Directory_and_Chronicle_1899 — Page 694

CANTON

州廣

Kuáng chau

Canton is situated on the Chu-kiang or Pearl River, in latitude 23 deg. 7 min. 10 sec. N., and longitude 113 deg. 14 min. 30 sec. E., and is the capital of the province of Kwangtung. It is sometimes called the City of Rams and the City of Genii, both of which names are derived from ancient legends. Canton is a foreign perversion of Kwangtung, its real name. One of the first cities in the Chinese Empire, it is also the seat of government for the province, and is the residence of the Viceroy of "The Two Kwang" (Kwangtung and Kwangsi). The Tartar. General is likewise resident here, besides a number of other government officials of more or less distinction, including the Haikwan, or Superintendent of Customs, a post always held by a Manchu. The office of Governor of Kwangtung was abolished in 1898, its functions being amalgama- ted, with those of the Viceroy's office.

Owing to its favoured situation, Canton became at an early date the Chinese port to which the traffic of European countries was first attracted. The Portuguese found their way thither in 1516, and Arab navigators had been making regular voyages between Can- ton and the ports of Western Asia as early as the tenth century. The Dutch appeared on the scene about a hundred years later than the Portuguese, and these in their turn were supplanted by the English. The latter, towards the close of the seventeenth century, founded the very prontable trade which was conducted for nearly one hundred and fifty years by the Agents of the East India Company, who established a Factory there in 1684, which was afterwards celebrated throughout the world. From 1684 the export of tea to England increased rapidly. The Company's monopoly terminated in 1834. In 1839 Great Britain was led to a declaration of war with China in consequence of the oppression to which foreigners were subjected by the native authorities, and Canton was menaced with 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 authorities continued unabated. The British campaign in Central China ensued, and the result was the signature of the Treaty of Nanking (August 29th, 1842), by when what was called the Co-Hong monopoly at Canton was abolished and four additional ports thrown open to foreign trade. Nevertheless, the provisions of the Treaty continued to be ignored in the City of Ranus, 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 Charles 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 French also sent out an expedition, and the city was occupied by the Allied Forces until October, 1861, a period of nearly four years.

The city proper extends to a breadth of about two miles, is about six miles in circumference, and is enclosed by walls about twenty feet thick and from twenty-five to forty feet high. The suburbs spread alon, the river for nearly tive miles. The entire circuit, including the suburbs, is nearly en 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. There are sixteen gates giving admission into the city beside two water gates. Canton contains great attractions for foreign visitors in its numerous temples, pagodas, &c., and in the many curio shops to be found there. As a specimen of Chinese architecture the Chin Chew Club is well worthy of inspection, and the Examination Hall, the City of the Dead, the Execution Ground, the Gaols, the Arsenal, an ancient Water Clock, and the Mahomedan Mosque are among other show places. The French Mission have erected a large and handsome Gothic cathedral, with two lofty towers surmounted by spires, in the city. The structure is entirely built of dressed granite. A Mint, constructed by the late Viceroy Chang Chih-tung, and furnished with a very complete plant, has been erected near the North Gate, commenced work in 1889, and now issues a silver subsidiary coinage as well as copper cash. The buildings cover a large area. On the opposite side of the river the Honam Temple and Monastery is the principal attraction. The population of Canton