The Sun.
London, England, 1864-02-04 00:00:00

TIIL SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EV EN ING, FEBRUARY 4, 1864.

cussion, MOWANG was assassinated. The only
obstacle to a compromise being thus disposed of,
affairs were speedily settled. Major GORDON
guaranteed the safety of the lives and property of
the Wangs, and the Futai endorsed his assurances.
The rebe,s, however, would have been slow to
trust the professions of the Imperialist leader
without the word of the English officer.
At first all went quietly. Major GORDON on
the day after the entry went b the palace of the
Lawang, the chief who had first opened communica-
tions with him. He received his assurances of
safety, and was informed that the chiefs were about
to pay a visit to the Fatah We may fancy Major
GORDON'S rage and indignation when, on return-
ing from his ride, he heard teat the whole of the
Wangs had been executed, aid their palaces were
being sacked by the Chinese soldiers. He hastened
to protect one whose owner besought his aid, but
he was powerless to defend it against the riotous
soldiery. After keeping them at bay for some time,
he was obliged to abandon the attempt, and with
difficulty escaped. It is said that CUING, the
Chinese General, rode into the city with his guard,
and endeavoured to check these outrages; also that
the Futai took stringent measures to restore quiet ;
but subsequent events make is doubt whether their
seeming indignation was not part of their plan.
Major GORDON sent for his b)dygnard, and ordered
up the steamers, with the view of intimidating
the Futai, and holding him responsible for
his disregard of the Major's plighted word.
His messenger was intercepted and be-
headed, and GORDON himself prevented from
leaving the city and kept prisoner within it until
dusk. This does not look much as if the Imperial
authorities were anxious to stop the massacre and
plunder. It has rather the appearance of being
part of a scheme for destroying the Wangs and
sacking their palaces, The Futai, wishing to avoid
his English coadjutor and his steamers, took refuge
in the city, out of his reach. Major GORDON with-
drew with all his force to Quinsan, where he had
an interview with General BROWN, who had set out
for Soochow, on learning the news that had filled
the whole of the European community with feelings
of indignation and disgust. The Imperialists have
outwitted themselves. They have lost more by this
treacherous conduct than they would have gained
by the capture of half a dozen cities. They have
disgusted the Europeans, incensed their best ally,
and will probably have bitter cause to lament the
massacre of Soochow. Even so far as the rebels
themselves are concerned, it has been a great error.
SAWANG'S son, who has taken refuge with Major
GORDON, has informed him that the greater part of
the inhabitants of the silk districts were willing to
surrender, but were fearful of the tender mercies of
the Imperialists. A wise clemency and good faith
shown at Soochow would have brought about their
submission. As it is, they may as well die
sword in hand, as by the axe, or the bo tvstring.
Meanwhile General BROWN obtained an interview
with the Fatai, and gave strong expression to his
feelings with regard to the flagrant breach of faith.
And what was the answer of the Imperialist who
owed his position in the very place he was resting
in to the skill and valour of his English ally ? He
said it was a Chinese affair, in which Chinese sub-
jects were concerned, and to which only Chinese
customs were applicable. Then, in the name of our
Christian civilisation and national honour, let the
Chinese settle these purely personal affairs. Let
these very independent authorities subdue their
refractory subjects unaided, and let us give them
no further opportunity of employing the word of an
English gentleman as a lure to betray confidence,
and to entrap those who rely on his promised pro-
tection. Major GORDON is at present strictly
passive, waiting orders from Sir FREDERICK BRUCE.
His inactivity will completely paralyse the efforts
of the Imperialists, and will check the tide of suc-
cess which had turned in their favour. The
rebels, who are forced to acknowledge the
superiority of his troops, are more than a match for
the Mandarins, and will be greatly encouraged
when they hear of the neutrality of the dreaded
leader. A brief experience of this may induce the
Court of Pekin to take decided measures to induce
Major GORDON to renew operations; but it is time
for English authorities to consider whether they
they will not do wisely in revoking the permission
given to British officers to aid the Imperialists, a
favour for which they have shown little gratitude.
This tragic event proves the wisdom and foresight
of Captain OeBoRN in refusing a limited command,
and Sir FREDERICK BRUCE so fully approved of
his conduct that we trust he will act strongly in
the present instance. Let the Chinese settle their
disputes among themselves henceforward, for if ever
the principle of non-intervention is advisable, surely
it is so when our assistance is asked by men who
only seek it in order that British truth and honour
may be their steppingstones to the commission of
the most ruthless and treacherous crimes.