728934-1847-26-May-1847 — Page 2

THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE,

T. R. Assist

anchored at sunset last night

Captain A. G. Hamilton, Lieu McQueen, Lieutenant J. RI ant Surgeon Thornton Royal Evet Lieutenant Colonel Walter, Captain J, G

Bre

Champion, H. G. Mester, T. J. T. Dennis, our to Lieutenant Hon. E. S. Plunkett, J. R. Raines,

and the Editor ucts from the Jetters

erpent which be has of At the same time

View and Wishes

and W. R. Marwell, Ensign J. W Mechen, Assistant Surgeon H. Gordon, H. M. 95th Re- giment: Lieutenants R. Watson and J. Walter, Ceylon Uifles. Ladies Mrs Walter, Mrs Champion, Mrs Master, Hon. Mrs Plunkett,

nanswered within and Mrs Gordon. that the resolutions are care a weak and puerile

meeting of that body, or of Bri- olders assembled in their house, that sed to receive a deputation of the bam rce on the subject of the views of the Bri-

hairman of the British Chamber TRANSLATIONS of two rather important docu- ments have issued from the press of the Chi- nese Repository. For a copy of the first we have to thank a friend in Canton; the second we find in the Repository for May.

ery easy to threaten to draw inferences, after term which are not likely to be complied with: it may be, that the Chamber of Commerce decline having any communication with newspaper, which they have already stigmatised as unworthy of credence; or, they

may think, the their disarowal of all participation in the

mangfacture of tlils statement of Views and Wisbes (which disavowal was published in the Chins Nail itself on the

The other document purports to be a trans- chants and people of your countries should be in Intion of "the Emperor's reply to Koying's solved, and so that you may not say the scholars and people of China do not understand propriety despatches announcing the recent occurrences

and justice, and did not give you timely notice. It at Canton 1 gename, the paper must be a

you can meet our wishes, all the inhabitants of good deal abridged; but it may not have bean

vince il feel greatly obliged, and the whole pro vince will be must happy.

teemed prudent to give it to the world entire. It will be observed that the Emperor talks of the English merchants, with a number of anl. diers having entered the provincial river, We are at a loss to see how he could make such a mistake. The English merchants disapproved of the act as much as His Majesty can do, and

Would be sorry were their names associated with such a piece of Vandalism. Perhaps the Superintendent of Trade is looked upon as a merchant; but such he is not, though many years emyloyed by a mercantile company. As we anticipated, Keying has not "lost face" by the late demonstration. On the contrary, he has probably risen in the estimation of his august master; the abandonment of hostilities, without even gaining access to the city, in itself a mat- ter of small importance," looking very like a defeat. This view is borno out by the expres-

A copy of the letter presented to the British Comul at Canton (May 20th, 1847, and its reception de clined.)

and elders of Ronan.

To the English Consul at Canton the following letter is very respectfully presented, by the gentry We are humbly of opinion, that in projecting an enterprise regard should be had to the feelings of men, and that the same should be carried forward. in conformity to the principles of heaven; and still more is it requisite to estimate the due importance of the benefits and injuries which may result from

either its success or failure.

18th inst coupled to the declaration of the Chairman, up by calm thinking men, and not one of the sion, that they (the English) madu a determined ception. The mercantile people of your copiry,

likely to be wanted, he had no hand in its concoction, the with the exception of stating the quantity of ground

renders any further denial on their part superfluous Bat because the Editor of the Chins Mail receives no answer to his letter to the Secretary he proceeds to lofer "Arst, that the Resolutions which the Chamber intended to sub nit to Sir J. Davis, &c.," and "next, that Mr Jardine, as Chairman, asured the Chamber that Sir J. Davis refused to receive the deputation that was to have presented them.

I have in a previous letter shown that the meeting of ommeren hava published a micute of one of their meet ings at which Mr Jardine merely said that the Consul told him H. E. bad expressed no wish to receive a deputation.

Not being able to get over these declarations, the fail changes lus position. He tacitly admits his premises to have been false; (and consequently his conclusions come under the same category) for he now speaks of the state- ment of Views and Wishes intended to be laid before Sir John Davis; and referring to letters supposed to be writ- ten by members of the Chamber of Commerce he applies to the Secretary for a copy of resolutions which never existed; and says, that if not furnished with this wrial do content he demands the reason why it la refused then, because no notice is taken of this freak of his fancy, be

the Residents came to no resolutions; and the Chamber of

takes it for granted that his inference is corrent, that the resolutions have been properly characterised by one of its members as of so weak and puerile a character as to de- perve but little consideration from H. M. Plenipotentiary, He might as easily assume that the moon was made of cheese and that it would be capital, toasted. He has argued upon assumptions all through this affair when his remarks were first called in question be wrote to Mr Johnston enquiring after what had ocenered on the 3rd and Ath July, and received a reply quite irrelevant to his question, stating what bad occurred on the 7th and 8th, Balked on that point, he now tries to make the Chamber of Commerce answerable for the statements of private in- dividuals; and what his next step may be, it is difficult to prognosticate

The feit continues to say, that the "mysterious rexola. tions which it is alleged Sir 3 Davis would not receive, wore not passed till the 5th; now the conference with Keg ing was held on the 4th, and the only meeting of the Bri- tish Residents was held on the same morning-and no re- solutions of Views and Wishes were passed at that meeting, nor was any meeding held for a similar purpose on the 5th. The Mail adds, that the Resolations, if ever they assumed presentable shape, embraced nothing of importance: he

I

This

For more than two centuries the intercourse be. tween our native merchants and those of your coun try has been mutually beneficial, and both the Chi- nese and the foreigners have been free from those animosities which spring from disrespect and se

faith and strict justice, that thousands of millions property could be contracted for by one o Also, bare always hitherto maintained such

a contract once made was never never failed to keep their eagagatast disregarded their promi Chinese merchants o with them, and sence for along period there wat mutual tran

66mmerce

The letter from the people of Honan is re- markable for the respectful language in which it is couched, and the absence of the flowery verbosity of Chinese eloquence. It is therefore to be treated with respect, having been drawn

was modified to an tory walls, emanating from the patriots, who, agreement that they should be permitted to do fiery missives which at times decorate the fac-fis determined routes of the provincial city. like the patriots of most other countries, are an

so in two years; and thus the "matter of small idle, turbulent; dissatisfied race.

importance" was quietly disposed of. The Honan grant is not mentioned. The Emperor doubtless looks upon it as another matter of small importance." though it is to be feared that it will be the cause of much trouble, should

But since babilities of 1841, it has been im. his representative in this quarter not act with better faith than he apperrs inclined to. Key. possible for many goods to go into circulation. Mer chants also have suffered damage; and in Canton ing is a thorough tactician, and knows the effect of passive resistance. He will not openly de- dise of your country has yielded no profit. More. many have lost their business, and even merchan clare that the Honan grant is to be withheld, over bandiui seized on those troubles and disorders, but he will throw obstacles in the way, and by as a fiting occasion for carrying on their machica rousing protection, if not covertly enraging tions; and base people improved the opportunity for aggressions, he will defeat a less subtile diplu-setting fires and committing robberies; so that t matist. With such a man there is only one your merchants suffered thereby. The traces of argument, you have agreed to rent the land these practices are so open to view that they are see and have it I must; it is for you to arrange the and known by all nations. And now it behooves difficulties with the people, but your govern. n all alike to lay aside every ill feeling, and firm it intended to seize the property without payment will be held responsible for their con- ly keep the treaties of peace, in order to recover and ing a fair price for it. Even were it good ara-

repair former losses, and together enjoy universal tranquility. bie land, the cost would not be great; but swamps, fish-ponds, and hovels covering fifty acres, cannot be of much intrinsic value, and there is no intention to give less than it is worth.

The letter is arranged under four heads, and we will briefly examine them :-

FIRST.The feelings of the people with re- ference to the cession of fifty acres of land on the Honan shore" It is argued that because foreigners have resided for many years at the thirteen factories, the usages of which have been long settled, therefore it is not proper that they should reside at Honan, where the ways of the factories are not understood. As an argument, this is weak, merely being an exhibition of the hostility to innovation which is characteristic of the Chinese. It is argued further, that the proprietors are poor, and that it would be hard to deprive them of their pro- perty. This would be a valid objection were

SECOND--"The principle as touching the good faith of treaties?" The 7th Article of the Supplementary treaty is quoted, though not correctly according to our version. By this article provision is made for the residence of foreigners and their families at the five ports, ground and houses being set apart by the local authorities in communication with the Consul, the price being equitably arranged without ex. action by either party. This important stipula tion has been virtually a dead letter at Canton; and it was in compliance with the 7th clause fifty acres

duct.

CANTON.

(From the Overland Friend of China) We quote from a private letter dated the 22nd,- "The events now occuring are destroying our trade und our prospects of trade To-day a large assemblage of the

·Elders of Honan are gone into the City in a body to present petitions to the high Officers regarding their property say they are upwards of 400, mostly respectable old men. The Chinese are much frightened; they say that the patriots are enlisting man, pledging themselves that 100 will be paid to the widow of every warrior who loses his life.

Somp

first publishes a statement the "views and wishes of that Sir John Davis obtained t the Chi-minently until our troops are again before Canton. It is am.

the British Residents he then says they were only in- tended to be presented to Sir J. Davis, and concludes by questioning whether they ever assumed a presentable shape !! Could there possibly be a greater tissue of contradiction The Editor of the Mail was in Canton at the time and passed by the Residents, for he took good care to thrust himself into the places of meating, though nobody could guess his business there. The fact is, he has made asser toas which he cannot substantiate, and thinks by an un- blushing repetition of them, and a long list of queries to Mr Jarding, (which have all been answered doring the discussion) to flounder through the mess in which he has Involved himself.

maji know that no statement of views and wishes was

*

on Honan. A concession it was nese give one clause of the article this," the local authorities, in concert with the Consuls, shall select the sites, having due regard to the feelings of the people." If the prejudices of the people were to be the guide for international arrangements, there would be an end to diplo macy, and in insisting upon a reasonable allow. ance of ground for building, the British Envoy only carried out the spirit of the Treaty con- cluded by his predecessor.

THIRD-The advantages to be gained by a

The Government Printer" may say what he likes about Mr Jardine's opinion being unworthy of notice were be not Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, or a mem-compliance with the wishes of the people:" It ber of the leading firm in China, but the very fact of bus bolding this promlaeat position shows that his opinion worth krving.

The Editor's remarks upon the intention of several of the Canton community to give up his paper, which be pro mises in bis second edition cannot fail to be interesting; but I question whether they will canse them to falter in their resolvo. While his remarks were barely respectful to the mercantile Interest, they bore with him patiently. If the Government patronage requires him to take advantage of every opportunity to calamite his countrymen engaged in Commerce he cannot expect the latter to nourish a viper by supporting him. He cannot serve two masters, walist he endeavors to blacken the character ofone of them. He has made his election and must take the consequences.

Quas Deus vult perdere, prius demextul.

I am, dear Sir, Yours very truly,

Canton, 22nd May, 1847,

A BHITHE SCAJECT.

NOTICE.

"Mr Pope (the Surveyor) left last evening by orders from Hongkong. About two hours ago the Plate was moored op- posite the factories--but at whose suggestion I do not know, The aspect of affirs is cloudy, and out for the mail would attract more attention. My own opinion is, that as Keying has failed to put us in possession of the groand-has even failed to give Mr Pope a guard while surveying, but allowed him to be driven away by a mob-he will not appear pro- possible that things can continue in their present state-the delay to adjust matters, one way or another, ruins trade, and toods to create a lasting impression against us in the rainds of the people. The only man to blame is Keying-he pro- mised what a NEW he could not or would not perform. The people of Hanan have reasòn, justice, and natural right on their side."

This is the opinion of an old British Resident We fear it would be dangerous for us to abandon our claim to Honan after it has been conceded-it is for the Government of China to arrange the difficul. ty with its own subjects. Should we have any later advices before the mail closes we will issue a slip.

Office of the CarnEER REPOSITORY,

Canton, May 224, 1647.

Early on the morning of 20th, a hundbill was cir- culate by the Chinese, giving notice of certain doings on Flonan, and intimating that meetings were to be he'd on that and the two following days, to adopt regulations to meet the exigancies of the case. Short ly after this, a previous rumour was confirmed, that

a deputation of the elders of Honan would be at the

is argued that it is only by a compliance with the wishes of the people that foreigners can trade profitably or safely, and that if they- fail to do this the native merchants will not trust them with goods. As coming from me who are ignorant of international law this may pass. The intercourse of foreigners för- tunately has now a more solid foundation than the whim of the people; it is based upon 80- lemn treaties, and by these treaties solely will Hall of the. Hong Merchants at 10 o'clock, a. M., the representatives of the western mations regu-

to present a letter to H. B. M.'s Consal. The de late their demanda. If the villagers of Honan petation, consisting only of aged men, several tens are coerced into a sale of theirdand "at fair

in number, dressed in their best robes, reached the and equitable prices," they will be coerced by and proceed to the Hall (or Consoo). In the new landing place at the foot of Old China Street their own government; that government by meantime the new boat-house. contiguous to the treaty agreed generally to the location of a building site, and by the new agreement spe- whom or how An unproar ensued; but the fire was landing pluce, was set on fire-we Itnow not by New Advertisements will be received until 4cially set apart fifty acres. It is for China

soon extinguished, and the crowds of vagrants quick Clook, on the evenings previous to publi.

to see that her subjects do not break the ly dispersed, by guards from the British Consulate. calim, viz: Tuesdays and Fridays.

terms of her compacte as China will be

In the evening the following Notice and Letter, in held responsible for any injury foreigners may Chinese were sent to the US. A. Consul, and yes- sustain through the lawless spirit of her sub

subterday morning were put into our hande, with per. jects. A foreign envoy cannot recognise the mission to give them publicity people of Honan at all his dealings are with the government, and not with individuals.

FOURT-The injuries that will be sustain edby opposing the will of the people This ar gument comes the into zame category as the third as used to the

re of a foreign power by a section of people among whom he resides, at 13 mere

it more civi

Now the English wishing forcibly to rert ground ized countries it would be fed asn tires!

in Ilonan, on which to build houses, the land holders and be treated and Chinesa, if this insta

such The being unwilling to rent it; abruptly on the 19th to what sent forth their officers to Chau tan-leut, to measure thay know, and beh

twhen the ground and stake off its boundaries therefore they speak of tens of thot

les bewe, the gentry and elders, being com a led by thi Ong requ

their conduct decembled, on the 17h. From to com

Torty erat vikaged to as Lands

England

United States March 6 | Batavia

March 3 April 25 May 9 May 10

LATEST DATES. March 25

3ydney

Calcutta

Bombay

Mladres.

April 6 Singapore March 29 Manila April 14 Shangha

May 11

Cof G Hope Jan 22

CILINA

G GAZETTE

MAY 26TH, 1817.

the Coto nds P M

TON Chaplain.

ship to the UNION

with the

order

PUBLIO NOTION FROM THE FORTY-EIGHT VILLAGES OF HONAN.

We are humbly of opinion, that it is the business of worthy men to arrange diffienlúen and dissipate Troubles of others, and that it is the pleasure of the humane to stop disorders and promote peace between mall and man.

|

Very recently we have heard that your nation doares forcibly to rent ground in Honan, on which in build houras. In a matter of this kind we had supposed that the feelings and wishes of both parties were to be consulted; and that, as your country hitherto had always laid great stress on good fin and strict justice, you assuredly would not forcibly take and compel the people to rent the ground. Bal now we see that the prefact and magistrate have re peatedly summoned the landlords, and strongly in sisted on their coming to an agreement regarding the price. Moreover, on the 12th instant uncaped edly there came, from the commissioner, governot Davis, an officer to measure the ground at O ten-tsui in Hons, and hy setting up flags to mark off its boundaries. At these proceedings the scholan and people of all of our villages were grattly sun prised; and on the 17th, being assembled in the cak lege of Shoáng chrú for consultation, it was declats e expedient first plainly to set forth the case- showing what would be right and proper and us reverse, lest your people, after getting involved i quarrel, should reproach us as the authors of the troubles and calamities,

Accordingly, we will take up in order and care fully lay before you, the Consul, the feelings at principles which are not to be deemed admissible, together with the advantages and injuries whb are

involved in this case,

First we will speak of the feelings of the people (the present owners of the land) touching the putting upon them difficulties which they are unable to bear

The usages of Honan are not to be compared with those of the Thirteen Factories. Nor are the local circumstances of Bonan like those of Shanghai, For many years foreigners have resided at the Thir teen Factories, and from long intercourse the usage have become thorongbly souled. If commends are now given to build foreign houses (on Hogan) 3 must give rise to alarm, wonder, suspicion and hatred so that neither party can remain quietly at rest Shanghai is a port newly opened, where houses bad never been erected for foreign commerce, and more, over the unoccupied ground there, along the rife, ia spacious; and therefore, such are the circum for rental. But as it regards Canton, you have new stances of the place, that it was easy to select a sit

Hongkong; for residences you have the larga ber the city the Foreign Factories, and not far distant

houses of the Company, and for storing goods the warehouses at present rented of the hong merchan And why, therefore, covet and seek to get mon making an extravagant outlay for no useful par pose? Furthermore, the ground in Honen is work * extent to gold, and is all the hard-earned pre

houses, shops, and residences of which some d improved as tillage ground for the support of fam lies, and some is occupied for commercial purpos with a view to profit. And what is of the lights consideration, orphans and widows are dependes on a small interest there for their entire su

suppor o large clan with a small income has there blished its heritage in perpeluALITY LUZESTIRI ficen Now it impossible for whale clent » sssemble and remove to possible for them to a bas alivenbood elsewhere. On a morning

thereales and