Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1858-02-17
CHnA.
TuE PREPARATIONS AGAINST CANTON
PROG REss OF THE REBELs.
HOMO kosG, Nov. 26, 1857.

HOMO kosG, Nov. 26, 1857.
1t is perhaps fortunate that the de-
cisiye attack upon Canton has been de-
layed until the accredited representa-
tives Of all the chief powers Interested
are present, and each sustained by
some show Of naval force.
The Hon. Mr.. Reed arrived on the
5th inst, aud the Russian ambassador,
the Count Putiatinc, shortly after
The latter has succeeded no better than
his brother ambassadors, he not hav-
ing been allowed access to the lmperi-
al city. We hear that ere long he is
also to lie backed by powerful fleet.
The second detachment OF the gun-boat
hotilla from England has safely arrived
with the exception Of two boats
which put into Singapore. The whole
fleet of them (caled the Mosquito feet)
numbers about thirty. In all there
cannot be less than go or 20 vessels of
all kinds-most Of them steamers.
The Imperador arrived about three
weeks since, bringing $50 marines; the
Imperatrix came in week after, with
500 more. Sundry troop ships have
also made their appearance, and to-day
the Princess Charlotte, thrce-deckcr,
brings additional marines. On the
goth and 2lst, the main body of the
English fleet moved up the river to-
ward Canton, taking large landing
force of marines and artillery. There
are now about 1000 men who can be
landed without detriment to the eff
cheney Of the feet.
A proclamation has been printed in
Chinese characters, the contents of
which is not public, but from one con-
versant with the matter, learn that
its intent is to warn well disposed
Chinese to leave the city within GER
tain time, and take their property with
them so far as it can be done.
Whatever may be said Of the war, it
must be admitted that Admiral Sey-
mour has, in all its history, shown him
self AS mcrciful as prompt, and it is to
be hopes that this proclamation will
afford the means of escape to many,
and cause the devastation to fall upon
those who deserve it.
From an officer Of the fleet, learn
that in the course of two days the gun
boat hotilla will take position encircling
the water front of the city "a distance
OF five or six hundred yards each from
the other. Then the proclamation will
be freely circulated within the city,
and the prescribed time be allowed to
elapse.
limo proposals for a peaceable sur
render are received in the meantime,
there will open upon the devoted city
such storm Of rockets shot and shell
as never entered the heart Of Chinaman
to conceive. Each Of the gunboats
carries one ten-inch shell-gun att, and
one thirtytwo FOUNDER forward and
as the crews are all picked men and
well trained at the guns; their fire i.
both rapid and effective. Most OF the
larger steamers can also take up posi-
ton within shell range, and will take
part in the bombardmcnt.
That the French forces will coo per
ate with the English, is generally un-
derstood fact Z; butt equally understood
that this cooperation will not extend
to a combined attack upon the CITY,
Half the moral effect of the capture
would be destroyed by such joint at
tack. 1t has been the boast of tho
Chinese ever since the ransom of tn c
city at the close of the last war, "En-
glishmen no can catchee Canton."-
Hence the necessity that Englishmcn
alone should take Canton without the
aid Of any other power. The French
fleet, Therefore, will probably take up
position at or near Whampoa, near
enough to the scene OF action to show
their appreciation, butno participating
ia the attack.
Major-General Ashburnham, the
Commauder-ir-Ch Of the land forces
in China, has gone hence to Calcutta
the object being to give the whole
charge of the camgaign into the hands
of the admiral. The French fleet mum.
bers twelve vessels, all steamers.
| The Americas fleet is in this port,
the Levant having been lying here
three or four months. The Portsmouth
Minnesota and San Jacinto have ar
rived within the last four weeks
What they are here for is matter o.
some surmise. 1t is shameful that the
+ United States should not make com
mon cause with the English and French
sharing with them the burden of the
war, as they certainly will claim te
share the benefits resulting from it,
There is certainly some acerbity O
feeling upon this point-nonc the les.
strong in the higher circles, because
politeness restraints the expression Of it
England was during the last war, shak
ing the tree, the United States wer,
pocketing the apples; and it was t.
prevent like division of labor tina
the blockade of the river was so strict,
enforced. Mr.. Reed will have scope
for all his common sense, too, if he
, manages to keep among the beligerent
( and yet not be of them. The .ebe
force is gradually hemming in the CITY
and province from the interior eager t.
avenge the cruel slaughter perpetratet
upon them by the Chinese three year
> ago. The blood of more than &C, OOl
rebels, executed by order of this sam,
Canton Governor Yek, calls loudly 70
revenge; and so sure as the Cantones,
arc driven from their strongholds bacl
upon the rebels the latter will tax,
fearful revenge for the tOrtues an,