The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1855-11-07
No. 1912.

bearing self-relance displayed to the En-
gllsh, French, and American visitors is suffi-
cient assurance that he will treat with no
potentate on the earth as an equal, unless
compelled at the point Of the bayonet. Much
stress Is laid by missionary writer's upon the
use OF the word "brethren," when addressing
their foreign visitors, but it is overlooked
that the term is allowed to them only when
they come reyerently to profess submission
and subjection, and that in every case they
were forbidden to return unless they did 50
with the proper gifts for tribute. Here, then,
ls the certain germ OF war with the new
party, perhaps involving the surprise and
destruction of the foreign settlements at
Shanghai, with all its valuable property, as
the first intimation that we are no longer to
Halter ourselves with the title of brethren.
We have nothing to hope, and much to fear
from it.
The vitality and strength Of the Imperi.
al Government are much greater than would
appear frnm the recent course Of events, and
from the representations made from China,
by residents interested for the success Of the
rebellion. independently Of the great source
of strength in the warlike Tartar tribes
which live upon the northern border, and
which would be too happy to march upon
China at the call Of the Emperor, he has
still in possession Oftwo.thirds of the empire,
draws the greater part Of the usual revenue
from those quarters, and can recruit his force
from several hardy races Ofmen. The cOun-
try north of the Yellow river is difficult Of
attack BY an army from the South, as the
great distance to be traversed costs it its
communications, wh le every step in advance
carries it nearer the encny's resources, and
against positions growing stronger as their
own inrce grows weaker. The most, there
fore, That the rebel leaders can accomplish,
with such strength as they have vet shown,
is TO hismcmber the country. Total conquest
is out Of the question.
The farmers and traders Of the districts
bordering upon the positions occupied by Tae-
ping wang's forces, look upon them with hor-
ror, dreading their irruption into their fields
and towns, and hiding their yaluables in the
earth at the first alarm. They are regarded
as thieves by all peaceable people, and that
or similar names are invariably used by the
Chinese when they converse with foreigners
concerning them. So general feeling is, it,
self, great element of strength 10 the I'm
perial party, as the various districts, so FAR
/ from aiding the rebellion, seize the first op-
portunity to return to their old governors
|, The main strength of the rebels is uBdoubt-
edly from the men trained in the pirate fleets
which have for several years proved upon
the commerce oil China, and were their com
munication with the coast cut of, aud their
places Of strength upon the Yang-tze. .kians
destroyed, they would som yield 10 the pres
sure Of the superior forces of the lmpcrial-
lists.
Ii these views Of Mr. Cunningham are
well founded, aud we are disposed 10 b.liryc
they are, neither Christianity nor commerce.
has much TO hope for, from the current Chi
nese rebellion. IL. Pepsr.