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NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS Vinder might be aware that we never publish anonymous communications. His letter contains serious accusations, and unless we were well assured they were true, and were intrusted with the name of the party who makes them, we would under any circumstance decline publishing them; but in the present instance, we have heard a very different ver- sion of the affair in question. The intelligent Shipmaster, so highly complimented by Vin dea, according to what we hear of his tran- sactions, does not appear with such flying colours, nor does the Consul behave like a renegade or naturalized Clanaman.

NOTICE

New advertisements, will be received, until 4 O'Clock, on the evenings precious to publi- cation, viz: Tuesdays und Fridays.

10

18

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68. M29 72.088

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79 80.5

80 82.6

81 84.3

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14

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76 | 2075 29 75, 386

29 80 2972 29 75.586

Chinese day Day of Day of

Baroneter

··∙Blax

Min

Mean

Masin Mean Thermometer,

Winds

Fore

Latter

82 83.2

7981

E.

29 77.581

79 79,5

78 79.5

E

night.

5.9. W

Daß considerable thunder a lightning during

the ni

Mod, rain during saoring, latter part fine..

Lxght sudden shifts of wind in after part.

Laght'fine and clear.

W.

Light fine and clear.

Remarks.

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. (To the Editor of the Friend of China,)

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FROM 26m AUGUST TO 1ST SEPTEMBER, 1844.

BAPTISM OF CHINESE. Sin,--Having witnessed a spectacle of no small interest yesterday morning, near West Point, I send for the columns of your valuable journal a brief notice of it, presuming it will prove interesting to a numerous class of your readere.-- In the presence of a large assemblage of their countrymen, superstitions of their nation, and had been instructed in the doctrines of our Divine Religion, made a public profession of their faith by being baptized. The mode of administering the sacred rite of baptism by our American friends, invested the ordinance with peculiar interest, if not the primitive one, it strikes me as being the most impressive. It required no grent stretch of the imagination, to fancy myself on the lake of Glenessaret, to which our harbor bears no very remote resemblance,

ten or eleven Chinamen, who had previously renounced the

I understand that two small churches of native christians have been formed in Hongkong, one composed of those who speak the Canton dialect, under the pastoral care of the Rev, Mr. Shuck; and the other of Teichew men, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Dean.

The efforts of these worthy men to disseminate a religion among the millions of China, which will send to elevate theni: in the scale of nations, and prepare them for a blessed. immortality, is worthy the support of the philanthropic of

THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONG-KONG GAZETTE.

passage, or shall commit such or other acts anywhere whatsoever in the night time, so as to croato annecessary alarms," and at the end, Then, and in every kuch cause Person go offending shall forfeit and bay, &c., the not exceeding 200, as satul be adjudged in matter after mentioned

It is not to be wondered at, that this senteret understood,, from its length, and the variety of embraces. To render any one liable under this sen must be proved to the antisimetion of the mag I was about to say, but of this anon, that anne

ittot be

alanne wore crented," by scrvants obeying the orders of the

masters, in continuing an old established custom for the protection of their property-thie, I should thunk, would be a dificult matter.

If we look at the construction of this Ordinance, in most respects, it is a dead latter, as the offending party shall forfeit, &o,, as shall be adjudged in manner hereinafter mentioned, then follow the second, third, and fourth clauses The second provides for a second conviction of the sermo offence, the third gives authority to certain officers to require delinquents to remove filth or obtrusions, or to do any other mattor or thing requited to be done by this Ordinance, within.n certain day, and in default, to recover double, the am unt of expense to be incurred by sucli officer in doing the same for them; the fourth, and last, provides for the recovery of the penalties before a magistrato, without any alternative upon non-payment. In no part of this redoubted Ordinance, is there provision made for the conviction" of

offenders, or adjudication of penalties to be imposed !!!

I have heard it reported, that some of the magistrates or authorities have actually convicted parties under this splendi specimen of legislation, and adjucated the amount of penalty If this be true, it would be as well that such hagistrates or authorities should look more chicly into the local lass, which, in many instances are diffent, if, indeed, postible he comprehended,

I would contend thus that part of the first section, under which I presums the Bamboo Notice is issued, never was intended to refer to the striking of Bamboos, by watchmen, as we find ut nourly the end of the lengthy sentence, Or if any person employed as a guard or watchinan, shall sleep at his post, or be negligent, remiss, or cowardly in the execution of lus duty, zo, then lie shall be subject to pay $200 but like all other offenders, in default lie-may remalu at large, while his master may have lost thousands by his neglect. But, to return, surgly the framer of this law would have collected into the same portion of the same eshilence every thing he meant to relate to watchmen, Liscrefore the beating any gong, &c., cannot have been intended by him, or those who passed it into a law, to have reference to watchmen de

It would seem to prdinary capacities, that the best courap to be adopted, for the suppression of watchmens' burnboor was, that of indiciment, charging such offence to be the common nuisance of all Her Majesty's fiege subjects. Then, however, the court would adapt its judgment to the cirea

we know not; but fortunately his labours were termurated by the unexpected appearance of our present overnor, and Sir Henry, with his wandering Lycurgus, has returned to England to b rewarded for his services in China, leaving us, amenable to all sorts of pains and penalties, should the magistrates take it upon them to enforce these laws, before they receive the royal sanction-wach they never will receive and without which they are not worth one straw. We anticipated that, when a Chief Justice arrived the courts would have been opened the laws of England in all their purity would have been administered, and the rubbish which has been heaped upon them would be swept away and forgotten We were wrong however. It does not suit the government of Hongkong

ng to open the court; and justice continues to be duled out by the gallant magistrate of police, whose honourable and active career in arms, has but littic qua lifted him for the bench, in cases where points of law have to be decided. There is a degree of cruelty in imposing heavy responsibilities upon tins gentleman, now that there are public servants of the crown idle in the colony, though sent out to fill appointments, which they appear to think merely nominal, which lean only be estimated when we consider in how many instances he lays himself open to censure, by dispensing law, which is not English law, but Puttinger law, and which is not legalized.

Recently, there have been two notable in- stances of the grand injustice resulting from this Pottinger law, and though we do so with ro luctance, wefeel it our duty to state them plainly, without respect to persons. At present we will confine, ourselves to what we may term the bamboo act..

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on it, by our military magistrate, could never have entered the imagination of its framer, or of any other man, who had not a motive to serve by

by giving it a false construction. We publish this ordinance in full. Let it be read attentively, and we then ask if such cor- rupt uses have been made of one clause, what may an arbitrary and irresponsible government not do with others?

In the whole of these proceedings, there is another proof of the absolute necessity of having men in the Council, who have a greater interest in the colony than the man drawing a salary from its exchequer, who only looks to his ap

ointment in Hongkong as the medium of his future advancement, Had there been even one independent member, when this subject was proposed, he would have opposed it, and after an explaination of his motives for doing so, others would have joined him, That the members of the present council, are unobjectionable as constituting part of that council, we freely admit; but as forming an entire legislative body, qualified to administer to the wants of the colony, to facilitate its improventents, and to encourage, its commerce, it is impossible, from their former pursuits, the short time they have been on the island, and their lack of co- lonial experience, that unaided by the advice of experienced and practical men, who have. a deep interest in the place, they the servants of the crown-can give satisfaction to the inhabitants, or legislate with comfort to them. selves.

}

It is in vain to disguise the truth. The late order of council has proved that, the whim of one man, has placed the entire private property on the island in a state of insecurity-that he had not the slightest difficulty, in inducing his compeers to agree to a measure, in itself par-

It is necessary, for the information of those fectly illegal-and that the police magistrate, at a distance, to explain that, such is the inse- curity of property, and the inefficiency of the police, that it is found

stances of the case, such circumstances being the invariable who has any thing in by every man

practice amongst watchmen, and the only means afforded to their masters of knowing they were vigilent, those mastere being obliged to employ the private protectors of property from the insufficiency of the police forced why

In conclusion, I should wish to be informed why the government adopted such an unpopular and arbitrary course, by enforcing this ordinance against unfortunats watchmen, while the blowing of horns, the heating of gongs and drums, the exploding of fire-work and firearms, and the making of other inproper noises, catatlated to endanger or terrify both persons and horses, and sometimes property in public roads, are permitted with impunity.

Your obedient Servant,

ENGLAND.

UNITED STATES

LATEST June 6 May 13

DATES.

CALCUTTA

July 23

BOMBAY

July 18

SYDNEY MADRAS

May 3 July July 21

BATAVIA

SIGMA.

SINGAPORE

Angust-In "MANILA July 30 CHUSAN August 13 SHANGHAI August 11 Foo.cnow-rgo August

AYOY

August, 17

THE FRIEND OF CHINA, AND HONGKONG GAZETTE. VICTORIA, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4ra, 1844

We regret to hear that Serjeant Croslie, the Hospital Serjeant of the 98th Regt, was murdered on Monday morning last, at Chuck choo, in a most cold blooded and deliberate manner by one of the Indian followers of the Regt,

protect, to employ a privato, watchman. These watchmen, by a custom which is universal, in China, in ging there rounds beat two pieces of bamboo, on purpose to inform their employer that they are awake and watchful, Without this evidence there is a continual dread, and the man who in this exhausting climate, has been busily em played during the day, cannot rest in quiet during the night, from a fear that, the watch man is asleep, and robbers cutting through the walls of his house. Unfortunately, however, for the security of property, a certain military chief, has chosen a residence in a part of the town, where there are many private watch- men, and the sound of the bamboo is offensive to his ear sleep, sweet sleep was banished from the warrior's pillow and all the cares of the coinmander and the legislator, were as nothing compared to the shock the delicate organs, of hearing received from the harzh music of the faithfull guard, who ever and anon beat a reveille, not quiet so sweet as the swelling trumpet but quite as useful. In the plenitude of legislative power, and in a legisla ture when there are none but government ser- vants--who either have nothing to lose, 'apart from household effects, or are entitled to a mi litary guard-it was proposed and passed, without a dissentient voice that, bamboo beat ing should be stopped. That, because an el derly gentleman could

had enough of ingenuity, to search out for law to justify him in carrying out this most oppres sive order of council. ⠀

We again gay, read over this ordinance, no- minally intended to enforce cleanliness and good order; inark attentively its forty odd clauses; the construction that has been put upon one of them, and ask yourself, whether so long as such ordinances are looked upon as law, you are not liable to be treated in the most tyrannical manner?

We do not accitse any ono member of the council of knowingly wishing to injure the colony or oppress the colonists, and least of all the gentlemen who procured the passing of the order to which we allude; but wo question whether, they are aware of the limited. extent of their legislative power, and we are inclined to think that, in the presont instance, the order was agreed to in a happy ignorance of its importance, and the universal dissatis, faction it would give.

We would respectfully direct the attention of the Chief magistrate of police, to the follows- "Or shall ing clause of ordinance No. 5. lewdly or indecently expose his person by bathing or otherwise near any public road

&e"

The infringement of this regulation is of daily occurrence, in the very centre of the town. If the police have any instructions, upon the subject, we would advise them, the first warm afternoon, to pay as visit to that. It appears the culprit is a very bad charactor,

mot sleep soundly, { pool, as puddle, of water, between the market. and that the deceased had occasion to confine him with the bamboo sounding in his ear, the thou and the stores of Mr. Duus, and there within for drunkemiess the day before the murder. On sands of treasure and goods in the godowns, full view of the Queen's road, they will have Monday morning, whilst the Sergeant was super stores, and houses of the inhabitants, should be little difficulty in capturing a few Chinaman, intending some work about the Hospital, the laid open to the depredations of robbers, from setting the laws at defiance, upon whom wretch, who was employed under lum, drew a knife and stabbed him in the neck, cutting com- whom our perental (?) governors will not pro- few applications of the bamboo might leave a pletely through the jugular vein. Notwithstand, tect us, nor allow us to protect ourselves, An salutary impression.

order of council has been published, prohibit ing the prompt attendance of the Surgeon, the poore fellow expired of hemorrhage within 15 minutes ing the beating of bamboos-the General may popr after the infliction of the wound, it being beyond quietly sleep-but uneasy rests the

wights who have dollars in the money chest. the art of man to stop the bleeding.

Such were the motives for this extraordis nary act; the carrying it into effect is of cour- se intrusted to the police magistrate and assist ants. European police have been nightly de- priving the watchmen of their bamboos. Bat- iles, gongs and bells have been substituted, and unsuccessful attempts are making to stop all those within reach of the General's gentle ears;

We are told the handle of the knife used by the murderer, was carefully bound round with cloth, obviously for the purpose of making his stroke sare. This circumstance cannot fuil to give the act an unquestionable character,

By the Alligator we have dates from Shanghai to the 18th. The Cornwall, from Niagpo, was totally wrecked on a shoal of the entrance of the Yang-

every name. It is to christianity, that our happy country zekeang River. The Mary Ann Webb from hence, ond that range, the bamboos continue their

owes its proud pre-eminence.

Spread it then,

And let it circulate through every vin.

Of all "this" Empire: that, where Britain's pow'r I felt, mankind may feel har mercy toe.

ALPHA.

Hongkong, September 2, 1544. We learn that geven of the above Chinese were baptized by the Rev. Mr. Shuck, and three by the Rev. Mr. Dean. Of the seven, we further learn, that five had been Confucienists, and the other two Budhists-four are men of high literary attainmente, and the whole ten have been long

under close christian instruction,

Now, Sir, I wish to call your attention to the careless

port to

was dismasted near t

near Chusan, and had put into that The intelligence from the north, by this oppor. tunity, is not satisfactory. At Shanghai sickness prevailed to a considerable extent. It was feared that, the expectations oflarge quantities of green teas being brought forward for anle would not be realized. The authorities were compelling the growers to forward the herb by canal to Canton, forbanke of the transit dues, also, if possible, to injure the foreign trade of the port At Chusan business was fat. The same at Ningpo, where there was only vessel in barbour,

·45

merry sounds, to the great delight of the ope- rator, the satisfaction of his employer, and the intimidation of thieves. One gentleman, who occupies extensive premises filled with valua- ble goods, has been pulled up, after having his premises invaded by a policeman, who de- What do prived the watchman of the instruments of sunds obnoxious to musical ears our readers suppose was the result of his ap pearance before the Chief Magistrate? person for endeavouring to protect his property, in a way which is invariably adopted in China, was fined five dollars.

This

A Philosophical inquiry into the origin of Bumboo

beating, and the connection of that custom with the rise and progress of European Society in China. By a modern Confucius,

DEDICATION.

To the advocates and supporters of this ancient practice.

I dedicate this essay to you gentlemen, because I have lived long enough amongst you to know why the people of London were attached to the Charleys -Confucius.

INTRODUCTION.

In the present undertaking it is designed to collect, from numerous and scattered sources, the information necessary to convey correct and ade- quate ideas of this important and long cherished custom, and of the causes which gave it birtla; und for that purpose..

1. To describe the circumstances which led to the bambou being applied to the use under cun sideration by the European community.

2. To exhibit as accurate a view as possible of the character, the munners and the feelings of this extraordinary section of man kind, as well as of the physical and moral circumstances which led to the military despotism of Sir Henry Pottinger..

in

3. To trace the wisdom of the foreign Office, not relaxing the reins of despotism, until the 4. To discuss the rise of the present paternal people were aoine what prepared for Freedom. Government, and its judicious admixture of liberty and restraint,

Si me to address you on the subject of the Bamboo Notice," as it appears to me some points have been overlooked by Lium and Morpheus."--According to

We will now show the connection, between the notice, dated 22nd altime, it is of the old established custom of "beating bambong" by alimen, which boa

The injuries, which it was forseen, would Sir Henry Pottinger's ordinances, and this proved a public nuisance," but it would stem, that suy other mods of notifying to their masters that they were be inflicted upon the inhabitant, by the per- arbitrary order of Council. No. 5 of the im Pollen ould not be considered as such, thus showing the nicious ordinances passed by Sir Henry mortal 13, is an ordinance for the preservation folly, which dictated if nece Pollinger were not imaginary fears. From of good order and cleanliness within the colony manner in which this notice is drawn, calculated as it is the first we proclaimed these documents to be of Hongkong. One of the numerous clauses

5. To expatiate on the establishment of a to mislead the public. It is founded, presume, upon at variance with all the established laws of runs as folows. "Or shall blow any horn, Ordinance No. 5, ami such at Ordinance (1) Section 1, scenpies nearly two colanins of your valuable journal, and England, placing almost supreme power over beat any gong or drum, or explode any fire-supreme Court of Judicature, and on the wisdom consists of one sentence, which embraces thirty-one offences, the persons and properties of the inhabitants, work or fire arm, or shall make any improper evinced in not opening it too soon.

or terrify any 6. To scoth our readers with many consolatory in the hands of military Alagistrates, who noises likely to endanger, annoy commencing with the throwing of filth into streets, and ending with eruelty to animals! la common fairness would not fail to take advantage of the obscure persons or horses in any public road or pas reflections. those whose business it was to prepare the document, sbonld have followed the usual form adimed in Government manner in which the ordinances were worded, sage, or shall do such or other acts anywhere Notices or Proclamations, and should bave quoted the law and distort them into such shapes, as for the whatsoever in the night time so as to create or authority by virtue of which it was issued: but probable time might suit their own purposes; drawing unnecessary alarms Acc. This clause of the they thought that few had time to wade through it, and stu from them the most erronious conclusions. ordinance, which was intended to check rioting fewer to comprehend it when read,

At the commencement of the sentence alluded to, will te When Mr. Davis arrived in this colony, Sinpon our streets, the explosion of fireworks found "If any person after the passing of this Ordinance, Henry Pottinger had passed thirteen ordi- beating of gongs, dre., by the natives, has been then proceeding to the riddle, shall blow any baru, beat nances, containing an almost complete code of taken for a law by which we are to be fined ang gong or drum, or explode any fire-work or firearm, colonial law. Whether His Excellency in for protecting our property in a simple yet ef- shall make any other improper coses, likely to endanger, aunoy, or terrify any persons or person in sty public road or tended to rival the celebrated code of Napolean fectual manner, Tae interpretation this pot

CHAPTER IST.

Prior to the termination of the war, which, through the invincibility of British armas, opened the commerce of China to the nations of the earth, the European residents on the coast were subject to no laws.

Gathered together from the end of the earth, these interesting and adventurons people resembled, in some few important respect, the inhabitants of