Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 256

1850.

Men and Things in Shúnghái.

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in this part of the province. The advantages for communication with other parts of the empire afforded by the magnificent river which rolls along its borders are unknown to them, and must be until the mighty power of steam is brought into action.

The inhabitants of Shensí are regarded as among the best formed, the bravest, and the strongest of the sons of Hán; they are reputed to make the best soldiers, and for commercial activity they are not inferior to any, many of their bankers finding their way even to Canton and Amoy. The trade across the Desert to ĺlí is much of it in their hands, and passes down the King and Wei rivers through Sí- ngán fú into the Great Plain; a thousand years ago it centred there. The grains raised in Shensí are wheat, millet, barley, and a little rice;

clouds of locust sometimes destroy the crops, the distressed peo- ple then devouring the locusts. Medicines of various sorts, rhubarb, honey, silver, quicksilver, copper, gems, salt, coal, cabinet woods, hides, carpets, horses, mules, and camels, are among the productions of the land, the mines, and the shop. In literary pursuits, the people of Shensí do not equal those in the eastern provinces, though many distinguished persons have arisen in it. The climate is cold and sub- ject to many changes, the temperature of London and Cairo being ex- perienced in the same locality.

ART. V. Men and Things in Shanghái; famine; violent begging; contributions solicited; distribution of food; asylum for outcast children; oppression and assault; postmaster generals; pawnbrok- ers røbbed ; pirate-catchers. Letter to the Editor from SPECTATOR. SIR: Famine is still abroad in the land; multitudes of the people are distress- ed, and in some places, if reports be true, large numbers are dying for want of food. In the district of Shanghái, there are said to be 200,000 now suf- fering from famine; and in a small district to the east of this, no more than 60 li by 36, the whole population, say 120,000, are beggars,-unable, from any resources of their own, to gain an adequate sustenance. Equal or great distress prevails in districts northward from us, along the banks of the great rivers. I have endeavored, but in vain, to get some statistics in order to show the extent of the famine and the amount of suffering. The all absorbing question, with the authorities, is How to keep the people quiel? And they are making vigorous efforts to secure this end. The late repeated deaths in the imperial house, doubtless add to the intensity of solicitude at the present mo-

ment.

"Beggars becoming violent, so as to create disorder and cause insurrection, is one of the first and chief things to be guarded against." If no more than five persons band together at any house or shop, and insist on their requests,

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