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there a solitary witness, like Dr Esdaile, rises up and adds his testimony, the others only shrug their shoulders, or perhaps give a smile of pity. It is excusable in a man who has made up his bundle of opinions,, not to cast them loose for the sake of taking up others with them which might not match It is safe to walk in the ancient ways, particularly for those who are accustomed to follow. But when professional mon onco consent to see and hear, they are inexcusable if they do not testify to the truth or falsehood of the alleged new discoveries, This, however, is not the last opportunity for them, they will be admitted again, if they please, though Dr Esdaile announces, and we think with the greatest propriety, that he will not make another We are informed by a person who was also at Hooghly on Monday, that the man operated upon did not awake till three hours after the operation; and that he declared he had felt no pain that day, and had seen no persons except the usual hospital

public exhibition.

attendants.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ENGLISHMAN. SIR-I esteem myself fortunate in having been present at an exhibition of the powers of mesme-joying fem, given by Dr. Esdaile, yesterday, to satisfy publio curiosity, as it is the last opportunity of the kind likely to occur, Dr E. having, for this once only consented to mesmerise for non-professional purposes.

THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE

LIFE ASSURANCE,

DABBARK ON LIER ASSURANCE,} Miscellaneous Remarks.

In the policies granted by most of the offices to persons on their own lives, it is contracted that they shall become void if the party die by his own hands, by duelling, or by the hands of justice; the object of this provision is to prevent frauds on the office, and, remove sources of dispute. It is, however, the practice, in some offices, to make allowance in cases where it is apparent that no fraud was intend- ed, and where great hardship might otherwise be suffered but as this generally depends on the dis position of the directors, it is scarcely subject to any general rule.

sed the payment of policies on Mr. Pitt's life. In- different as bodies of men generally are to all the finer feelings which actuate individuals, it is scurces ly probable that several different bodies of directors should have adopted a course so manisfestly repug. nant to justice. If, however, the fact be properly verified, it forms so important a consideration for those who propose assuring their lives, that it would be unpardouble (should another edition be called for) 18 omit mentioning the names of those offices which adopted that course.

A policy of assurance, on which many premiums have been paid becomes a valuable property to the possessor, and is frequently disposed of by public sale advertisements for this purpose appear daily

The Doctor had proved his gun however I cup"] pose, as he very coolly and steadily took aim at his them man, keeping his hands extended, and moving across his face, and from head to foot, I could distinguish no sensible efects for ten minutes, and imagine he became impatient, as he took a look at his opponent, through an opera glass, and then desired in to rise, to judge of the effects I pre- sume. The man obeyed with great difficulty, and his tormentor taking another look through his glass, appeared to be satisfied with his work, as he cried out to us to prevent him from falling, and not unnecessarily for the patient trembled vio. lently, and had to be supported. The operator to any position they were left in declared him. In those societies which are founded on the prin in the newspapers. In by far the larger number now bid us move his arms and seeing them remain

entranced, and being asked if we might now touch ciple of mutual assurance, the possessors of policies of cases, those who bid for this property can have him he called out, "Oh yes! do what you please," of a certain amount, are entitled to one or more no interest in the continuance of the life on which fe now fell into the Doctors' hands principally, votes at the general meetings, of the society and it was granted. It is therefore of the greatest im- and I hope they will report the results of their in the case of one or two of the proprietary comportance to them to know whether the office which criticism. I saw however that the man was quite panies, a similar privilege is allowed. In the lat granted the policy is one of those which insist on insensible, and bis limbs cataleptic; and that noter case it is of great importance, and is an impro- the very letter of the law or whether it is one one could excite his attention Dr Esdaile sat all vement in their constitution which has but recent whose conduct is regulated by more liberal princi this time alone at the other end of the room, en- ly taken place.

ples. An office which thus diminishes the number his glass, apparently,

of competitors for the purchase of its policies, of and perplexity he had create the mischief

which, more stricly speaking, destroys all competi tracted all we could out of this mesmeric condition

tion, reduces in value the property of those who of the body, Dr E joined us, and set about restor

assure at it; and though it may hope to make es- ing him to some degree of sensibility by rubbing

travagant profit by purchasing at a low rate that and blowing in his eyes. He now half opened his

which its own conduct has rendered valueless to eyes, and followed the Doctor when led, into the

all others, yet the public will at length see through middle of the room, but, like a drunken man, and

the artifice, and leave it to expire in marited neglect, care had to be taken test he should fall. Dr E. said that he would now convert him into an imi- tating machine, with only sense enough left to hear The hospital we first went to was unfortunately and obey his orders, without the power of answer. small, and the rooms too much crowded for one to ing questions, reflection being quite dormant. Hav. see all that was done; but what escaped me will being cleared up his brain a little more, and attracted supplied by others I hope, as it is desirable that all his attention by repeating the key note several the proceedings of the day should be clearly laid times, the performance proceeded. Ho was ordered before the public speak to do what the Doctor did, and certainly obeyed On entering the hospital, we saw two men ex his orders most exactly, throwing himself, on the tended on beds, with their native mesmerisers hang. instant, into every attitude of the mesmerist, and ing over them; but I had no time to examine their the very scientific manner in which he took a process, as Dr Esdaile proceeded to business. He landsman's "sight," did great credit to his astrono- ellid that these two men were now under the meas.mical powers; no omnibus cad could take the lon- merie influence, to what extent he did not know; gitude of an obnoxious passenger in a more artist that they required to be operated on, and that he like manner. His mode of cocking his eye, and would do so, if they were found to be insensible. of applying his first digit to the side of his nose, was also much admired, and proved that he was

wide awake," as some thought, all the time."

His instructor next ordered him to repeat what ever he said, which the pupil obeyed by repeating the order,

The party was very numerous, two steamers having brought the curious from Barrackpore and Caloutte, and there was a large assemblage of the European and Native residents of Hooghly and Chinsurah,

The following are the qualifications for votes, at those efectos vigoare the qualifications Equitable £2000 for the whole term of life, after five years. 10000 Amicablu, London Life:

Palladium

600 prior to 1817. 1500 after five years,

1000 after two years, one vote. 3000 ditto

two votes, 5000 ditto...... three votes, Several of these societies are willing to advance money on their own policies to a certain extent, generally two-thirds of their value. This is some- times of considerable convenience to the holdera, by enabling them on any emergency to raise money, perhaps for the payment of their premiums.

Most of the societies are willing to purchase their own policies; but the prices they offer are generally regarded as very low. This probably arises in some measure from persons, who propose surrending their policies, nor making a due allo- wance for their risk which the society has already cur, and for which it ought sertainly to be paid Thus it happens that a person who has been pay. ing £50 annually for ten years, is supprised at the small sum offered for a policy which has cost him £500. He should, however, remember, that the office has run the risk of his dying during that time, which event, had it happened, would have made them losers of perhaps a £1000 or £1500.

A very excellent plan has been adopted by the Economic, of placing on the back of each policy the sum at which the society will purchase it, after the expiration of any number of years beyond live, Every person who effects an insurance on the life of another, must (by 14 Geo. III c 48) have an interest in the continuance of that life and as this doctrine has been carried to its extreme limits, it becomes necessary for the public to he made ac quainted with the cases which have been decided upon it, and also to be aware of the offices who are disposed to defeat a just demand, by having recourse to a legal quibble.

(From the Friend of India, September 18.) CHUSAN.

We ventured to

We now

Perhaps some of our readers may remember that several weeks ago we pointed out the con- veniences which Chusan presented, from the salo- brity of its climate, its safe and capacious harbours, and above all its geographical position in the imme diate neighbourhood of the most wealthy and po pulous provinces of the Chinese empire, for the es- tablishment of a British colony. predict that under our auspicies, it would soon be- coin one of the largest commercial marts in the world, while at the saine time it would enable us to hold the empire of China in check, and materially subserve the interests of peace.

Soon after, we The first man awoke on being pulled, and called

found it mentioned in the Hongkong Gazelle that upon by name 260 he would not do. The other,

Mr. Montgomery Martin, the Treasurer of the an elderly man, the doctor thought was in a fav.

Colony, was about to proceed to England by way of curable state, and he immediately did what was

Bombay, and we suggested that his voyage might have reference to the Chusan question. needful; it is needless to say what, but every one

's sure that it was very painful. The first cuts He now showed himself to be a patriotic and

find that the same opinien has been entertained by did not seem to annoy the man, but he awolte and loyal British subject, by the animated and hearty

the Courier since the arrival of Mr. Martin at Bom- cried out before the operation was finished, which manner in which he repeated Ye Mariners of

bay. Our contemporary states that the object of was in a couple of minutes I suppose. The mes. England," and song "God save the King," This

his journey is to induce II. M. Government to give moriser was desired to continue his efforts, and I was followed by "Hey diddle diddle in capital

up Hongkong again to the Chinese; and to take in saw him breathe on the lead, and placo both his style. And here a curious incident occurred; the

lieu the island of Chusna which it is now found is hands at the same time on the pit of the stomach; spectators could not restrain their laughter, in

much better adapted for the purpose of trade, more Dr E. explaining that he often succeeded in ros which the singer joined in full chorus, and some

healthy, and unquestionably more productive. While turing the trance, although broken to this degree. said, "he cannot help laughing himself," Upon

Hongkong is a barren rock, Chusan is quite the And sure enough, in a few minutes, the man be. which Dr. Esdaile stopped his performance, and

reverse, and would produce rice enough to support came perfectly senseless, to all appearance, and pointed out that they were labouring under a mis

a very large population." He also confirms oor every body was allowed to examine and experi- take who supposed that he was laughing; the fact

assertions regarding the views of the French. We have heard it hinted that on our evacuating Chusan, ment upon him for the whole time we remained being that he was only imitating them, or rather here, and as I believe there were several medical Dr. E., who was laughing Gorge deploye," and

The case of Godsall v. Boldero, is the most im- the French are ready and determined to take pos men presont, making active observations, I hope this I thing must have been evident to all. But portant of these. Mr. Pitt was inlehted to Messrs session of the island, vi et armis, if there should b that they will favour us with the results of their the farce was neuly converted into a tragedy, for Godsoll, coachmakers in Long Acre, who assured occasion for the display of force. Any such mea- investigation. We were now agreeable surprised on being ordered to show how the natives fight his life for soven years at the Pelican office. Hav. sure, however, we think would be sure to create a by the apparition of two lady philosophers, and the with sticks, he began very skilfully, but on bending paid the premium for three years, Mr Pitt died, dispute between the British and French Govern- Doctor had to give them his attention, and certaining forward to make a blow, he pitched head fore which event they certified to the office, and demandments, and we are inclined to think the latter would not risk that measure; they might nevertheless pos ly made them an offer they will not receive every most into Dr. E.'s breast, and both rolled upon the ed the payment of the policy. Before they com-

sess themselves of this fine island by purchase or day, for he begged them to choose whether they floor. This actor's powers were clearly exhausted, menced an action against the office, Mr. Pitt's ex- would profer to see a woman made senseless by and he was left in an intense trance on the floor.ecutors, having a grant from parliament, paid the negotiation, and thus quietly take that prominent mermerised water, or through the wall. The wall It was intimated that the next scene would be debt due from him to Messrs Godsoll. The direc position in China for which we have fought, and was declared for, and the woman's face turned to "A Mesmeric interview; or the dangerous effects tors of the Pelican refused to pay the amount of which we must be prepared to maintain if any good

is to come of the War in China. it sitting upon her bed.

of getting on the wrong side of the wall"; and two the policy; and on the trial it was agreed that a men were brought in. und placed one in each verdict should be entered according to the direction corner of the room. Two lads were then des of the cont, and a case reserved; this case was patched to work the will of the magician, who reafterwards argued in the King's Bench, and the mained with us. This time, I was re-sofred to sec

court decided that Messrs. Godsoll had not, at the both sides of the wall, and going into the adjacent time of bringing the action, a subsisting interest, room, I saw the two youths standing with their and therefore could not recover; the words are, foreheads against the wall, opposite the men, and Upon this ground therefore that the plaintiff's bad holding their hands extended under their mouths, in this case no subsisting cause of actin in point of law, in respect of their contract, regarding it as a contract of indemnity."..

The Doctor disappeared, and what he did, know not, but some went to see whatever it was the woman soon began to nod, and then fell down on her bed, her eyelids twinkling in a strange way and she paid no attention to what was said to her, Dr E. now returned from his ambuscade, having been absent for about five minutes, and pointing to the quivering eyelids, said, that this was very cha racteristic of the mesmeric state, and that it would be seen that this woman could not open her eyes without his assistance. After blowing in her eyes to restore her senses, she was desired, and then ordered to open her eyes, and strained violently to do so; but the eyelids looked as if guined toge ther, and she could not separate them. She then, on being urged still farther, pulled the lids asunder, but they instantly closed again. Dr E. now rubbed hor eyes, and blew into them, and she immediately awoke, but in a delirious state, and arose to walk, muttering and staggering about in a singular man- per, and on being taken back to bed, she fell into a deep sleep, which usually lasted four or five hours

we were told,

"

In five minutes, the lads were desired to desist, and on returning to the large room, I saw the men had been turned round, and were standing perfectly rigid insheir corners with their arms crucified a gainst the wall, and in this transaction Dr. E. was no more concerned than I was. The Doctors again tock possession of the victims, and I had afterwards an opportunity of taking a pull, and giving a pinch, but took nothing by my motion any more than the rest.

Now, it is important to observe that the parties, at the time of making the contract, had no reference whatever to the chance of any indemnity; the office took a very high rate of premium, sufficient to cover the risk of death, and also to afford a very large profit; and this premium was calculated without taking into consideration the chance of any or all the debt in question being paid † It was, therefore, Our entertainer then proclaimed that the con- rather hard in the directors, after receiving pre cluding piece would be the sleeping water, or that miums for several years, to turn round when death "veritable cau„merveilleuse.” He said that when accidentally takes place, to turn say, you have en we saw its effects, he hoped that he would be justered into a contract, our part of which, the courts tified for not showing in public how it was made, will not assist you in compelling us to fulfil, we will, We were next addressed by Dr E, who said as it was not fit for the public to know, but that he therefore, not pay you. In order to enable the that he would now show us that the mestheric would be happy to explain the process for the par reader to form his own judgment, the whole of this power was not so rare and singular a gift as was pose of medicine nad philosophy. To guard against case, as reported, is given in the Appendix. Sone imagined, but a general law of nature, which might all imposition, two clergymen and two doctors, confusion acers to have been introduced in this he evolved by most people who took the necessary were deputed to see the water charmed, and in a case, from want of sufficiently distinguishing be degree of trouble; and to prove this, he would defew minutes balla-dozen lads entered, each car tween an insurance on a ship and that on a life. sire one of his hospital assistant to mesmerise a rying a gallipot in his hands, the contents of One fact, however, should always be borne in mind. woman across the room, a distance of 30 feet 1

la the former case, the chance of salvage or of re- should think. The woman was placed with her

capture is always taken into account in estimating back to the wall, and a young man placed himself

the premium, and indemnity is the object ant es before her, at the other end of the room. In a very

sence of the contract. In the latter, no such cir- short time she acted exactly like the first woman;

cumstance ever enters into the computation; the pre- her eyes began to twinkle, she swayed from side to

miums are always calculated from the risk, ant side, and thea fell down in a trance, from which

not from the risk dunished by any cirenmatange no one could awake her-not even the doctors,

which may occur after the event assured agains who again examined the man who had been oper-

his maken place. Indemnity, then, is no part of the ated upon before leaving, aud co one succeeded, I

contract, and is only a term introduced into the believe, in extracting a sign of sensibility.

subject by the law f

We were now requested to go to another has pital, where there was more space for the company. We found it to be the Jail hospital, where there was ampie accommodation for cl-the party has ing tailed off considerably. A

which (certainly to all appearance water) he ad- ministered to eight men who were brought from the hospital, why d

This was a bold undertaking, for the people were scarcely permitted to lie down before they were called and kicked unmercifully, many of the company making a vigorous use of their under. standing in this way,

A few minutes comparative quiet having been procured to some of the sleeping candilutes, the result was that four out of eight were found to be calaleptic, and several were converted into suma- cambulists.

It has been reported that one or two other off. ces followed the example of the Pelican, and refus

*The Eqasable pay is the mprisereating of 's person who come by his own lande, but SGE TELA DE sy if he has

Thus, it appears, that the question of acquiring Chusan, by negotiation or purchase, and, if neces sary, to exchange for it the island of Hongkong is to be brought immediately under the consideration It is possible that after the suns of the Ministry. which have been expended at Flongkong they may be unwilling to relinquish it; but, even as a matter of economy, it would in the long run be found judi- cious to sacrifice the money, which has been sunk upon it, if there be no other means of obtaining pos session of the other island which is in every respect so much more eligible. It would even be cheap to indemnify the merchants for the suns which they have laid out in warehouses, in order to secure the

removal of our commercial establishments to a spot where they will enjoy such pre eminent advantagest. But if we could obtain the island of Chusan without the cession of Hongkong, it would be more advis. able to keep both, and to make the former our head- quarters.

We hope the arguments which Mr. Montgomery Martin may urge in favor of the men- sure will find favor with Lord Stanley, and that Sic John Davis will be instructed to use every effort in his power to obtain it,

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

SHANGHAL

EXPORTS

Por LADY BUTE, Bp. Ship, for London, saded 11th- Om 1915.

FOX, RAWHON & Co. 250,001

Cougou

Flowery Pekno

Hyson Skin Tuaskay

Young Byson Gunpowder Imperial

9. 29,10%**

954,765 lbs. Black. Ton,

1.745 Saso -6,576

4,276 11,911

178 gka iba. Green Tea.

Raw Silk 1,800 babes

Per HOWQDA, hen. Ship, Se Hongkong, ended Ehi

WOLCOʻPE, BATEN & CA

Dr E. said that he would attempt to show, in a more striking manner, the great distance at which the mosnieric milučuce could be felt. A man was brought in, and made to sit on the four with his back to the wall, and the Doctor sat down opposite ) their minds, it is for no want of subjecir. True cama, which had here in salir? 62 some trare him at the other end of the room, which I niter- ing that they will go the professional details, period, aper the wide of his part le completel wards measured, and found to be eighty feet long, which I cannot supply.

I have thus endearonted to give an account of what was done and seen by all; het in solar e cel prezan, e um equal to thing as which the Get th field of observation, much must have escaped me, and each persen will have something deactive ice would bare pejchased the policy at the time of his deatle This proced from the circumstance of the athon mak. and characteristic to narrate. The medical measg so diferece in its prices charged, (when the ages are seemed to be wide awake, and avalled themselveste some) prheber a person selves hin own life or that of

anther person.

We all congregated at the other end to watch the effects of this "Long Range, and I heard some good jokes cut, about keeping out of the line of fire, and the danger of the gun bursting, &e.

of the opetuity; and if they have not made up : One singular molt of this doctrine be, taas a preon may

I am, your obedient server,

A. Menesc VISITOR,

Calcutta, 30ht Jds, 1845,

4 Doing the we our it was mEL SE DOODGE Livenes. HIZO (92) 1 SAT actualy when by the enemy was intend qfar de fort was bazen. E qncur a very high pres was taken, and in dia daw the calceinticate of die unders rum seje kpad zo be throne of the Towel being m

Tea, Elyson Shin

Hassa

Tong llyson 4

Imperial

Gunpowder

Papper Bo0 Pheuls,

Plenke, Cantem

01

Edited, Printed and Published by Joas Caus, At The Friend of Chaas and Houshing Gunite, Printing Office, doza's Road Vatosis, Hosezonu, 1816,