ABSTRACT

The narrative of foreign intercourse is resumed from the year 1849, when the British authorities waived the right of insisting upon their admission into the city of Canton according to the terms of the convention with Kíying in 1847. The great objects of tlie expedition were attained, and foreign nations could congratulate themselves upon having settled their representatives in the Chinese capital on terms of equality. In the year 1853, the civil war altered the conditions, when certain Cantonese rebels captured Shanghai and killed some of its magistrates, driving others into the British settlement, to which ground the custom-house was shortly afterward removed. The war which arose about the Arrow was virtually closed, but many things remained to be enforced in carrying out the treaty stipulations or restraining the irritation they produced. The chapter shows the readiness with which the Chinese will shirk their duties and functions in government employ, and illustrates many peculiar traits in their character.