1842
Last Ten Years, from 1832 to 1841
40%
edness by permanent settlement. Conprehensively considered, this measure has become of high obligation towards the Chinese government, as well as to the public interests and character of the British nation. There can be neither safety nor honor for either government till her majesty's flag flies on these coasts in a secure position.
"April 11th. 1839.
"The interval between the date of my last notice and the present, has been mainly occupied by the high commissioner's pertinacious adherence to the demand for the execution of the bond. (Chi. Røp. vol VII., p. 650.) The American and Dutch consuls have been similarly assailed, and have replied substantially in the same
sense.
"Prisoners in his excellency's hand, I have not considered it expedient for the present to explain, that, whilst her majesty's government will offer no objection to the principle, that the emperor has the just right to make what laws seem good to him for the government of all persons in his dominions, there will remain, first, the right of remonstrance and its consequences to her majesty; secondly, the free election of departure to her majesty's subjects; and, thirdly, an inherent impossi bility to the admissible execution of any legislation involving capital, and probably any other, punishment or liability, save expulsion, in respect of her majesty's sub. jects who may remain in China, till the laws, in the language of his late majesty's instructions, shall be administered towards them "in the same manner in which the same are, or shall be, administered towards the subjects of China." Denied all right of free intercourse, or appeal to the higher tribunals of the empire, the state of circumstances contemplated in the instructions does not exist. Being on this subject, I should not omit to mention to your lordship that most of the foreign merchants in Canton had already signed and transmitted to the high commis. sioner, a voluntary pledge, couched in very extensive terms, to the effect, that they would have no further connection with the opium traffic. His excellency, however, was not satisfied, and hence the bond.
"I trust that I shall be able to avert any recurrence to intimidatory proceed. ings against the merchants, concerning this monstrous instrument, presented at a moment and under circumstances which intensely aggravate the responsibility that the high commissioner is casting upon his country and himself. His excel- lency, however, left Canton for the Bocca Tigris yesterday evening, to be present at the delivery of the opium; and I know not what effect my late address pro- duced upon him. But adverting to the demand I have made for timc, (which I have made principally to turn aside a return of proceedings against the mer. chants,) I need hardly acquaint your lordship that my first measure after we are set at liberty, will be to declare her majesty's government irresponsible for the safety of British shipping or property which may enter this port subsequently to the date of my notice. And with the liberty and lives of her majesty's subjects in constant danger, pending their continued stay within the grasp of this govern- ment, I shall further enjoin them all, in urgent terms, to quit the place with her majesty's establishment. My own departure will be regulated by the fulfillment of my public engagements to this government.
"We hear of the arrival of the ships at Lankcet, but the blockade continues very strict, and I am without letters from Mr. Johnston, since his departure on the 3d instant. Your lordship will judge of our separation from all intercoures with the ships and people of our countries, when I mention that I have not sur.
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