Directory_and_Chronicle_1880 — Page 291

UUTTIO

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CANTON.

capture in 1841.

A pecuniary ransom was, however, received in lieu of the occupation of the city, and hostilities were for the time being suspended. The lesson, unfortunately, was without effect, and the arrogance of the Chinese continued unabated. The British campaig. in Central China ensu-d, and the result was the signature of the Treaty of Nanking (August 29th, 1842), by which what was called the Co-Hong monopoly at Canton was abolished and four additional ports thrown open to foreign trade. Never- theless, the provisions of the Treat, continued to be ignored in the City of Rams, and foreigners were still denied admittance within its walls. The result of protracted annoyances and insults was that in October, 1856, Sir Michael Seymour, with the fleet, again opened hostilities, and some two months later a mob in retaliation pillaged and burned all the foreign residences. In December, 1857, Sir C arles Straubenzee, in command of an expedition which had been specially despatched from England, attacked the city, and it was taken on the 29th of that month. The city was occupied by the English until October, 1861, a period of nearly four years. By this time the natives had learned that the subj cts of other nations living amongst them could not be subjected to insult and injury with impunity, and from that day to this foreigners of every nationality have dwelt peaceably in the locality.

The

Canton proper extends to a breadth of about two miles, is about six miles in circumference, aud is enclosed by walls about twenty feet thick and from twenty-five to forty feet high. The suburbs spread along the river for nearly five miles. entire circuit, including the suburbs, is statel by Williams to be nearly ten miles, the walls enclosing about six miles. What is called the New City now was formerly known as the Southern Suburb. The Western Suburb stretches for miles along the river. The gates by which entrance is gainel into the city are sixteen in numb r, and two water gates. Canton contains reat attractions for foreign visitors in its numerous temples, pagodas, &c., and in the many curio shops to be found there.

When the foreign merchants went back to Canton to establish tra le after the capture of the city by the English at the close of 1857, they found the Factory and the buildings along the river in ruis. Recourse for accommo lation was consequently hal to warehouses on the Honam side of the river. Considerable discussion subsequently took place as to the selection of a site for a permanent British settlement, and it was eventually determined that an extensive mulflat known as Shanien should be filled in and appropriated. In 1859 an artificial island was created there, a can il constructed between the northern side of the site and the city, and solid and extensive embank- ments of masonry built. It took about two y ars to complete this undertaking, and cost no less than $325,000. Of this sum four-fifths were defrayed by the British, and one-fifth by the French Government, to whom a portion of the reclaimed land was given, but they have never built on it.

In consequence, however, of the subsequent decline in the importance of Canton as a place of trade, caused principally by the opening of some of the northern ports, the Shamien site has been availed of but by few, and many of the merchants by whom lots were purchased there in 1861, at enorm us prices, have withdrawn from Canton altogether. The trade now transacted there by foreigners is limited. Tea anl Silk are the staple exports. The total export of Tea for the year ending 31st December, 1878, was 16,168,439 compared with 16,905,753 lbs. in 1877; and the quantity of Raw Silk exported in 1878 was 21,792 piculs. The import of Opium in 1878 was 771 piculs as compared with 324 piculs in 1877. The total annual revenue of the port for 1878 was Tls. 993,965, as compared with Tls. 1,007,706 in 1877. The purely native trade of Cantou still enjoys a high degree of prosperity. The population is estimated at 1,500,000.

a

Ample means of intercommunication exist between Canton and Hongkong, distance of about ninety-five miles, in foreign steamers plyin; daily, and a large number of native cra't. There is daily steam communication with Macao. Steamers also run regularly between Shanghai, Hongkong, and Canton. There is a safe and commodious anchorage within 150 yards of the river wall of Shamien. Only steamers go to Canton; sailing vessels never ascet,d beyond Whampoa, owing to the difficulties of navigating a crowded river.

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