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THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.

We cannot now comment on the sayings and doings at home, in reference to China; we would however observe, that all the papers we have yet seen are unanimous in the opinion we have repeat- edly expressed, viz. It is alone the business of the Chinese to prevent smuggling, and that it would be not only inexpedient but decidedly adverse to British interests for us interfere in the matter. This much we would however add, it is our confident expectation (should an exceptional policy be adopted in China) that a supposed equivalent will be obtained as a recompense.

By our late advices from Bombay, we learn that all is tranquil in India. The Ameers of Scinde appear

disposed to make terms with Major Outram

Lord Ellenborough is going to Agra, where the Government and Courts of Law will be stationed for some time. Trade generally was better, and Freights also have improved.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

THE Communication of L with respect to the Claims for losses by the late riot at Canton, was received too late for our last issue. Want of space precludes its publi- cation this week. For the same reason we cannot insert the account of the open- ing of the Theatre at Koolongsoo, for which we are indebted to V.

We are much obliged to

our Ferrign friend for his description of the Steam Rope Manu- factory at Manila. We shall translate and insert in an early number. In reply to J. F. E. we can only say that we have not yet seen a Copy of the ratified Treaty, but think with him that its publication will be › no longer delayed, as by this time (Partia

ment having met) its contents will be fully

PROSPECT OF an improved TRADE IN CHINA.

Peace having been happily concluded between Great Britain and China, it only remains for us now to make the best of our altered position, by using every honest effort within our reach, to ex- tend the trade profitably and honorably, endeavour to cemen, friendship with China.

to

•

THE Commercial accounts received by the pre- sent Mail, are, of the whole, satisfactory, Busi- less generally as reviving, and although high prices are not likely to reign again for some years, there seems to be a returning confidence, in a stea dy and improving trade.

The great falling off in the devenue both for thic year and quarter appear to have caused serious misgivings in the minds of capitalists, and stocks had been slightly affected in consequence; but there seemed to be no apprehensions that the di- minution would be otherwise than temporary,

We re-publish Messrs. TRUEMAN and Cook's. Circular, which gives a lucid, and, apparently ac- curate, account of the state of the market.

the interior transit of merchandise, the Mandarining the needful to pay us for dar merchandise to a officers, with the assistance of the privileged Hong very large amount annually; doubtless the indus- merchants, can force. or at least direct, the main

trious millions of China, can do as much in propor- current of trade to any point on the main land of tion to their numbers, in this respect, as the indolent the empire which may suit them, or their govern- thousands in some of the South American States, ment; however, as we have got the key of China, have done for a pries of years past. we can use it or otherwise, as circumstances may from time to time require, and should we unfor-

Colonial Magazine, tunately be compelled again unlock the door to get into China, then the shortest and surest way to end the matter would be, to run a lino by steamers and an army, right accross China, from Nankin to Canton, via the the Poyang Lake, and declare and hold the country between that line and the sea as British, in which section would be included all the tea and silk districts, and the most opulent and populous provinces of China. Hong-kong being a free port will largely share as a depot in the trade of the Straits and Malay Archipelago, which will doubtless considerably increase; it will also as a natural consequence largely participate in the coasting trade of China, but what share it might have in the Tea and European trade remains yet to in the Canton river had to pass through the gras- be seen, as under the old system, all regular trade ping hands of the privileged Hong merchants.

The four additional ports opened to us by war for trade in China, are admirably selected in point of position, for the extension of our commerce with the most populous and most wealthy parts of China, Shanghai is most especially so, from its being the sea-port of the ancient imperial capital of Nankin, and also of the mighty-Yang-tse river; from its being situated in the middle of the most richly and thickly inhabited parts of China; and from its having also the most opulent populatien. The great fear of our not succeeding lies in the power of the Mandarin officers and privileged Hong merchants combined, to thwart the terms of the treaty of peace, which admits of freedom of trade between us and the Chinese generally-if the Tartar government honourably act up to the spirit and letter of the treaty of peace, allowing us

through the empire to carry into effect their en- gagements with us, against all Hong, or other Tartar government privileged opposition, the eause all restrictions on trade to be thrown off de facto, at once throughout the entire Empire, upon the principle of a moderate inland duty being chargeable on merchandise passing from one part of China to another, then there can be no longer the shadow of a doubt of a most immense exten- It is to be hoped the treaty of peace concluded

sion to our China trade in goods and merchandise, by Sir Henry Pottinger, may give that full expan-particularly suited the wants of the China mar- sion to our intercourse with China, which the late ket; but only in such particularly suited goods and war gave us the power of opening up; everything merchandise, can any extension be expected for now depends on the terms on which the questions the next few years least. Unsuitable goods do are settled respecting duties on imports and ex- ports, transit duties chargeable on foreign and

very badly in China, no one will give any price home merchandise passing from one part of China

for them. Plain cottons

blets, and to another, privileges of the Hong merchants, port charges on shipping, system to be adopted of con ducting business at the four ports newly opened, and also at Canton in future, how the British mer- chants are to be accommodated with residences for themselves, their wives, and their families, at the ports newly opened, how protection to life and

MONEY AND EXCHANGES.-The important events by. which the year eighteen hundred and forty twoghas memorable epochs in the commercials annals of this been marked will hereafter, render it one of the most Country; commencing, as it did, with a general stag

nation. in duration and evipukatite unprecedented ne.

companied with losses, arising from failures both at home and abroad, and from the depreciation of mer- chandize, estimated at not less than from twenty to thirty millions sterling; and terminating with the re- sumption of activity, and a revival in manufactures, as

was sudden and unexpected. extraordinary as

Notwithstanding the excitement arising out of the in- telligence from China has passed away, the Manufac turing Districts present a marked changes for the bet ter; not, however, produced, as trenerally imagined, by China, but owing to other causes high bhic beên sẽ an impetus given from the completion of a treaty with lently in operation for some time

As respects Property, the ch extraordinary within the,riod te

'arliament

the latter, considered to be deterio rated by some yets, of wear, has men salesd above half the east of newn From the the Factory Commissioners, presented last February, and bearing date December, 1841, it would appear

that of 1,164 Cotton Mills in his district, there were 139 short time, and 138 not working at all, making a difference of 25,000 in the number of persons employed; whereas all the Mills which were on short-time are now in full work: a similar observa tion may be inde as to those on other branches of manufacture

SUGAR --A srong impression has for some time past prevailed, that an early revision of the Sugar Duties would take place, which has had a great effect on the market, and sas, in consequence, could only be mad upon a reduced scale, and at a considerable decline in cotton twist, and cam-price-although the extent of Consumption, as well of suitable colours and qualities, as the very moderate Stocks, warranted the expecta- tion that the demand would have been more extensive.

me me the chief European articles

and some

are

of consumption in extensive demand in China.

But if the Tartar government still continue to levy heavy transit duties on goods passing into the interior of China from the five trading ports, (Can- ton included,) then however favourably the import and export duties may be regulated, and levied, at

What may be the ultimate issue of negociations now pending, must. fecessarily be only vague conjecture; rumour assuming a reduction of the present duty of 24s. per Cwt. to 16s, on British, and of 63s. tn 30s, on Foreign a scheme which would involve a

sacrifice of revenue of not less than one million sterling, éved al-

property is to be made secure, how grievances are the port at which thr British inerchandise is landlowing for a much greater quantity; being taken for

the British are to be recovered, and how we are to be assured that the voice of the representatives of England reaches the Emperor's ears, and has due attention and consideration paid to it without delay. If these points be severally fully gone in- to, clearly settled, and fairly established, by being put into good working order, and into full opera tion under the auspices of our foi ces now in China, before them forces move one foot homeward from China, (or before any considerable part move homeward.) then, from the great resources and wealth of China from the persevering industry of her 300 million inhabitants, and from the fixed and resolute national trading propensities, and the ceaseless commercial enterprise of the plodding Chi nese part of the population, (above ninety-nine parto of one hundred of the whole, it is not too much to anticipate confidently that the result of the China war will be the effect of affording more relief t the industry and enterprise of our over population, and of infusing more new life.

active commercial (and no doubt operations than any other one measure wha and prove in the result highly beneficial tol

counties.

But if the foregoing points referred to, be leit

state, to fi

a great m re in an u

own level according

after the main part of our for drawn, then our splendid powde

must necessarily be slow and limited in its deve- lopment.

the

e use, such rumours serve however, to increase

on a solid foundation

depression in the trade, as much as if they rested

SPICES. --Cassia Lignea, has latterly fallen very considerably in value, chiefly in expectation of large

15s. 18s, and prices now range from 70s, 80s, per-

Cwt against 365s. 938. in 1141, and 80s. 90s, in 1840. Import this year 21.300 Packages, against 18,000 and 1800, Stock 3000, against 2,700 and

9,500

Teas and Silk have always been procurable in China in quanties equal to our demand, notwith-supplies the decline from the highest point is fre standing that the war has been of three yeare duration, what further quantities of these stapls articles we can with profit take annually, in pay ment for British merchandise, or what increased quantities of these staples China can supply, re- mains yet to be acertained; but be that as it may, there is, I think, little, if any, fear of silver and gold being forthcoming (from the nmerous mines of China) in ndance, to pay for our mer ise, so long

as at pres ply ther

ntinue to supply the third less than they car sup Isewhore this remark applies ollens (thin ladies cloth, the

regards

oney amoUT

The main question i

the best

not

SILK, &c.Silk has been in very good demand, and the value of Bengal has been maintained, but China and Italian have given way, bout six or seven per Cent. The Imports of Bengals for 1843 exceed those of the preceding year by 1800. Bales being 0784, against 6075 Chinas on the contrary, there is a falə ling off, being 2014 only, agar 3793the Deliveries? Bengal, 6895 against 6037 China; 2991, against 9973 and the Stock on the Sust December, Bengal 7,300 Bales, ainst 5850; China, 1203, agajust 2180. Silk piece Broods have bee depressed for the last twelve month Corahs having declined in that period 19. 68, at 29 per Piece, and not of free sale at that on, the low price of Bengal Silk enabling our rer to fabricate an article materially into

Bombay Times.

com

Visc

DEATHS

Sir F. S. Weatherall. Lord Gil-

Wrangam Dr. Mit

•

tom which

Brauch Free