Directory_and_Chronicle_1845 — Page 247

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Italian Journal he kept, the cause of the war and the articles of cification.

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For full account of Macao, See "An Historical Sketch of the Portuguese Settlements in China by Sir Andrew Ljungstedt, publish- ed in 1836.

The population, &c.

The Chinese population of Macao was estimated by Sir, Andrew, (see p. 31, in his book,) at “about 30,000 individuals, or at least six times greater than the vassals of Portugal actually are."

Since Sir Andrew wrote great changes have taken place in the regulations of Macao. It is now a free port. A new set of Com- mercial Regulations were formed between Kiying and M. Pinto in 1843. See Chi. Rep. vol. XIII. p. 276. New Regulations for the customs were published in March 1845, (see Chi. Rep. vol. XIV. p. 154.) The official notification, declaring Macao to be a Free Port, was published in Macao 28th Feb. 1846, and appeared in the papers of the day. See Friend of China, &c.

The following, from the Boletim do Governo, Macao, Nov. 5th, 1846, appeared in the China Mail, Nov. 19th, 1846.

More than thirty of the most respectable merchants of Macao, according to the invitation of His Excellency, met at noon to-day at his residence, the object being to request that His Excellency would adopt measures for securing in some way regularity in the providing for the public expenditure. His Excellency explained to them the circumstances of the establishment with his usual frankness, and his suggestions were cordially received. The Commendador Jorge and João Baptista immediately offered to advance $15,000 in three months, and afterwards other gentlemen took upon themselves the expenses of the establishment up to the end of June next, receiving letters upon the Financial Agent at London and upon the Naval Pay-Master in Lisbon. This, the governor was of opinion, would allow sufficient time to regulate the finances.—All those invited retir- ed satisfied, having enjoyed another opportunity of showing their patriotism; and His Excellency was exceedingly satisfied by the ready disposition of these gentlemen in aiding the government.