The Sun.
London, England, 1836-01-30 00:00:00

almost uniformly purchased by hostilities, and retained
by a display of force. The Portuguese, the Dutch,
the Spaniards, and the English, all severally compelled
the Chinese authorities to permit the people to trade
with them—subject, however, to certain restrictions im-
posed by the genius of the Chinese Government. In
1637, Captain WEDDELL. chastised the Chinese for
having made prisoners of some British supercargoes on
their way to Canton, by seizing and dismantling the
forts near Macao ; and even compelled the Governor
to allow him to choose any place he might think
proper for erecting a British fort and factory—an
undertaking which fell to the ground with the failure
of the Company in whose service the gallant Captain
was employed. On several more recent occasions
individuals were not wanting to assert the dignity of
the British Empire ; but we' must add, with regret,
that such measures were not sanctioned by the Go-
vernment of this country, which, on all occasions,
seems to have cared very little about the estimation in
which the Emperor of CHINA and his chief Manda-
rins might hold it.

As the trade of Great Britain with China is now
open—and consequently as the protection which the
accredited agents of a Company might afford to all
British ships trading to Canton will not now be ex-
tended to private vessels--the Government must insist
upon such arrangements with the Chinese authorities
as will secure to British merchants the rights of an
equitable commerce, without being exposed to the illegal
imports, the violence, and the indignities to which as bar-
barians they are now subjected. The importance of this
measure is well set forth in an Address to the British
People, explanatory of our Commercial relations with
the Empire 9f China, from which we copied a Petition
from the British residents at Canton to the KING in
Council on this subject, and which appeared in this
Journal only a few days since. The author of this
Address suggests the expediency of sending a mission
to China, armed with powers, and with a force suf-
ficient to command the respect of the Chinese Govern-
ment. He further states, that such a force need not
be very considerable—that all that will be wanted is
energy and determination—an open declaration of our
wants, and the consequences of refusing them. The
following, in his opinion, ought to be the principal
objects of the mission, or expedition, charged with the
commands of his MAJESTY, and the authority of the
British Parliament and people :
I. To obtain a recognition of the King of England as the
independent Sovereign of a civilized country.
11. To require an apology for the treatment of Lord Napier,
as Commissioner of the King of England.
• 111. Compensation must be made for the losses caused to
British merchants by the stoppage of the trade while Lord
Napier was at Canton, and for some time after his departure.
IV. Until particular rules are framed by the consent of
both Governments, British subjects shall not, for any wrong
done either to another British subject, or to a Chinese subject,
be liable to more severe punishment than is applicable to the
like offence by the laws of England.
V. No hoppo, or other authority whatever, shall be at
liberty to impose any tax, or duty, direct or indirect, on any
foreign ships or vessels, on any articles of export or import,
or any boats, coolies, or other conveyance of goods, other than,
or different from, the prescribed Imperial tariff.
VI. Vessels not engaged in trade shall pay the ordinary
pilotage, but no other duty or charge whatever. They shall
be freely allowed to purchase refreshments and articles requi-
site for repair or refit, and to hire workmen for such purpose.
VII. Merchant vessels shall pay shipping charges of all
kinds, according to their real size, as ascertained by their
certificate of registry. None of the persons engaged in sup-
plying them with provisions, or stores, shall be subject to any
fee or exaction whatever in that capacity.
VIII. British subjects may take their families to any place
where they reside themselves, and may employ any sort of
vehicle they may find agreeable or convenient, as freely as

natives.
IX. British subjects may visit any part of the country under
passports signed by the British Commissioner, and counter-
signed by the Chinese authority at the place.
X. A British subject desirous of residing for a lawful
object in any part of the country, shall report imself in per-
son to the Chief Magistrate of the place, specifying his lodg-
ing, and shall do the same as often as be may change his lodg-
ing but shall not thereafter be in any way molested or con-
trolled in his pursuits, so long as they are conducted in a law-
ful and inoffensive manner.
XI. British ships may proceed to any port in China at
which an Imperial Custom-house has been established, and
land and ship goods as freely, and on the same terms, as at
Canton. Should there be no British Commissioner or Deputy
Commissioner at such port, British subjects that may be
charged with any offences must be sent for trial to the nearest
port at which a British Commissioner resides.
XII. British traders may have boats, or other conveyance,
to carry goods from any one port of the country to another,
paying the same rates of transit duties as natives.