CHAPTER XXVI.

Results of British Policy.--Its Effect on Trade.--The Inspectorate System.--The Tien-tsin Treaty.--Present State of China.--Rebellion in the Ascendant.--Proposed Remedy.--The Mandarin Policy.--The Extradition Treaty.--The Mo-wang's Case.--Its Injustice.--Its Illegality.--Burgevine's Case.--Our Treatment by the Manchoos.--Russia's Policy in China.--Contrasted with that of England.--Russian Progress.--Statistics.--Acquisition of Territory by Russia.--Her Approach to British India.--Russia's Advantages.--Her Future Policy.--"Peking and the Pekingese."--Its Author's Misstatements.--Misquotations.--Examples thereof.--"Chinese Miscellanies."--Ti-ping Movements.--The Future of the Ti-pings Doubtful.--Latest Movements.--The Kan-wang.--Nien-fie Victories.--Future Prospects.--Finis.

Since Whig Ministers took it into their heads to become Manchoo Mandarins, the result may soon be told.

The wars have all been undertaken for the purpose either of forcing trade--principally, if not wholly, that in opium--upon the Chinese, or else to chastise that people for endeavouring to put their own laws against opium smuggling into force, from the time of the _fracas_ with Commissioner Lin to the lorcha _Arrow_ pretext for the last war.

The results of the late British policy in China are summed up generally in the following sectional review:--

1. As for the vaunted treaty of Tien-tsin, _forced_ from unwilling Manchoos by the results of the "_Arrow_ war," it has greatly restricted trade along the coast of China, closed ports (such as Wan-chew, Tai-chew, Lam-quan, Hoc-kau, Chin-chew, &c.), which were virtually open to foreign trade, and by confining commerce to a few Treaty Ports, played exactly into the hands of the anti-foreign Mandarins. Upon this subject a capital article appears, from an old resident of many years' standing in China, in the _Overland Trade Report_, September 11, 1865, which, as the editor says, "contains the most able exposition of the defects of the treaty of Tien-tsin, of the pernicious results of the foreign inspectorate, and of the crusade carried on against foreign shipping visiting non-treaty ports, that we ever read." The article is long, but some of its salient points are to the following effect: Until the signing of the treaty of Tien-tsin, the whole coast-line, from Canton to Woo-sung, with all its intermediate ports, was virtually open to foreign trade! Foreign vessels of all nations were allowed and even encouraged by the local authorities to enter any port they chose, and were permitted to trade in any article, either native or foreign, without hindrance or molestation, provided they paid the lawful duties.

The disadvantages to which British (and all foreign) trade is subjected by the treaty of Tien-tsin, and the establishment of the foreign inspectorate of Chinese Customs, are these:--

1st. To pay nearly double as much duty on both imports and exports as native vessels or junks are charged.

2nd. Heavy tonnage dues are enforced, consisting of 4 mace or 4·10 of a tael (6s. 8d.) per ton, every four months, instead of every six months as previous to the war; junks paying no tonnage dues!

3rd. Interdicted from carrying or trading in _salt_, one of the principal articles of trade in all parts of China and Formosa. Likewise saltpetre, sulphur, alum, and some other articles of general commerce, on pain of confiscation of vessel. Junks allowed to carry or trade in any article either native or foreign!

4th. Interdicted from entering any port on the coast of China, except those specified "open port" by the treaty, on pain of _confiscation_ of vessels and cargo. Junks free to enter any port or harbour either in China or foreign countries. What a contrast of advantages and disadvantages! Whereas, before the concoction of the Tien-tsin treaty, foreign vessels enjoyed equal privileges with native craft, they have since been placed at a discount by the execution of the retrogressive measures of that treaty so inimical to British interests. No doubt the astute Manchoo statesmen who acted for China during the negotiations gained many advantages over the representatives of England. They succeeded in obtaining terms which restricted trade, and limited foreign intercourse to a few ports; their latest act has been to follow this up (now that the dread of the Ti-ping is over and the Ta-ku forts in their hands again) by interdicting the employment of foreign vessels to carry goods on Chinese account even between treaty ports!

2. The foreign inspectorate of Chinese Maritime Customs was a scheme effected by officials of Lord Elgin's embassy to China; its aim was to make sure of the indemnity by placing Englishmen in charge of the Imperial revenue, and to enable the squeezed Government to suppress rebellion by handing it over the remainder. Beautifully has the Pekin Cabinet responded by taking advantage of every opportunity to limit the rights of Englishmen, and resuming step by step its habits of repellance and exclusiveness!

A very significant event has lately taken place, being the elevation of Tseng-kwo-fan, leader of the anti-foreign party, and sometime besieger of Nankin, to a position of unprecedented magnitude. This Mandarin has been appointed to the absolute civil and military control of all the officials and troops, whether Tartar or Chinese, in the three provinces of Chili, Shangtung, and Honan. Speaking of this appointment, the _China Overland Trade Report_, 12th August, 1865, states:--

"Lest it may be hoped by some that Tseng-kwo-fan is a man adapted to the times, and likely to carry into effect salutary reforms, it should be mentioned that he is the quintessence of a Mandarin in the full acceptation of the term--corrupt and venal to a degree, and perfectly indifferent to the welfare of the country or the people. His anti-foreign tendencies form the leading feature of his political creed, and there is good reason to suppose that Prince Kung fully agrees with him.... The influence he obtains in the empire will be irresistible, and must insure success in whatever line of policy he may feel inclined to pursue."

Tseng-kwo-fan's rank is that of Commander-in-Chief and General Viceroy of the empire.

The inspectorate system has placed a set of cosmopolitan mercenaries in a position not only to govern but to prey upon the whole foreign trade with China. They are ever upon the _qui vive_ to seize and confiscate the merchandise of their own countrymen, and have caused the effectual closing of every port on the coast of China, except those opened by treaty. Property that may be unprotected by every legal right, or may be placed (through the owner's ignorance of inspectorate forms) in such a position as to incur some of the vexatious penalties attaching to every infraction of rules almost daily issued by the European Commissioners of Customs, or their Mandarin colleagues, _ad libitum_, is eagerly pounced upon and appropriated. In fact, it may safely be said that, instead of benefiting foreigners and their trade, the scheme acts directly against their interests; that it places a number of European and American adventurers in a position to assist the Mandarins in taking every advantage of each flaw in the treaty, while at the same time constituting a capital shield behind which the still repulsive Manchoos can execute their anti-foreign plotting in safety.

3. The hostilities against the Ti-pings were caused through the unrighteous policy established by the treaty of Tien-tsin, the foreign inspectorate of Customs, the extortion of indemnity for the war, and the protection of the vile opium trade. This policy has been a great success, in so far as arresting and beating backward the only portion of the multitudinous Chinese whose progress afforded a prospect of change for the better. It has, with still greater iniquity, warred against and prevented the spread of Christianity; destroyed many thousands and tens of thousands of those who professed that faith, and has stopped the circulation and printing of the Bible in its full integrity by the Ti-ping Government, besides having caused the re-establishment of idolatry on the ashes of the destroyed Book, and the wholesale slaughter of those who only begged for our friendship and instruction. Through the wicked intervention of England, the former territory of the Ti-pings has been wrested from them, and the bleached bones of the victims mark the country thick and close for hundreds of miles. The starvation, the horrors, have been fully described; and now it is reported from China that many of the solitudes created where once happy villages of Ti-pings were found, have become infested with beasts of prey--wolves, panthers, and tigers.

As for having effected the slightest improvement in British relations with China, made the Manchoo authorities less unfriendly and illiberal, or rendered the least service to the general welfare of humanity, the past policy of the British Government has proved a lamentable failure.

By unjustifiable meddling, England has thrown China into a state of general anarchy. The cruelty and excessive corruption of the Manchoo officials throughout the country have always been sufficiently great to cause local insurrections and different regular systems of rebellion; but it was only to the great Ti-ping revolution (which proved its power so superior to that of the Imperial Government as to threaten the rapid extermination of the latter, and compel the assistance of England to save it) that people could look for success, and eventual pacification of the empire. Well, these urgently required results have been prevented by the policy in question.

Unable to depend upon the success of the Ti-ping movement, the disaffected Chinese have joined other rebellions, and at this day there are many desolating the country. In the north, a great amalgamation of the Yellow River rebels (an old organization, sometimes under allegiance to the Ti-ping king) or Nien-fie, with a force of Ti-pings, and a large body of Mohammedan rebels, has taken place. The army of this league is estimated at over 300,000 men; in the summer of 1865 they defeated the Tartar Generalissimo (of Pekin campaign memory) San-ko-lin-sin, who was afterwards killed by some country people with whom he sought a refuge--thus showing the state of feeling amongst the population. The northern rebels then seriously menaced Pekin itself, and at one time it was reported that they had captured the city; lately they seem to have moved more to the westward--probably to effect a junction with other revolutionists; but it is quite certain that the Imperialists are unable to subdue them.

Besides the league, there are two other formidable rebellions raging in the north of China--the Mohammedan rebels, who defy the power of the Government in Shen-si, Shan-se, Kan-su, and other parts of the empire. To the south of these come the "Honan filchers," a horde of more than 100,000 banditti, who maintain, as they have done for years, an independent existence in the Honan Province. Away to the west, the large Tartar province of E-li, four times as large as Great Britain, has been wrested from the Imperialists by a rising of Mahommedans.

Along the western boundary general anarchy prevails: it would almost seem that as Russia advances into central Asia, the Mohammedans were moving towards China.

In the great province of Sze-chuan, the Ti-pings under Shih-ta-kae, the I-wang, or his successor, are still in power. At Hankow (treaty port) in Hu-peh, and at Kew-kiang in Kiang-si, the Imperialist troops lately revolted and set up the standard of rebellion. In Ngan-whui serious disturbances have arisen. Farther south, in Kwei-chow, Yun-nan, and Kwang-si, the Miau-tze, or independent mountaineers, are steadily increasing in strength; in fact, every province of China is more or less the scene of formidable revolution or local revolt.

The Ti-pings, in strong force, under the Shi-wang and other leaders, are making rapid progress on the borders of the provinces of Kwang-tung, Kiang-si, and Fu-keen, and the Imperialist troops seem totally unable to interfere with them.

Referring to the distracted state of China, the _Overland China Mail_, June 29, 1865, truly states that "there must be something in the conduct of the Imperial Government, and of the local Mandarins, which provokes a strong feeling of resentment against their authority in all parts of the empire." Singularly enough, the same journal has always opposed the revolutionists who tried to alter a Government the people hate.

The _Times_, in its Chinese intelligence of June 21, 1865, referring to the successes of the Nien-fie League, states:--

"So far as we can at present see, the Nien-fie insurrection is likely to prove quite as formidable as was that of the Taepings. Their leaders have substantial wrongs to avenge, and the people themselves have been subjected to so many hardships at the hands of the local Mandarins that the slightest spark is sufficient to set the whole north of China in a blaze of rebellion."

Those who have advocated interfering against such a movement as that of the Ti-pings, and supporting such a dynasty as that of the Manchoos, must have very curious reasons to plead for a justification--they have generally admitted the necessity for a change of government, and then amused themselves by resisting the change when offered.

The only policy which could have benefited China would have been, either an energetic protectorate established by England, and maintained with energy until the evil Government had been thoroughly and radically reformed in every branch; or, what would have been far better, the Chinese should have been left to themselves and allowed to choose their own rulers. If England had simply preserved her honour and remained neutral, China would have had a native, progressionist, and powerful Government at the present day. That huge empire has lasted more than 2,000 years, and the only deterioration its constitution has suffered has been caused by the Tartar conquest. The resources of China are as great, the capacities of her people as vigorous, and the elements of her ancient civilization as durable as ever: once let the incubus of Manchoo maladministration be removed, that vast and intelligent people will rapidly establish a native Government which will inaugurate an era of progression and improvement. For some time the usurping dynasty has been tottering towards its fall; England would have done well to have avoided supporting the decayed and hopelessly corrupt fabric. She has served a dying despotism, too far gone to feel even gratitude for her assistance, and has repelled a young successor who wished ardently to become of the same brotherhood as herself!

4. By her aggressive, meddling policy, England has alarmed the naturally suspicious and treacherous Manchoos. Making them feel towards the "outer barbarians" the passion of fear as well as hate, has, of course, only tended to make them more exclusive and repellant than ever. Every mail from China brings successive proof of the fact. Those who receive advices from the East cannot fail to notice such passages as the following:--

The _Overland China Trade Report_, in its issue September 11, 1865, states:--

"Each succeeding mail takes some instance of Mandarin repellance towards foreigners. There can be no doubt that this feeling is the policy decided on by the Pekin Cabinet.... As bearing upon this point, reference is called to a notification ... issued by the Shanghae authorities, forbidding Chinese to hire foreign vessels.... The hand of Tseng-kwo-fan, the leader of the anti-foreign party, becoming visible in the present foreign policy pursued...."

The article then proceeds to notice the fact that the Mandarin policy of preventing the employment of foreign shipping, and encouraging that of native craft, simply tends to increase piracy by providing prey; and is further reprehensible because the Mandarins will not assist to suppress an evil which, were it not for the presence of British men-of-war, would destroy their entire maritime commerce. Mr. Hart, the Inspector General of Customs, endeavoured to induce the Imperial Government to allow Chinese to own vessels constructed after the foreign mode, but the hatred of foreign innovation, however beneficial, prevailed, and the authorities refused the much-desired boon.

Another instance of Manchoo repellance is the withdrawal of the concession formerly granted to foreign vessels to visit the ports of the Island of Formosa.

And again: the port of Wan-chew was open to foreign trade before the treaty of Tien-tsin, and became a place of much importance. Why it was not included in the list of open ports it is difficult to understand. The foreign representatives and merchants lately endeavoured to obtain the concession of having it opened to foreign trade, and for a time were encouraged by Prince Kung to believe that their request would be complied with. But since Tseng-kwo-fan has come to the front, the concession is rejected, and the idea abandoned.

The notification referred to as prohibiting the employment of foreign vessels was issued by Lin, Imperial Commissioner, and acting Viceroy of Kiang-su, in which province Shanghae is situated. It seems to have proved very effectual, and very injurious to British shipping interest.

The last mail from China brought the _Overland Trade Report_, dated "Hong-kong, October 15, 1865." It contains these lines:--"The repellance and anti-foreign tendencies of the Mandarins are becoming more broadly marked as each month advances."

The _North China Market Report_ states "that the Chinese are rapidly learning to disregard the most important of the treaty stipulations." In fact, all sources of information are unanimous as to the hostile feelings of the Manchoo Government England has done so much to bolster up.

Just six months have elapsed since the Colonial Government of Hong-kong perverted its powers by giving up an unfortunate refugee from Nankin to the sanguinary Imperialist Mandarins. After noticing the facts of the case, we will observe how the Manchoos responded to the officious and unwarrantable efforts of the Hong-kong rulers to execute the exterritoriality clause of the notorious treaty of Tien-tsin, the twenty-first article of which stipulates that, "if _criminal_ subjects of China shall take refuge in Hong-kong, or on board of British ships there, they shall, upon due requisition by the Chinese authorities, be searched for; and, _on proof of their guilt_, be delivered up."

Acting upon the above clause, the Canton Mandarins, in the month of April, 1865, demanded from the Colonial Government the rendition of a certain Chinaman residing at the latter place, on the plea of his having been a pirate. The man demanded had been residing in Hong-kong since September, 1864, and the following facts transpired during the inquiry instituted. He had been a Ti-ping chief, known as the Mo-wang (probably a successor to the rank of the assassinated Commandant of Soo-chow); and, upon the evacuation of Nankin, had escaped and made his way to Hong-kong, with a considerable sum of money. As this became known to members of some secret societies established amongst the Chinese there, he was subjected to much extortion from people who threatened to denounce him to the Mandarins as a rebel unless he satisfied their demands. At last the persecution drove him to seek legal advice from some English lawyer, who told him that he was perfectly safe on British soil. Consequently, he defied his persecutors; and they, doubtless, to obtain reward from the Mandarins, fulfilled their threats. The principal Manchoo official at Canton, who was certain of promotion should he succeed in catching a rebel of such rank, forthwith demanded his rendition _as a pirate_.

The man was seized and tried before the magistrates' court, where the above evidence was obtained. The proof of his piracy (although consisting of the testimony of only _one_ Chinese witness, _sent down specially by the Mandarins_) was considered sufficient; and, notwithstanding the protest of the counsel retained for the prisoner, the magistrate, under the direction of the law officers of the Crown, made out the requisite order for his rendition.

The valuable account from which the facts of this case are taken[83] states:--

"On this being communicated to the Mo-wang, he made up his mind to commit suicide, if possible, by jumping overboard on his passage to Canton, knowing, as he did too well, the horrid fate that there awaited him. When _handed over_ to the Chinese officials, he begged to be released from the handcuffs; but one of our civil officials (the man's name should be made public), not in the police, would not permit this; and he was therefore conveyed to Canton in the manacles of the Hong-kong police. On his arrival there he was taken to prison, the next day brought before the Mandarin, where he refused to plead, acknowledging himself a Ti-ping chief: he was taken back to prison, and the next day was executed in the way reserved for _political offenders_, viz., he was tied to a cross, his cheeks then sliced off, then the insides of his arms, thighs, &c., and finally disembowelled while yet alive. This put beyond a doubt the real cause of the demand for this man, and the real offence for which he was wanted."

Now, in this cruel case of rendition the Government of Hong-kong committed an act repugnant alike to humanity and the Christian principles of their countrymen, and which was not only entirely illegal, but grossly unjust.

The Mo-wang was demanded and given up as a pirate. The only evidence against him was given by _one_ Chinaman, and tended to prove that the chief had once stopped a Chinese vessel, on board of which was the witness, endeavouring to run past the Ti-ping Custom House established at Nankin. The junk was confiscated by the Ti-ping authorities. Here we have the main point of the case. This was the only act charged against the Mo-wang. The only question is whether it was piracy. The Colonial authorities, true to the Mandarin-worshipping-and-Ti-ping-destroying policy, answered in the affirmative. Let us examine their decision.

First. The Ti-pings had been recognised as belligerents; and, moreover, as an established power, by repeated acts upon the part of representatives of Great Britain (and other countries); how then could the seizure of a vessel of the enemy by the Mo-wang--a regularly commissioned officer of the Ti-ping Government--be construed into an act of piracy? Why, the United States of America would have stronger (though none the less unreasonable) grounds to demand from England the rendition of every ex-Confederate officer, as a pirate, who might be found within her jurisdiction! The decision of the Hong-kong authorities is clearly against the rights of the case and the law by which it was tried. But what conclusively proves this is the fact that the Mandarins demanded the Mo-wang as a pirate, but executed him as a _political offender_, and nothing else.

Thus, it cannot fail to be seen that the unfortunate victim was not a pirate--the Hong-kong Solons gave him up as one.

Secondly. The extradition treaty with China specially declares "_criminal_" offenders as those who may be given up, upon "_proof_ of guilt." The Mo-wang was not a criminal, therefore the Hong-kong authorities violated the law by giving him up as such.

Thirdly. The treaty of Tien-tsin was not the law of Hong-kong, therefore the authorities had no legal right to render up even a criminal subject of China--how much less the innocent Mo-wang! As the Hong-kong _China Overland Trade Report_, May 30, 1865, truly states, in reviewing this atrocious affair:--"It would appear that the local authorities have not only read the treaty erroneously, but that they have no power whatever to meddle in the matter, no ordinance ever having been passed to enable them to take cognizance of offences under the Tien-tsin treaty....

"The case of the St. Alban's raiders has elicited the fact that a treaty is not a statute, and cannot be adopted by a court of law without a statutory enactment. The Ashburton treaty was not the law of Canada, because the Government had neglected to legalize it by statute. So the Tien-tsin treaty is not the law in Hong-kong, because no ordinance has been passed to legalize it."

The above three objections to the rendition of the Mo-wang pretty strongly prove that his death was a judicial murder by those who unlawfully gave him up to so frightful a doom. Another example of British malversation in China, and a further instance of persecution of the Ti-pings!

It might at least have been expected when British officials exceeded their authority and so misapplied the exterritoriality clause of the treaty in order to oblige the Mandarins, that the latter would have responded. We will observe how they did so.

Within _one month_ of the rendition of the Mo-wang, the Imperialists in the neighbourhood of Amoy captured the mercenary soldier, Burgevine (already noticed in these pages), an Englishman named Green, and a British East Indian subject, whilst endeavouring to join the Ti-pings at Chang-chew. These men had committed no crime, and were caught _before_ having committed any political offence (any previous episode of Burgevine's life constituting another case, which did not concern the Englishman, Green). Even if they had succeeded in joining the revolutionists, and had afterwards been caught levying war against the Imperialists, their only offence would have been a political one, viz., breach of neutrality, punishable by deportation from China or three months' imprisonment.

The American Consul at Amoy, hearing of the seizure, demanded, as in this case he had a perfect right to do, the rendition of Burgevine, according to the terms of the exterritoriality clause of the treaty. The Mandarins refused to fulfil their obligations and give up the men. They carried them into the interior and murdered them by heavily ironing, and then drowning them, afterwards pretending that the three unfortunate prisoners had met their death by the capsize of a boat in which they were being conveyed across a river!

Thus we see that immediately after a Chinese _political_ offender was illegally given up to the Manchoo Government by the authorities of Hong-kong, the Mandarins deliberately violated the exterritoriality stipulations of the treaty, by refusing to give up the three men whom they had seized before offence, on suspicion only, and by cruelly putting them to death.

The last mail from China brings intelligence of the murder of three Europeans at the treaty port of Chin-kiang. Two (Messrs. Filleul and Pickernel) were Englishmen, and old friends of mine; the third, a Mr. Lewis, was an American. These men were set upon by Imperialist soldiers in the dead of the night, while sleeping, and cruelly murdered, without having given any offence, although another European had struck a Chinaman on the previous day. The murderers belonged to a disciplined contingent, commanded by a Mandarin named Kwo, a force which had been raised, officered, and equipped by British means!

Besides the continual violation of the exterritoriality clause of the treaty, the Manchoos have lately displayed their growing disregard for their obligations and their increasing repugnance to foreigners in a variety of illiberal measures. To those which we have already noticed may be added the late blunt refusal of the Pekin Cabinet to allow the construction of a proposed Russian line of telegraph from Siberia to that city.

Another very serious blow to British and Chinese interests has been the fruitless mission of Sir M. Stephenson. The Manchoo Government has pointedly refused to grant permission for the introduction or construction of railways, and the local authorities have obstructively prevented the formation of proposed experimental lines at Canton, and between Shanghae and Woo-sung, a distance of about fourteen miles.

There is another case in point, which effectually proves the thorough impracticability of the Manchoos. A few months ago an enterprising Shanghae merchant, Mr. E. A. Reynolds, was public-spirited enough to erect a line of telegraph from Shanghae to the sea-coast. He made all arrangements, compensated various native landowners, and erected his posts, only to find them all chopped down again one fine morning. The Mandarins, when appealed to, insulted the British Consul, and refused to allow the erection of the telegraph, the alleged reason being that it interfered with Fung-shui--the spirit of geomancy, the air, or something else.

Shortly before the above outrage, the Mandarins showed their gratitude for the assistance England had given them, by closing the whole of the silk districts and interior to steam communication or transit by foreigners, the same having been free and open under the rule of the Ti-pings, who encouraged the employment of steamers.

Many other instances of Manchoo repugnance and hostility could be mentioned, but those noticed are sufficient for all purposes, and so we will close our review of _some_ of the results of British policy in China.

After having examined the conduct of England, it may not be out of place to follow with a short sketch of Russian policy, which is daily becoming so closely connected with China, whilst the frontier of the great Muscovite Power is rapidly extending towards the Chinese and Indian empires in one direction, is peacefully established against Chinese territory in another, and is gradually annexing to herself vast portions of Chinese territory in the north.

Although the Manchoos have always been hostile to British intercourse, "there is a system of European policy which they can and do appreciate," as the _Standard_, August 28, 1865, well said. The substance of the article referred to so thoroughly expresses what I would say, that I cannot refrain from using it:--

The Manchoos comprehend the spirit of Russia, and dwell at peace with that empire on her borders. Instead of a great wall, they are divided from their powerful neighbour by a wooden paling, and there has not been a shot fired between Russia and China, contiguous though they are, during the last fifty years. But what has been the course pursued by Russia with regard to that which is loosely and inaccurately termed the Ti-ping revolt? One of complete neutrality. We, however, from the coast, hoisted our flag in the war. We have taken an active and open part, declared against a tremendous national movement, and been virtually beaten off the Chinese soil and waters. Looking for results, it is impossible to find any, except that our name is hated by millions of people who desired to live and trade upon friendly terms with us. Our representative diplomacy at Pekin is a nullity, and there is every chance that, a change of dynasties intervening, we shall have to undo our Manchoo statesmanship, and comply with a very different set of political necessities in the East. Your Chinese are very intelligent fatalists; they rarely quarrel with facts; they are convinced, it may be, of the English fighting quality; but they can feel little respect for our wisdom when they see us standing in a baffled attitude between both their great parties, blundering and bewildered, with an enormous trade to foster, with prodigious future interests to foresee, and yet with a diplomacy which means neither peace nor war, which binds us to no intelligible line of conduct, and which has brought us to a condition wherein, through any accident, whether of Imperial or insurrectionary success, we may be called upon to defend our rights by force of arms.

It is a fact no less singular than true, that the Russians, in contradistinction to all other Europeans, show a strong tendency to amalgamate with the higher races of Asia. In consequence of this, her rapid progress on the continent referred to partakes of the nature of absorption and not of conquest. The policy of Russia seems inseparable from continual increase of her already vast dominions. In every direction her frontier is determinately advanced, while thousands of strange people are submitting to her sway. In Europe she uses force to obtain any desirable locality; and although it is true that occasionally some obstinate or patriotic chief of Central Asia may dispute her advance, such obstructions would seem to form the exception to the general progress she is enabled to make rather by conciliation and clever seizure than by force of arms.

If people have the audacity to use their eyes, and the unparalleled hardihood to discover the extraordinary increase of the Russian empire, there is a clique of venerable wiseacres who always think to annihilate them by the crushing denunciation, Russophobia! Now, these old gentlemen--it is presumed that they are rather decrepit--may call the knowledge of modern geography and the continual increase of Russia whatever gives them a little innocent amusement; but all the calling in the world cannot alter the fact.

There are two questions which particularly concern England: is she content to halt on the forward path of nations, while Russia, by reclaiming the people of Asia, bids fair to rival her in every duty assumed by great civilized Powers? Is the meeting of the frontier lines of Russia and India, which, according to the regular increase of the Russian possessions in Central Asia, might be calculated almost to the day, likely to prove disastrous to British empire in the latter country?

Other European Powers can afford to look on without being interested, for only England has so precious a jewel as Hindoostan. The first question may be passed over as merely bearing upon the advancement of abstract principles, or the propagation of Christian doctrine, philanthropy, and civilization; but the second is very different, relating as it does exclusively to the material and commercial interests of Great Britain. Before explaining how these may be affected by the future movements of Russia, or describing the present position of that Power in Central Asia, it will not be out of place to give a short sketch of Russian progress.

At page 410, vol. ii., "MacGregor's Commercial Statistics," the following interesting calculations are given:--

"Russia contained--

At the accession of Peter I. in 1689 15,000,000 inhabitants. At the accession of Catherine II. in 1762 25,000,000 " At her death in 1796 36,000,000 " At the death of Alexander in 1825 58,000,000 "

"Her acquisitions from Sweden are greater than what remains of that kingdom.

"Her acquisitions from Poland are nearly equal to the Austrian empire.

"Her acquisitions from Turkey in Europe are of greater extent than the Prussian dominions, exclusive of the Rhenish provinces.

"Her acquisitions from Turkey in Asia are nearly equal in dimensions to the whole of the smaller states of Germany.

"Her acquisitions from Persia are equal in extent to England.

"Her acquisitions in Tartary have an area not inferior to that of Turkey in Europe, Greece, Italy, and Spain."

The valuable work quoted from was published in the year 1844. It proceeds to state:--

"The acquisitions she has made within the last sixty-four years are equal in extent and importance to the whole empire she had in Europe before that time.

"The Russian frontier has been advanced towards--

Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Vienna, and Paris about 700 miles. Constantinople " 500 " Stockholm " 630 " Teheran " 1,000 "

"It is to be borne in mind that the Russian tariff _of exclusion_ has been extended to all those acquisitions where formerly British merchandise was freely sent."

To the above may be added the Russian acquisitions in North America, which are nearly five times the extent of the British Isles.

Her acquisitions from the Chinese empire, the river Amoor territory in Manchuria, are about equal in dimensions to England.

Her acquisitions from independent Tartary since 1844 are more than four times greater in extent than the British Isles. The advance of the Russian frontier from Orenburg to Samarkand is about 800 miles.

Every mail from India brings intelligence of further Russian progress or conquest. The position at which we have placed her is within 200 miles of Cabul, and 400 of Jellalabad and Cashmere. Nothing but the mountains of Cashmere and Cabul separate the Russians from British India. Foiled and driven back by the results of the Crimean war, Russia changed her line of aggression from facing directly through Turkey, Persia, and so to Hindoostan; but, by concentrating her forces upon and crushing poor Circassia (which might have been protected with almost more reason than Turkey was), she opened a direct passage to Persia upon the west of the Caspian Sea, whilst at the same time other legions were carrying her frontier line at a quick march through Tartary to the eastward. The command of the Bosphorus would have made the Black Sea a Russian lake, and the only assailable flank of a march into Persia would have been protected against the great naval Powers. That position has been _par force_ abandoned, but Russia has succeeded in obtaining another almost equally good. By her extraordinary efforts against Circassia she has at length managed to obtain the long-coveted Caucasian Mountains. These, in the hands of a comparatively small force, constitute an effectual barrier to any foreign offensive movement against her operations on, and to the eastward of, the Caspian Sea. Thus it is palpable that no European Power could in Europe, upon equal terms, or with a chance of success, oppose her designs on the southern and eastern portions of Asia. Meanwhile she is steadily possessing herself of the territory yet independent on the frontiers of India and Thibet. During the last few years she has successfully absorbed Khiva, the territories of the Kirghiz and Kalpak Tartars, the provinces of Turkestan, and the principal points of Kokan. The great cities of Tashkend and Samarkand are in Russian hands, and the last mail from India (December, 1865) announces that war has commenced between them and Bokhara--the last independent kingdom of Tartary. There is an old Muscovite prediction, which declares: "When the Russians shall have conquered Samarkand, and shall have returned to the cradle of their Tartar ancestors, there shall be but one rule in Asia, and the Mongols and Tartars united shall brave the whole world." Certainly this prophecy is in progress; it remains to be seen whether it will be accomplished.

The last telegrams report that the Russians are within six miles of Bokhara, the capital of the country of that name, and that many thousands of workmen are engaged constructing their military roads through that kingdom. And where are these roads leading? In a direct line for the nearest portion of British India! Perhaps the Russians only wish to build summer-houses on the northern slopes of the mountains of Cashmere, though it is strange military roads and large bodies of troops are required for such a purpose. Perhaps they wish to get on the other side of these mountains,--time will show.

Such is the present (December, 1865) position of Russia in Asia; but already there are signs indicative of a much farther progress. Already the people a little beyond her advancing frontier are in turmoil and confusion. Kashgar, Yarkend, and other portions of eastern Thibet, together with Cabul, being in anarchy, and waiting for the arrival of the pacificating, absorbing invader, whilst the great Mongolian province of I-li has thrown off its allegiance to the Emperor of China. Already the next nations are breaking up like fallow earth before the resistless ploughshare.

The _Bombay Mail_ of December 13th states:--

"Many reports are current of commotions in the Affghan states and along the Punjaub frontier.... The internal commotions in Cabul continue.... An envoy from Kotan has arrived at Cashmere.... The object of his visit is said to be to offer the Empress of India the allegiance of Kotan, in return for an assurance of protection from the Russians.... The inhabitants of Soket, in the hills north of Jullunder, lately made an attack on Mundi.... The country near Yarkand is reported to be in a state of insurrection. It is conjectured that this manifestation of revolt is an indication of _some greater power having instigated it_, having for its object the creation of universal revolt, and thus breaking the influence of China in these parts.

"An affray recently took place between the sepoys of the Jeypore Rajah and the Rajah of Khetra, in which several lives were lost. Government have called upon the former chief for explanations.

"Advices from the north-western frontier indicate the necessity for being more than ever on the alert against the increasing raids by various sects. Letters recently received report that the Wahabee Moulvies at Sittana have been purchasing the favour of the Akhoond of Swat, who was to stir up the tribes to a united effort against the British.

"It is reported from Peshawur that the Afreedies are very restless, and inclined to give trouble. This tribe occupies the hills all along the western side of the Peshawur Valley, and their territory interposes between the Peshawur and Kohat districts. They can muster some 20,000 fighting men, all of them as good soldiers as can be found on the frontier."

It is quite plain to those who have studied the question, that Russian progress towards India and China is seriously affecting the material and commercial interests of Great Britain. For some years the Russians have successfully competed with British merchants in China. Although their trade has been carried on through a vast extent of territory, still the import of Russian woollen and other manufactured goods, _viâ_ Irkoutsk, Kiachta, and Mongolia, has been sufficient to suit and satisfy the market of Western, Northern, and Central China, besides Mongolia and Thibet. Every day increases this commerce, and makes it less expensive. Russia brings into the contest with England (whether it be commercial or military) overwhelming natural advantages. She is rapidly extending her railway and telegraphic lines throughout her Asiatic dominions; and these, besides serving to introduce the sciences, arts, and mechanical inventions of modern civilization, are being constructed for the conveyance of armies to the utmost limits of her empire. It is quite possible that, by the time the Russian frontier joins that of India, railway communication will be extended to the same point, and afford the opportunity of conveying large bodies of troops. Russia undoubtedly has a great future in Asia, and it is difficult to see how England can ultimately avoid yielding before the natural advantages that will be brought into the field against her--for that they will be so employed one cannot doubt; unless, indeed, there be some charm by which British interests are made sacred to her rival, and certainly the Russians are not likely to prefer a barren steppe of Tartary to a rich slice of India. As for the principle of the thing, the less said about that the better. Considering the manner in which England obtained her dominions in Hindoostan, the Russians have quite as much right to take them, if they can; and why should we flatter ourselves that they will not try when they become our neighbours, when we see them indiscriminately seizing all territories which lie in their way?

It may be that we should rather rejoice at the position Russia is taking up against India and China; it may be that, even should the result prove injurious to us, it will not be felt till something like the lapse of another century; but these are grave questions, and it is quite within the bounds of probability that another few months may find us either defending our Indian possessions, or crushing internal dissension created by Russian intrigue amongst our coloured subjects.

It is scarcely to be expected (except in the event of European war) that Russia will make any direct attack upon British India, but the very contrast of her method of conquest with ours will create disaffection amongst the excitable, fanatical, treacherous natives. Why this result should ensue is explained by the well-known fact that (probably from the admixture of Tartar blood) the Russians can amalgamate with Asiatics, while the English cannot. Englishmen may flatter themselves that British rule is adored in India, but all the flattery in the world cannot obliterate the remembrance of the terrible mutiny, which, considering the numbers that joined it who were not sepoys, might more appropriately be termed a rebellion. Unless we have thoroughly established our rule in the hearts of the people, we may be sure that the vicinity of Russian dependencies will cause trouble, because Asiatics will become Russianized far sooner than we can Anglicise them, and Russian influences are already at work in Affghanistan, if not also in Cashmere--whence disturbances were lately reported. In conclusion, on this subject, it may fairly be said that Russia is performing a great work, no doubt to the benefit of thousands of uncivilized nomades, and that her course is very likely to lead her into collision with British India. England cannot stop her if she would; but England _might have had_ a powerful friend and ally in the shape of a great Asiatic Power if she had not destroyed the Ti-pings who would have established it. By the wilful, unjustifiable, short-sighted policy of her Government, England has lost the glorious opportunity of helping to establish a vast Christian empire in Asia--a course the more impolitic because its reverse would not only have tended to raise a balance against the incessant encroachment of Russia in the East, but to create a strong friendly Power on the frontier of her own Indian possessions.

One object for which the author has steadily laboured, and which has had no small share in causing the production of this work, is to counteract the gross amount of ignorant prejudice which has been excited against the Tipings through the medium of false reports in England. Persons either individually implicated, or credulous enough to believe the interested statements of those who have been concerned in slaughtering the Ti-pings, have been gratified at the diffusion of their opinions by sundry publications, journals, and magazines--patriotic, very, no doubt, but nevertheless either unscrupulous or gullible.

Just to prove the utter worthlessness of the reports referred to, the following statements are selected from two new books ("Peking and the Pekingese," by Dr. Rennie; "Chinese Miscellanies," by Sir J. F. Davis); whilst it is also unhesitatingly affirmed that every similar effusion, having for its basis defamation of the Ti-pings, is equally untrustworthy, and as easily, if not more so, refuted.

In the Dedication of the former of the two works to Sir F. Bruce, Dr. Rennie has sufficient power of imagination to term that official's vacillating and inane diplomacy--

"A policy auguring so _favourably_[84][1] for the future of China."

With a further combination of inaccuracy, adulation, and prejudice, Dr. Rennie proceeds to state:--

"And which, _having been mainly conducive to the extinction of the Taeping rebellion_,[2] has already been attended with results of the highest importance to the _cause of humanity_."[3]

[1] It is for those who peruse this work, and all who have other opportunities than such as Dr. Rennie gives to enlighten them, to judge whether the "policy" in question has proved "_favourable_" or the reverse.

[2] As for the second passage, if Dr. Rennie means that the shuffling, spiritless, and vacillating conduct of Sir F. Bruce, marked by total want of energy and impartiality, conduced to a certain result, by means of having established no policy or principle of statesmanship whatever, he is right; but if he means that his patron advocated, advised, or countenanced the massacre of Ti-pings, he is labouring under some extraordinary delusion, and the words of him he tries to praise, but clearly misrepresents, prove it. Not only has the weather-vane of the political fancies of Sir F. Bruce never been blown to within many points of recommending direct intervention, but on the other hand he has _violently_ deprecated any such operation, as may be seen by referring to page 280, Chapter X., and many other parts of this work. The finishing blow, however, is given to Dr. Rennie's illusory though amusing panegyric, and his unfortunate premises are proved to be without foundation; by the well-known fact that the "extinction of the Taeping rebellion" has neither taken place, nor even seems likely to be, as appears by a telegram in the London papers (November 24, 1865), viz.:--

"Shanghae, October 9, 1865. The Taepings are reported to be again appearing in large bodies."

[3] With regard to Dr. Rennie's rodomontade about "_the cause of humanity_," as the Ti-pings are not yet _exterminated_, it is simply unmeaning; and all that can be said in its favour is, that it is correctly copied from the Blue Book (see p. 738, Chap. XXIV.).

At the 89th page of "Peking and the Pekingese," Dr. Rennie endorses the following misrepresentations:--

"The Taepings who, Mr. Parkes states, endeavour to copy the most objectionable traits in the Imperialist character (?), in addition to which a sort of 'High life below stairs' farce is enacted, embracing the most absurd assumptions of dignity, with general licentiousness, blasphemy, and obscenity...."

Then Dr. Rennie's ire becomes aroused at the thought of such wickedness, and the consciousness of moral rectitude filling him with a strange _cacoethes scribendi_, he abuses the Ti-ping Wang very cruelly, by declaring:--

"This lunatic monarch (for such he would really seem to be) is waited on only by women, no males being allowed to approach him; bigamy (?), with general immorality, is said to be the prevailing institution of the Court of Nankin."

Now the above statement is no less incorrect than absurd. The Tien-wang regularly held council with his ministers and chiefs. The insertion of the word "bigamy" suggests motives on the part of the writer, who, we may suppose, means polygamy. He not only forgets to blame his Imperialist friends for conforming to _the same custom of China_, but he must be ignorant of the fact that "bigamy" means the crime of marrying more than one woman _only_ in countries where the civil law makes such connection illegal. Not satisfied with thus abusing those he had never seen, Dr. Rennie proceeds to _mis_quote from Blue Books. He says, at the same page:--

"The following rhapsody has lately appeared, in the form of a proclamation, from the Teen-wang."

He then quotes a decree, issued on the 7th of March, 1861, to establish certain regulations in the civil department of the Ti-ping Government,--a translation of the same being given at page 44 (Inclosure 6, in Number 11) of the Blue Book on China, presented to the British Parliament, "in pursuance of their address, dated April 8, 1862."

The clause which either Dr. Rennie or his authority has altered, in the original and official translation, is as follows:--

"Thus, in addition to the perfect regulations, we have added six more, making nine altogether. Do not go and turn your backs on the Father, Brother, myself, and my son, who illuminate all places, benevolently harmonizing them for a myriad myriad generations...."

The words "Father--Brother" are, in the Chinese text, _raised_ the usual number of spaces above "myself and my son," which at once properly represents the Divinity. Any unprejudiced mind would certainly understand the sentence as meaning that--"the Father, Brother, Myself, and my Son," in our respective spheres, benevolently harmonize all things. Dr. Rennie, however, tries to prove the blasphemous nature of the Ti-pings in the following manner:--At page 90, first volume of his work, he misquotes the clause of the proclamation referred to in this way:--

"Now do not in the least turn away your back upon Ya-ko-chum and Yan (?)--God, Christ, myself, and son--who illuminate all places AS ONE BODY POLITIC, benevolently harmonizing them for ten thousand times ten thousand generations."

Where does Dr. Rennie get the interpolation from? It is a totally un-Chinese expression, but a favourite term _with English diplomatists_. It appears a clever attempt to alter the sense of the proclamation, and brand the Ti-pings with the crime of blasphemy. There are other cases in which the author of "Peking and the Pekingese" goes out of his way to endorse second-hand opinions inimical to the Ti-pings; but as he does not attempt to corroborate them by any mention of his own experience, it is unnecessary to further notice such valueless statements; the misquotation exposed above, not only evidences how little reliance is to be placed on the clique of Ti-ping maligners, but forms a fitting conclusion to our acquaintance with a book which would have been more valuable had the author refrained from aspersing a political cause of which he knows literally nothing.

The misrepresentation contained in "Chinese Miscellanies," though merely consisting of one sentence and a foot-note, is important and worthy of contradiction, because it is promulgated by Sir J. F. Davis. Speaking, in the preface, of the Governments of China and Japan, he states:--

"With all their faults they are, in their integral characteristics, better than the _mock_ Christian[85] Taepings of China...."

As for the mockery of Christianity, perhaps the readers of "Ti-ping Tien Kwoh" may agree with its author in believing that it has been altogether upon the part of those who, like Sir J. Davis, have scoffed at, abused, and ridiculed the faith of the Ti-pings. Many millions of men do not establish a great revolution, and sacrifice their lives for a _mock_ purpose, whatever Sir J. Davis may think to the contrary. If "it has been _plain from the first_" that the Ti-pings were no more like Christians than Mahomet was like a Jew, will the clever discoverer kindly explain the meaning of the statements of the Bishop of Victoria, Revs. Edkins, John, Medhurst, Muirhead, &c., referred to and quoted in this work?

All that now remains to be noticed are the movements of the Ti-pings since capturing the city of Chang-chew, near Amoy, their present circumstances and position.

After holding a large portion of the province of Fu-keen for about eight months, on the 16th of May, 1865, the Ti-pings evacuated the city of Chang-chew, and moved off to the westward.

This proceeding took both Europeans and Imperialists completely by surprise; for, up to the day before the Shi-wang left Chang-chew, his outposts were five miles from the city, and the Manchoo forces had not ventured to attack them for a long time. The place was also strongly fortified and well-provisioned--so much so, indeed, that large stores of grain, &c., were left behind,--while the country to the west and south was entirely under the control of the Ti-pings.

The explanation of the Shi-wang's sudden movement is due to the fact that eleven days afterwards he joined his forces with Hung-jin, the Kan-wang, at a distance of eighty or ninety miles inland.

Of course, as usual, frightful accounts of Ti-ping atrocities on the march were concocted to harrow the feelings of those simple enough to believe them. It is fortunate that trustworthy evidence exists to prove that the Ti-pings have not yet become the "horde of banditti" England's policy has worked so hard to make them. The Rev. W. McGregor, English Presbyterian Missionary at Amoy (about fourteen miles from Chang-chew), in a letter dated 10th April, 1865, declares that, whilst conquering neighbouring parts of the province by expeditions issuing from Chang-chew,[86] "the Ti-pings had been guilty of no wanton destruction of property or slaughter of the people." Again, in another letter, dated 26th May, 1865, after the revolutionists had retreated inland, he states:--

"Of course many stories are being put in circulation about the cruelties of the Taepings when in possession of Chang-chew; but it must be remembered that these come from Mandarin sources, and thence through the foreign custom-house pass into circulation in the foreign community, while a little investigation often shows them to be quite unfounded. For example, it was reported that the Taepings left Chang-chew a perfect shamble, having massacred all the people that were of no use to take with them, and in corroboration of this some of the foreign community were taken up, and shown the city burning in several places, with numbers of dead bodies lying about; but it has to be kept in mind that, before this the Mandarin troops had been some days in the city, and the remembrance of Soo-chow ought to teach Englishmen, at least, how these days would be spent. The Chinese have a technical term for a proclamation issued ordering soldiers to desist from _indiscriminate_ slaughter and plunder, and I casually got the information from my teacher (who has the means of getting all news circulating in the Yamens), that Chang-chew was in the hands of the Imperialists four or five days before this proclamation was issued. The fact is, that, immediately on the Taepings leaving, the people whom they left (they took a large number with them as baggage-bearers, &c.), endeavoured to escape from it as fast as possible; and we have information from some who have escaped that, before the departure of the rebels no slaughter took place. How the Imperialists have acted in Chang-chew and the surrounding villages will be apparent from the single fact that, since they entered the city, the soldiers have been selling women at four dollars each. No evidence has yet been produced that the Taepings have been guilty of such atrocities as are implied in this statement. A short time ago, in consequence of some disturbances in the Tung-au region, a body of soldiers were detached from the Mandarin force, near Chang-chew, who by their own account burnt over twenty villages and massacred over 2,000 women and children, without meeting with any resistance. They ultimately returned, in consequence of the villagers, farther north, forming a combination for mutual protection, and threatening to join the rebels. We have not heard of an instance of the Taepings acting in such a manner."

It is impossible to tell, at present, whether the Ti-pings may become a scourge to their country, or whether they will again rise into power and importance, and occupy their old position. But the fact must be carefully recorded that, in event of the former deplorable contingency, it is British interference which has made them what they are, and that it must be regarded as the original and responsible cause of all that is or may be objectionable. It is now placed beyond doubt that the Kan-wang is at the head of a great body of Ti-pings, although it is equally certain that other divisions not under his command exist in various directions; but, so long as he remains in authority, there need be little fear as to the deterioration of the movement. One fact in connection with the retreat from Chang-chew speaks volumes. It seems that when some missionaries visited the place immediately after the Ti-pings had fled, they made the interesting discovery described by Dr. Carnegie (medical missionary) in the following words:--

[87] "Only some two or three of the Christians have been heard of.... A native preacher is amongst the missing. An interesting fact, however, remains to be told in connection with the rebels, and it is this:--That whilst they gutted the heathen temples and utterly demolished the many hundreds of idols with which these temples were stored, they respected the Christian places of worship, and in one of the chapels, where there is a scroll bearing these words, 'The pure religion of Jesus,' some of them added underneath, 'MAY IT SPREAD OVER THE WHOLE EARTH!'"

As Colonel Sykes, M.P., truly observes in a letter upon the above subject, published in the _Star_, December 28th, 1865:--

"These two testimonies, standing unscathed in a desolated city, will fall gratingly upon the memories of those who, with British bayonets and British shot and shell, in violation of good faith and in violation of a commanded neutrality, have aided a Government, which has been characterized for its constant perfidy and cruelty, to defeat a national party, in which, as we see, was not only a germ of Christianity, of probable development into a rich harvest, but which party also constantly had manifested a desire to cultivate friendly relations with foreigners, with a view to the introduction of Western science and art, as contra-distinguished from the Imperial Government, which stupidly and doggedly opposes itself to every proposition for the establishment of railways, telegraphs, the steam navigation of internal waters, and other useful objects."

Since the evacuation of Chang-chew, but little information has been received regarding the movements and whereabouts of the Ti-pings. From the depositions of two foreigners (Mansfield and Baffey), it has been ascertained that the Kan-wang is in supreme command, nothing whatever being heard of the Tien or Chung Wangs. Besides the force from Chang-chew, and the main body with which it effected a junction, another division seems to have arrived from the city of Kia-ying-chow, in the province of Kiang-si, but it is not stated under what leader. The concentration of these troops was probably caused by the orders of the Kan-wang, who, it would seem, has since led them northward into Kiang-si. Whither they are marching is as yet unknown. It is quite possible that their intention is to join the Nien-fie in the northern provinces, who have again defeated the Imperialists under Tseng-kwo-fan, and seem to be moving in every direction in overwhelming numbers, while one body is especially reported as making a diversion to the south-west.

The men, Mansfield and Baffey, were present at the junction of the Ti-ping forces. The latter, in his deposition, states: "The Kan-wang is about 35 years of age. He is the principal rebel-chief at the present moment.... When I left, the rebels were talking of retreating towards Kiang-si. They have great confidence in the Kan-wang. The latter is an exceedingly clever man, very fond of European ideas, but very distrustful of foreigners"--as well he may be.

Between the Nien-fie league in the north and the Ti-pings in the south, it seems very probable the Manchoo dynasty will ultimately be overthrown. If the Imperialist forces are concentrated in the north, in all other quarters insurrection breaks out, and the Ti-pings rapidly increase their strength and conquests; and so, upon the other hand, when they move against the Ti-pings in the south, the Nien-fie, Mohamedan rebels, &c., gain numberless adherents, and capture city after city with impunity. Every mail brings some dim tidings of disaster to the Tartar cause England has been so wantonly led to support. It is extraordinary that while internal dangers are rapidly increasing, the Manchoos should be fulfilling their anti-foreign intentions when foreign help alone can save them. A late number of the _China Overland Trade Report_, dated Hong-kong, 31st December, 1865, states:-

"Since the late evacuation of the Taku forts much labour and outlay have been expended in strengthening the fortifications; in fact, it is said that when the plan adopted shall be carried out, these forts will be impregnable except to iron-clads. The proceeding is significant when taken in connection with the anti-foreign policy known to be cherished."

Intelligence from China, bearing date February 1st, 1866, announces a Ti-ping victory in the province of Fu-keen, the Imperialists losing their leader, Kwo-sun-liang. The Ti-pings have also recaptured the important city of Kia-ying-chow, which had been evacuated by the third division of the army, at present combined under the Kan-wang's command, before the junction was effected.

At the same time further victorious progress of the Nien-fie is reported, and a large rebel force (supposed to be of that movement) has appeared within 30 miles of Hankow, the great commercial city and treaty port situated some 700 miles up the river Yang-tze-kiang. It would thus seem that a considerable division of the Nien-fie army has been detached on a rapid march to the south-west; at the same time the Ti-pings have moved to the north-west, and captured Kia-ying-chow, so that it is plain, if each force continues its advance, they will shortly meet, which is very likely their intention.

What the consequences will be if the Ti-pings are fortunate and wise enough to effect a junction with the Nien-fie can scarcely admit of a doubt. Without foreign assistance the Imperialists are unable to cope with either of the great rebellions, how much less would they be able to resist the two combined! It only requires such an amalgamation of the two great parties in opposition to the Manchoo rule to cause the native population to rise _en masse_. Each mail brings tidings of fresh outbreaks in every part of the distracted empire, and it is ominous for the present dynasty that the literary class, the highest in China, are beginning to raise and lead local insurrection, as was the case in December, 1865, at the town of Chin-shan, only 65 miles from Shanghae, a part of the country just pacified by British swords!

"The unfortunate have always been deserted and betrayed," and how much more by those who have guiltily made them unfortunate in the first place! It is therefore easy to understand the nature of the hostility which has been excited in England against the Ti-pings--against the only section of the people of China whom righteous men can look to as affording a prospect of forwarding the true interests and improvement of that vast and beautiful and incalculably rich country.

It is bad to go to war at all; it is highly criminal to make war upon an unoffending neighbour; and it is enormous guilt to use hostilities for the purpose of subduing a free and happy people because they _might_ interfere with our profits; but in what words can the double crime of waging war upon mercenary grounds against the cause of liberty and Christianity be expressed? Yet such, unfortunately, is the course which England has pursued by taking part against the Ti-pings.

It is true there is yet some hope that the policy of the Cabinet of her late lamented statesman, Lord Palmerston, may prove a failure. The Chinese Christian patriots have still a chance of successfully defending themselves, and they have strong hope, for their chiefs have repeatedly said, "The Mings took a hundred years to found their dynasty, and possibly so may we, but most assuredly, sooner or later, we shall expel the Tartars and succeed, for the Heavenly Father is with us, and who can triumph against Him?"

Let Englishmen therefore trust that their rulers will in future observe the neutrality they have once more professed, and not again wage an unrighteous war without even declaring it, and in violation of their official pledges. All men whose minds have a spark of philanthropy, civilization, or Christian faith, will wish their Chinese brothers God speed.

Let us trust that, phoenix-like, the Ti-pings may rise from the ashes of their former glory and yet succeed in their great religio-political movement, that they may again print and widely circulate the Holy Bible, which, throughout all their former territory, British bayonets and Manchoo torches have for a time destroyed, and that England will not have to answer for the sin of crushing the first Christian movement in modern Asia, and the last apparent opportunity of Christianizing and liberating China.

While looking forward hopefully to the future of the Ti-pings, because the cause of liberty is theirs, and the cause of the Gospel is theirs also, let it be remembered (as applying to the former phase) that a great man has said:--

"For freedom's battle once begun, Bequeathed by bleeding sire to son, Though baffled oft, is ever won."

And let it be remembered (as applying to the latter phase) that the Ti-ping movement was originated through acceptation of the Gospel, and that to comfort those who are persecuted for Its sake, it is therein declared:--

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. "Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."

FOOTNOTES:

[83] Published in the _Daily News_, August 8, 1865.

[84] The italics are ours.

[85] "It has been plain from the first, that they were no more like Christians than Mahomet was like a Jew" (p. iv).

[86] Published in _The English Presbyterian Messenger_, July 1st and August 1, 1865.

[87] See p. 13, "Occasional Paper," No. 10, dated July, 1865, issued with the Tenth Annual Report of the China Mission at Amoy and Swatow, 1864-5.

APPENDIX A.

RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS WRITTEN BY THE TIEN-WANG HUNG-SIU-TSHUEN, AND USED BY THE TI-PINGS.

DECALOGUE. THE TEN CELESTIAL COMMANDS WHICH ARE TO BE CONSTANTLY OBSERVED.

THE FIRST COMMAND. THOU SHALT HONOUR AND WORSHIP THE GREAT GOD.

_Remark._--The great God is the universal Father of all men, in every nation under heaven. Every man is produced and nourished by him: every man is also protected by him: every man ought, therefore, morning and evening, to honour and worship him, with acknowledgments of his goodness. It is a common saying, that Heaven produces, nourishes, and protects men. Also, that being provided with food we must not deceive Heaven. Therefore, whoever does not worship the great God breaks the commands of Heaven.

_The Hymn says_:--

Imperial Heaven, the Supreme God is the true Spirit (God): Worship him every morning and evening, and you will be taken up; You ought deeply to consider the ten celestial commands, And not by your foolishness obscure the right principles of nature.

THE SECOND COMMAND. THOU SHALT NOT WORSHIP CORRUPT SPIRITS (GODS).

_Remark._--The great God says, Thou shalt have no other spirits (gods) beside me. Therefore all besides the great God are corrupt spirits (gods), deceiving and destroying mankind; they must on no account be worshipped: whoever worships the whole class of corrupt spirits (gods) offends against the commands of Heaven.

_The Hymn says_:--

Corrupt devils very easily delude the souls of men. If you perversely believe in them, you will at last go down to hell. We exhort you all, brave people, to awake from your lethargy, And early make your peace with your exalted Heavenly Father.

THE THIRD COMMAND. THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE GREAT GOD IN VAIN.

_Remark._--The name of the great God is Jehovah, which men must not take in vain. Whoever takes God's name in vain, and rails against Heaven, offends against this command.

_The Hymn says_:--

Our exalted Heavenly Father is infinitely honourable; Those who disobey and profane his name, seldom come to a good end. If unacquainted with the true doctrine, you should be on your guard, For those who wantonly blaspheme involve themselves in endless crime.

THE FOURTH COMMAND. ON THE SEVENTH DAY, THE DAY OF WORSHIP, YOU SHOULD PRAISE THE GREAT GOD FOR HIS GOODNESS.

_Remark._--In the beginning the great God made heaven and earth, land and sea, men and things, in six days; and having finished his works on the seventh day, he called it the day of rest (or Sabbath): therefore all the men of the world, who enjoy the blessing of the great God, should on every seventh day especially reverence and worship the great God, and praise him for his goodness.

_The Hymn says_:--

All the happiness enjoyed in the world comes from Heaven; It is therefore reasonable that men should give thanks and sing; At the daily morning and evening meal there should be thanksgiving, But on the seventh day, the worship should be more intense.

THE FIFTH COMMAND. THOU SHALT HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER, THAT THY DAYS MAY BE PROLONGED.

_Remark._--Whoever disobeys his parents breaks this command.

_The Hymn says_:--

History records that Shun honoured his parents to the end of his days, Causing them to experience the intensest pleasure and delight: August Heaven will abundantly reward all who act thus, And do not disappoint the expectation of the authors of their being.

THE SIXTH COMMAND. THOU SHALT NOT KILL OR INJURE MEN.

_Remark._--He who kills another kills himself, and he who injures another injures himself. Whoever does either of these breaks the above command.

_The Hymn says_:--

The whole world is one family, and all men are brethren, How can they be permitted to kill and destroy one another? The outward form and the inward principle are both conferred by Heaven: Allow every one, then, to enjoy the ease and comfort which he desires.

THE SEVENTH COMMAND. THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY OR ANYTHING UNCLEAN.

_Remark._--All the men in the world are brethren, and all the women in the world are sisters. Among the sons and daughters of the celestial hall the males are on one side and the females on the other, and are not allowed to intermix. Should either men or women practise lewdness they are considered outcasts, as having offended against one of the chief commands of Heaven. The casting of amorous glances, the harbouring of lustful imaginations, the smoking of foreign tobacco (opium), or the singing of libidinous songs must all be considered as breaches of this command.

_The Hymn says_:--

Lust and lewdness constitute the chief transgression, Those who practise it become outcasts, and are the objects of pity. If you wish to enjoy the substantial happiness of heaven, It is necessary to deny yourself and earnestly cultivate virtue.

THE EIGHTH COMMAND. THOU SHALT NOT ROB OR STEAL.

_Remark._--Riches and poverty are determined by the great God; but whosoever robs or plunders the property of others transgresses this command.

_The Hymn says_:--

Rest contented with your station, however poor, and do not steal. Robbery and violence are low and abandoned practices. Those who injure others really injure themselves. Let the noble-minded among you immediately reform.

THE NINTH COMMAND. THOU SHALT NOT UTTER FALSEHOOD.

_Remark._--All those who tell lies, and indulge in devilish deceits, with every kind of coarse and abandoned talk, offend against this command.

_The Hymn says_:--

Lying discourse and unfounded stories must all be abandoned. Deceitful and wicked words are offences against Heaven. Much talk will, in the end, bring evil on the speakers. It is then much better to be cautious, and regulate one's own mind.

THE TENTH COMMAND. THOU SHALT NOT CONCEIVE A COVETOUS DESIRE.

_Remark._--When a man looks upon the beauty of another's wife and daughters with covetous desires, or when he regards the elegance of another man's possessions with covetous desires, or when he engages in gambling, he offends against this command.

_The Hymn says_:--

In your daily conduct do not harbour covetous desires. When involved in the sea of lust the consequences are very serious. The above injunctions were handed down on Mount Sinai; And to this day the celestial commands retain all their force.

* * * * *

"NOTE.--The expression 'corrupt spirits' in the remarks upon the second commandment, rendered by the translator 'gods,' refers probably to the numerous malevolent spirits whom all uneducated Chinese believe to have power over all things noxious to the human race. The gods of thunder, lightning, wind, &c., are the principal of these, but there are also hundreds of inferior spirits whom poor householders believe to be abroad at night, with power, if they so will, to spread pestilence, disaster, and fire, and who consequently receive daily and nightly offerings of prayer and incense from the timid and trembling poor, who dread the exercise of their malevolence."--(_The Taepings in China._)

THE TRIMETRICAL CLASSIC.

EACH LINE IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINING THREE WORDS, AND EACH VERSE FOUR LINES.

The Great God Made heaven and earth, Both land and sea, And all things therein.

In six days He made the whole; Man, the lord of all, Was endowed with glory and honour.

Every seventh day worship, In acknowledgment of Heaven's favour; Let all under Heaven Keep their hearts in reverence.

It is said that in former times A foreign nation was commanded To honour God; The nation's name was Israel.

Their twelve tribes Removed into Egypt; Where God favoured them, And their posterity increased.

Then a king arose Into whose heart the devil entered; He envied their prosperity, And inflicted pain and misery.

Ordering the daughters to be preserved, But not allowing the sons to live; Their bondage was severe And very difficult to bear.

The Great God Viewed them with pity, And commanded Moses To return to his family.

He commanded Aaron To go and meet Moses; When both addressed the king, And wrought divers miracles.

The king hardened his heart And would not let them go; Wherefore God was angry And sent lice and locusts.

He also sent flies, Together with frogs, Which entered their palaces And crept into their ovens.

When the king still refused, The river was turned into blood! And the water became bitter Throughout all Egypt.

God sent boils and blains, With pestilence and murrain; He also sent hail, Which was very grievous.

The king still refusing, He slew their first-born; When the King of Egypt Had no resource,

But let them go Out of his land; The Great God Upheld and sustained them.

By day in a cloud, By night in a pillar of fire; The Great God Himself saved them.

The king hardened his heart, And led his armies in pursuit; But God was angry And displayed his majesty.

Arrived at the Red Sea, The waters were spread abroad; The people of Israel Were very much afraid.

The pursuers overtook them, But God stayed their course; He himself fought for them, And the people had no trouble.

He caused the Red Sea With its waters to divide; To stand up as a wall, That they might pass between.

The people of Israel Marched with a steady step As though on dry ground, And thus saved their lives.

The pursuers attempting to cross, Their wheels were taken off, When the waters closed upon them, And they were all drowned.

The Great God Displayed his power, And the people of Israel Were all preserved.

When they came to the desert They had nothing to eat; But the Great God Bade them not be afraid.

He sent down manna, For each man a pint; It was as sweet as honey, And satisfied their appetites.

The people lusted much, And wished to eat flesh, When quails were sent By the millions of bushels.

At the Mount Sinai Miracles were displayed, And Moses was commanded To make tables of stone.

The Great God Gave his celestial commands, Amounting to ten precepts, The breach of which would not be forgiven.

He himself wrote them, And gave them to Moses; The celestial law Cannot be altered.

In after ages It was sometimes disobeyed, Through the devil's temptations When men fell into misery.

But the Great God, Out of pity to mankind, Sent his first-born Son To come down into the world.

His name is Jesus, The Lord and Saviour of men, Who redeems them from sin By the endurance of extreme misery.

Upon the cross They nailed his body, Where he shed his precious blood To save all mankind.

Three days after his death He rose from the dead, And during forty days He discoursed on heavenly things.

When he was about to ascend, He commanded his disciples To communicate his gospel And proclaim his revealed will.

Those who believe will be saved And ascend to heaven; But those who do not believe Will be the first to be condemned.

Throughout the whole world There is only one God, The Great Lord and Ruler Without a second.

* * * * *

The Chinese in early ages Were regarded by God; Together with the foreign states They walked in one way.

From the time of Pwan-koo,[88] Down to the three dynasties,[89] They honoured God, As history records.

T'hang of the Shang dynasty,[90] And Wan of the Chow,[91] Honoured God With the intensest feeling.

The inscription on T'hang's bathing-tub Inculcated daily renovation of mind; And God commanded him To assume the government of the empire.

Wan was very respectful And intelligently served God; So that the people who submitted to him Were two out of every three.

When Tsin obtained the empire[92] He was infatuated with the genii, And the nation has been deluded by the devil For the last two thousand years.

Suen and Woo of the Han dynasty[93] Both followed this bad example, So that the mad rebellion increased In imitation of Tsin's misrule.

When Woo arrived at old age, He repented of his folly, And lamented that from his youth up He had always followed the wrong road.

Ming of the Han dynasty[94] Welcomed the institutions of Buddha, And set up temples and monasteries To the great injury of the country.

But Hwang of the Sung dynasty Was still more mad and infatuated, For he changed the name of Shang-te (God) Into that of Yuh-hwang (the pearly emperor).[95]

But the Great God Is the supreme Lord Over all the world, The Great Father in heaven.

His name is most honourable, To be handed down through distant ages; Who was this Hwuy, That he dared to alter it?

It was meet that this same Hwuy Should be taken by the Tartars, And together with his son Perish in the northern desert.

From Hwuy of the Sung dynasty Up to the present day, For these seven hundred years Men have sunk deeper and deeper in error.

With the doctrine of God They have not been acquainted, While the king of Hades Has deluded them to the utmost.

* * * * *

The Great God displays Liberality deep as the sea; But the devil has injured man In a most outrageous manner.

God is therefore displeased And has sent his Son[96] With orders to come down into the world Having first studied the classics.

In the Ting-yeu year (1837) He was received up into Heaven, Where the affairs of Heaven Were clearly pointed out to him.

The great God Personally instructed him, Gave him odes and documents, And communicated to him the true doctrine.

God also gave him a seal, And conferred upon him a sword Connected with authority And majesty irresistible.

He bade him, together with the elder brother, Namely Jesus, To drive away impish fiends With the co-oporation of angels.

There was one who looked on with envy, Namely, the king of Hades, Who displayed much malignity And acted like a devilish serpent.

But the great God, With a high hand, Instructed his Son To subdue this fiend,

And having conquered him, To show him no favour; And in spite of his envious eye He damped all his courage.

Having overcome the fiend, He returned to Heaven, Where the great God Gave him great authority.

The celestial mother was kind And exceedingly gracious, Beautiful and noble in the extreme, Far beyond all compare.

The celestial elder brother's wife Was virtuous and very considerate, Constantly exhorting the elder brother To do things deliberately.

The great God, Out of love to mankind, Again commissioned his Son To come down into the world.

And when he sent him down, He charged him not to be afraid; I am with you, said he, To superintend everything.

In the Mow-shin year (1848) The Son was troubled and distressed, When the great God Appeared on his behalf.

Bringing Jesus with him, They both came down into the world, Where he instructed his Son How to sustain the weight of government.

God has set up his Son To endure for ever, To defeat corrupt machinations And to display majesty and authority.

Also to judge the world, To divide the righteous from the wicked, And consign them to the misery of hell, Or bestow on them the joys of heaven.

Heaven manages everything, Heaven sustains the whole; Let all beneath the sky Come and acknowledge the new monarch.

Little children, Worship God, Keep his commandments, And do not disobey.

Let your minds be refined, And be not depraved, The great God Constantly surveys you.

You must refine yourselves well, And not be depraved: Vice willingly practised Is the first step to misery.

To insure a good end, You must make a good beginning: An error of a hair's breadth May lead to a discrepancy of a thousand li.

Be careful about little things, And watch the minute springs of action: The great God Is not to be deceived.

Little children, Arouse your energies: The laws of high heaven Admit not of infraction.

Upon the good blessings descend, And miseries on the wicked; Those who obey Heaven are preserved, And those who disobey perish.

The great God Is a spiritual Father; All things whatever Depend on him.

The great God Is the Father of our spirits: Those who devoutly serve him Will obtain blessings.

Those who obey the fathers of their flesh Will enjoy longevity; Those who requite their parents Will certainly obtain happiness.

Do not practise lewdness, Nor any uncleanness; Do not tell lies, Do not kill and slay.

Do not steal, Do not covet: The great God Will strictly carry out his laws.

Those who obey Heaven's commands Will enjoy celestial happiness; Those who are grateful for divine favours Will receive divine support.

Heaven blesses the good And curses the bad: Little children! Maintain correct conduct.

The correct are men, The corrupt are imps: Little children! Seek to avoid disgrace.

God loves the upright, And he hates the vicious: Little children! Be careful to avoid error.

The great God Sees everything; If you wish to enjoy happiness, Refine and correct yourselves.

FOOTNOTES:

[88] Pwan-koo, the first man, was, according to Chinese mythology, the offspring of Chaos, and the creator of the earth, sun, moon, and stars.

[89] The period of the three dynasties began B.C. 2207, and ended B.C. 247.

[90] B.C. 1766.

[91] B.C. 1121. Both these emperors (T'hang and Wan) are stated by Du Halde to have worshipped Heaven.

[92] B.C. 247.

[93] B.C. 74--A.D. 25.

[94] A.D. 58. The emperor Ming, having heard that the true religion was to be found in the west, despatched (A.D. 66) ambassadors into Northern India, who, finding the majority of the people in that region to be worshippers of Fo, brought back with them several Bonzes in order to spread the faith; and thus Buddhism was introduced into China.

[95] This emperor (Hwuy) was a firm believer in the superstitions of the Taouists. A.D. 1101--1126.

[96] Hung-siu-tsuen.

ODE FOR YOUTH.

EACH LINE IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINING FIVE WORDS, AND EACH VERSE FOUR LINES.

ON THE WORSHIP OF GOD.

Let the true Spirit, the great God, Be honoured and adored by all nations; Let all the inhabitants of the world Unite in his worship, morning and evening.

Above and below, look where you may, All things are imbued with the Divine favour. At the beginning, in six days, All things were created, perfect and complete.

Whether circumcised or uncircumcised, Who is not produced by God? Reverently praise the Divine favour And you will obtain eternal glory.

ON REVERENCE FOR JESUS.

Jesus, his first-born Son, Was in former times sent by God: He willingly gave his life to redeem us from sin; Of a truth his merits are pre-eminent.

His cross was hard to bear; The sorrowing clouds obscured the sun. The adorable Son, the honoured of heaven, Died for you, the children of men.

After his resurrection he ascended to heaven; Resplendent in glory, he wields authority supreme. In him we know that we may trust To secure salvation and ascend to Heaven.

ON THE HONOUR DUE TO PARENTS.

As grain is stored against a day of need, So men bring up children to tend their old age; A filial son begets filial children,-- The recompense here is truly wonderful.

Do you ask how this our body Is to attain to length of years? Keep the fifth command, we say, And honour and emolument will descend upon you.

ON THE COURT.

The imperial court is an awe-inspiring spot, Let those about it dread celestial majesty; Life and death emanate from Heaven's son, Let every officer avoid disobedience.

ON THE DUTIES OF THE SOVEREIGN.

When one man presides over the government, All nations become settled and tranquillized: When the sovereign grasps the sceptre of power, Calumny and corruption sink and disappear.

ON THE DUTIES OF MINISTERS.

When the prince is upright, ministers are true; When the sovereign is intelligent, ministers will be honest. E and Chow are models worthy of imitation: They acted uprightly and aided the government.

ON THE DUTIES OF FAMILIES.

The members of one family being intimately related, They should live in joy and harmony; When the feeling of concord unites the whole, Blessings will descend upon them from above.

ON THE DUTIES OF A FATHER.

When the main beam is straight, the joists will be regular; When a father is strict, his duty will be fulfilled: Let him not provoke his children to wrath, And a delightful harmony will pervade the dwelling.

ON THE DUTIES OF A MOTHER.

Ye mothers, beware of partiality, But tenderly instruct your children in virtue; When you are a fit example to your daughters, The happy feeling will reach to the clouds.

ON THE DUTIES OF SONS.

Sons, be patterns to your wives; Consider obedience to parents the chief duty; Do not listen to the tattle of women, And you will not be estranged from your own flesh.

ON THE DUTIES OF DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW.

Ye that are espoused into other families, Be gentle and yielding, and your duty is fulfilled; Do not quarrel with your sisters-in-law, And thereby vex the old father and mother.

ON THE DUTIES OF ELDER BROTHERS.

Elder brothers, instruct your juniors; Remember well your common parentage; Should they commit a trifling fault, Bear with it and treat them indulgently.

ON THE DUTIES OF YOUNGER BROTHERS.

Disparity in years is ordered by Heaven; Duty to seniors consists in respect. When younger brothers obey Heaven's dictates, Happiness and honour will be their portion.

ON THE DUTIES OF ELDER SISTERS.

Elder sisters, instruct your younger sisters, Study improvement and fit yourselves for Heaven. Should you occasionally visit your former homes, Get the little ones around you and tell them what is right.

ON THE DUTIES OF YOUNGER SISTERS.

Girls, obey your elder brothers and sisters, Be obliging and avoid arrogance, Carefully give yourselves to self-improvement, And mind and keep the Ten Commandments.

ON THE DUTIES OF HUSBANDS.

Unbending firmness is natural to the man, Love for a wife should be qualified by prudence; And should the lioness roar, Let not terror fill the mind.

ON THE DUTIES OF WIVES.

Women, be obedient to your three male relatives, And do not disobey your lords: When hens crow in the morning, Sorrow may be expected in the family.

ON THE DUTIES OF ELDER BROTHERS' WIVES.

What is the duty of an elder brother's wife, And what her most appropriate deportment? Let her cheerfully harmonize with younger brothers' wives, And she will never do amiss.

ON THE DUTIES OF YOUNGER BROTHERS' WIVES.

Younger brothers' wives should respect their elder brothers' wives, In humility honouring their elder brothers; In all things yielding to their senior sisters-in-law, Which will result in harmony superior to music.

ON THE DUTIES OF THE MALE SEX.

Let every man have his own partner And maintain the duties of the human relations Firm and unbending; his duties lie from home, But he should avoid such things as cause suspicion.

ON THE DUTIES OF THE FEMALE SEX.

The duty of woman is to maintain chastity; She should shun proximity to the other sex; Sober and decorous, she should keep at home: Thus she can secure happiness and felicity.

ON CONTRACTING MARRIAGES.

Marriages are the result of some relation in a former state The disposal of which rests with Heaven. When contracted, affection should flow in a continued stream, And the association should be uninterrupted.

ON MANAGING THE HEART.

For the purpose of controlling the whole body, God has given to man an intelligent mind; When the heart is correct, it becomes the true regulator To which the senses and members are all obedient.

ON MANAGING THE EYES.

The various corruptions first delude the eye; But if the eye be correct, all evil will be avoided: Let the pupil of the eye be sternly fixed, And the light of the body will shine up to heaven.

ON MANAGING THE EAR.

Whatever sounds assail my ear, Let me listen to all in silence: Deaf to the entrance of evil, Pervious to good, in order to be eminently intelligent.

ON MANAGING THE MOUTH.

The tongue is a prolific source of strife, And a multitude of words leads to mischief; Let me not be defiled by lying and corrupt discourse, Careful and cautious, let reason be my guide.

ON MANAGING THE HAND.

To cut off the hand whereby we are dragged to evil Appears a determination worthy of high praise; The duty of the hand is to manifest respect, But for improper objects move not a finger.

ON MANAGING THE FEET.

Let the feet walk in the path of rectitude, And ever follow it, without treading awry; For the countless by-paths of life Lead only to mischief in the end.

THE WAY TO GET TO HEAVEN.

Honour and disgrace come from a man's self; But men should exert themselves To keep the Ten Commandments, And they will enjoy bliss in Heaven.

APPENDIX B.

EXPORT OF TEA AND SILK FROM CHINA,

_Showing the State of the Trade before, during, and after the Occupation of the producing Districts by the Ti-pings._

[From the following Figures the Effect of their Presence upon Commerce may be judged.]

TOTAL EXPORTS during the Five Years immediately preceding the Outbreak of the Ti-ping Revolution.

+--------------------+--------------+----------+ | DATE OF EXPORT. | TEA. | RAW SILK.| +--------------------+--------------+----------+ | | Pounds. | Bales. | | Year 1845-1846 | 57,580,000 | 18,600 | | " 1846-1847 | 53,360,000 | 19,000 | | " 1847-1848 | 47,690,000 | 21,377 | | " 1848-1849 | 47,240,000 | 17,228 | | " 1849-1850 | 53,960,000 | 16,134 | +--------------------+--------------+----------+

_Remarks._--These returns are quoted by Col. Sykes, M.P., in his pamphlet on "The Progress of Trade with China, 1833-1860," and are copied from the _Friend of China_, which journal, then established at Canton, published a tabular form, showing the total exports (exclusive of Ningpo) from all Treaty Ports, 1843 to 1858.

* * * * *

TOTAL EXPORTS during the First Three Years of the Revolution, while the Ti-pings were steadily progressing northward.

+--------------------+--------------+----------+ | DATE OF EXPORT. | TEA. | RAW SILK.| +--------------------+--------------+----------+ | | Pounds. | Bales. | | Year 1850-1851 | 64,020,000 | 22,143 | | " 1851-1852 | 65,130,000 | 23,040 | | " 1852-1853 | 72,900,000 | 25,571 | +--------------------+--------------+----------+

_Remarks._--It will be seen that the progress of the rebellion did not interfere with trade, which continued steadily increasing.

* * * * *

TOTAL EXPORTS from date of Capture of Nankin, and many producing Districts, by the Ti-pings, to 1859.

+--------------------+--------------+----------+ | DATE OF EXPORT. | TEA. | RAW SILK.| +--------------------+--------------+----------+ | | Pounds. | Bales. | | Year 1853-1854 | 77,210,000 | 61,984 | | " 1854-1855 | 86,500,000 | 51,486 | | " 1855-1856 | 91,930,000 | 50,489 | | " 1856-1857 | 61,460,000 | 74,215 | | " 1857-1858 | 76,740,000 | 60,736 | +--------------------+--------------+----------+

_Remarks._--It will be seen that the exports, although to a certain extent coming from, or passing through, Ti-ping territory, continued regularly increasing, especially in the case of the silk trade.

* * * * *

TOTAL EXPORTS during the Two Years preceding the Capture, of the entire Silk, and about half of the Tea, Districts.

+-----------------+-------------+------------+ | DATE OF EXPORT. | TEA. | RAW SILK. | +-----------------+-------------+------------+ | | Pounds. | Bales. | | Year 1858-1859 | 65,789,792 | 81,136 | | " 1859-1860 | 85,938,493 | 69,137 | +-----------------+-------------+------------+

_Remarks._--These returns are carefully copied from the bi-monthly issues of _The China Overland Trade Report_.

* * * * *

TOTAL EXPORTS during the entire Occupation of the Silk Districts.

+-----------------+-------------+------------+ | DATE OF EXPORT. | TEA. | RAW SILK. | +-----------------+-------------+------------+ | | Pounds. | Bales. | | Year 1860-1861 | 87,220,754 | 88,754 | | " 1861-1862 | 107,351,649 | 73,322 | | " 1862-1863 | 118,692,138 | 83,264 | +-----------------+-------------+------------+

_Remarks._--The Ti-pings captured Soo-chow, the capital of the silk districts (and shortly after the _whole_ of that valuable country), in the month of May, 1860. It will be seen that, instead of injuring the silk trade, at the termination of the next business year--season 1860-61, commencing June 1, 1860, and ending 31st May, 1861--they had _increased_ it to 88,754 bales, the greatest number ever exported from China in one year; to 73,322, season 1861-62; and 83,264, season 1862-63; whilst the export of tea, mostly from regions in their possession, was raised from 66,000,000 pounds in 1860, to 119,000,000 in 1863! These figures cover the period of entire occupation of the silk districts by the Ti-pings, and their occupation of the tea districts of Fy-chow, Taeping-hien, and others in the provinces of Ngan-whui, Che-kiang, Kiang-si, and Kiang-su, and extend to the end of May, 1863.

* * * * *

TOTAL EXPORTS _since_ the Ti-pings have been driven from the Silk Districts.

+-----------------+-------------+------------+ | DATE OF EXPORT. | TEA. | RAW SILK. | +-----------------+-------------+------------+ | | Pounds. | Bales. | | Year 1863-1864 | 119,689,238 | 46,863 | | " 1864-1865 | 121,236,870 | 41,128 | +-----------------+-------------+------------+

_Remarks._--These returns prove, better than any history or argument, who were the devastators of the former Ti-ping territory. While the revolutionists held and governed the valuable silk districts, that article was produced and exported in larger quantities than had ever been known before. After the British had made the producing districts the theatre of the war, and finally succeeded in driving the Ti-pings out, the supply of silk at once fell to half the export during the Ti-ping dominion, and the second year after to still less.

APPENDIX C.

MEMORANDUM OF TI-PINGS KILLED DURING THE BRITISH HOSTILITIES AGAINST THEM.

+----------------------+----------+---------------+---------+-------------+ | | | | Number |British, or | | Where Killed. | Date. |By what Forces.| Killed. |Allied, | | | | | |Casualties. | +----------------------+----------+---------------+---------+-------------+ |Before Shanghae, |August, |British and | 300 |Nil. | |while striving |1860. |French. | | | |to peaceably | | | | | |negotiate. | | | | | | | | | | | |Near the city of |December, |Ward's | 2,000 |100 killed | |Soong-kong (twenty |1861. |disciplined | |and | |miles from Shanghae). | |Contingent | |wounded. | | | | | | | |At the capture of the |21st |British and | 150 |1 killed by | |village Kao-kiau. |February, |French. | |a stray shot.| | |1862. | | | | | | | | | | |During the capture |1st |Ditto. | 1,300 |Nil. | |of stockades at |March, | | | | |Ming-hong. |1862. | | | | | | | | | | |At capture of |4th |Ditto. | 600 |1 killed, | |Wong-ka-dzu stockades.|April, | | |1 wounded. | | |1862. | | | | | | | | | | |Capture of the village|5th |Admiral | 300 |Nil. | |of Lu-ka-kong. |April, |Hope's and | | | | |1862. |Ward's forces. | | | | | | | | | |At the village of |17th |British, | 900 |Nil. | |Che-poo. |April, |French, | | | | |1862. |and | | | | | |Ward's forces. | | | | | | | | | |At the capture of the |1st |Allied British,| 3,500 |5 or 6 | |city of Kah-ding. |May, |French, and | |wounded. | | |1862. |Imperialists. | | | | | | | | | |At the capture of the |12th |Ditto. | 2,500 |2 killed, | |city of Tsing-poo. |May, | | |10 wounded. | | |1862. | | | | | | | | | | |At the capture of the |17th |British and | 500 |French | |village of Na-joor. |May, |French. | |admiral | | |1862. | | |killed, 16 | | | | | |men wounded. | | | | | | | |At the capture of the |20th |Ditto. | 3,000 |1 killed, | |town of Cho-lin. |May, | | |4 wounded. | | |1862. | | | | | | | | | | |During an engagement |31st |British naval | 300 |1 killed, | |near Kah-ding. |May, |& military | |4 wounded. | | |1862. |forces | | | | | | | | | |Upon the expulsion of |10th |British, | 150 |3 killed, | |the Ti-pings from |May |French, | |23 wounded. | |Ningpo. |1862. |and piratical | | | | | |flotilla. | | | | | | | | | |During the recapture |June, |British, | 5,000 |About 100, | |of Kah-ding, |July & |French, | |all told. | |Tsing-poo, Cho-lin, |August, |and | | | |Chee-poo, &c., by |1862. |Imperialists. | | | |the Ti-pings. | | | | | | | | | | | |During the operations |August, |Force under | 20,000 |About 2,000 | |in the Ningpo |1862, |Capt. R. Dew, | |or 3,000. | |district, leading to |to the |R.N., | | | |the capture of |end of |Anglo-Manchoo, | | | |Tse-kie, Yu-yaon, |1863. |Franco-Manchoo,| | | |Fung-wha, Shou-sing, | |and Imperialist| | | |and other cities. | |troops. | | | | | | | | | |At the second capture |24th |British, | 1,500 |4 killed, | |of Kah-ding. |October, |French, | |20 wounded. | | |1862. |and | | | | | |Imperialists. | | | | | | | | | |Engagement during |November, |British, Ward's| 3,000 |5 killed, | |Ti-ping attempt to |1862 |force, and | |15 wounded. | |recapture Kah-ding. | |Imperialists | | | | | | | | | |During the repulse of |14th |Anglo-Manchoo | 1,000 |2,500 killed | |the attack on Tait-san|February, |Contingent | |& wounded. | | |1863 |and Imperial | | | | | |troops. | | | | | | | | | |Capture of Fu-shan |6th April,|Filibuster | 1,200 |2 killed, | |village, and relief of|1863 |_General_ | |3 wounded. | |Chang-zu | |Gordon's force.| | | | | | | | | |Capture of the city of|2nd May, |British, | 2,000 |200 _hors de | |Tait-san |1863 |Gordon's | |combat_. | | | |and Imperial | | | | | |forces. | | | | | | | | | |Massacre of Ti-pings |30th May, |The | 3,000 |Gordon's | |during their |1863 |Anglo-Manchoo | |force, | |evacuation of the | |disciplined and| |2 killed and | |city of Quin-san. | |foreign- | |5 drowned; | | | |officered | |Imperialist | | | |Contingent, and| |loss, about | | | |an Imperialist | |300. | | | |army. | | | | | | | | | |During the retreat of |June, |Died of | 40,000 |Loss of | |the Chung-wang's army |1863 |starvation, | |Imperialist | |from the northern | |made prisoners | |troops, 2,000| |provinces; caused by | |and executed by| |to 3,000. | |the British | |Imperialists, | | | |hostilities in the | |and killed in | | | |neighbourhood of | |action. | | | |Shanghae and Ningpo. | | | | | | | | | | | |At the capture of |29th |Anglo-Manchoo | 150 |1 killed, 15 | |Wo-kong city |July, |Contingent and | |wounded. | | |1863 |Imperialists | | | | | | | | | |Engagements at |5th, 6th, |Ditto. | 1,000 |50 to 100. | |Kah-poo. |& 7th | | | | | |Aug. | | | | | |1863. | | | | | | | | | | |Engagements in the |October, |Ditto. | 3,500 |About 200. | |neighbourhood of |1863. | | | | |Wo-kong. | | | | | | | | | | | |Engagements before |September,|English, | 6,000 |About 2,000. | |Soo-chow, and capture |October, |French, and | | | |of stockades outside |November, |other | | | |the city. |and |disciplined | | | | |December. |Contingents, | | | | | |assisted by a | | | | | |Imperialist | | | | | |army. | | | | | | | | | |The Soo-chow massacre |3rd |Imperialists. | 30,000 |Nil. | |upon capture of the |December, | |Estimated| | |city. |and | |by both | | | |subsequent| |Imps. & | | | |days. | |Ti-Pings | | | | | |at this | | | | | |No. | | | | | | | | |Engagements around |November &|Ditto. | 4,000 |5,000. | |Wu-see and |December. | | | | |Chang-chow-foo | | | | | | | | | | | |Upon occupation of |12th |Contingents and| 6,000 |Nil. | |Wu-see (civilians put |December. |Imperialists | | | |to death) | | | | | | | | | | | |Capture of Yih-sing. |3rd or 4th|English | 500 |About a dozen| | |March, |Contingent. | | casualties. | | |1864. | | | | | | | | | | |Defeat of Gordon's |20th |Ditto. | 600 |About 150. | |force before Kin-tang.|March, | | | | | |1864. | | | | | | | | | | |Defeat of Gordon's |30th |Ditto. | 100 |About 207. | |force at Hwa-soo. |March, | | | | | |1864. | | | | | | | | | | |Assaults upon |Jan., |English & | 5,000 |Loss of | |Hang-chow (capital of |Feb.; and |French | |Contingents, | |Che-kiang), capture of|Mar. 2nd, |Contingents, | |600; | |Fo-yang, and other |and 29th; |and several | |Imperialists,| |cities in the same |April and |large | |3,000. | |district. |May, 1864.|Imperialist | | | | | |armies. | | | | | | | | | |Massacre of |End of |Imperialists | 7,000 |Loss of | |non-combatants after |March, |and detachments| |Imperilists | |capture of |1864. |of English | |and | |Kar-sing-foo. | |Contingent. | |detachment | | | | | |under _Col._ | | | | | |Bailey during| | | | | |the seige | | | | | |1,000. | | | | | | | |Defeat of Ti-pings, |11th |Imperialists | 8,000 |Loss of | |and massacre of |April, |and English | |Allies, 100. | |prisoners, at the |1864. |Contingent | | | |village of Hwa-soo. | |under Gordon. | | | | | | | | | |Repulse of Imperialist|24th and |Ditto. | 3,500 |427 of | |assaults upon |25th | | |Contingent, | |Chang-chow-foo |April, | | |1,500 | | |1864. | | |Imperialists.| | | | | | | |Capture of Chang-chow,|11th May, |Ditto. |About |7 of | |massacre of garrison |1864. | | 20,000 |Contingent, | |and inhabitants. | | | |300 | | | | | |Imperialists.| | | | | | | |During the capture of |May to |Principally |About |2,000 or | |Tan-yang, Kin-tang, |September,|Imperialists, | 10,000 |3,000. | |Ly-hong, and all other|1864 |assisted by all| | | |Ti-ping towns, besides| |foreign | | | |the districts in which| |Contingents | | | |they are situated, | |except | | | |subsequent to the fall| |Gordon's. | | | |of Chang-chow-foo. | | | | | | | | | | | |During the siege of |Ditto. |Imperialists | 70,000 | Nil. | |Nankin about 70,000 | |advised by | | | |people perished from | |Gordon, | | | |famine within its | |assisted by | | | |walls. | |French | | | | | |officers. | | | | | | | | | |Killed during the |Ditto. |Ditto. | 10,000 |5,000 to | |siege. | | | |10,000. | | | | | | | |Massacred after the |18th & | .. .. | 30,000 |Very small. | |capture of the city. |19th July,| | | | | |and | | | | | |subsequent| | | | | |days. | | | | | | | | | | |Killed during the |January to|Imperialists | 15,000 |9,000 to | |siege and fall of |September,|and French | |10,000. | |Hoo-chow-foo. |1864. |Contingents. | | | | | | | | | |A rough estimate of |August, |Imperialists, | 50,000 |Much less. | |the number of people |1860, to |English, & | | | |killed during all the |September,|French. | | | |actions not recorded, |1864. | | | | |captures of villages, | | | | | |skirmishes, &c., which| | | | | |were innumerable. | | | | | | | | | | | |To the above may be | .. .. | .. .. |2,500,000| | |added _at least_ | | | | | |2,000,000 to 3,000,000| | | | | |people who perished | | | | | |from the terrible | | | | | |famine occasioned, | | | | | |during the years 1863 | | | | | |and 4, by the allied | | | | | |operations, whilst the| | | | | |Ti-pings were being | | | | | |driven from their | | | | | |territories, and the | | | | | |whole country so | | | | | |utterly desolated as | | | | | |to be covered with the| | | | | |bodies of the starved | | | | | |and dying. | | | | | +----------------------+----------+---------------+---------+-------------+ | TOTAL NUMBER OF TI-PINGS KILLED AND |2,872,550| | | DESTROYED BY THE BRITISH INTERVENTION | | | +-------------------------------------------------+---------+-------------+

COX AND WYMAN, ORIENTAL, CLASSICAL, AND GENERAL PRINTERS, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LONDON, W.C.

Transcriber's Notes

Obvious punctuation errors repaired.

Inconsistent transcription and hyphenation of Chinese names have not been changed.

Hyphen removed: blood[-]thirsty (p. 704). gold[-]leaf (p. 769), gun[-]boat(s) (pp. 513, 706, 778), out[-]work (p. 510), pic[-]nic (p. 512), re[-]cature/ed/ing (pp. 582, 583, 590, 820), re[-]manned (p. 516), re[-]taken (p. 584), round[-]about (p. 479), treaty port (p. 445), under[-]weigh (p. 426).

Hyphen added: artillery[-]men (p. 452), breast[-]work (p. 749, 752), co[-]adjutor (p. 453), eye[-]witnesses (p. 741), half[-]way (p. 599), loop[-]hole (p. 608).

Manilla-man/men used consistently instead of two words (pp. 653, 655, 656) or one word (p. 591).

The following variants appear and have not been changed: firearms and fire-arms, _li_ and _le_ (although _li_ is the more usual romanization of the Chinese measure of distance).

P. 443: "griped" changed to "gripped" (had barely gripped me).

P. 457: "poperty" changed to "property" (the letting of their property).

P. 460: "adminstrator" changed to "administrator" (neither a general nor an administrator).

P. 472: "and" added (between himself and a young Ti-ping soldier).

P. 477: "prefered" changed to "preferred" (the Ti-pings preferred that course).

PP. 484, 494: "Great Britian" changed to "Great Britain".

P. 488: "detaind" changed to "detained" (we were detained for a long while).

P. 508: "inadvertant" changed to "inadvertent" (inadvertent contradictions).

P. 513: extra "a" removed (desolating raid into a country).

P. 521: "infested" changed to "invested" (Soon-kong were also invested).

P. 549: "administratve" changed to "administrative" (the Government and administrative machinery).

P. 553: "simulocrum" changed to "simulacrum" (bolster up the tottering _simulacrum_).

P. 557: "5,20,72,358" changed to "52,072,358".

P. 565: Enumerated item "D" changed to "B".

P. 571: "oratical" changed to "oratorical" (At the oratorical display).

P. 571: "allevated" changed to "alleviated" (the distress could be alleviated).

PP. 580, 582, 601: "Sherard" changed to "Sherrard" (Captain Sherrard Osborne).

P. 605: "fusilade" changed to "fusillade" (kept up a fusillade).

P. 608: "Subsquently" changed to "Subsequently" (Subsquently other legions).

P. 613: "fourteeen" changed to "fourteen" (heads of fourteen women).

P. 640: "Europeons" changed to "Europeans" (the Europeans working).

PP. 655, 656, 660, 701: "Marcartney" changed to "Macartney" on the assumption that the person mentioned is Sir Halliday Macartney, KCMG, MD.

P. 658: "Manoeuvring" changed to "Manoeuvering" in contents.

P. 670: "become" changed to "became" (the bad news became confirmed).

P. 689: "threefrom" changed to "therefrom" (and deduct threrefrom).

P. 689: "agressive" changed to "aggressive" (aggressive bullying of the weak).

P. 697: "Major Bailey" changed to "Major Baily".

P. 705: "occurence" changed to "occurrence" (the occurrence of that tragedy).

P. 709: "began" changed to "begun" (for scarcely had Morton and his regiment begun to engage).

P. 713: "compensataion" changed to "compensation" (he would give the men compensation).

P. 727: "knowng" changed to "knowing" (knowing as I do).

P. 749: "deperate" changed to "desperate" (with desperate bravery).

P. 799: "belligerants" changed to "belligerents" (had been recognised as belligerents).

P. 805: added "in" (At the death of Alexander in).

P. 806: "Mauchuria" changed to "Manchuria".

P. 807: "territors" changed to "territories" (the territories of the Kirghiz).

P. 828: "somtimes" changed to "sometimes" (It was sometimes disobeyed).

P. 841 (last entry in table): "Imperilaists" changed to "Imperialists".