504
ORIGINAL OORRESPONDENCE.
(To the Editor of the Friend of China.)
Chusan, 15th August, 1844.
BIL → You will concur that buthing is more dangerous to the amiable relations subsisting between two countries than sho injudicious appointment of a Government representative having any thing like judicial powers, and the peculiar and totally novel circumstances under which our Commercial Treaty has been made with China renders it essential that
THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONG-KONG GAZETTE.
FROLAND UNITED STATES June GALLUPTA
LATEST
Jase
BOMBAY SYDERY MADIAS
is in natural resources, added to the long list "colonial possessions; but if the accounts wo
efficiently qualified consuls should be found at the Northern E ENIXION CHINA threatening to publish, a libel with the view of have received of the internal state of the country
ports.
This however has been lamentably neglected with regard to Ningpo at which place I have lately resided some weeks. and while there had become interested in a dispute arising out of the purchase of an onure Corgo for which a Chinaman had entered into a written contract depositing an amount of Sycee in security of it's fulfilment
#
Contractor to be off his Bergam sad 10 ense Ins losses several”
AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.
VICTORIA, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14тn, 1844.
then life and death give evidence of their mere nominal christians, but by the manner.
faith
In any action for defamation ductions of nature is not one of these points. odant may, in mitigation of damages, give In Singapore wo have already a key to the prin
that he had offered an apology. 2. cipal entrances of the China sea, and that set- Where in action is brought against a newspaper tlement is concentrating the trade of the neigh for libel, the defendant tady plead that the article bourg islands within its own boundaries, inclu was inserted without malice and gross negligence, ding the greater part of the commerce of Siam and that he published an apology, upon the filling itself. We would regret to see Siam, rict as it of which plen he may pay into court a sum of midney by way of amends. * *. The publishing, or
torting money, is punishible with Imprisonment and hard labour for any period not exceeding three can be relied on the presence of an invading years. Maliciously publishing a defamatory army would be welcomed, and the children of libel, knowing it to be false, punishable with im the soil, whose duty it is to spurn them from From New South Wales, we have papers to prisonment in the commme grad for any term not the shore, would hail them as deliverers. The Captain of the ship la consigner for the Cargo the 2nd July. They are filled with the pro exceding two years, and by fine. 5. Maliciously Amidst all the turmoil and danger, the who is highly re pectable and Intelligent man nuurded ceedings of the Legislative Assembly, but the publishing any defamatory Jibel, fine, or imprison-American Missionaries continue their labours. every possible facility to the buyer to clear the goods from the ↑ matters are of purely local nature. Sir ment not exceeding mne year, 8. The truth of the The present state of the country, as well, as the vessel within the limited term frequently reminding the George Gipps (the Governor), appears to have matters charged to be libaking may be inquired into, vicious propensities and ignorance of the people. Contractor that his Bargain money would be forfeited and demurrage incurred in case of breach of Contract to got into a dilemma. The act which gave an ut shall not amount to a defence, unless it was for are formidable difficulties with which they la souson punce of a full in the market gonegally at that elective legislature to New South Wales states, the public benefit that the saut muters should be pu have to contend, Though success has not place every waand eat tunde and subterfuges used by the that the Govenor shall appoint a certain tuin-blished. Defendant may show that the publica bean commensurate to their zeal and courage, very important but voluntary concussions were made the ber of the public servants members of the ion complained of took place without his anthory, it is gratifying to hear that they have been
consent, or knowledge, and that the said publică- Buyor, but as he failed neverthless to complete his engage council, and in the event of their resignation ion did not arise from any Want of due care and in some dégrée successiuf, and there is every -time agreed upon, retention of bargara money and charges their seat in the council. About a year and a cost in acquittal. 9, Interpretation clause. 10.
ment and delnined the ship upwards of 14 days, beyond the demise, their successor en Iffice will also take caution on his part.8 Defendant entitled to his reason to believe, that the converts are not of demurrage were urged but the Chinaman atletting not to understand this arrangement, proposed a reference to the half ago, the present council was formed, part Act to take effect on the 1st of November Bristol Cam), bich was readily acceded to and a much elected by the people, part nominees of His pomber being vil kr The thak more lengthened investigation than was necessary, took Excellency Mr. Plunkett, the Attorney Gene place, owing to a whole Catal gue of Complaints brought forward by the Chinaman, consisting almost entirely of eet, peral, a man of much experience in colonial.timate of the expenses of the Police Department mated losses sustained by him in the speenletion; and strange affairs, was expected from England, and Sir 1st July to 31st December,
George Gipps, to secure his services in the legislature, gave Colonel Barney of the En gineers, a seat on the understanding that on Mr. Plunkett's arrival, he (Colonel Barney) would vacate. This was accordingly done; Colonel Barney returning to England, and in ignorance of the clause to which we refer Mr. Plunkett has been exercising legislative functions, though it now appears that, Colonel Gordon, who suc ceeded Colonel Barney, as Royal Engineer, is the only man who could legally claim the seat. This awkward affair, was only disco vered, after Sir Maurice O'Connel, the com mander of the forces, finding he could not con- scientiously support the Governor's measures, had resigned. Sir George wished to name a more pliant person, when to his astonishment. and chagrin,he discovered that, the commander of the forces could only be succeeded in the present assembly by another commander The Governor is placed in a position, which may compel him, either to dissolve the present assembly entirely, or endeavour to carry out his measures short of two voters. If he doter-
to say our compassionate and intelligent Consul conceded the most unjust allowances. And altogether disallowed the forfeit of deposit money and demurrage, ut the same time eening forth the loss of time consequent upon a quit law and réciung a very novel and I. rmidable list of Fees and charges upon such procèssured one
In refutation of one or two grosslyex nggerated and unfound
ed charges brought by the Chinaman, against Captain it became necessary to lay before H. M. Consul the full par- ticulars of the negociation and it was discovered on the second day of the examination that the Copy of the contract held by the purchasers in one item had been fraudulently altered [Felony. And by dint of intimidations it was con. fessed by this Ningpo merchant, that it had been so changed by his request, The Consul thereupon allowed the sellers the advantages of that item, not offering the smallest com. ment upon the circumstance, but still persisted in ordering refundment of the Bargain money, and disallowing demur rage although at that very time goods to the amount of 86000 This man also, for whom our Consul claimed such axira, ordinary indulgences, was detected in the act of concealing a bale of Goods landed by mistake and omitted in the Customs house entry, with intens to defraid the ship and the customs. for which he was sufficiently known and execrated by the focal Mandarins.
remained on board the ship uncleared.
As a further instance of the vigorous system of Consuler business at Ningpo, I should mentiun the circumstance of Cop- tainofter procuring his grand chop calling upon the Consul for the ships Register at lu O'clock, . . at which time it was necessary: Ifrom the state of the tide he should be under way, but the "Consul was not out of bed " and afor waiting upwards of an hour "outside" Coptain-¡mines on a new election, it is certain that he enquired if the establishment was up when he was informed that lurge official organ was at breakfast and finally at 44 to 12" the gentleman holding the Queen's Commission appeared and delivering over the documents gravely told Captain that he felt it necessary to assure him that it was no part of his (the Consul's] duty to adjust differences of the
nature here related between H. B. M. subjects and those of China and that Captain might therefore congratulate him-
self as being highly favored in feceiving any Council stuff. Now Chitty (a considerable favorite with our Vice at Ningpo who seems determined to quote him on all occasions and for that purpose carries a large book constantly under his arm referring to it from time to time reading, the choicest extracts therefrom with most remarkable independence of any appli sations to the case in question] says that " Consul should
After a detailed exposition of the general duties Chitty
will be in a minority, as there is little doubt that all the elective members will be hostile to his measures; if he does not decide upon this the Attor he will lose the valuable services of ney General, and the vote of the commander of
the forces.
The colony appears gradually to improve. Wool, the staple of 'exports, in 1843 exceeds the clip of 1842 by 376,863 lbs. or 35 per of. For the past 10 years, the export of wool has increased, from about two millions of bs, weight, to thirteen; thus doubling in less give his best advice and assistance wheir called upon to Her
than four years. In addition to wool, tallow, Majesty's trading subjects quieting their differences, promot. ing peace harmony and good will among them, and conci. hides, bark, cedar and horses are all shipped to. linung as much as possible, the subjects of the two countries some extend, while on the other hand, imports upon all points" of dispate which may fall under his Co-have greatly, fallen off. country in us gnisance. In the event of any attempt being made to in jure British subjects either in their persons or proprieties he position, with the necessaries of life abundant will uphold their rightful interests and the privileges secured and cheap, and one of the finest climates in the to them by Treaty.
world, cannot be looked upon as desperate, although it has recently passed through an ordeal that, has swept away many fictitious for tunes, reducing property at least one, and took Judge Burton, who has been for many years three to four hundred per cent, ke Lebr
in the colony, and universally respected, was about leasing for Madras, where he had re- ceived an appointment. The inhabitants, intended to testify their respect for His Honour, by farewell dinner. Sir Jotin Jamieson, Physician of the fleet, an old resident of the colony, died at Regent-ville on the 20th of June. Sir Thomas Mitchell, was returned a member of the legislative Assembly for the Pert Phillip district.
observes that much of the peculiar duties however of a Consul depends on the nature of the intercourse with the Country to which he ta sent and, of the Instructions given have received finnr unnblo sonscertain, but they cannot be of What may be the particular instructions Mr. Them may a nature to warrant oppressions of Berish subjputs by ad vocating and supporting Chinese claims against the princis ples of common law and justice, and the nature of our in- percourse with this County, imperatively demands firmness and decision which only is calculated to establish amergut these national cheats some shade of confidence with Foreig "I would not be supposed to bring to your notice the init. ciency of the Ningpo Consulate on private grounds, as indeed I have not in any manner been affected by it. But instigated by a desire to see our commerce, with the Northern provin ces extended and conducted upon just and liberal principles I would earnestly exclaim against such puny management of our interests as that already manifested and likely to be exercised in future,
The Ningpo Consulate consists of
The Consul
Vice do.
Treasurer.
Chief Clerk.
3 Assistants.
Harbour Master, Doctors.
Chinese Secretary to the Consul. 3 Linguists
Compradores and Coolies.
2 Boatmen
-Which will scarcely be supported at 835,000 per annum.
It is difficult to understand the division of labur and emu. peront in this peculiarly organized body. The Vice Consul (constitutionally useless day where) Treasurer and Harbour Master aro at least unnecessary appointments and a few of the clerks might be conveniently dispensed with, and bad we not committed a Breach of the Treatrin with drawing bur men of war, the cumuli ho were efficient, and not a natura. lized chinaman might stand alone and not be overworked either
By insertion of this explanation of a circumstance alike. due to the milividuals, e ucerned as to the public you will greatly oblige Your obedient,
LAY INDEX.
Sip-Understanding that an oracle in your paper of the 17th August in attributed to me, you will oblige me by pune tradicting the report.---Your
H. C. SIRR.
* 10th September, 1814,
We have no hesitation in contradicting this report. Every editorial which hes appeared in our co- Jumas for five months, we are not only respon. sible for, but with all their imperfections, we beg to claim their paternity. We have once or twice ad- mitted a commendatory paragraph, without the usual, communicated being affixed to it, but always from good motives. Editor: Friend of China.
NOTICE. New advertisements, will be received, until 4
Clock, on the evenings
to publi cation, rez; Tuesdays and Fridays.
Trade has improved, the short credit system being in great favor with sellers The follow
contains all that particularly refers to the trade of China or India, with the exception of Coffee, Rice and Cigars, which are quoted al, for Manila Coffee 5d. per lb. Patna Rice 159. per bag, Manila Cigars 458, per 1,000.
The transactions throughout the week have been very limited, and no comment is necessary, except ing on tea and sugar; of the farmer, 250 chests ex Trinidad, sold for £o per chest. – These sales do not appear to have met the views of other holders who have given way, and a reduction of 103. per chest is said to have been made by them on the above figure. In sugar, the remainder of the cargo exfohn Dalton has been disposed of, but the figure has not transpired.
Hysonskin Pe ches Gunpowder Per box Congon~ Per-chest Souchong Per box Peko Per chest
English Refined, Mauritius
Manua
irst quality, perfon Second quali Frat quaite,
Bourbon
Second quality, rst quality, Second qual
Java Siam
We give two extracts The first, is for the especial Honour the Chief Justice, and the Honorable benefit and consideration of His Attorney General; the second may not be beneath the attention of our respected Lieut. - nant Governor, and council,
***Lord CampbELL'á Law oɛ LABEL ACT—The following is an abstract of the provisions of this
of the City of Sythe
JUDICIAL
1 Police Magistrate, at de CLERIC ER 1st Clerk, one at 2ad ffitto, gel ditto,
for the half
300-070
your from
months,
/200 0 0 100 00
60
300 0 0 150 00
4th ditto 130 0063 0-0 5th ditto,
115.00 6th dile
100 0 0 *EXKOUTIVE- Superintendent of Police 4 Inspectors, at 4%, 781. i per day each situa 12 Sergeants, at 38, 6d. 70 Constables, at 3
Messenge, at 18. ..
1. Offre-keeper, at £20
per annuin OUTS ACONTINGEKCÍESI
Clothing for constables Postages, Stationer. Fule. Light, and incidental expensea
40000 20000
SIAM
0100 0, 0
3,315 3 6
letters from Bangkok, to the 22nd July, sci
We have been favored with the perusal of They give a very gloomy account of the state of affairs in that beautiful land. The people are oppressed by the nobles, who again are in the most abject state of subjection to the King. Rice has been raised to a very high price, and the poor are in the greatest distress, for though there is said to be an abundant supply in the country,only certain districts are permit. ted to bring it to a market, after paying highly for the privilege, Sickness is commuting fears. ful ravages among the people and robberies and murders are common. How long such a state of affairs can exist is unknown; but the cupi-
dity of the rulers, has placed the great miast of the people, in such an unhappy position, that an outbreak is far from
from unprobable. Even eastern servílity cannot submit to the depriva- tion of food.
The missionary Jabout is tot confined to
preaching. We have before us the first num ber of the Bangkok. Recorder printed in Siamese characters. The paper is neatly got up, each article having a heading in Siamese nud English as fellows, Prospectus, Lightring Tigers in Singapore," a large tusk, Rebellion in China," a fload, a shipwreck, Sugar, Hauqua, Proverbs, - Ointments, &c. From these heading, some idea may be formed of the nature of the pe- riodical Education is the
conversion, and this simp first step towards yet ellectual way of cultivating the mind of ignovan' mền, by laying before them natural facts, historical in- formation, and a knowledge of what is passing around, will prepare thein for receiving me important truths,
From Chusan we have received a full report of the state of the market on the 20th August. The prices in Ningpo at that date were very similar, but the business of the port quite trifling, certainly not sufficient to warrant the expensive Consular establisment to which our correspondent Vindex refers in our issue of to-day. So long is Chusan is in our posses- sion, Ningpo will be a place of limited com- merce. Merchants prefer Chusan as a place of residence and from the contiguity of the other part, they can at all times cross in a few hours and satisfy themselves of the state of the market. Buyers also appear to give a pre- ference to the Chusan market, probably be cause they by bribing or smuggling save a large portion of the import duties.
IMPORTS.
CurrON GOODS, Long Cloths, bleached
Long Cloth, grey sở
Stock moderate and saleable.
$3,75
$3,30 to $3,40 The goods in first hands are not more than 2,500 pcs, of an indifferent quality. Better fabrics are in demand. {} +9qð American: Domestics, 32 yard pés.*
282,75
At present the market is quite bare of this." description of Goods. Those ex Thomas" Mr. Hunter, who had been duped by the
Crisp and Andromache brought a trifle above Imperial despot, and, who subsequently laid American Driller NS
the quotation.
$3, his complaint before the Governor General None in first bands. A moderate ship- It is said the King (or whatever he is styled) has Cotton Yarn, Nos. 16 to 20 of India, has again returned demanding redress,
ment, say 800 pcs would be placed readily. 925- ordered him off by the vessel in which heaven!This is the nominal price, with little doing, arrived. Whether the Governor General
and at present there is no prospect of an im- may demand satisfaction, for the injuries
provement. inflicted on a British subject, by a petty despot,
Nominal. remains to be seen. Should an arinainent be
33,- sent for that purpose, Sam would fall (as many other territories in India have fallen) into the hands of those who do not wish to retain
Cotton
Chintz erk
Sinall parcels have been sold at our quota- tions, but the market is languid, with large stocks.
WOOLLENS.
Long Ells, assorted colours
scarlet
ザ
19.
$7,60 to 88,- 1/
9,50 to,, 10, Saleable, especially the latter. Spanish Stripes de $1,35 to $1,45 and favorite colours are saleable at about There is some enquiry for Spanish Stripes,
quotations. Camlets, assorted colours $25 to $28,
Very little doing at present. Broad Cloth, * per Yard 82 to 82,00 The stock is moderate and sales making of dark colours, black and blue. METALS
Nominal quota-
$5,70
818 to 819,-
It is the true policy of England, to consol- date and improve her possessions, not to in. crease them, with the exception of obtaining a few additional strongholds in different quarters, such as this island and Chusan on the coast of China, the Falkland Islands off Cape Horn, which is now colonized, and one or two good points on the west coast of America, between Chili and the Columbia river she requires nothing: In the south pacific New Holland, van Diemans land and New Zealand are rising rapidly into importance, and already with the language, literature laws and religion of the mother country, the colony that graty years ago was formed solely as a prison house for felons, now, with the advantages we have named and Iron. None in the market. free civil institutions, contains the elements of a tion for bar 83, à. great people.......... In the dim vista of futurity it re- | Lead, 2 changes, m quires no prophetic eye, to see a powerful In demand, but none in first hands. nation where now there are a few seat, Tin, Banca tered settlements eagerly embracing their SUGAR, geographical advantages for trading alike with India, Cinna, the east coast of Africa, the wast coast of America and the thousand islands of the Indian and Pacific oceanti urto see the vaSE solitudes of the Pacific, at present only known to the handy Whaler, covered with the ships of Rice. nations yet in embryo, to whose mariners, its ↑ Manilla, cargo quality navigation will be as familiar, as the Atlantic to the European scaman. s not new and extenave colomes we want. India, and our other splendid possesions are quite if duly protected and encouraged, in the cours of years to supply the wants of the mother every kind, taking in return, the labours of her indist country with produce of points, to enable her to command the ocean in war, and encourage and protect her commerce in peace, in addition to present is all, tlist Great Britam Jacks, however fertile the soil and valuabl
Manilla, White
Current
Brown
Zetm
Unilo
*
Balll,
Table
95,90 10 $0,-
4,50 to 4,60 350
3,10 to 3,25 2,15 to 2,40
82, to 82,10
2,40 to 2,50
1,70 to 1,50 The market is tolerably firm at these rates. The crop promises well, and will probably exceed the usual average. RATTANS-Straits
44,25 to $4,50 to 5,25
1 to 1,50
Banjermarsing
Strong - PEPPER
FLTE Orics-It is difficult to give the true prices at winch the drug, is sold. Our quotations am Patna 8870: Benares 3820 and Malwa $850.
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