North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1841-07-24
OPIUM TRADE.

In regard to England as connected with
this subject, the G. Times justly observes
The boosted ntsgnaninity and generos-
| ity of the British Government, must ap-
pear to the civilized world, the meyest farce,
and in fact the most absurd burlesque that
ever was conceived when its move
ments in China with regard to the opium
trade, are taken into consideration.
If we look into the war now waged by
| England against the Chinese, what do we
find 10 be the facts of the ease? Why,
simply, these:-
In the Erst place, the ruler OF semi-bar-
barous race, who know little, or nothing,
oil The arts, the sciences, the refinements
and the inventions Of civilized life, - (tho'
themselves the most ingenious artisans in
the worId) -preceives that the mental fac
ulties of his people are impaired, their
energies prostrated, and their morals
corrupted, by the costantly increasing use
in his empire Of potent and noxious drug.
Viewing this habit in it's proper light,
and observing its deeterious effects
upon his subjects-he resoIves,-with
larger share OF Christian spirit, and Of
Christian philosophy, than are to be found
among the civilized nations of the earth. -
to banish this drug from his dominions;
and enacis wise and equitable laws, for
bidding the people, who look to him as a
father, from INDUCING in the use of this
deathIy poison to the mental, the moral,
and the physical health.
We would ask ,---can there be found in
the annals Of ancient or modern history,
greater evidence among law-givers, of a
purely philanthropic character than was
displayed by the Emperor of China in this
attempt to remove from his subjects one
Of the most active promoters Of crime and
misery? Had he lived in the days of the
ancient Greeks, an act of this character
would have entitled him TO magnificent
festivals, to triuuiphal arches colums and |
statues, throug bout his realm
In the face Of this edct prohibiting the
introduction Of opium within the borders
OF this empire, the merchants Of foreign
nation, on the we'll known |
power of their Government, and instigated
by degree Of cupidity without bounds
insist on forcing this forbidden merchan-
die into the Chinese dominions,-and,-
because its admittance is properly resisted,
they resort TO fire and the sword to
carry their plans into operation. II this be
not gross and criminal violation of the
natural rights oil mankind, and OF the con-
mon law of nations, -then have we vet 10
learn an important lesson.
Apart from The consideration of this sub
ject with reieTance TO its effects on health,
and as promoter Of crime,-Iet US for
think 81 it in its operation upon
the character of The Chinese people. In
order TO stimulate the demand for the for
hidden article, -the Chinese must be hired
and grossly bribed TO place it siealthiIy'
within the reach OF their fellow citizens
knowing all the while that they are deal
ing out death and Instruction. The temp
taIions held out 10 them thus to violate
their own laws, and contribute 10 the moral |
degradation OF the people, are too power
Iul for them TO resist. Thus does one of
the most disiin guisbea nations on the
face of our globe present an irresistible
10 one oil the most populous, -
10 pursue course which must, inevitably
terminate in their ruini
Truly, this is the age of philanthropy
we must confess that the bonn
bardment Of the Chinese cities, the dislruc
ton of their forts, and the contemplated
subyersion Of the empire, simply because