The Sun.
London, England, 1853-08-15 00:00:00

CHINA.

We have received intelligence from Hong Kong
to the 23d of June. _

Canton remains quiet, but an uneasy feeling
exists, and petty robberies are being committed in
the suburbs. More than once a threatened attack
on the city has been rumoured to take place, but
nothing of consequence has occurred, and every
precaution is taken to prevent an outbreak.
From Shanghai we have dates to the 9th inst.,
by the French war steamer Cassini, and from Ching-
Kiang-foo we have advices to the 30th ult. An at-
tack had been made on that fort by the Imperial
fleet, but all attempts to dislodge the insurgents
were, from their favourable position, unsuccessful,
and it is reported disaffection existed among the
foreigners in the service of the Taqutae, and that
the fleet was likely to return to Shanghai. At
Nankin the insurgents continued to fortify that
place, and other cities they hold near it, and the
impression was they would make no forward move-
ment till the cold weather set in. Nothing has
been mentioned of the movements of the grand Im-
perial army around Nankin.
Our dates from Amoy are to the 18th inst. The
rebels were fortifying the place against a threatened
attack of the Imperialists. The forced contribu-
tions levie.l on the inhabitants caused great discon-
tent, and many were shipping off their valuables,
and setting the rebels at defiance. Great distress
prevailed among the lower orders, and it would be
a relief to have the old Government back.
Foo-chow-foo remained quiet on the 12th inst.,
our last date. Much excitement existed, as the
rebels were reported close at hand. The tartar
troops were practising daily. The rebellion had
broken out at Shang-foo' some distance in the inte-
rior. We learn that all the pirates handed over to
the Mandarins by her Majesty's steamer Rattler
had been beheaded ; one man, women, and chil-
dren were spared.
At Canton the import market is seriously af-
fected by the present state of matters. Money is
scarce. Settlements of the new congous have taken
place at from 211 taels to 32 taels ; the latter for
the best kinds. These prices are considered 30 to
35 per cent. advance on last year's opening rates.
The Don Ricardo, supposed for Liverpool, was
dispatched on the 13th inst. with some of the new
teas.

The Shanghai market is still closed for imports.
Musters of the new silk and tea had been received,
but no prices mentioned. The price of silk in the
interior was higher. Money was very scarce, and
exchange quoted ss. 10d. The total export of tea
from China for the season 1852-53 is estimated at
6,500,0001 b. in excess of that for the season 1851-52.
The United States' transport Caprice arrived at
Shanghai, from Loochow on the 7th inst., where
she left the squadron for Japan, and was to'return
shortly with a supply of coals. We hear of the
arrival at Singapore of the United States' steam
frigate Powhatta.n, which vessel was to leave in a
few days to join the expedition. Our advices
mention that the Russian 50-gun frigate Pallas,
Admiral Poutistin, had left Singapore on the 13th
inst., for this port.
The mail brings advices that Admiral Pellew and
his squadron may be expected here shortly.
The steamer Singapore, bringing the mail of the
9th of May from England, arrived at 3 a.m. We
cannot expect the letters to be delivered till this
afternoon.
We have had continuous heavy rains during the
month and very close hot weather. The general
health of the soldiers may be considered favourable,
and the colony is healthy.
We regret to report the death of the distin-
guished medical officer Dr. Bankier, R.N., and
lately of her Majesty's ship Minden. He was up-
wards of ten years on this station, and was greatly
esteemed by all.
Tenders are out for conveyance of the Rifle Corps
to Colombo—a force we can ill spare in case of
troubles arising at Canton.
In Harbour—Her Majesty's ship Spartan, re-
turned from a cruise. At Canton—Her Majesty's
ship Rapid. At Macao—The French steamer
Cassini and corvette Capricieuse At Amoy—Her
Majesty's steamer Rattler. At Shanghai—Her
Majesty's steamers Hermes and Salamander.
Our latest advices are from England, May 9 ;
Bombay, May 30 ; Calcutta, May 20 ; Singapore,
June 16 ; Manilla, June 16 ; Sydney, April 9 ;
and Shanghai, June 9.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
( From the Calcutta Star of July 2. )
Owing to the intervention of the native holidays, the
business of the past fortnight has been considerably cur-
tailed, but the position of the market has undergone no
material change. There has been a. good demand for
most articles of export, which, on the whole, may be
said to have maintained their former value. The remain-
ing parcels of indigo are gradually disposed of, and the
total quantity shipped up to the end of last month
amounts to 98,400 maunds, and there is little doubt that
100,000 maunds will be completed. The accounts from
the districts regarding the new plant are somewhat con-
flicting. Rain seems to have fallen pretty generally
and afforded much relief, but in some places there ap-
pears to have been rather too much of it, and the want
of sufficiently strong heat is now being complained of.
Apprehensions are also entertained of early inundations.
Sugar has continued at its high price, but ship-
ments,the on comparison with the past month, as well as
with the corresponding period of last year, show a great
falling off.
Raw silk has been in excellent demand, and for good
qualities full prices are willingly accorded. There has
been less doing in silk piece goods, and the quantity gone
forward during the fortnight is very moderate.
Saltpetre has been in active demand for Great Britain
and America, but the French are not taking any. _
Rice has been in modeoratetoraeugoudessthfuovreMhaeuerioti
shippedand
Bourbon, and about 30,0 o
to England since the Ist of the month.
Lac dye continues to be taken
ho for
pEaunsginlagn.d
The
America, but the French appear
to
same may be said of shell lac.
There
hasfor
Oilseeds in good demand, mustard
England, and linseed for the United
States.bei ng shipped
been an extensive business done in castor oil, chiefly for
England. There has been no demand for cutch, and
jute has been somewhat neglected. Safflower has been.