China

ed -- first, of security for our countrymen threatened by a government universally capabh of murder, even when not actively engaged in stimulating murder; secondly, of our indispensable commerce in tea. As regards the first point, let it be remembered -- that in 1842 the present Emperor's father, with the approbation of his son, bestowed large rewards and titular honours upon a man who pleaded no other merit than that, in the island of Chusan, during our long occupation of it, he had, by poisoning the waters, caused the agonising death of a thousand British subjects -- chiefly soldiers. The exaggeration of his success does not alter the character of his claim, or the animus of the Emperor and his council in recognising that claim as a ground for public distinction. Here -- namely, on the point of personal security -- lies, for the moment, our most pressing interest. On the other -- namely, our commercial interest -- I will say a word or two in the text. But, taking the two interests together, in less time than six months -- allowing for the overland journey, voyage,