The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-03-29
China.

Our advices from Shanghai are to the
Sd Of January. The French war steamer
Cassini arrived off Nankin on the 9th, and
left on the 18th OF December. gun was
fired ather before anchoring, said to be by
accident, and satisfactory apology was
made by the insurgent authorities. This
was the only incidenti in the voyage. The
French Minister. M. Bourbillon, it appears,
could not obtain an audience with the
kings, but had private interview with the
Prime Minister OF Tae.ping- wang, said to
be Of equal rank with the kings. M. Bour-
billion met with perfect civility, but with
great GOODNESS and hauieur. The accounts
confirm those first brought by the steamer
tiermes. The leader Of the rebels seems
to exercise unbounded influence over his
adherents, and eniorces his laws with un-
sparing severity. or all the immense pop
ulation. reported at 100000 women and
600, 900 men, no one was observed smok
ing even Chinese tobacco, and it appears
true about their having everything in COM
mon. The troops were numerous, but
very i'll armed, the best men being in the
north. They stated that they had news
from Pekin that the gates of that city were
invested by their adherents, and when it is
taken they were likely to proceed to Shang-
hal.
There is report that the insurgents had
captured city north of Pekin, which looks
as if their object was to prevent the EN-
peror's escape. There is no positive con-
firmation yet Of the capture OF Tien-tsn.
Shanghai is quiet, and but little skirmish.
| ing going forward. and the Taoute had
sent away half his Canton feet. Some
attempts had been made to treat with the
rebels in the city, but the messenger, a
mandarin, was decapitated.
There was nearly being serious rup-
ture between the rebels and French, the
former lraving arrested and tortured two
Chinese Catholic Christians, said to be
spies. The affair, however, was fortunate
| ly arranged.
The Russian Admiral left Shanghai on
the 24th of December, in the screw steam
er Vostock, to join his frigate at Saddle
| Islands, and then to proceed to Negasaki
Our reports from Annoy Of the 18th Of
January say that there were rumors o
constant fighting taking place in the inte.
rior. There was some activity in cotton
but trade was otherwise dull, and all were
Chinese New Year would bring forth, be-
ing SO much disappointed in their expec
tations of good business after the recap
lure of the city.
| Canton remains without disturbance
with every appearance Of the Chinese. New
Years Day passing over quietly, and en-
gagements being satisfactorily met. I'm
ports are unaltered, and the business is
not likely to be unimportant till after the
New Year. Common congous are half q
tael cheaper, but the better qualities are
firm. The export TO Great Britain is still
in excess of last year to the same time
but that to the United States and to the
continent shows decrease.
The United States squadron. under
Commodore Perry, was still at Hong
Kong on the 1lth of January, but vii
leave shortly. we hear, for Japan.
[From the Calcutta Englishman, Jan. 1o.]
The Formosa leR Hong Kong. Decem
, Der 23 At the date the Formosa LEI
China the American squadron was abou
to sail for Japan. The ships were in th
highest order and most efficiently man
ned. The officers were OF opinion tina
six months would be allowed the Japan
ese to come 10 definitive settlement, ant
that should the time expire without j,
coercion would be resorted to. The ia
panese, having lost their Emperor, will
probably. make his death an excuse 70
procrastin alton, but the Americans vii
hardly admit it to be reason for thre
years delay.