The Sun.
London, England, 1842-01-08 00:00:00

CANTON NEWS.

Captain Nias having become aware that the Chinese
had rendered impassable the channel for large ships above
Wharnpoa, by planting stakes in the river, proceeded to
the spot with his squadron, when the obstructions were
removed, the villages on the banks burnt, and several
Chinese killed. On his return he determined, if pos-
sible, to garrison Wang Tung, and applied to the briga-
dier for troops, but none were available for the purpose.
In conformity, therefore, with the instructions of Admiral
Parker, the fortifications were totally destroyed. He then
issued the following
" PROCLAMATION OF CAPTAIN NIAS, OF HER MAJESTY'S
SHIP HERALD, TO THE CHINESE SOLDIERS AND PEOPLE.
" The arrangements made by the Mandarins to settle
the differences between the two nations have not been
satisfactory. The Plenipotentiary Pottinger, on his ar.
rival in these waters, received communications which
tended to re-establish the ancient harmony; but, not-
withstanding this, it appears that stakes and stones have
been placed in different parts of the river to obstruct the
passage, and that thus faith has been broken. This is
the reason that my soldiers have attacked the fort of
Wang Tung, and have inspired terror. In future all
similar breaches of faith will be immediately punished
by renewed hostilities.—Dated Bth September, 1841."
Judging from the accounts we have of commercial
aflairs, the above circular has not yet had the effect of
restoring very greatly the equanimity of the Chinese.
Perhaps it is not too much to say that but little trade
can now in reason be looked for until the actual settle-
ment of affairs sets at rest all apprehensions of a recur-
rence of hostilities. The Chinese merchants are equally
well aware with the British of the bad faith of their Go-
vernment, and place not much more value on its promises
than we do ourselves.

It is reported that Keshen has been received again into
Royal favour, having had the principal order of the
fourth degree_ of rank cc.nferreil on him, and half his
confiscated property restored.
A Canton paper says—" We are informed by a native
that Yih-shan and the Governor are again recruiting for
stout and valiant troops, and are arming with muskets."
If this be true, the Cantonese must be fools indeed.
In the Pekin Gazette of the 20th of July there is an ex-
cellent illustration (if any were wanting), either of the
facility with which the Emperor can be imposed en by his
Mandarins, or the barefaced manner in which that
august Monarch endeavours to impose on his people.
The names of the officers who distinguished themselves
in " beating back the rebellious barbarians who desired
to enter the river cf the provincial city (Canton)" are
mentioned with high honour, and rewards are ordered to
be conferred on them for their 'deeds of resplendent
-valour !

LOSS OF THE MADAGASCAR.
This steamer, which arrived in China from Calcutta
on the 13th Septembor, and sailed thence for Amoy on
the 17th, was destroyed at sea two days after her de-
parture. All on board took to the boats ; one of which,
containing Captain Dicey and forty-one persons, was
stranded, and seized by the Chinese. Of the others,
nothing is at present known. Intimation cf the disaster
was received from Captain Dicey himself, in a letter
written while on the road to Canton, with his fellow-
prisoners. This communication contained only a few
lines, scrawled with a brush on China paper, and was
addressed to Messrs. Jardine, Matheson, and Co.,
Me3srs. Dent and Co., or the Senior Naval Officer at
Hong Kong. It is conjectured that Captain Dicey re-
frained from entering into an account of his loss, in
order that the particulars might be concealed from the
Chinese, who, he anticipated would make themselves
masters of the contents of his letter before they for-
warded it to its destination. A list of the prisoners was
enclosed, of which the following is a copy :—Captain
Dicey, Captain Grattan, 18th Royal Irish ; Mr. Bern-
bark ; Mr. Edmunds engineer ; Mr. Wilson, third mate;
Dr. Maxton; Mr. Oliver, chief mate ; Mr. Private; Mr.
M'Clellan ; Mr. Little ; Mr. J. Boothers, 18th Royal
Irish ; Mr. J. Swayn ; and thirty Lascars.

INDIA,
BURMAH.

We have now news from Rangoon to the 29th of Oc..
tober, and from Moulmein to the 31st. Tharawaddie
has arrived at the former place with his retinue and
forces, but has not taken any hostile proceeding, and
indeed declares that his intentions are wholly pacific.
Differences, it appears, have long existed between
Great Britain and -Burmah, chiefly in regard to the per-
formance of the treaty concluded at Yandaboo in 1824;
and the British armament—though doubtless despatched
with the immediate object of protecting Moulmein—will,
in all probability, ere it quits the Burman waters, pursue
measures fcr the settlement of these disputes. It may,
therefore, happen that Britain will be compelled to strike
the first blow in a second Burman war.

The landing of the King at Rangoon—which took
place on the 2d of October—is said to have been a
very imposing spectacle. The ex-King accompanied
him, in charge of the Prince of Promo. Both mo-
narchs passed the night in temporary residences
prepared for them, and in the morning went in grand
procession to the palace. " Their Majesties," says the
Moulmein Clu•onicle, " were conveyed in a splendid car,
having several carriages and gilt vehicles following,
filled with the ladies of the court, many of whom also
followed on foot. The road was lined on both sides with
troops, from the landing-place to within pistol-shot of the
palace, all of them fine-looking men, and extremely well
armed. Six elephants preceded the King, each being
accompanied by 100 musketeers, 50 spearmen, and 20
men, bearing banners, and gilt standards." It appears
the number of men brought down could not be computed
with any certainty ; but there were nearly 100 pieces of
field artillery, of which the greater part were well
mounted and fit for service. The naval part of the