The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-10-18


soochow had now, il said been recovered and all
the towns OF the province must render allegiance 70
the new dynasty. Tribute must be brought, and II
any opposition 10 the Wy established order we're
encountered, sure and speedy vengeance wouio Do
taken.
Here ana beyond, an we progressed on our jour-
pey, the fields were the scene Of busy activity. IL
was the time for planting out the young 1iGe m
gathered, and the ground was being prepared by q
layer of artihcally introduced for the autumn
crop OF rice, and the ground has also To be pre-
viously ploughed and narrowed. 30 busy were
the laoorers at these employments that many Of
them seemed TO take no note OF boats passing with
the unusual sppendage of an English dag at their
stern.
The canal here lies in a direction parallel with
the eastern shore OF the Tahu Lake the islands
In which are visible. A conspicuous pagoda marks
the walled city Wukiang at which place, after
lew hours, tracking, the boats arrived. The city
gate is entered from long bridge of fifteen arches
constructed across the lake. After a long walk
we reached the residence OF the officer in com.
mand IN the heart OF the CITY, We noticed many
OF The rebels to be new adherens pressed into the
service reluctantly or deserted soldiers There
was brilliant display of yellow banners outside
the quarters OF the chief. In fact, he was on the
point oil making some tour Of inspection, and
large body OF men were ready TO fall into process
sion as soon as he should appear. Such an abund-
ance OF red and yellow as we there saw gave us
the impression that this chief was fond OF pomp
and tender of his dignity.
We found him TO be very cold and dgniiied but
polite. Volunteering no information he answered
our questions, and assured Us that we might see
the Chung Wang at Soochow without kneeng. He
was an original adherent OF the TAPPING move
ment, and said that the Chinese and foreigners
should be in harmony seeing that they Worship the
same Heavenly Father and Heavenly Brother
Jesus), and profess the same religion. We left
INN after short interview. declining with thanks
the provisions which he offered to send to US.
Towards evening we passed the fifty three arch
bridge, through which lies the route to the Taihu
Lake, and soon arrived at the extensive bat desert
ed Notifications vanly provided few months ago
Tor the defence OF Soochow against the rebels.
Reaching the southeast corner of the CITY
wall we steered north for the gate known
as the Fung men. The moat here was half
choked up with the ruins of fallen houses and the
unburied dead. 1t was short but mex pressibly
painful interval Of time which passed before we
came to this gate. These suburbs once so flourish
ing and populous, were smoking in vast heaps on
each side OF u.s. crowd of their once gay and
active inhabitants were lying in the embrace of
death on the waters round u.s. How could we but
sympathize deeply with the countless victims, most
of them suicides seized with despair of this terrible
civil war? Several weeks before the insurgents
rived the mandarins of Soochow had ordered the
destruction OF all houses between the moat and the
wall, and also the suburbs beyond. This measure
was held to be necessary for the efectual defence
of the city. 1t involved the burning down of num-
DeTiesS houses ana SreetS Nnere cXtenslVe Uadc
was conducted, and proved in the end to be of no
benefit TO any but the rebel chiefs who conquered
the city. What was left undone the new occupants
soon completed, and no houses now remain with
ont the city, except those used quarters for small
parties of rebels placed on guard
After waiting some minutes we were admitted
within the gate. The walls are at this point per-
haps forty feet high. AL along the top of the bat
Elements. rouno the whole extent OF the walls
multitude Of small spikes. Besides this there are
sharp splints Of bamboo thickly planted in the
ground between the wall and the moat. These
precautions against surprises are well known in
China, where the military art is well and minutey
discussed in books, though in practice it is found TO
fail through want Of courage and decision.
The old kwang-si porter, tall and staiwart, who
opened the gate to US, did not decide that it was
right TO do 30 till after very careful inspection Of
the envelope in which our passport was contained.
We then found our way to the nearest officer, and
were by him furnished with guide TO the palace of
the Chung Wang. walk Of three miles brought
us there, wearied with the way, and saddened
by what we had seen. The busy hum OF commerce
was replaced in the streets by the noise OF songs
the tramp OF horses and oil the appearance of an
armed camp. Rough looking men decked out in
incongrous tinery trod the pavement. instead OF
the comfortable citizens formerly met here whose
rich attire suited well their condition Of easy au
ence. Every convenient family house was made
the lodging place of some yellow robed and tur.
baned chief Here and there on a bridge the head
Of deserter, suspended rs a warning, presented
grim spectacle. The original inhabitants, Of whom
u few remained looked hungry and wretched.
Little respect is paid 70 such persons by the rebels:
they are expected to carry burdens in return for
which they receive scaaty subsistence. This
harshness becomes insupportabc u respectable
men accustomed TO an easy life, and such are con
stantly on the watch 10 make their escape.
An immense private house had been chosen for
the quarters of the Chung Wang-"F Faithful King
On arriving here we were politely received but
but our Introduction 10 the chief was delayed by 4
Wing Wang. When he came and left we heard the
deaiening sound Of salute OF nine fired with
Chinese petards, accompanied by gongs and music
he bad come 10 Soochow only two days before,
and was, till recently at the head of an army ia
Ngan -hwet province. While we waited, several
chiefs high in position came 70 converse with US
One inquired IL we knew anything respecting the
former friend Of Tien Wang at Canton, Rev. 1. J.
Roberts. They had been directed, on leaving
Nankin to ask for his welfare when they came into
communication with the western brethren"
They told as that they perform baptism by rub
bling water on the chest, and the rite Is called ea
trance 10 the hoy;r also that there are now about
fifty publications authorised by the central govern
ment ut Nankin, including tle entire New Tesla.
ment. A new brother b aught 10 repeat few
sentences Of praise 70 the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit, and il then received.
At about eight II. ~, after waiting perhaps an
hour and half, we were conducted to the
trance hall, and stood on the right for some
minutes, at the end OF the long train Of officers and
Servants forty or ntty Ia nufnbG ~, VINO STOOD facing
each other In two rows. In the far interior was
the chief himself whom we had come to see. After
a lute Of six, with the accompaniment Of music
and gong beating, we were marshaled up the
long and gorgeous vista through which we had
been stealing a few giances Of curiosity. While
In the waiting room W. had stated our objection to
kneeling, and were permitted TO appear with
simply bow and uncovered. After bowling and
standing before Chang. wang for minute we were
placed on his right, opposite his principal minis
tiers.
The hall OF audience was carpeted with red.
Large lanterns OF horn held between the officers
who stood on each side added 10 the orlan y of
the scene. They all wore robes aud caps OF red
and yellow silk. The only person seated was the
chief himself who Vas Ia oised in rich yellow
satin robe, embroidered with dragons. Ills hat
IL -. -.