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THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.

Tux following extract from Messrs Trugman and Cooks Circular of 1st August has appeared in the COLOMBO OBSERVER, which concurs fully in its views. Our object in drawing the attention of our readers to it, is, that we hold it to be very like ly a reduction of the Island duty on Cinnamon, will take place. Many of the Gardens, which belonged to Government are now in the hands of private individuals, who have lately become the purchasers, at a very low cost, and have now a strong interest in procuring the abolition of this im- politic Impost. We think a sufficiently good case has been made out

out to caus

cause a reduction to be made. We see no reason, why a heavier rate, ad valorem should be levied on Cinnamon than on Cof fee, or any other product of Ceylon. -

Should this view be taken in the proper quar- ters, it becomes worth while to consider what of fect such reduction will have on the demand for CASSIA in the European markets. Its to be ob- served that Ceylon Cinnamon of the lower quality saw recently quoted in bond at 38. per Ib in Lon- don, which price, if we reckon the accruing char- ges and interest on the duty it paid on Shipment viz, 2s. per lb. will be nearly the price in London of a relatively inferior article in Cassia.

We have not seen a correct estimate of the Cost of Cinnamon Cultivation, but judging by what we know of the rate at which Coffee and Sugar can be produced, and moreover remembering that Cin- namon is indigenous to Ceylon; we are disposed to think it could be produced there, at a rate, which if the duty be taken off, would materially affect the growing

consumption of Cassia.

As we are on the subject, we would venture to hint that a more careful selection of quality (when shipping Cassia), than is generally displayed would not be unattended with profit. The Chinese can themselves use up advantageously all the broken, discoloured, damaged and bad pieces as from these they distil the Cassia oil.

Up to the 30th June last the Imports of Cassia, as compared with the year pes 30 per Cem. The had increased 180 per Cent. The deliveries 80 eliveries 80 Import of Cinnamon, during the same period, had decreased 50 per cent and the deliveries 2 per cent nt.

CINNAMON The state of the Cinnamon Trade with Cavion has, for some time past, been anxiously engaging the attention of those connected with our Indian Commerce, who have had re- peated communications with Government on the subject. It does not admit of a doubt that unless the Export duty of As per lb payable on shipment at Ceylon, be removed, the trade must. speedily be

They went up

We understand that in consequence of an ac- cident to the Steamer Phlegethon, the Admiral was unable to proceed, as he anticipated to Foo-chow foo. He dispatched a letter to the Authorities by Mr. Coverly, an officer of the Phlegethon, who was accompanied by Dr. Playfair of the same vessel, ve City on the evening of the 7th instant, remained in a Cutter and arrived at the there, all the 8th, and left on the 9th. Nothing could be more friendly than the reception which they had from the Authorities and population whose curiosity was much excited by their arrival. Even the crew, we are told, are loud in praise of Foo Chow treatment. The well cooked viands and good things provided for the bearers of the Admiral's letter, were no bad evidence of a sincere feeling of hospitality.

On the passage up, they were hailed by a Junk, the bearer of invitation Cards from the Admiral of the station, they were then passing who wished them to land and partake of a feast. Desirous of proceeding, without delay to the City, the invita tion was respectfully declined.

We are informed that Foo Chow appears a bust- ling, thriving place of considerable commerce, but the excessive curiosity of the natives, was a grievous impediment, to any attempts at explora tion or even locomotion,

Nothing was apparent on the part of the popu- lace, but an eager yet respectful curiosity. And there was not evinced the slightest aversion to the Foreigner who had coerced the Emperor into a Peace, and whom they then saw for the first time. We hear the river is not dangerous, or at least its rocks and dangers can be easily avoided, when it is accurately surveyed.

The famed bridge mentioned by Du Halde, as we expected, did not excite any surprise in the minds of European beholders.

It is not arched, but erected on a series of gra nite pillars across the River, at the point where or rather waterways on one side and nine on the there is an island; thus there are thirty-six openings,

other. -

The Phlegethon, struck on a hidden rock, about 14 miles from the shore, and but for the Water tight partitions must have been lost. She will soon we believe proceed to Calcutta, where she will undergo a thorough repair.

Ir is reported in the SYDNEY HERALD of the

ily be annihilated. On the Island being ceded to the British 19th December, that an attempt had been made

at the Peace of Amiens, the entire Trade for some time centred in the East India Company, for which Government received an. nually a large sum After the agreement with the Company ceased, the monopoly, established originally by the Dutch from whom the Island was taken, was continued till 1833, when it was abolished, and the natives were allowed the right of cultivating Cinnamon where and as they pleased The Government Cin namon was subsequently sold in Ceylon periodically, but the whole remained subject to a duty on Export of no less than 3a per lb, equivalent to at least 300 per Cent; it has now been low. ered to what has been stated, viz, 25. per Ib

was known in no

by the inhabitants of New Caledonia to capture the Brigantine, BULL. This vessels a afterwards proceeded to the Isle of Pines, but remained there only one hight the. Master not liking the ap- pearance of the natives, and moreover a Leefoo Islander informed them a brig had lately been surprised there and all the Crew, except three, had been murdered by the natives, The Brig, as also

From the year 1798 to 1825 the cultivatingpalities, the BULL, Were in search of Sandal Wood.

other part of the world, and notwithstanding the impolicy aven then of such an exorbitant charge the trade was thereby little affected ; but in 1825 a successful attempt was made in Java by, an experienced Planter from Ceylon, and the shipments from that Iland, which, having since been annually increasing, are now estimated for this year at 117,000 lbs, at least, on which a lavied a duty

on the value, of Four per Cent, only. The culture has also extended itself to Gulana and the West Indies, and judging from a small parcel lately received from Jamaica, there can be no question it can be successfully produced in that quarter, and that a supply may at no distant period confidently be expected from thence, the duty there being only Two and a half par Cent. From Cochin China, Malabar, &c. large quantities will doubtless, ere long, find their way to Europe, being com free from all fiscal charges. It is therefore evident

mon,

ratively Cinna: the produce of Ceylon, cannot, under existing circumstan cea, compete with that of other Countries; and if the meri the question were understood by the Government this interest. ing trade would aseredly he no longer suffered to remain in ite present anomalous stater Indeed Coylin Cinnamon,

of other adverse fluences would be very son driven out European Markets the increased use of Cassia Ligne substitute Which

pus from following returng. Imports for 1838 98,665 lbs 1839, 130,5111840, 999.

033 258 and for the saven

of 1842 log, whereantherupply of

LAV1898 404 604

As we have mentioned this article, we may re- mark that it seems to be becoming of some im- portance in Australian Commerce. For this rea- son we would tell our Sydney readers we are in- formed by a Merchant, well acquainted with the article, that the Sandal Wood sent to this market should uniformly be barked, if possible, in solid, straight piece of about 4 feet in length and the thickness of a man's arm. The best is of a yel- lowish brown colour, with a strong scent. This sort is now worth about 6.6 to 7 per pecul and is Timor 1st considered at a very low rate quality which possesses the abov requisites, generally ranges between

The Des generall

Mer spur

here by t

have contained a lar

Which is only wo

It is easily distinguishable the

much

courser, texture spongy, of course lighter, and with- out scent The city at Macao is on the

competes with the

om. The other

6 per Cent

ra since the Import was 25 to 30,000

Owings

the Worth

199

We insert the following letter, althougli The CANTON REGISTER has not been very we disapprove of the tone of parts of it. scrupulous in many of its strictures on soy- eral occasions: but we confess our task is not a pleasant one, for we dislike the un- Contemporaries, unless urged to such a profitable proceeding of course by some very powerful motive.

reflecting on

SIR

on our

a

GINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

The important announcement in last CANTON REGISTER, that the Editor would publish his remarka on the Co-hong in an Extra, to be dispatched by the Zephyr for the enlightenment of the deplorably ig- norant folks at home, naturally enough aroused one's curiosity and I really did wade through this precious Document.

It would be wholly unworthy of the slightest notice, the opinions of the most influential house in China on were it not, here, well known to accurately represent this subject.

The whole article except the concluding remarks, of which more anon, is a stale compilation from the most accessible scources of information, and the best portion is taken verbatim et litteratim, without acknow- ledgement from the CHINESE COMMERCIAL Guide of John Robert Morrison, ride Page 33 et passim,

For years past the China Merchants have been des- perately clamorous, in their complaint against the Hong Monopoly. Every sin of ommission, and com- mission, has been conveniently referred to the Hong Monopoly, Their correspondents, good easy creatures, liament, dunned the Ministers, and even attacked the caught up the tone, agitated the people, pestered Par- King in council, to procure the abolition of this most detestable and most obnoxious grievance.

Well the old-sytem is doomed, and we almost calch the sound of the exulting shout. which will hail the when le! and behold the complainants instead of as- announcement in England of its approaching demise;

isting with gleesome alacrity at the obsequies, and deep burying it, aye, even screwing it into a patent iron coffin, never to rise again, now turn round and implore a reprieve, which being granted, are also using their best efforts to perpetuate the hideous Monster.

What must H. E. the Plenipotentiary think? What mast Her Majesty's Ministers think 7 What must the honest but deluded people of England think? when they are told by the pet Organ and Oracle of the prin- cipal Merchant in China, that the Old System has a beneficial influence on the foreign isTrade, for thesa fety and protection of the Foreigners, civil and commercial, from acts of violence and fraud on the part of the Na tives; that the debts owing to Foreigners by the Hong-merchants, have been generally paid in the long run, &c. &c. Any comment is unnecessary

In conclusion, the Editor as a succedaneum for the Old System, devises the notable expedient of a Joint- Stock Company, which would possess all the vices of the Co-hong Monopoly, without its only virtue the Government Security !

I have already occupied too much of your space, but please to refer to the Editor's Pamphlet, and I think you will find his argument for the continuance of the Company's Monopoly, was its being alone adequate to cope with the cunningly contrived oppression of the Co-hong System.

A reference to a file of the Register, will fix on the Editor the most glaring inconsistency, you have only to quote his own words in times past, with respect to the now expiring, but then much abused Hongs.

After such a specimen of versatility of talent, what may we not expect? we may perhaps yet see a funeral eulogium on the Hong Monopoly; which will bind up with the Lugubrious Lament of Leadenhall:

For the light of other days has faded And all its Glory's past.”, _^~

I remain

Macao Feb 22, 1848.

Your Obt. Servant;

MERCATOR.

The Gazette of Friday sets forth that the Queen

been pleased to make, ordain, and esta constitute, the Church of the Holy Trinity, a of Gibraltar, to be a cathedral

and to

altar shall her

City of Gibralta

in Hobart Town, is in like ter

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