The Express.
London, England, 1847-10-12 00:00:00

LITERATURB.

China; Political, Commercial, and Social in an Official
Report to her Majesty's Government. By R. Morrt-
oostsaT MARTIN, Esq. 2 volumes.
The writer of this work, Mr. Montgomery Martin,
was appointed and sent out to Hong-Kong as trea-
surer or the colonial consular and diplomatic services
in that part of oar Eastern empire, in the early portion
of 1844, at the instance of the late Marquis of Welles-
ley. On his arrival there he commenced a laborious
collection of documentary and other information con-
nected with the social and commercial condition of
China. His investigations led him to believe that
our policy in giving up Chuaan and occupying Hong-
Kong was a blunder, and would prove highly detri-
mental to our interests in that hemisphere. Whether
his conclusions were sound or otherwise we are not
about to inquire ; but there can hardly be two opinions
88 to the imprudence of his next step—which was, to re-
sign his appointment and return to England to lay his
ideas on the subject before her Majesty's ministers, and
to publish and superintend the publication of his books.
With his negotiations with the Colonial Secretary
we have nothing here to do: his volumes come more
legitimately before us ; and we notice them, because,
although not entirely free from loose statements and
hasty generalisation, they present a huge mass of im-
portant information in an easily acceaible form and
compass—much of which had not been collected, and
still more not given to the public before. The total
area of China and its dependent provinces is upwards
of five millions of square miles, of which China Pro-
per covers I,3oo,ooo—about one-third the extent of
Europe. It is estimated that two-thirds of this vast
territory is studded with lofty mountains, which abound
in mineral wealth. 467 of these mountains are said to
yield copper, and 3,609 iron. The country is inter-
sected in every direction by navigable rivers or canals.
There is not a city or large town in the empire—with
the exception of a few on the high mountains—
through which one of the latter does not pass. The
population is stated at 367,632,007, by the Chinese
authorities. This return has generally been discre-
dited in Europe, but on insufficient grounds. There is
no country in the world which can be so readily
numbered as China : every district has its officer ;1
every street its constable; every ten houses their
tything man ; and every family is required to have a
board always hanging up in the house, ready for the
inspection of the proper authorities, on which must
be inscribed the name of each inmate—man, woman,
and child. There is a stringent law to punish offend-
ers who make false returns. Indeed, under the pre-
sent dynasty, the frequent taking of the census is an
important part of the functions of the government—
because a definite proportion of the revenue, in money
and grain, is reserved by each province to meet the
wants of the people. Nor is there anything contrary
to the warrants of experience and analogy in accept-
ing this statement as correct. The average number
to the square mile, even when restricting the calcula-
tion to China Proper, is but 283—a density only equal
to that of Saxony, and actually less than that of Eng-
land or Belgium. The fixed revenue of the whole is
about 35 millions of taels. The number of soldiers
and militia is 1,230,000, or about one in every 360 of
the entire population ; not an unreasonable number.
The quantity of land actually is cultivation is
computed at :41 millions of English acres. The
densest population is upon the banks of the great
rivers, where the waters furnish the means of exist-
ence in great abundance : this is particularly the case
near the great Yang-tze-Kong. Every variety of
climate obtains in some part of China. While
the southern provinces furnish the cocoa-nut and
other products of tropical climates, the northern
provinces yield fur and skins equal to the choicest
specimens of those articles from Siberia. Between
these extremes there is an endless variety of produc-
tions, some of the more valuable of which are even
indigenous to the soil _ _

The immense importance of opening up and cold-
Tilting, by every honourable means, commercial rela-
tions with a nation, at least civilised in part, wealthy
and pacific, grave, domestic, and industrious, and con-
taining one-third of the human race, need not be in-
sisted upon. There is also mach in the character and
systems of the Chinese to render their more frequent
mterconrse with Europeans profitable to themselves
in other besides commercial matters. The experiences
of European history would correct some of their sin-
gular maxims of government. For instance, not-
withstanding the vast mineral wealth of the country,
that natural advantage neither ministers to the prospe-
rity of the state nor private individuals. In order to
prevent the people forsaking agriculture for the more
profitable working of the mores, the government en-
tirely prohibits them—and a false economical ides pre-
vents them from taking advantage of the bounty of
nature.
One of the most curious manifestations of their
system of government is exhibited in the condition of
their roads. There is hardly a decent road in China;
notwithstanding that the system of canalisation is
almost perfect. The roads are impassable; and, how-
ever circuitous, the water is almost invariably used
as the path of transit. Their communications and
travelling are by the rivers and canals—not, as in
Europe, by the roads. Many things contribute to
this curious result: but perhaps the most important
of them is the want of horses. The propagation of
this useful animal is rigorously discouraged by the
government, lest they should prove a valuable auxi-
liary to the people in a time of rebellion—a vain pre-
caution, which impoverishes the sources of national
defence and prosperity, and, as experience has shown,
affords no additional security to the throne.
The Chinese are a reading people. The number of
books amongst them is very considerable. The prin•
cipal divisions of their literature are morals, history,
biography, the drama, poetry, and romance. In all
these departments they have large collections. The
press is very active. New authors are continually
rising up. The traffic in books is considered a parti-
cularly honourable vocation, and is generally a lucra-
tive one. This is a healthy sign, and not a little
significant of the high attributes of the order of
civilisation which has taken root in that country.
There are numerous societies, similar to our tract so-
cieties, for the gratuitous distribution of small trea-
tises, recommendatory of the practice of morality and
virtue.

The aptitude and the instruments of better things
are• Mil.or •
• —^,ting but •••• within itself,
.and de-
prived of the experienes of the IT!! plankind, the
genius of the Chinese has not had fair scope and
room for development. Yet they have done much ;
and whilst we see how much they have yet to learn
from Europeans, we at the same time recognise
something in their system which we should ourselves
do wisely in imitating. Their system is intellectual.
The government rests for support on its literary insti-
tutions. The organised military powers are incompe-
tent to its defence. All the great officers of the state
are men of distinguished abilities. Talent is always
in requisition. Triennial examinations are held for its
discovery ; and all ranks and classes—save priests,
players, and menials—may aspire to the highest dig-
nities and employments. Education is universal.
There is not a man of the humblest means, even
amongst the poorest peasants and fishermen, who
cannot read and write—singular contrast with the
condition of the same clauses in intellectual and
christian England!
Yet the wider range and higher kinds of Euro-
pean knowledge are unknown to the Chinese. Their
government is an undefined mixture of arbitrary and
anarchical forms. Their religion is only a natural in-
stinct. Their morality is a dead formula of abstract
social philosophy. Their history and geography are
almost entirely confined to their own country. Me-
chanics and chemistry are nearly unknown to them ;
and, generally speaking, they are indebted to Euro-
peans for the little they comprehend of all the higher
range of sciences.
For trade they have usually an apt but untaught
genius. They are passionately fond of money, and,
unlike the Japanese, will sell their goods at the
smallest conceivable profit rather than not effect a
sale at all. Their commercial genius is certainly
peddling ; their maxim is to " sell all—buy nothing ;
and so become nab." This has been seen in all their
intercourse with strangers. That time is curing them
of their false economical notions ; and as European
nations gradually abandon the same fatal policy,
there is full hope that the statesmen of China may be
brought to see the wisdom of cultivating the political
and commercial science of the west--and in time per-
haps its nobler religion and civilisation. Commerce

is the key which must open a way into China for the
agents of all loftier ministrations.

Zbe 38cama•

MARTLEBONETIMATRE.--.. Hamlet" was produced
here yesterday evening, with as good a east as, upon the
be whole, could arranged in any of our theatres ; for, after
its ling prostration the legitimate has started up once more,
so suddenly and so universally—east, west, north, and south
—that no particular dramatic establishment is prepared for
its completely adequate representation. We have here Mr.
Graham as Hamlet, Mr. Harvey as Palatine, Mrs. Warner
as the Queen, and her sister as Ophetia, with ,let us not
omit to add, Mr. H. Webb as First G rare Digger, a
part of no slight popular importance in the play.
If Mr. Graham will somewhat check the too pervading
vehemence of his impersonation, and again and again
study the part under the guidance of the oracles on
the subject, dramatically and metaphysically criticised,
be stands a fair chance of becoming the most approved
Hamlet of our present stage. Of Mrs. Warner we need not
speak. Her sister acted the part assigned her with much
feeling, and evidently under excellent training. We would
request of her, in future, to sing the gongs in somewhat
lighter tones, sadly, indeed, but not in a double base key.
Mr. Harvey discriminated well between the solemn imbecili-
ties of the courtier Polonius, and the caustic world-wisdom
of the father of Ophelia. Mr. H. Webb's First Grave-
digger was very good. The getting up of the play reflects
the highest t upon Mrs. Warner. The scenery was
closely historical, beautifully painted, and its effects most
artistically managed, end the appointments in other respects
were rich and in excellent taste. There was a crowded
house.

AND CLERICAL.

OXFORD, OCT. 11.—The Leda litany sad sermon which
according to the University adeleinr, Atha have Ism pre steed
Saturday, was deferred until thie tasseled'. whin Ike elswebroselhar,,
proem, dad other valvatily aelherithe eatmeied tomellelety site
sise% trae ereeftftft by the Pam jl.6.l=tithef
Orepee. The elftrehme alieented te the
rpo mom ofeleineles theme (Int het s Josh peso was pre-
, soled. sea enema is albeit agree bees est dessered kr many
I peen) ma Iserieling ear belmee. The elerU et the urbane
Mr. Me oft the Bee. J. W.lleabod IMO epht roeleeted ; as were
theft ample bidets Man Mr,
dos V.Cal, Ds., and
Wages Ink MR.). end the Messrs. John Holiday,
I Hem 8. Itsrper. sad Jams Irrlopireed.
THE 111101111 PROFESSOR OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
theßev. R. Moen 8.D., proposes, this unto, to read "Eumblu. and
Envies" The Wong axe open to all who have passed the B.A.
ezawdofties. esi theme persona who with to attend either worse are
=le oft as the professor between elesen and ow o'clock on
ON. IL
CONOZIOATIONg WILL BE HOLDEN for the purpose of
granting meal and (cohering degree*, on the following day. in the
e taro, vie.:—Monday Oe t. 21 ; Friday, Oct. 29 ; Thursday,
NnOthvu.lit ; Thursday, Nov. 23 ; Thursday, Dee. 2 ; and Friday, Dec.
11. No person will, on any amount, be admitted av a candidate for
the degree of WA., or MA., an for those of 8.C.L., or B. Med.
(without proceediag through arta), whore name is not entered in the
book kept for that purpose, at the Vice-Chancelloee house, on or be.
fore the day preceding the day of congregation.—B. P. STMON., Vice-
Chancellor.

CAMBRIDOR OCT. 11.—At a congregation holden this
morning the following officers were elected for the ensuing year.—
Proctors senior : Rev. W. B. Bally, Care Hall. Junior Rev. H. 0.
William., Emm. Coll.—Scrutatoro: Rey. J. Stills, Fern.; Rev. J.
' Cooper, TOIL —Taxors Rev. W. T. Kingsley, Sidney Sussex ; Rev.
0. F. Reyner, St. John's.—Moderators: Cl. G. Stokes, rem.; T. Gas-
kin, Jesus.—Auditor, of Accounts Rev. R. Tathiun, an., Master of
St. John's; Rev. H. rowke, Sidney SAMMY ; Her. C. Hardwick, St.
Cath. Hall.
At the same congregation the following degrees were cooferred.—
, Mester of Arts: Rev. A. L. Bromhead,Gon. and Celia Coll.—Bachelor
of Arts • T. L Braithwaite, St. Peter's• A. T. Edwards, St. Cath.
Hall W. Campbell, T. Croft, M. Ifetierington, Chris's Coll.; E.
lowarnan, J. &rattan, St. John's; R. Berry, O. F. Smith, G. C.
While, Ton. Coll.
THE NORRISIAN PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY has given
notice that his lectures will commence on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1847, at
1 o'clock., and will be continued, at the same hour, on every Tuesday,
Thursday, And Sat ordsy throughout the remainder of the Michaelmas
term.
THE MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS for the present term will
commence at 10 o'clock on Monday, Nov. I. Those gentlemen who
intend to offer themselves as candidates for the L.H. or 13.81. degrees,
ore requested to send their names to Dr. Harland on sr before Mon-
day., Oct. 2.5.
I-HE Rao it's PROFESSOR OF PHYSIC his given notice
that he will commence his lectures on the principles of pathology and
the practice of physic, at 10 o'clock no Monday, Nov. 5, in the Ana-
tomiail School".
ST. JOHN'S COLLEOE.—W. A. White, 8.A., formerly
scholar of this college, has been appointed by the Bishop of Tasmania
subaarden of Christ's College, recently founded in that colony.
TRINITY Cou.son.—The following were this day elected
fellow. on tuts foundation : A. FL ()rant, Ith wrangler, 1845; H. A.
Holden, equal ea Ist classic, 1145; F. loultington, Ist classic, 1846.

THE LORD BISHOP OP CHESTEIL held an ordination at the
cathedral church of Chester, on Sunday, the 10th inst., when the fol-
lowing gentlemen were ordained :—Priests E. Clay, 8.A., end W. B.
Greenside, B.A.,Trin. Coll., Comb. ; W. Laidlay, 8.A., and B. J. Wood,
B. A., St. John's Coll., Camb. ; T. D. Halstead, 8.A., E. Mitchell,
8.A., and W. W. Talbot, B.A , 'lain. Coll.. Dublin ;W. Avery, W. R.
B. Arthy W. 11. Coates, J. M. Morgan, O. H. Preston, A. Wightwiek,
and T. Wilson St Bees, Coll. •, D. J. ninth, Berlin.—Deacons : J.
Cannon, Magdalen Hall. askord; B. Harris, 8.A., St. Ed-
mondb Hall, Oxford; T. Croft, LA., and J. 0. Pictoo, 8.A., Christ's
;L. Smith, 8.A., Emmanuel Coll., Comb. XL J. Ander-
son,, W. A. Hamilton, 8.A., and W. H. Marston, 8.A., Trinity
~ Dublin; P. E.Simm° ns, St. David's. Splatters Mmimory from
Winchester : J. B. ColvilLß.A., Trinity Coll., Dublin.
PREPERMENTS.—Rev. R. T. Whiteley, to Roddington R.,
Woo.; di*. Liehheld ; 2471.; pat., the Lord Chancellor; nee Rev.
T. C. Pearson, dee.--Res. E. H. Quiche, to Newton St. Cyres V., Do-
vetail.; din, Exeter; SSW., with resideisos• J. (Islam, Es
heo. A. Quiche, resignaL EL —Rev, W. }toward, to o:dridge P.C.,
Devonsb.; din. Exeter; on his own petition; Rev. N. Ughtfoot, dee,
—Rev. R. P. Warren to Tregony R., with Cuby Cornwall; din.,
Exeter; Silt.; pat., J. Gurney, Esq.; Rm. J. L. Loner, dec.
VACANCY.—Lysopstone R., Deronoh. ; 2871.' with resi-
dence; die., Exeter; pat, T. Porter, Fig. ; Rey. C. C. Bartholomew,
promoted.