Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-09-03
The Chinese RebeIIiOn-The Capture of
SoOchOM BY the RebeIa.


The capture of the wealthy city of Soochow
by the Chinese rebels, has created the deep
est CONSERVATION at Shanghai and the sur
rounding country. The Shanghai corre-
spondent Of the New York Journal Of Com
merce says; l--.. ISL -f
The effect of this sad news upon the Chi
nese it is impossible to describe; perfect con-
sternation seems to have seized upon all
classes. Imagine London or New York
taken by a foreign foe, and the panic which
would ensue not only among residents, but
those of the country and neighboring towns,
and the. picture would fall short of that wit
messed here. For there would be the con-
sciousness of mercy at the hands of the in
yaders; here, on the contrary, the capture of
town is followed by indiscriminate mas
saere general pillage, ruthless destruction
of property, and the most terrible atrocities
which it is possible for human beings topper
petrate. No wonder, then, that the very
rumor of approaching rebels is sufficient to
produce panic among the people; and
when the terrible and long-dreaded danger
at length approaches, they become as chill
dren, and fly here and there, without know
ing whether to places of security or danger.
From all the towns in this province these
has been a perfect exodus Of people. Ma
tives of the district seeking the shelter of un-
frequented spots in the country; those from
other provinces flying to their homes; and
every available vessel, native and foreign
has been taken at exorbitant prices by these
trembling fugitives, to convey them to a
place of fancied security.
As for the capture of Soochow, though
that city is only ninety miles distant, we are
yet in doubt as to their character-whether
they are the TAPPING rebels who have so long
held Nankin, or disbanded soldiers of the
Imperial army, or local marauders. OF this
alone are we certain, that the whole prov
ince, with the exception of Shanghai and
environs, is at present not under the control
of the Imperial Governments for the Gov
ernor-General and ali the authorities who
have succeeded in escaping with their lives,
have sought refuge in the inferior town of
Shanghai, without soldiers, without money,
and with very few followers; and but for
the presence of foreign troops, they would
have been ere this without heads as well.
Since the Governor Generals arrival, he
has had several interviews with the English
and French Ministers, and to-day with the
American Minister. The precise subject and
results of them are not made public. II is
known, however, that the Governor General
has urgently solicited the aid of foreign
| troops to retake SOochow, and it is believed
| that his promises of reward have been very
| great. WIrs
1t is rumored, for instance, that Hange-
| how, Soochow and Marking, if taken, might
| be held by the allies, without demur, on the
part of the Government, until the Tientsin
| Treaties are properly ratified, and foreign
relations with the empire satisfactorily set
tled that, furthermore, the Governor-Gen-
| eral claims to have full powers to rstify such
treaties, and will assume the responsibility
of a settlement with the foreign ministers
here. The latter proposal, however tempt.
ing, will not probably prevent the prosecu.
tion of the English and French designs al
the North, as the cunning and deception o
Chinese officials are too well known. The
former would seem too important, in mill.
tary, commercial and political point of view
| to let easily pass, as an occupation of thi
three once proud and conservative cities o
HAnRchow, Soochow and Nanking would d.
more to break up the prejudices of the Chi
nese than all the measures combined of for
eigners since the commencement of thei
intercourse with this country. Thus far
nothing has been concluded upon; and prob
ably the arrival of Lord Elgin and Barol
Gros is awaited. Mr.. Ward has been so
licited to use his good offices as mediator, bu
it would be difficult to employ them will
much effect in the solution of the presen
question, and this is the opinion of the Min
lister himself rr.