JANUARY MAIL.
THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.
II. M. Steam vessel Driver arrived from Singapore on Sunday afternoon, putting us in possession of the Free press of the 27th Ultimo and 3rd Instant, from which we glean the few items of European news which we now lay before our readers in an extra. The Mlor from Bombay with the January mail, sailed from Singapore on the 26th Ufo,; the Dhur from Calcutta on the 24th, and both vessels may be
daily looked for.
The Free Press does not publish the sum- mary of any of the monthly papers nor are the extracts so numerous as usual, but from a short editorial we learn that in England all was tranquil and prosperous-manufactories being busy and the working classes employed.
Among our extracts are accounts of three entertainments which have been given to Sir Henry Pottinger by the merchants of London, Liverpool and Manchester. At the London
inner Sir Henry endeavoured to vindicate
himself from the charge of having published an incorrect translation of the supplementary Treaty In his own language, It arose from The necessity of my making public an abstract of the treaty while the Chinese published the whole, and a translation was made with may" in pariant omissions."
A translation was made with may important on:issions, and laid before the merchants of China, as an abstract of the treaty by which their future commercial opera. tions were to be regulated! This is precisely what we asserted twelve months ago, and we rejice that Sir Henry Pottinger admits its truth. Sir Henry says further, having been asked seriously whether there was any ground for the allegation that mistakes had been com- mitted. I ain, happy to say that there is no cause whatever for alarm.” We understand by this that, no mistakes were made in the treaty itself. that the Chinese Copy is correct, that the errors in the first translation are admitt- ed-though by a very curious coincidence the two clauses omitted in that translation are pre- eisely the two clauses which are objectionable! One of these clauses, that which imposed lieavy tonnage dies on coasting vessels, has been re- moved by the treaty with the United States; the other, that which-obliges native merchants visiting Hongkong for the purposes of traffic 10 ships their goods solely by native vessels, and that all native vessels visiting Hongkong must receive a special permit from the authorities of China, and farther that the British officials shall seize vessels not having such permits and
hand them over to the authorities of China for
EXTRA.
Monday, 14th April, 1845.
to the matter of trade, I believe, continoed Sir Hen.
I
have been accustomed to award the great meed of.
We would deny no soldier his national praise laurels, nor his profession its nobleness and impor tance, but it is a great and novel pleasure, as a useful example, to see talent and pacific achievements break the succes
a celebration of civilian
sion of purely military orations.
country in the world. It surmounted plysical dif-1 am quite certain, from what I saw of the Chinese ficulties which the Chinese themselves believed ut- character, that if they are kindly treated by the terly impossible. When the Bogue forts had been English, and by all the other nitions resorting to silenced at the month of the river by the gallantry China, in due time they will enter readily and of our troops, the governor of Nankin wrote to the warmly int all those feelings ant relations of emperor, saying he might feel quite easy, for the social and commercial intercourse with us which expedition could never reach him. With respect are so desirable between man and min.
Lord Stanley, in acknowledging the compliment It is not only gratifying to find the oppormnity so ry, that the treaty includes every thing desirable paid to her Majesty's Ministers, said.There is eagerly seized by all ranks, as it proves th the lead- for England and for China. I am now speaking one point to which Sir H. Pottinger has peculiarly ing and preferance of the age for pacific talents and impartially. Having reflected seriously on it since adverted, though he has modestly abstained from statesmanship, but to find that the age possesses. returned to England, I really see no point in stating the full share he hid in it. Lallude to that feats and characters worthy of such homage. In which any amendment of importance can be made.decision to which he came on his own responsibi, the history of England, up to a very late period, it There are some points, no doubt, susceptible of ity. Among those subjects which particularly cannot be denied that our foreign politics have amendment, but on all the leading important points struck the Chinese during the course of our warlike produced a very moderate if not poor degree of it requires no alteration. It is one great advantage operations against then, and since, in our diplo diplomatic and states in like talent, with the matic intercourse with them, has been the strict, highest degree of military and naval genius, Our that it is likely to benefit England and China in the same degree. The interests of both countries accurate, liberal fulfilment, in the spirit as well as diplomatic doings and cabinet plannings up to and
in the letter, of every engagement into which we after the peace, were narrow, ignorant, and despic are, in fact, similarly affected. A very erroneons
have entered. We have heard the Chinese spoken able; careless or unconscious of the bost Impression went abroad, through, I believe, some
of as a trickly, over-reaching people. That there of the country, and yet not careful of its good pipers at Canton, that there had been some mis take committed in the treaty. That is quite incor- are such among them, among the inferior dealers. So that we had the singular infecility of carning rect. It arose from the necessity of my miking I do not for a moment deubt; but I do disbelieve and of deserving the almost incompatible character public an abstract of the treaty; while the Chinese that such is the general character of the nation. I of being knave as well as fool. The Castlereagh published the whole, and a translation was mide believe, so far as our later experience has gone, class of foreign politicians, have, however, expir with many important omissions. Having been that there is no nation which more highly values cd; and we can see in Sir Henry Pottinger's case, asked seriously whether there was any ground for public faith in others; and up to the present in- a proof that our future Wellingtons and Nelsons the allegation that mistakes had been committed, hent I am bound to say that there never was a will not have to combat at once stupidity at home, I am happy to say that there is no cause whatever government or a nation which more strictly and and the enemy abroad. for the alarm. I feel it right, on this most pu'il c conscientiously adhered to the literal fulfilment of occasion, to say that I look upon Hongkong still the engagements into which it had entered. as the best position for British enterprise. Unfortu
Previous to the dinner, an address was presented mutely it has been unhealthy; but there is nothing to Sir Henry from the East India and China Ass in its appearance or situation that should reader it ciation of Liverpool.“ so, and those who would substitute Chusan for it are, in any humble opinion, in error. Chusan is an island containing 63.000 inhabitants, and is situated in the midst of an archipelago, containing at least 1,000.000 inhabitants, which it would at all times be difficult to prevent coming into jealous and angry discussions with this country, whilst our own colony is sufficient for all commercial
purposes.
I
On the 29th December, the Town Council and principal merchants of Manchester entertained Sir Henry at a sumptuous festival, to which 210 gentle men sat down.
The Mayor presided on his right sat Sir Henry, Major-Gen. Sir T. Arbuthnot, Sir G. Larpent, Mr. On the left were Mr. W. Patten, M, P., &c. W. Entwistle, M. P., Mr. J. M.Gregur, of the Board of the Trade, Mr. J. Loch, M, P., &c.
The Earl of Aberdeen, in responding to the
The Chirmi, in introducing the particular toast--The health of her Majesty's Ministers -
toast of the evening, adverted to the extent and availed himself of the opportunity publicly to de- populousness of the Chinese empire, an the conse clare the opinions he entertained of the abilities,quent advantages which the opening of that empire the character, and the conduct of the distinguished to British enterprise conferre up their minu
facturing districts. person whom they had met that day to hoor.
Speaking of th benefits which we are likely to derive from the extension of our my venture, said the earl, to congratulate a noble,
intercourse with China, he said, I am quite friend of mine who preceded me in the office I' now have the honour to hold, as being the means persuaded, that for many years to com, our inanuficturers will fial, by the state of their of obtaining for this country the eminent services. of Sir Henry Pottinger as Plenipotentiary in Chi bilance-sheet every Christmas. they will have to na. I believe that there never was a man in whom
bless the exertions o Sir Henry Put inger. I am the governmen and the country might more als quite delighted to have to expres my convic fly repose confidence in such a situation than Sirtion upon this occasion, that the successful efforts Henry Pottinger.
of Sir Henry Pottinger will have given miny a large loaf, ani, at the same fim, a vast amount of comfort, to the operatives an artisans of this district. know no other instinee besi les the present where a treaty of this mignita le has been conclad which has had not merely the approba tion of his own countrymen, of every class and grade who have given any attention to the subject, but of all the nations in the world.
sa.
Lord Palmerston, on his health being drunk, skid, my noble friend has congratulated me and my late colleagues upon having been so fortunate ajucication (butchey), still hangs like a mill as to choss $3 able a public servant. It was, 10. stone round the neck of the colony. The Lon-did, a piece of good fortune for us as well as for don Chronicle speaking of this subject says "a the country. Bat I am bound to say, that that fuller explanation than was given in Sir Hen choice arose from no private partialities Sir Hen ry's speech would be highly desirable. Prry Pottinger was pointed out to us salely and aluse bably Sir Henry thinks that the less that is said upon the subject the better.
Sir Henry declares that he still considers Hongkong the best position for British en- terprise-preferable to Chusan. Although this is contrary to the general impression here, the opinion of such a man deserves respect; for our own partwe would wish to see both islands permanently in the possession of Great Britain the one made head quarters of the southern, the other of the northern trade of China. We fully agree with Sir Henry Pottinger in his opinion of the ultimate prosperity of Hongkong, also that there is nothing in the situation, of the is land to reader it unhealthy, but before we are blessed with that degree of prosperity which was fondly anticipated, we most have different rulers and different measures.
Christian, religion is permitted among the na- tives of China, is strongly corroborative of Sir Henry Pottinger's, assertion, that a more en- lightened statesman than Keying is not to be found in any country in the world.
ENTERTAINMENTS TO SIR HENRY POTTINGER.
(From the Monthly Times, Jnuary 7.)
by the distinguished servicea which in a former part of his career he hid rendered to his country. Though it was my duty, from the office I hell, io propose the individual who was to go out as Pleni- potentiary; I had not at that time the pleasure ant advantage even of personal acquaintance with Sir Henry Pottinger. He was selected solely from the high character which he then bore, an I which subsequent events have not on'y amply sustained, bat raised still higher, in the estimation of his sovereign and the country at large.
address, Sir Henry observed: I rejoice that it has On the 17th Dec., a great entertainment was
been my good fortune to be the humble, though zealous, instrument of removing to a certain ex-
i
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It is rumoured that Sir Henry Pottinger is des tined to occupy a post in which firmness and abi. lity are eminently required, and where the rare union of diplomatic skill and temper with military and naval experience, as well as a knowledge of the Est, are desirable. We shall rejoice, should. our information or prognostics prove correct. But we fear also that Sir Henry's presence will be missed in the waters of Canton. It is not enough to make a commercial treaty, it must be actively followed up; witness that with Turkey, and more especially that with Austria; from which, for want of active following up few of the expected results have followed If our trade be limited to the sea. coast or to the ports of China, whilst either popr.. lar or political prejudices or injunctions prevent European merchendise from pe retrating into the interior ani creating a demand we shall be but where we were before.
An extension of intercourse an acquaintance with the interior coull not but lead to the discovery of some other article than tea as a valuable import to this country. The French, who have already ren lered their duties differential, to fivour com mo lities brought from countries beyon f the Straits of Malacca, have still further reduced their duties upon such produce as can be brought from those Although the French are not formidable sas competitors in China, to which they have little to bring, and fron which their tasts or necessities have litt to take, still their example and activity are not to be despised.
By the by, it was the French papers who spread the report that the Chinese treaty was by no means so favourable as was supposed, for that the original contained certain unfavourable stipulations which Sir were not to be found in the English copy. Henry contradicts this, but unfortunately in a way that must induce the French to preserve in their A fuller explanation thin that given in 'opinion.
Sir Henry's speech would be highly desirable. — Chronicle.
NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. (Fron the London Mail, January 7.) Vice Admiral Sir F. W. Austen, has been ap pointe I to the chef comain on the West Indian an North American station, vice Sir C. Adam, and will hoist his flag (white at the fore) on board - the Vislictive, 5J. Sir William Parker, to the chief ennial in the Mediterranean, vice Sir E. W. C. R.Owen; an 1 will hoist his flag (blue at the fore) on board the Movareh, 81.
}
On his
A grand entertainment was given by the Royal Naval Club, to Vice-Admiral, Sir Willm Parker, Birt, G.C.B., on his return from service in China. Ad niral Sir B. Martin was in the chair. right were the gallant admiral and Vice-Adiniral Sir G,Himal, an I on his left he was supported by Adnirals Sir E. Codrington and Sir C. Ogie. Capt. Sir C. Napier and Lord F. G. Iallybarton were the vice-presidents. Nothing could exceed the enthusiasm with which the health of Sir W. Parker was received by his brut icr-officers, on ita culgium from the president on his successful ca-
reer in the war with China.
The Dadulus, 20, Capt. P. McQ the, said from Plymouth on 15th Dec, for the East Indies and China. The Did), 19, Com. Hon. H. Keppel, is ordered horne. The Cruizer, 16, Com. J. B. Craw ford, and Osprey, 12, Com. Patten, are ordered to the East In la stition, and will probably be employ el with other vessel for the suppression of piracy on the cost of Bingen. The Huline, 12, is order- ed to the Cape, an' Waterwitch, 9, and Pantaloɔn, 6, to West Coast Africa.
Sir Henry, in acknowledge the compliment, sid. When I was first at appointed to go to Chin, it was, I am pround to siỷ, totally unsolicit- ed. 1 had been in India from the time I was a I came home to boy of thirteen years of age. England; and hid very little intercourse with any of the leading men of both or either parties; in fact, I hardly knew any of them personly, when I received an intimation from. Her Majesty's ministers at the time to the purpose that I should go out to China. Although my health was not Before the dinner, Sir G. Larpent, on behalf of established, I was ready and forward to do any the merchants of London trading to the East Indies service to my country, and I enrked for Chin and China, presented an address, to Sir Henry,
with the full intent on of doing all that I could by signed by seventy-three London firms, eulogising a full and anxious exition to carry out the instruc. his skill and ability in the conduct of the negati-
tions that I had received. Upon my arrival in China, I need har fly tell you things were in un- ations, which had gained facilities for trade i ge neral in China- I the course of his reply to this pleasant and awkward state but through the valor given to Sir Henry at Liverpool, by the leading of her Majesty's arms, and the distinguished merchants. Mr. James Lawrence, the Mayor, pre-services of her Majesty's navy, they sɔ cume to At the diverpool banquet. Sir Henry ac- knowledges the assistance he received while siled, having on his right Sir Henry Pottinger, have a better appearance. And as soon as that Lord Sandon, Mr. Wilson Patten, M. P., &c., og sort of persunat on inlcel the Chinese Govern in China from the late Mr. Morrison and from Mr. Thom, now. Consul at Ningpo; he also his left Lord Stanley, the High Sheriff, Mr. W. E-mant to listen to ir terins. I was more thin ready to meet them half-way, and to show that molera- speaks favorably of the gallantry of the troops. twistle, M. P., &c. Covers were lid for about 400.
The Chairman, in proposing the health of their tion, which Lam sire was best worthy of England, Of Keying, the late cavoy, he speaks enthusias- tically. The recent memorial of the enlighted guest, expatiated upon his me its, and the vast ad- and which I am quite certain every person in this commissioner in compliance with which the vantages that would result from the treaty attained Toon would highly approve of 1 m t with assist being introduced by an eloquent and well deserved
through his ability and zeal.
ance which I could hardly have pro.nsel myself. Some of the gentleman attached to the formir mission were quite competent to give me every information, and they did so. Que of them, al is now no more, was peculiarly a person likely to be of use to me upon the occasion: I spek of Morrison, The other is a gentleman with whom, I dare say, some of you are acquainted Mr. Thom, a gentlem in from Glasgow. To these two gelmen, I am glad to have this public opportunity of saying, I was greatly in lebted for all the information upon which the tariff and the commercial part of the negotiations were regulat- Sir Henry, in his response to the toast, sud-ed. My own opinion of the treaty was that it When I was selected to discharge the duties of would take some time, to mature itself; and there Envor in China. I went out with a firm determina are one or two questions as to what returns China: tion, not of forcing any unpleasant treaty on the will make to us that are of the most important Chinese after the great objects of war were att in nature. But if that difficulty can be got over, 1 ed by the prowess of her Majesty's arms, but rather trust, as Englan cun equally heart herself by to act as umpire between the two empires. I found ben fiting Cin-and it will he in a great thse attached to my mission cordially entered into measure-- beleve I may say that the advantages my views, and I also had the great happiness of of the treaty to England, and tall other mmulaċ- meeting with a corresponding congenial feeling io turing countries, will be almost unlimited. the Imperial Commissouer Keying, than whom a calculate, from my own person observation, thit more enlightenel statesman is not to be found in the immediate effect of the treaty will be to bring any country in the word -a man fully alive to allus into direct contact with not less than from the amenities of life, and particularly distinguished | 121,000,000 to 150,000,000 of people. I speak of the by a high sense of honour and good faith, which seaboart; and my own firm belief is, that if we do not project in any degree so as to impede the ship's dictated his conduct throughout his negotiations“ go too fast for the Chinese, if we allow them to see
way through the water; and must be highly useful with me. I would tell you of such instances of we have no o ject beyond kid less a id commercial in the case of a ship being attacked by steamers of King's high feeling an I noble conduct as would intercourse, that we have no exclusive feelings, dogus.boats, in bringing the broadside to bear on astonish you; and I trust at som: future period it not look to anything beyond” a
them; or it may even assist a ship in the act of may please her Majestys Government, not merely to settlement in their country, I do believe that in staying. do him, but the Chinese people, justice, by making the lapse of a very few years they will be as ready, his despatches ard letters public. It would astonish or perhaps more so, to trade with us as we are not only you, but all the world, to find such senti- with any other country meats coming from a mandarin, amongst a people who hither o have been considered shut out from the pale of civilization One great point in the treaty was to throw the Chinese trade ope, as far as rested with me, to all other nations. That, you mist be aware, I could not have done without the cordial approbation and sanction of the Chinese authorities; but the moment I explained the sub- ject, the moment I pointed out to the Imperial Com missioner the advantages to be derived by all ether nations, and the Chinese themselves, from throw-
tent the barrier which has hitherto excluded China from social and cordial intercourse with the rest of the world, and I will only ad1, that I see no - reason to doubt but that, the first step having been On the 11th of Dec. Sir Henry was entertain.mide, it will depend on ourselves and the other na- el at Merchant Taylors Hall by the merchants tions who may henceforward join in that inter- of London, in order to testify their high approval course to perfect it in due time. of the distinguished ability displayed by him in negociating the commercial treaty with China. Covers were laid for 330. Mr. J. A. Smith, M. P., officiated as Chairman. Immediately on his right han sat Sir Henry Pottinger, bart, the Marquis of Normanby and Lord Palmerston, and on the left the Earl of Aberdeen and Sir James Grahan.
After the usual preliminary toasts. The Chairman gave the health of their distin guished guest, and said-We have known sa little hitherto of that remarkable people to which the events of this day peculiarly refer, that I believe we are as yet unable to acknowledge as we ought all that we owe to the firmness, the patience, the temper, and the forbearance of our distinguished garst. We do not know all the difficulties which beset his path; but we can understand and apprè ciate the conlact of him who, himself a solfier. knew that the only just end of war was honourable peace, and who, in the consciousnes of irresistible pawer found in the weakness and terror of his op ponen's the most irresistible arguments for mercy, naderation ant forbearance. Sir Henry Pottin- ger, following the dictates of his own vigorous un. derstanding and his own generous nature, ext-ni- ed to all other nations of the world whatever ad Fantages the Chinese treaty conferred upon his own country. I rejoice that if it was ever thought England fought Chin for seläsh and exclusive advantages, our illustrious guest dispelled that il lusion, and vindicated the motives of England to the world
Sir Henry in returning thanks, took occasion to say, that the expedition up to Nankin was the
mere mercantile
Presentations of plate hire been made to Sir Henry from the Manchester merchants and other bodies, and he is to be publicly entertained at- Glasgow and Belfast, his native town, in the course of the ensuing month
SIR HENRY POTTINGER.
It is not often that persons in a civilian cacipaty are able to achieve any of those great enterprises which command the gratitude and admiration or mankind. To generals alone, who overthrow empires
i
The following ships have been co omissioned; viz: Acton, 26 Capt. G, Manseil; Racehorse, 18, Com. G. J. Way; Ranger, G, Corn, J. Anderson; Lily, 16, Com. Newton; Persian, 16, Com. Co rytin; Acura, 16, Com J. E. Bingham; Comus, 19. Com. T. S. Thompson; Funtome, 16; Superb, 81, Capt. A. L. Corry; Vindictive, 50)
A very useful nautical invention has just been fited to a war ship-It is called a manteuvrer's and it is the proposition of R. Foulerton. Esq. It I is an Archimedean screw fitted through the d ad- word of the ship at right angles with the keel, and set in motion by the capstan, for the purpose of turning the ship round, when from calm weather the helm has no effect on the vessel. It does not
It is contemplated by Government to send out another expedition to the Arctic regions, with the view of discovering the north-west passage between the Atlantic and Pacific; and the Council of the Royal Society, having been solicited to give their opinion as to the desirableness of such an expedi- tion, have stated that independent of the great object. to be attained, the benefits that would accrue to the sciences of geography and terrestrial magnetism The command of the expedition, we understand, has render such an expedition peculiarly desirable. been offered to Sir James Ross; should that officer decline it, it will fall upon Sir John Franklin.
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