The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-09-27
The Chinese Empire.

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such a small beginning seems destined ere it
ends TO totally subvert the government OF the
Chinese empire, can hardly be exaggerated.
to overthrow the present dynasty, to place their
leader upon the throne, but arc also waging a
war Of determination against idulatry, and all
the paraphernala of its worship, to replace 1t
with system of religion, that, so far. as can
be ascertained, is Christianity adapted to CHI
nese comprehension, gives to this revolution Il
significance and Importance that cannot be mis-
taken. .'
The history and social condition ofthis great
people are but litle understood BY the civlll-
zpd world, and it is time for those who have
derived their ideas from the stereotyped cuLln
the Biographies, in which an obliquc eyed,
mild looking individual, with shaven poll,
lengthy queue, and vouminous breeches, Is
represented hawking about rats and pupp es
for pics" to turn to more reliable sources for
information, particularly since the time seems
to be rapidly approaching whenwe must study
them as leighbors, and as adopted citizens
even of our own country.
In the days of William de Rubru1uis aud
Marco Polo the man who told plain, unvar.
nished tale about China and the Chinese, was
set down in the estimation of his fellows rs all
outrageous liar. Indeed, till within compara
tivrly Il short PERIOD the whole vast area Of
the empire has been, with the exception Of a
narrow stIp here and there on the burderS and
by the seacoast, as much terra incognia as
is the interior Of Africa at the present time.
And yet it is a great empire, viewed from
wha,cve point; great in its extent, great i'll lis
natural resources, and great as the home of a
peculiar people who have preserved their indi-
viduaIty and most minute traits of Character,
and remained at rest, during the centuries, wlie
the rest of the world has been rocking with the
struggles of expiring dynasties, and the throes
Of nations starting mto existence.
In the area tn. Chinese Empire is three times
larger than the United States, east Of the prai.
ries, and like it, it enjoys Il variety of climate,
ranging from the heat of the tropics to the cold
Of the northern temperate zone. Its surface is
! diversified by mountain ridges, vast plains and
deep val eys while in the number and magni
tute of its rivers it is surpassed by no country
on the globe. Within its territory are also
found vast lakes both Of fresh and salt water,
which give subsistence to a large population,
and upon whose surface great internal COM
merce is carried on.
lis vegetable productions are numerous and
abundant, and the necessity ofprovidiny means
of support, chiefly derived from the cultivation
the soil, for population estimated by careful
observers at GO,OOO,OjO, has brought every
portion OF this vast territory capable Of tillage
under the highest degree Of agricultural i'm
provcmcnt. The main article Of food is rice.
the cultivation Of which is universal, and con-
Quoted in the most economical manner, SO as
to insure the greatest yield from the reed ;
while the universa! beverage Of all classes,
ranks and ages, is an infusion Of the leaves Of
! the tea plant, whose pleasantly stimulating
effects have brought the whole world Ito tri.
butte to this people for its supply.
The government Of China is an absolute
monarchy, aud ilial obedience is the law Of
the land. I he emperor being viewed in the
light OF the father Of his people, every COM
nIa.id cmanallug from him is to be implicitly
obtycd. The whole machinery of government
is under his control, and with linn rests the
appointment of his successor, even to the ex-
cluSion of his own sons. The right of primo
gcnilure, which formerly existed, WAS many
, years ago abolished, So that at the death Of Il
parent his property is divided amongst his male
children, the eldest son receiving two p""tions.
Girls inherit nothing, neither do they receive
amy marriage portion from their parents.
The whole community, with the exception
Of menia!s comedians, aud the lowest police
! agr ntS, who arc reckoned outcasts, is divided
! into four ranks or classes. Of thc,c, the lst
includes the learned; ID, the husbaudman ;
Sd, the manufacturers, and 4th the merchants.
This may seem Il strange classification, but as
the husbandman provides food to keep the ma
ti"n alive, he is honored and placed according
ly. Indeed, So strong is this feeling, that an.
nuely y, at IL great tcslival, it is the custom OF
the Emperor 10 entcrt the field set apart for the
occasion, and with his own hand plough plot
Of grouud.-Bos!on Transcript.
The temperance men in England are abont
to petition their parliament for prohibitory
! liquor law. There are 1927 licensed brewers
/ IN the British Islands, ofSS, 400 persons licensed
to sell spirits and wine, and 1868 licensed
to sell beer. In 1851 there were 81 900, 900
! gallons of spirits consumed in Great Britain IN