Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-08-24
Chinese Affairs,

The news from the Celestial Empire is deepli
interesting. Until very recently, tn, character
and purpose of the revolution now going on in that
distant empire, has been an enigma. 1t was sup
posed, however, to he a mere civil war, waged
by ambitious men 10 elevate themselves to power.
The movement was set on foot by TAPPING wang,
which signifies Prince Of Peace, and seems to be
almost exclusively Off religious character. From
the last advces. it seems to be placed beyond a
doubt that the nsurrectionsts are christians whose
aim is to abolish heathenism in that country, ard
to introduce higher and purer standard of morals
and belief
Rumors had for long time prevailed that Mar
kin was in the hands of the insurgents, and that
Shanghai was about to be attacked. Butas moth
ing definite was known as to the position of the
rebels, the American steam frigate Susquehanna
was sent up the Yang tse- Kiang in April to OBJ
| tain, if possible, some definite information, but
from her draught of water, was unable to get up
so far and returned having accomplished nothing.
But the uncertainty still existing at Shanghai, and
the people being in constant dread of attack, Sir
e. BOnham determined to 90 up IN person on
board IL. b. MS steamer Hermes. He remained
five days at Nankn in communication with the
insurgents, (who had been in possession OF the
place more than month"; and returned to Shang-
hi on the 9Th of May. They were still in pos
| session June LIST, that being the latest date from
Shanghai.
As Sir George Bonham approached Nankin the
river was strewn with the floating fragments OF
wooden idols, ''ike the figure heads OF ships, scat
tered from wrecks" He succeeded In obtaining
on shore, of the religious books in circulation
among the new sect, and it was impossible to
doubt that they are drawn from the Christian
Scriptures, somewhat modified, so as to adapt
themselves to the manners of the Chinese. For
instance, in the commentary on the seventh COM
mandment. smoking opium is laid down as lnclu-
ded under the crime of adultery. The prayers to
be used by the faithful are expressly offered,
Through the merits Of our Saviour, and Heaven
ly Brother the Lord Jesus, who redeemed US from
SIM" The form of praise is evidently taken from
the Christian Doxology the observance OF the
Sabbath is enioined; and the whole dispensatlon
of the Old and New Testaments is set forth IN a
poem called the '.Trimetrical Classic" which is
described as most singular production. The In
surgent sect is said to be rreproachable III point
of morals and conduct, and to present most Ia
vorable contrast to the rest Of the Chinese.
Other accounts state that they are more proper
ly religious enthusiasts whose creed is war to the
knife, while in all other respects maintaining 4
high standard of morals. 1t is said that the coun-
try is in state of anarchy, and that the fall of the
old dynasty is no longer matter OF doubt The
insurgents have been everywhere successful
There were extensive rsings in other parts OF the
country. The Imperialists failed to retake Annoy
on the 29th of April, but were repulsed with loss
At Canton all was quiet, and trade going on as
usual. No foreigners had been moested in any
part of the empre.-Rich. Dispatch.