The Sun.
London, England, 1860-11-13 00:00:00

CHINA.

Advice' from Hong Kong are to Sept. 28, from
Shanghai to Sept. 19. The China 'Mail, of the
former date, reports in its overland summary :
By this mail our news is not of so satisfactory a
nature as we could have wished, nor what we had
expected after the late events in the north. It
would appear that the Chinese Government is de-
termined to let no stone lie unturned by which it
can gain time to hinder us. Lord Elgin and Baron
Gros arrived at Tien-tsin on the 25th August, and
Kweiliang arrived from Peking on the 30th, accom-
panied by Hang-fu, the Viceroy of Chi-li, who was
appointed last year to meet Mr. Bruce, Hang-
chu, who was formerly hoppo at Canton, and there
engaged in establishing the Foreign Inspectorate
of Customs. Negotiations were immediately pro-
ceededu and everything appeared to be going
n q
.satisfactorily,
oit
ewith,
when, after a week's delay,
the Imperial commissioners all at once intimated
they had no power to sign the treaty. All further
communications were stopped, and the army put in
motion for Peking, and news had been received of
the advanced portion having reached a place called
Yang-tsun-yeh on the 10th. Lord Elgin also left
Tien-tsin on the Bth for Peking. At Tien-tsin a
large number of coolies and carts had been engaged
to carry the baggage, but they had deserted on the
road, and Lord Elgin's baggage was said to be in
difficulties. Pehtang and some other places have
been evacuated by our troops, and 2,000 will remain
to garrison Tien-tsin.
It is difficult to account for the turn events have
taken in the north. Various rumours and sur-
mise' are afloat. By some it is thought that the

Negotiations have come to a stop for the present,
and a large portion of the expeditionary force is
marching on or towards Pekin. Very shortly
after Lord Elgin arrived at Tien-tsin, Kweiliang
came down to settle matters with him, being accom-
panied by two other imperial commissioners—
Hang-fu, the viceroy of Chi-li, who was sent down
last year to meet Mr. Bruce, and Hang-chu, for-
merly hoppo at Canton, and there engaged with
foreigners in opening the new customs service. For
some time negotiations went on swimmingly, and
it was determined that Lord Elgin should go up to
Pekin with a body guard of only about five hundred
men. I felt convinced that Mr. Parkes and
Lord Elgin—with all their ability—were cook.
ing their beef before it was caught ; but
almost every one believed that the whole
affair was settled, and no doubts were allowed
on the subject. Suddenly, howojer, it turned
out that matters were not in such a satisfac-
tory state as was supposed. One version is that
Kweiliang said he had no power to sign a new
treaty or agreement at Tien-tsin, and could only
do so on the Peiho river, about 15 miles from Pe-
kin. The more probable account is that five mil-
lions of taels were demanded immediately as the
first instalment of the indemnity money, and
Kweiliang declared the Imperial Government had
not the power to give it, and he had not the power
to promise it. However that may be, it was re-
solved that almost the entire force should proceed
to near Pekin, and the Ist division has already
left. A number of carts and coolies for carriage
were procured at Tien-tsin, but the coolies have
deserted on the march, and even Lord Elgin's bag-
gage is said to be in difficulties.
It is quite impossible to say whether the Chi-
nese really intend further resistance, or will give
in on every point when they see the force ap-
proaching Pekin.

(From the North China Herald Extra, Sept. 19.)
Lord Elgin in the Granada and Baron Gros ar-
rived on the 25th ult. A few days afterwards, a
communication was received from Kweiliang an-
nouncing his intention to come here ; he arrived
on the 31st in company with Hang-fu, the viceroy
of this province, and Hang-chu, formerly hoppo at
Canton. Correspondence soon commenced between
them and the plenipotentiaries, the precise nature
of which has not transpired beyond those who are
admitted behind the curtain. It is believed to have
been the arrangement of certain preliminaries re-
garding the ceremonies on arrival at Pekin, the
amount demanded as indemnity, &c. To all these it
was reported they had consented on the 3d inst., but
suddenly, on the ith, it was announced that Kwei-
liang declined to sign the memorandum embodying
all that had been agreed to on the plea of his not
having full powers to do so. Communications were
then suspended, and the army put in motion to
advance upon Pekin. The advanced column started
on the Bth, detachments have followed, and the
main body will march to-morrow. 2,000 men will
remain to protect Tien-tsin. Lord Elgin and staff,
including some favoured non-combatants, left on
the 9th to overtake the advanced column. Ad-
miral Hope declined going.
Their plans would appear to have been changed
since the creation of the defences of Tien-tsin,
which city they may subsequently have considered li
it politic to surrender, provided we passed the
Taku forts, in the expectation that they could stay
our further progress by their cunning diplomacy,
or, failing in that, concentrate all their resources at
Toong-chow, near to Peking, thus leaving a large
tract of country for us to cover and keep open for
communication with our base, whilst they have the
power to harass us by clearing the country of sup-
plies, and rendering us dependent on our own
commissariat and land transport. For a time these
tactics may succeed, but we shall, doubtless, over-
come all difficulties and reach Peking, the only
question being, when ? It is reported that San-
kolinsin has a large body of Tartars to oppose us
between this place and Toong-chow, that there are
also several intrenched camps on the road, and that
opposition will be made to our advance on Peking
as a last struggle.
It is said that there are three other Princes of
Tartary who are opposed to Sankolinsin's policy,
and advocate peace ; but that he, in defiance of all,
is resolved to make another throw for the stake.
The people here are in great alarm within the
last two days, and those who have been prominent
in rendering their services by the supply of pro-
visions, &c., are now keeping out of the way, be-
lieving we shall be worsted, and they punished as
traitors. Baggage carts and coolies have become
scarce, and indeed not obtainable ; it is true up-
wards of a hundred have been loaded and sent on, a
large portion of which carry Lord Elgin's baggage,
stores, &c.
Mr. 11. S. Parkes, with his peculiar aptness,
soon discovered that there was a commissariat
for the supply of Sankolinsin's army. Their
services were promptly transferred to the
allies ; a change very acceptable to them as
they have a certainty of payment, and considerably
more profit.
Sept. 12.—News was received last evening from
the advanced column. It reached Yang-tsun-yeh
on the 10th, being 60 le from hence, and was still
there on the 11th, heavy rain having prevented

TEA.—Black—A moderate business has again been trans-
acted during the past fortnight, chiefly in the classes of
which the stock has been composed for some months past.
The two chops of new Ningchow which we reported as
arrived in our last, are quoted as settled at 33 taels, but we
believe that the fact is that the teaman has shipped them
on his own account under advance. We have had no further
arrivals on the market of this class, but a few chops of con-
tract have come to hand via Ningpo. Settlements are of
Hoochow tea 1,377 chests, at 18 taels to 21 f taels ; 1,520
chests of Ningchow, reported at 33 taels ; and 150 packages
Oolong, price not quoted ; in all, 3,047 chests, to which must
be added 2,785 chests, making total for the fortnight 5,832
chests, and for the season to date 14,797 chests, against 88,330
chests to the corresponding period of last year, and leaving in
stock 5,900 chests Congou and 800 chests Pekoe, against
44,400 chests Congou and 5,000 chests Pekoe. We quote—
Congou : Oopack, none; new Ninchaw, 32 taels t 0133 teals;
old Ningchow, 23 taels to 26 taels ; Hohow kinds, nsne ;
Hoochow teas, 21 taels to 25 taels; old common Congo;
12 taels to 15 taels. Green : The settlements since last mail
have been limited, being chiefly in the Pingsuey and Hoo-
chow sorts, the stocks of the former being now entirely ex-
hausted. From the other districts no new crop has yet ar-
rived, but we hear of unasserted Moyunes arrived at
Niagpo. The cost of the crop is admitted to be low in the
country, the rebels being the cause of its delay in coming
down. Settlements are, of China tea, 6,813 packages, making
for the season 24,825, against 97,507 last year, and leaving
in stock 900 packages, against 74,000 last season. Of Japan
tea the settlements are 1,305 packages, making to date 4,502
and leaving 8,000 in stock. We can give no reliable quota-
tions. The total export to Great Britain to date is
1,740,283 lbs., against 6,388,9811b5. last season.
SILK.—In our last we spoke of the firmness of holders,
caused by rep. tea robol Intetforouce; Ibis lasted tot about
a week only, when further supplies reached this from the
interior, producing an evident desire to realise existing
stocks at previous quotations. The news of a " quiet mar-
ket at home "by the mail of 26th July, checked the desire
to purchase, and reduced the rates for Taysaams and inferior
Tsatlees about 10 taels per picul. True chop Tsatlees, how-
ever, maintained their former value. It is reported that
the rebels proposed to levy a duty of ten per cent, on the
value of the cargo of every boat, whether proceeding up or
down the river. Even if this be true it is evident that the
tax is easily evaded, as several boats have within the last
few days reached Shanghai without having paid it. The
arrivals, however, have not been quite so large as the previ-
ous fortnight. Total settlements to date (including Japan)
26,000 bales. The settlements are estimated at 4,000 bales,
leaving a stock on the market of 5,000 bales.

AUSTRALIA.

We have received papers from Melbourne to
Sept. 27. Everything was quiet in the political
world. The ministerial crisis, the dead-lock be-
tween the two Houses of Legislature, and the im-
practicable land question, had all been surmounted.
The parliamentary session had been brought to a
close.

On the 18th September the prorogation took
place in the usual form. The Governor's speech
was one of the ordinary common-place kind. The
royal assent was given to the Land Bill and to a
few minor bills of local interest merely. A bill to
abolish pensions.to retiring ministers of the crown,
and the Divorce Bill, have been reserved for her
Majesty's decision.
Respecting the gold fields, the Melbourne Herald
says :
"We have again this month to reiterate the
stereotyped assertion that our yield of gold shows
a considerable falling off as compared with the pre-
vious year. Since our August summary the escorts
have brought to town 155,104 oz. of gold; while
iduring the corresponding period of 1859 they con-
tributed 185,711 oz., and in 1858, 198,084 oz. Our
shipments for the past month were 130,420 oz. In
the corresponding period of 1859 only 122,980 oz.
were exported, while in 1858 the quantity of the
precious metal passes' through the custom house
was 187,061 oz. The quantity of gold brought by
the escorts during the present year shows a falling
off of about 180,000 oz. as compared with the corre-
sponding period of 1859, the exact figures being
1,470,386 oz. 10 dwt. and 1,651,361 oz. 10 dwt.
The shipments show an even greater diminution,
the quantities being 1,478,188 oz. and 1,318,354 oz.
respectively.
The following from a correspondent of the
Sydney Morning Herald is the latest intelligence of
the war in New Zealand :

" On Monday last a strong force of military,
blue jackets, and militia, commanded by the Gene-
ral in person, proceeded to attack W. King in his
stronghold, inland of Waitara, The force consisted
of 40th, 65th, and naval brigade, and numbered up-
wards of 1,400 men. The expedition left town on
the
afternoon of Monday, and camped at a pah
named Mahostahi, about four miles from the rebels'
strongholds. On Friday morning they were joined
by
Major Nelson's division at Waitara, and at 6
a.m. attacked two strong pahs named Ngataipari-
rua and Kairau, which were found untenanted, and
which were forthwith destroyed. The troops then
proceeded to attack a pah called Hiurangi, situated
on the edge of the forest. This was also found
evacuated, but while in the act of destroying it a
small varty of skirmishers of the light company of
the 40th, Nvlio were adavncing towards the bush,
were fired upon a party of natives in ambush,
I killing one man, named Ramsay (a private), and
slightly wounding three others. The rebels allowed
the skirmishers to advance within a few yards of
them, when they delivered their fire from, it is
supposed, one hundred muskets, and it is a surprise
to every one that our casualties w ere so few. A
skirmish now took 'place between the oos and
the rebels, who kept up a smart tire from tr
thepbush,
without effect, the balls whizzing harm near, sevessly over
the heads of the men, but unpleasantly-
ral shots falling near the general, wlao remained
within range. The general would not allow the
men to follow the enemy into the bush, and after
canister, rockets, &c., the
pouring in shell, grape,
order for retiring was sounded, and the forces, after
destroying Hiurangi and another pah near to it,
marched to camp at Waitara, and next day to town.
I am sorry to say that Ramsay's body was not ,
which
re-
covered, but was taken by the rebels with his rifle
and ammunition ; also an officer's sword
was dropped when the volley was fired.
" A great many opinions have been expressed

AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
((From the Melbourne Herald.)
For many months past we have had to repeat our tale of
depression and dulness, but this month we are fortunately
justified in taking a more cheering and hopeful tone.
Things are undeniably looking better, and though it would
be premature to say that the tide of revived prosperity has
set in, we may, at any rate, express our assurance that the
ebb tide has reached its lowest mark. There has been more
spirit in all departments of trade during the month past, and
everybody is disposed to anticipate the future with more
buoyant sentiments. Without entering further into the
details of our import business, we need only remark that,
as our capacity for consumption [increases, the excessive
stocks under which the markets have groaned for months
past will be gradually reduced ; and if shipments diminish
in a corresponding ratio, our importers may hope soon to be
about the most flourishing class in the community.
Of the flour and grain market Mr. W. Lawrence supplies
the following review for the four weeks ending the 22d
September At the departure of the last English mail
the market for breadstuffs was passing through one of those
panics not usual to it, colonial grown wheat on the Ist
August being Bs. 6d. per bushel, while on the Ist current
it was only worth 6s. 6d., and flour having receded in
same period about £5 per ton. This was followed by a
sudden reaction ; and an advance on the minimum rates
having been established is well maintained to the extent of
£2 to £3 per ton ; the same result has been experienced in
wheat, and the closing quotations are firm at an advance of
6d. to 9d. per bushel. In horse-feeding grain a slight im-
proved feeling is noticeable. The absence of grain and
feeding barley having influenced an increased consumption
of oats, transactions of a more extensive nature have re-
sulted, and some descriptions are more ready of sale for
actual consumption, the best feature illustrated for a long
period, and should no speculation interfere, so as to run up
prices and check sales, there is a prospect of a considerable
quantity going into consumption before the new crop is
reaped, it being now pretty evident that stocks in consumers'
hands are run out in town as well as upon the various
goldfields. The weather has been favourable of late for the
growing crops, and the reports from all parts of this, and
from the neighbouring colonies, are of a favourable nature,
and an early and abundant harvest is in promise.
The rates of exchange remain without alteration. Drafts
on England at 60 days' sight are issued at par. Drafts
against gold, &c., are purchased at 1 per cent. discount.
Freights on gold, per sailing vessels, 21d. per ounce ; per
overland mail steamers, 1 per cent., deliverable at the Bul-
lion-office, Bank of England, including insurance and duty,
2 per cent. To Mauritius, Ceylon, or Indian ports, 8 per
cent. ; to Hong Kong, 1- per cent. Insurance, 1 per cent. ;
and overland, 11 per cent.
The official returns of the imports and exports since the
beginning of the current year, as compared with the returns
of 1859, show the following results :—Decrease in esti-
mated value of imports to Sept. 15, £225,405 ; decrease in
exports, £1,590,686. In 1859 the balance against the
colony was £972,795 ; at present it is £2,338,031.
During the last few weeks a decided improvement has
taken place in the stock and share market, and while older
stocks have rather declined in public favour, the shares of
recently established mining companies have been steadily
advancing in value. So marked has been the change during
the last month, that at a rough calculation we may esti-
mate the improved value of mining stocks alone at £lOO,OOO.
Of railway and bank stocks, little need be said.' Hobson
Pays have been done at £5O to £53, and now it is not easy
to find buyers at the latter rate. Gas shares at one time
were a favourite investment, but they declined to 221 per
cent. Debentures ItTe out of the market altogether. In-
'surance shares aro only moderately inquired for, as the
feeling in favour of mining enterprises is every day gaining
ground.