Directory_and_Chronicle_1923 — Page 979

CANTON

g B Kháng-chau

州廣

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 Chin, it is also the seat of government for the province, and is the residence of the Governor-General, the Military Governor and Civil Administrator, besides a number of other government officials of more or less distinction

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 Årab 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 profitable 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 1811. 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 which what was called the Co-long monopoly at Canton was abolished and four additional ports were thrown open to foreign trade. Nevertheless, the provisions of the Treaty 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 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 was formerly enclosed by walls 43 ft. thick at the base and from twenty-five to forty feet high. The desire for reform and improvement on modern lines is shown by the recent demolition of the old city wall and utilisation of the site for a fine motor road, from 80 ft. 100 ft. wide, and six miles long, along which tramway lines are to be laid. This work was carried out by the Municipal Council, which was established in November, 1918. Since January, 1921, a continuous service of omnibuses with trailers has been running between the Canton-Kowloon Railway Station and the Tai Ping gate west. Numerous buildings of an improved type have recently been erected, notably the new premises of the Sun Co., a build- ing of nine stories, on the Bund. Canton has now its first park, situated in the heart of the city, and it is proposed to convert the former fortified quarters and gardens of the late official residences into a public garden. The suburbs spread along the river for nearly five miles. The entire circuit, including the suburbs, is nearly 10 miles. What is now called the New City was formerly known as the Southern Suburb. Western Suburb stretches for miles along the river. There were 16 gates giving admission into the city, besides two water gates. Canton contains great attractions for foreign visitors in its numerous temples, pagodas, etc., 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, the Mohammedan Mosque

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