The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1861-04-03
THE BLACK SPOT.
A STORY FROM CHINA.

There was much mirth at Hong Kong
That little rock OF an island--a perfec: Ter
restial paradox, so rich is it, and at The
same time, so unproductive, had lately re-
ceived a substantial addition to its stock OF
European inhabitants A battalion of her
Majesty's Infantry, two batteries of artiller-
y, detachment of isaPpers, and a body of
marines, had been landed while eleven
new sail, what with steam frigates, were at
anchor in the Roads. There was new
attorney general, TOO and several new
clerks, sec reiaries and aids-de-camp TO the
governor, for The climate is a trying one
vapor bath in one wind, kiln in another,
anc there is a great consumption of young
gentlemen holding official situations at
Hong Kong. The governor gave four din
ners and ball. for British hospitality does
not grow mildewed in The far east, and the
Rifles gave ball, and 90 did the Il7th Foot,
and so did the admiral, and The chief JUS
tice follow ed suit. Then The civilians had
their turn. By civilians, in this case, do
not mean civilians IN the Anglo-Indians
sense of the world, but merely the mer-
chant princes of Hong Kong,-men who
have appointed themselves 10 irresponsible
Offices, in murderous climate, at salaries
absolutely fabulous. Trade is more profit-
able there, in that small golden key-hole
that unlocks the boundess Chinese En-
pire, Than perhaps in any other Granny of
Earth, but the Nemesis that awaits on prof;
is not absent. No ones liver is in its nor
NAL condition, and the old "residenters"
nigh: be gorged with their own gold, so
yellow is the Permanent complexion. But
they are hospiiable folks, these mighty
merchants, and the ball al the club rooms
in Victoria Town promised 10 eclipse those
which the governor aud the chief Justice,
and the 18th, in their white washed mess
room, and the admiral on board his gaily
lighted flag ship, had given during the past
fortnight.
The ball was a splendid affair. The
bands of three regiments had been culled
for the choicest musicians; Cantonese gar
deners had furnished, despite hosiilities be-
sween our Queen and the brother of the
sun and Moon, a perfect bower of tulips
and roses for the occasion. Every green
thing on the island must have been cut
down to furnish the verdant covering of the
poriico, and about ship load of the Wen
ham Lake company's ice bad been bespo-
ken Tor the refreshment and refrigeration
of the guests. As for the supper, Europe,
India, and China had united their efforts
and done their best. Gold and silver plate,
wonderous porcelain, glass Of England. and
Bohemia, crystal lamps, delicate viands,
costiy wines, obsequious waters, all that
dollars and trouble could produce dol
lars and lronble can effect good deal
sere forthcoming, and all that was wanted
10 promote The happiness of the company
wis one pure breath of the cool healthy
brseze Eon hOns.
Bot this the Hong Kong m erchants could
NIT give them, nor For:num the Mason
silpply. The ball went of very WE'LL
There we're crowded rooms-crowded for
c,lonial rooms al least, and that is a great
s,srce Of enjoyment. for people cannot take
llleir pleasure ihorooghIy unless they are
devoid Of elbow room. There were not
many ladies, to Judge Of matters by Euro-
team standards This Hong Kong ball was
4 very different affair fron :hose country
sssemblazes. uhers the daughters Of clergy
i1en aad half pay officers sis around ihe
5iaIIs-s sea Of nesleeisd book muslin
5hd where young Fineh<hs ensj2I1, e Disk