CHINA. [From the Launceston Examiner, Oct. 27.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 248, 15 December 1847, Page 3

CHINA. [From the Launceston Examiner, Oct. 27.]

In reviewing the intelligence from China, the Singapore Overland Free Press, of August sth, says — There is no doubt that the'position of affairs at Canton is becoming every day more unsettled, and that unless some unexpected change takes place, the result ere long will be a violent outbreak on the part of the Chinese population against the English merchants. Sir John Davis himself would appear to be apprehensive of something of the kind, as he has detained the 18th Royal Irish, and the 42nd M.N.1., notwithstanding they had been relieved by other troops, and vessels were engaged for their conveyance to India. Meantime the foreign trade at Canton is suffering severely, and a number of heavy failures have taken place among the Chinese merchants. The most remarkable news by the present steamer is the extraordinary step which it appears Sir John Davis has taken of entering into direct correspondence and negotiation with the eldeis and villagers of Honan, whose communication was so properly refused by the British Consul. The Honan people would appear to have got the better of his Excellency, who has apparently given up the point in contwt, so that the formidable expedition to

Canton has resulted, after all, in smoke, and nothing more!