to Singapore. It is a pleasing duty to the undersigned on this occasion to acknow- ledge in grateful terms, the many acts of kindness which bis own shipwrecked countrymen have experienced on the coast of China. The interchange of these charities cannot fail to strengthen the bonds of peace and good-will between the two nations. The undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to your excellency the sentiments of his high respect.

--Corresp. p. 201.

(Signed)

"CHARLES ELLIOT."

12th. H. B. M. commission arrived in Canton, consisting of capt. Elliot, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Elmslie, Mr. Morrison, and Mr. Anderson, leaving Mr. Colledge, Mr. Vachell, and Mr. Gutzlaff at Macao.

15th. The governor urges upon the hong-merchants to send away the foreign merchants engaged in the opium trade, who had applied for delay to recover their debts from the hongs.

19th. The governor of Canton, it seems, was not to be coaxed into compliance with "barbarian usages;" on the 13th he issued or- ders to the hong-merchants; and again under this date, and in the following terms.

"

Tang, governor of Kwangtung and Kwángsi, &c., &c., issues this order, requiring obedience.

"On the 12th instant, the English superintendent Elliot reported, that a ves- sel, with officers and people of Formosa, having encountered a gale off the Piscador islands, was driven to Pulo Aor, within the dominions of the said nation; that the persons on board were rescued, and that the foreign chief at Singapore had informed the said superintendent of the circumstance, in order that he might report the same. On the receipt of this report, I, the governor, com- municated the subject in the proper quarters, and also commanded the senior hong-merchants to enjoin orders on the said superintendent, that he knowing the same, might act accordingly.

“But for all-for those without as well as those within the pale of the em- pire-there are rules and bonds of action, styles and modes of expression, be- coming that dignity which has so long been respected. To the renovating prin- ciples for so long a period emanating from our empire, the barbarians on every side have submitted themselves. They have tendered to the celestial empire their respectful services, and this empire stands in truth at the head of the lands at its remotest borders, in no other character than that of a ruler amid ministering Servants. As to foreign merchants, permission is granted them to trade and to export, and thus is bestowed on them the means of obtaining profit. And in re- gard to those in distress, they are rescued from their distresses, and with needful gifts are sent back. These things arise solely from the all-pervading goodness, and cherishing kindness of the great emperor, whose favors are constant and universal. Between him and the small, the petty, how can there exist anything like 'bonds of peace and good-will ?'

'The said superintendent, in his address on this occasion, has failed altogether to conform himself to the old rules, has omitted the respectful expression, 'celes- fial empire,' and has absurdly used such words and expressions as 'your honor- able country,' aud peace and good-will between the two nations,' giving utterance