Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 33

1842.

Last Ten Years, from 1832, to 1841.

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is thrown away like a child's grass dog. Moreover, a blast may set on fire and cause a conflagration, which will occasion the resentments of myriads of fa- inilies. It cannot be that these things emanate from the wishes of the many. They must be led into crror by "divine vagabonds" (i. e. persons who make a pretext from serving the gods to serve themselves).

“Consider—the shopmen in a street all live by a little trade; their origin is not bigger than a fly's head; their end a mere trifle; and the profits they gain are small. But, in a moment, it is spent on wind and flame. and thrown away for useless regrets. Heaven's ways hate self-sufficiency; demons and gods abominate a plethery. To consider such services as prayers must be followed by divine reprehension. I, the lieutenant-governor, am in my own person economical and simple, that I may be an example to the people. It is my sincere desire to make my nursing to consist in giving no trouble; and to teach by my own mode of living. This is what you learned gentry and common people all know, and all have seen.

"Hereafter, when any anniversary of a god's birthday occurs, there is no objection to your going to a temple to suspend lanterns, and hang up ornaments, offering sacrifices with abundance and cleanliness. But, as to the street exhibi- tious, you must not listen to the divine vagabonds, who make pretexts to collect money, and gather together men and women promiscuously. If such people assemble, the district constables and street elders must be responsible. The learned gentry are permitted to proceed summarily, and report them to the local magistrate for punishment: to pull back again the people from the regions of sterile custom. As to all causes of assuming the cap (or toga), marrying wives, or burying parents, with the sacrificial rites attendant thereon-whether poor or rich—all should have a tender feeling for commodities; and a tender feeling for subsequent enjoyment (i. e. avoid all waste). The said learned gentry also should substantiate the wish of me, the lieutenant-governor, to correct the people, and instruct them in morals-should advise them to substitute plainness for ex- travagance, and by economy nourish wealth: so that the people of a year of plenty, may so hoard that plentiful year's wealth, that the people of a year of scarcity may look up to a year of plenty's accumulations. Would not this be beautiful! Ah! governmental love to the people, is not so good as the people's love to themselves! Would the people but love and compassionate their own persons and families, where would be the occasion of their waiting till other per- sons laid plans for them! And if reciprocally acting, they thus led the fashion, they might govern sweetly, and never know discomfort. Using these topics, 1 have lucidly and earnestly proclaimed them. that all might hear and knowi wishing that none will tread the steps of their former iniquities; but all practice to the utmost good morals.” Can. Reg., April 13th. 1833.

16th. A document was sent up to the emperor, regarding foreign vessels on the coast, deprecating their appearance there, and plead- ing inability to prevent it.

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A document sent up to the emperor, on the 10th of March, contains a reca- pitulation of all that has been, and of all that can be said, upon the subject of foreign ships going on coasting expeditions. This report is draw up by the joint Jabor of the governor, lient.-governor, títuh and hoppo, who (as well as old go- vernor Li) have examined the matter, and given their opinion occordingly. It was called forth by the statement of Na-url-king ih, lieut.-governor of Shantung