The Sun. — 1850-07-19 (London, England)

CHINA.  (Prom the Overland Friend of China of May, 23.) They say in India that a cold spring introduces a healthy summer. If this is correct, we have before us a season of unparalleled salubrity. The spring was not only cold—it was also of unusual duration —even in the merry month of May a fire in the mornings was by no means disagreeable. But summer has really set in ; the wind has chopped round to the south, and heavy rains mark the change of the monsoon. There are few places within the tropics, if any, where it can be said that for five months a are in the parlour is really desirable; such has been the case in Hong-Kong since the early part of December, and the " oldest" European " inhabitant" may not recollect such a long, cold spring. The events of the month are extremely 'unimportant. On the 27th of April, the Governor, his wife, and three secretaries, took their departure for Shinghai in the steamer Lady Mary Wood. Various causes are assigned for this expedition ; but, except to the parties concerned, it is a matter of no consequence. On the Ist of May three pirates were hanged at West Point. Through some mismanagement they were kept on the scaffold for more than half-an-hour with the cords round their necks. The bolt could not be drawn, and after shaking the gallows violently, the police sent to the naval stores for a hammer, with which they knocked back the bolt. Two of the criminals fainted, and were held up until the bolt was forced back; the third kept calling " fidee, fidee"— be quick, be quick. The scene, we are told, was very disgusting. Since the arrival of the February mail it has been reported, and partially believed, that the Portuguese Government is sending out a strong naval force, and 3,000 troops., with a view to obtain satisfaction for the murder of the late Governor of Macao. It is alleged that Portugal has pawned Goa to the East India Company tor 150,0001., and that this fund furnishes her with the sinews of war. The English papers received by the March mail take no notice of this expedition, and we have doubts as to the truth of the report ; we can readily believe, however, that the East India Company would advance 150,0001. on the security of Goa. One thing is certain, a Portuguese frigate of 44 guns arrived at Singapore early in this month ; at Macao she is looked for daily. This vessel brings out the new Governor. The city of Canton and the neighbouringAdwria and villages are afilicted by a malignant fever. It is commonly called typhus. Some European physicians are of opinion that it is akin to the yellow fever of the West Indies ; others think that it resembles the plague which desaloted London two centuries ago. The disease is said to be fatal invariably ; its victims linger three or four days, though in some instances they have died in twelve hours. More than one European doctor would cheerfully tender their services; but the Chinese are obstinate in their adherence to old custom—old ignorant quackery. The distemper has not made its appearance at the factories ; and as it may arise from a want of cleanliness among the people, we are in hopes that it will not extend to Europeans. The East India Company's steamer Semiramis, with three companies of the Ceylon rifles, arrived on the 11th ; she sailed for Singapore, Ceylm, and Bornbay on the 18th, carrying back three companies of the rifles who have been for some years in this garrison. Her Majesty's brig Serpent came in on the 4th ; she relieved the Pilot at Whampoa : the latter has gone north. The Amazon frigate arrived from Singapore on the 19th ; on the following day the Hastings sailed fur Singapore. Captain Troubridge of the Amazon is for the present the senior naval officer on the China station.