The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-02-05

when req uisi;on was made for them through
him. 4 correspondence ensued, and the Con-
spl was instructed, October Dist, by Sir John
Bowring, the British Penipotentiary, to notify
the Governor General, that twenty-fouri hours
were given him to restore the twelve men, and
make n suitable apology for the insult offered
to the British flag and that, in case of failure,
force would be used to compel him. Twelve
men were sent, but no apology, and the men
were not received.
The matter was now placed in the hands of
Admiral Seymour, and he at once directed the
forts which command the river at and below
Canton, TO be taken. This was done on the
23d, 2ith, and 25th with little resistance. On
the Z1;h, shells were cast into the Governor
Generals palace for four hours, and the next
day gun was opened on the city wall. from
for: in the middle Of the river, called Dutch
Folly. The city was entered on the 10Th by
party of 200 men, at the breach, and the great
south gate, about 100 yards east of the breach,
blown down from the inside. The palace Of
the Governor General, which was just at the
breach, was visited by the Admiral, but his Ex-
cellency was not at home.
A destructive fire was caused by the guns
which were opened upon the wall, and the next
day another broke out, from blowing down the
gate An extent Of tLree-fourths of a mile, on
the bank OF the river, between it and the city
wall, was left In ruins, including the premises
Of the Presbyterian mission.
The British, finding they could not retain
their position, retired in the evening. Three
men were killed, and several wounded, in the
assault.
AT each step Of the siege, the Governor Gen.
eral was advised that more severe measures
would he used, if he did not come TO terms.
lie, however, still refused to comply with the
demands ap1 no aooin potifa1 hot osh
ing less than a personal interview between
himself and the Admiral would suffice to settle
satisfactorily the difficulties which had Unhap-
PLY arisen between the two nations.
After an interval of few days, the lombard
ment was renewed, Monday, Nov. Sd, and with
greater vigor. Shells were cast into several Of
the public Offices, and much damage is said to
have been done. On the morning of the 9Th,
naval engagement took place ct the eastern
part of the city, and continued about forty min
utes. The Chinese fought furiously for while,
but without much effect, against the superior
ships and arms of their enemies Twenty or
twenty five war-boas were taken and destroyed.
The loss OF the British was two killed and sew
eral wounded.
Multiudes of people have fled 10 the coun-
try taking their most valuable effects. All
business is stopped, and the thousands who de-
pen3ed.oE daily work for daily bread must be
reduced to great extremities. Peaceable peo-
pie have had great fears that advantage would
be taken Of this occasion for another rising
of the rebels, and in their distress have not
known which way to turn for safety.
Ii IS tumored tha. blockade is to be kept
up, while troops are sent for from India. The
people are becoming aroused, and the Admiral
Is beginning to find that it is not SO easy a
mater to bring :. determined and obstinate
people to his way Of thinking. ct first, the
Chinese seemed Uuconcerned, and the manda-
rims did not take any measures for defence.
Bat d. the siege progressed, militia from the
country began 20 come to TIE defence of their
capital, By thousands, resolved to extelminate
the outside barbarians.
The public opinion of the foreign communi-
T. has justified the course Of the British in this
matter but if it is tested by that golden rule,
g Do 10 others as you would that they should
DO to you those who have brought so great a
calamity on thousands of innocent people
must receive the judgment Of condemnation.
The twelve men taken from the lorcha were
Chinese subjects, AID bat one Englishman (thc
captain) vas on board, 10 testify to the insult
offered to the flag. The Chinese have no na.
tional flag; and It is very probable that the
nandarins who boarded the iorcha were igno-
IGnt OF the estimation which the British place
upon their colors. These and other circum-
stances 20 far to show why semi civilized
people should set IS they have in this matter ;
and although much pride and arrogance is
manifested in their bearing, yet the representa-
tiges of q powerful Christian nation might have
shown lnagnaninOus forbearance, and thus
prevented consequences which have already
been fearful, and which SEEM likely to grow in
magnitude ior months 10 come.
The American Commissioner, Dr. Peter
Parkec, has just arrived al Macao, from Shang-
hal. What advantage, If any, he will be able
to gaia for his countrymen, il the issue Of this
contest, remains TO be seen. X.