The Sun.
London, England, 1861-04-13 00:00:00

CHINA.,

The most interesting item of the news that
comes to us from China relates to the murder of
the American interpreter at Yeddo, as announced
by telegraph. The China Mail gives the following
account of this unfortunate affair :

This unhappy gentleman, it appears, had been
frequently cautioned, especially of late, to be more
careful of exposing himself to maltreatment. Why
he more than anyone else should have been so cau-
tioned is at present only dimly hinted at. It would
seem that his accurate knowledge of the Japanese
language had brought him acquainted with certain
nefarious designs of the anti-foreign party at Yeddo,
which, it was supposed, could only be concealed
effectually by his removal. He, however, paid no
attention to the so-called cautions. On the night of
Monday, the 14th December, he was returning
from the house of the Prussian Minister, where he
had been dining. He was accompanied by three
bettos and four mounted Yakunins, but was way-
laid by a body of seven or eight armed Japanese,
who struck ought the lights carried by his servants,
and rushed, yelling, upon their victim. He spurred
his horse and galloped off, but did not escape
receiving several severe wounds, which subse-
quently proved fatal. In the meantime one of the
Yakunins, whose horse had been wounded, dis-
mounted and proceeded to the American Legation
for assistance. This was obtained, and several me-
dical men, including two native doctors, were soon
in attendance, but their aid was of no avail. The
unfortunate gentleman, after receiving the last
rites of his church, expired about midnight. He
was buried on the 18th, his funeral being attended
by the governor and all the ministers of legation.
Shortly after, the ministers of the various embassies
at Japan quitted Yeddo, with the exception of the
American minister, who declined to leave, saying
that his life was as safe in Yeddo as it had ever
been. Among the last of Mr. Heuskin's public acts
appears to have been the assistance he rendered
towards the conclusion of the Prussian treaty with
Japan, which takes effect two years hence. It is
not reported that trade has been at all interfered
j with by these events.

CHINA COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

HONG KONG, MARCH 2.

•
Business in this colony remains comparatively
inactive. The stock of imports is meanwhile on the
increase by arrivals from England.
_ _

Yarn has been sold to the extent of 150 bales
only; prices continue low.
Freights.—The demand for tonnage which pre-
vailed at departure of last mail has continued, al-
though the difficulty of finding suitable vessels in-
creases daily, with a consequent hardening of rates.
Attention is still directed to the rice ports, and
more particularly Bangkok and Siam. Several
large vessels have been chartered to proceed
thither, and on this account, although the num-
ber of vessels taken is smaller, the aggregate amount
of tonnage is fully equal to the previous fortnight's
settlements. A clause has been introduced into
some of the recent charterparties, giving charterers
the option of despatching the vessel to the Gulf of
Petchelee. This is a new feature in the trade, and
one which will doubtless grow—the first fruits of
the recent treaty.
The rate to Bangkok has been, for large vessels
55 cents, small craft loading the bulk of their cargo
at the town have obtained 60 cents. The following
have been despatched ; Pioneer (seeking), Burman,
Tirrel, Seaman's Bride, J. W. White, and Rival.
Saigon charters have commanded a somewhat
better figure, 60 to 65 cents being the current rate.
The Prince of Wales, Singapore, W. H. Chandler,
Southern Cross, and Pathfinder have all obtained
charters at these rates. John Jai is reported to
obtain 55 cents, with the option of Bangkok at 60
cents. To Kongpoot and back the Canton obtains
65 cents.