Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 280

262

Review of Public Occurrences During the

MAY,

in the domains of the celestial dynasty? What ifter ignorance of the requirements of dignity is this!

Yet the representation, that it is unpossible for him to communicate to his government such an unauthenticated document appears reasonable. And we, therefore, on this consideration act, on this occasion, as expediency dictates. We forthwith issue this document to you, the prefect of Kwángchau fú, requiring you immediately, in conjunction with the commander of forces in the department, to copy these our commands, and enjoin them on the said superintendent Elliot, that he may act in obedience thereto. He is required speedily to make known to the receiving-vessels anchored at Tsienshátsuy and other places, the imperial goodness, and also the imperial terrors; to set before them the choice of weal and woe: and to urge their speedy and entire departure for their country. There must be no contumacious opposition. The said superintendent is also to convey it to his king, that hereafter such receiving-vessels arc to be prohibited ever again coming hither; and that only the merchant vessels trading in legally dutiable articles may come, while all contraband articles, such as the filthy opium, are not to be conveyed over the wide seas. Thus, the source of the evil may be closed, and the laws be held up to honor; thus, the universally beneficial and boundless favors of the great emperor, may, on the one hand, be conferred; and, on the other hand, the path of commercial intercourse may for ever be kept open to all good foreigners. We, the governor and lieutenant-governor hold a great power in our hands, and do that which we determine to do. What difficulty should we have in driving these vessels away with the utmost rigor? Yet we refuse not to repeat our admonitions again and again, fearing lest there should be any want of perfect faithfulness, and any consequent obstruction to the display of universally impartial benevolence.

"If, after this time of issuing our commands, the receiving-vessels again col. lect, as though we were not heard, and continue to reinain looking around them, it will be manifest that amendment finds no place in the hearts of those concern. ed in them; and not only will they be no longer borne with by the great emperor, but by their own king also, they will certainly be subjected to trial. We cannot do otherwise than pursue them with the rigor of the laws, and show forth to all the celestial terrors. If the said superintendent fail to pay earnest obedience hereto, he also will draw on himself investigation and expulsion. All must with trembling anxiety attend. Further, let him be commanded to report as to the periods when these receiving-vessels severally depart for their country. Oppose not! Be earnest and speedy; earnest and speedy!"

We, the civil and military authorities of this department, having received the above, forthwith copy the commands of their excellencies the governor and lieut.. governor, and send them to the said superintendent Elliot, requiring him to pay immediate obedience. (The remainder of the document is a repetition of the latter portion of the preceding commands, with but one addition, wherein they require captain Elliot to report again through the medium of the hong-merchants.') Be earnest and speedy; earnest and speedy! A special order. September 29th, 1837.-Corresp. pp. 237-240.

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October 5th. The heads of the financial and judicial departments of the provincial government, issued a document regarding the amount and payment of the debts of the Hingtái hong. Can. Reg. 24th Oct