Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-05-08

POwER OF THE CHINEsE.-The great Importance
attached by all parties to the posture Of our relations
with the Chinese, will doubtless be ample excuse
Tor our directing attention to the following extracts
from lata number of the Canton Free Press, the
now extremely interesting subject Of the power Of
the Chinese:
We have, observes the journal mentioned, heard
@uch about the probable Issue OF an attack upon the
Celestial Empire There are circumstances which
render IT extremely impossible that China would be
bold enough to throw down the gauntlet TO any ci-
vfiized nation. great trade, OF vital Importance
and IN habitua desire on the part of the
10 avoid open hesttes at every risk and cost, have
hitherto marked the of this cOutry, which
nave oeen Numerically opposed TO any warlike en-
terprise on the part OF the Chinese. The opinion
most generally entertained about the Celestial EN-
pre-, IS that 1t is impregnable. There are no less
man OF inhabitants, strong and patriotic;
Ironuefs guarded by deseri S and mountains, &c,
ana coasts In great part unknown. We believe,
however, that the resources of China much over
rated-that the government would find it difficult TO
MAINTAIN an army OF 30 900 men in one spot or aoy
considerable time; to protect coast of 800 miles,
the Celestial government would require an army Of
SU,OOO men, and fortresses to withstand gular
serge. But supposing the government were based
upon the love Of the people, and that they would
wieid the sword to protect it, the would be al
tered They will not fight for their tyrants, who
squeeze and Cypress them. The Chinese govern
ment stands alone; even in commerce the friendly
intercourse OF mandarin with he people is forbid
den-there exist no ties of affection interest," and
tue rulers must Hght out their own cause
But the enemy who attacks the people, barns Down
helr villages, and robs them Of their subsistence
puts his hand into beehive, where he will be stung,
and, however great his power he will be compelled
to retire. Declare the government alone your
my-tell the people you will not injure hair of their
heads, and keep religously your word, and ou will
soen lind that your antagonist is weak aud sonte mp-
ible Already do the soldiers Of the CELESTIAL Empire
complain of the hardships they endure What would
be their conduct if they had to 60 through regular
campaign We believe that society is more disor-
ganized in China than it has been for the last half
century What would be the result of the destruction
Of the Chinese navy9 The seas and rivers of tho
Celestial Empire would swarm with pirates, they
did during the reiga OF Keaking. When the Japan
csc, In the 18th and 10th century disturbed the coast
where were the terrible men of war The whole
coln'ry was open to their inroads-the same would
speedily be the now, il the Chinese fleet be
initiated, it must be il attacked by any strong
British force. The civil power of China must be
superior to the military, the Celestial Empire
not be what il is But to have 30 900 men command
ed by man, cannot be expects ed that they would
obey edicts if flushed with success issued from Pc
kin. The government will most assursdly play
dangerous game, il they enter into with Great
Britain The steps taken by the Chinese authorities
have not succeeded in putting down the OPP trade,
and from information we have received frem the
Chinese just arrived from Annoy, they will send the
Junks as usual, to ngapore to take in opium. The
opinm lately introduced into China, has sold at 300
scarcely over $50 dollars per chest"