The Express.
London, England, 1862-04-12 00:00:00

CHINA.

We take this following summary from the (Mr.
land Friend of China of the last March :
The past fortnight is somewhat barren in news of interest
both as regards China end Japan. It is not likely that any
movement hostile to the peace and security of foreigners
will be made in the latter country, while an embassy—pro-
bably the most important both as regards its numbers and
the mak of the officers oomposing it, that ever kit the
shores of Japan—is engaged in visiting the principal
cities on the continent of Europe. Most likely
the anti.foreign factions, which have caused ea so
much annoyance in Japan, have for the pre-
sent abandoned their machinations • and it is
only to be hoped that the intelligence which the embalm.
dove send home from time to time during the progress of
their interesting tour may tend to dissipate much of the
unfriendly feeling which yet exists towards foreigners
among the meet influential classes in Japan. At the same
time mach will depend upon the stamp of man who is ap•
pointed to succeed Mr. Aloock as minister.
From Pekin there is no political intelligence ; everything
appalr to be going on smoothly at the capital, and the
Prince of Hung is the man of the day. It is very wittiest.
tory to see the Chinese government for the first time in
the hands of a ruler who is friendly te foreigners, but it is
much to be regretted that, notwithstanding the lapels
of many months since the new government was settled, no
steps have been taken to prosecute the civil war with
enure vigour, and to restore prosperity to many
a distracted and ruined province. It is tine that
nothing has been heard of the Northern rebellion
for some time, but the likelihood is that it eats its
way still in quakes beyond our makes of communication.
One thing is certain, that if any victory had been gained
over the formidable bands that were last heard of at am.
foo, it would have been duly reported at Pekin ; instead
of which the Imperial army has scarcely been heard of
sines the capture of Nanking. The only exception to this
has ham in the cam of a force of Imperialists under Colonel
Ward, an American, who have lately been active in driving
away • large body of rebels from a village in the neigh-
bourhood of Woosung, where the latter had barricaded
themselves.
The northern porta being still closed by ins, we have ne
repeals roweling them. Her Majesty's gunboat Manila
(firmeely Mttalante) will shortly commence running be.
bessa tiewtsin and the south, with mails and despatched.
Me Nalesty's gunboat Hesper will complete the comma.
misation to Japan.
Prom Nanking reports have reached Shanghai that the
inhabitants are in great straits for want of food, and are
eating human flesh. This esquires authentication.
Shanghai is still the make of some alarm from the rebel
foams, who are in posemeion of the entire province
rowed about. The city continues under foreign protection;
the Imperial forme are nearly useless, and their employ.
moat seems to have been abandoned ; the foreign settlement
is (*Wag into a thorough state of defence, fortifications
being emoted, and a volunteer corps of horse and foot
having been organised and got into a tolerable state of di,.
cipline.

AUSTRALIA.