Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-10-29

/. GtCHINA.-Thero is scarcely any section
of the globe, that in any respect apProximates
to civilization, fiom which we dol not oftoncr
have intelligence, than China. This will ap-
pear to our readers little singular, consider.
ing tho commercial intercourse existing be-
tween this country and the Chinese empire
bu, the truth is, one may visit that distant
country on trading expcdition-may romain
there several weeks, and even months, with
out being enabled to learn anything of impor-
tance, except what is Immediately connected
with his own business, and the concerns Of
other foreigners, SIMILARLY engaged. The laws
respecting trade and intercourse are severe,
and are vigorously enforced. These regula-
tons prohibit the admission Of all foreigners,
who are indiscrimnately termed BarbaTians,
within the walls Of their cities. and prescribe
for them the particular mode of dea ling in
merchandise.
Perhaps there never was nation more
completely Independent Of the rest Of the
world, than the Chinese, though from what
appears in their code Of laws, they are little
less than slaves to their sovereign and mobiles,
called Mandarins. The tcnets Of their religion
are inexpcabe. They pray to their deceas-
ed kindred as Gods, believing that the spirits
Of tho departed govern this world. They call
their nation tho " Celestial Empire,' whose
hallowed soil 10 not TO be polluted by the
footsteps Of any excepting their own country
men, but on occasions of important emergen-
, cy In the month Of April the term arrives,
which is called the pure and splendid sea-
son. when all classes, both rich and poor,
resort to the hills, or the tombs of their rela
tives and ancestors to worship. On this oc-
sion,- victims arc slain, and incense burnt,
something similar 10 the ancient customs of
the Pagans aud The Jews, and the ceremonies
are peculiarly solemn, and sometimes affect
ing. Cakes, fruits, wine and great variety
Of other articles, are transported 10 the hills,
where splendid booths are erected, and light
ed up with candles, the blaze of which IS ro-
Aectcd from mirrors sci in gold and silver
The tombs are then swept, and each sacred
receptacle 'of the dead covered anew with
fresh and green turf The g" pure and splen-
did" term lasts several days, and is the only
season Of the year when the people may be
said to enjoy liberty, or anything like foot
ing Of equality with the Mandarns.
From file Of the Canton Register, from
Feb. 4h to May nth, some extracts have
been recently made, in which appears reply
from the Governor 10 the petition Of some
American and other foreign merchants located
there, in which they are all styled barbarians,
but are allowed to settle and trade in the sub
urbs of the city. We copy this manifesto for
its novelty, believing j: will afford matter Of
! interest to our readers.
"In the 45,h year of the Emperor Kicslong,
and in the 23d Of Keaking, the Treasurer Of
Canton held consultation lon the subject, and
reported, the result to the superior provincial
| authorities.
"I, the Governor, also met with the late
Hoppe, and issued a proclamation on the SUBJ
Iect, which is on record.
"For several tens Of years, the-s regulations
have been in existence, and, no doubt, ought
10 be generally known and obeyed.
"The said barbarians a short time ago. re-
pca,edly presented dunning petitions for things
contrary to law which shew their stupid RASH
ness. From pi'y' to those remote barbarians,
I did not inflict chsstiseuent, but ordered the
nts to deliberate safely, and manage.
] likewise oIdered them to communicate my
orders to The said barbarian merchants, 10
obey The fixed regulations in their tIade.
"Now, again. abruptly. third time, they
have presented a petition, saying, 4" Hereto
fore we did not know tho law Of buying eight
Sorts" and they also say, Let US be allowed
TO buy Of the shopmen, tea, silk. sugar, China
ware, &c. and the whole be for thom reported
al the Custom House, &C." This is indeed a
wilful disobediencs 10 the 6rsd regulations Of