INDIA AND CHINA.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 780, 22 January 1853, Page 4

INDIA AND CHINA.

' [From the Melbourne Argu*.] We take the following items of intelligence from the Singapore papers, brought by the Chusan : — China. — The new* from China of most interest to the general reader is that relating to the long continued insurrection. At latest advices the aspect of affairs in the disturbed districts was rather favourable to the Imperialist — the road between Canton and Kwei-lin-foo being reported clean of robber-gangs — trade, in consequence, taking a favourable turn. But intelligence from the more remote province of Hunan, where Tien-teb and the great body of insurgents are said to be, is slow in arrival; and we know little or nothing of what has been done there since the capture of the district city Kong-fa, mentioned in another part. The troops, some three or four thousand of them, for the conveyance of which boats were sent, as spoken of, reached Canton about ten days ago ; and the Dejauty-Governor-Yih is expected shortly. Although not mentioned in the correspondence, it is said that the principal cause of Imperialist success on the water was an accident, a sudden shift of wind throwing back on the rebel fleet a number of fire rafts, despatched for destruction of the Tartar navy. Some time ago it was reported, it will be remembered, that the renowned Keshen had hung himself at the command of the Emperor, who sent him a piece of silk with which to perform the operation. But the report was open to a doubt ; aud we now find that, instead of being hung, he has been transported only, to Keelin ; the Posching-sze of the pro- j vince over which the ex-Commissioner presided, sharing his sentence. Referring to successes | gained by the Imperial arms, and to the subjectiou of some of the insurgents, it is also stated, in a late Peking Gazette, that, in all parts of the empire, the people are unruly and rebellious. In another Gazette there is an account of the decapitation of the rebel Chief " Tien-teh ;" bnt there is too good reason for believing that they have not got hold of the right man yet. The old Royal family, the Mings, are residing very quietly in the province of Kiengsi, distinguished from surrounding clans by a stern refusal to accept any kind of office under the Tartar dynasty. — Friend of China, August 24. The China Mail notices that a Court Martial bad been held at Hong-Kong for the trial of Captain Urquhart and Lieutenant Chapman, both of H. M.'s 59th Regiment. The result of the investigation was not known. From the account in the Mail, it appears that on the 21st of September, a dispute took place between the above-named officers, connected with somp betting affair, in wfcich the lie was given and returned, followed by a challenge, immediately after acceptance of the challenge, the parties mutually apologised. The dispute, carried on in a loud tone, was overhead by Major Grabam, who reported the circumstance to Major-General Jervois. The sum of 1,366 dollars has been subscribed in China for assisting emigration from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

BuiufAH. — The latest intelligence received at Calcutta from the teat of war was October 7th. Some reinforcements were to leave Calcutta on on the 15th and 16tb, and until their arrival at Rangoon no forward movement would be made. The health of the troops on the whole was ami*- . factory. The Burmese shew no inclination to succumb; on the contrary they have approached

in small bodies Dear our cantonments at Rangoon, causing some annoyance. The inhabitants of Pegu are suffering great privations and ill usage at the bands of tbeir oppressors. The Admiral had visited Prome and was fired into, but deferred the assault until General Godwin was duly prepared for the advance, which was not expected to proceed up the river beyond France. A detachment of Artillery embarked on board the river steamers Nerhudda and Damooda for Prome this morning. The enemy are daily becoming more bold. A large number are now witbin twelve miles of Rangoon, and the troops have been warned not to wander far from the camp. The rains appear to have ceased, and the roads are becoming dry and passable. We expect that General Godwin with the advance division will reach Prome to-day, and probably at the present moment hard knocks are being exchanged ; no doubt before night Prome will be again and completely in our possession. — Englishman, October 12.

Manila. — We bad a fearful earthqqake at half-past six on the evening of the 16th September. The shock lasted abont a m bate, and was the strongest ever felt at Manila ; the whole of the roof of a large church fell — aeveral other cbuTcbes were injured — two of the barracks are so much shaken 1 that the troops have to be removed ont of them — some old houses fell, and nearly all suffered more or less damage, so much, that another similar shock would be likely to throw them down — several other shocks were felt up to four o'clock this morning, but none were like the first ; many lives were lost by the falling of the houses, stores, Sec— Friend of China October 13. » By the Peruvian Barque Carden, we have letters and papers from Manila to the Bth of October. A flotilla of gun-boats, and a whole regiment of soldiers, were engaged among some of the southern Philippines in a raid against pirates, of whom, according to official advices, they had captured upwards of 500, men, women and children (1) included. — Straits Times. The barque Gertrude, conveying Chinese Coolies to Cuba, had arrived at Singapore, havhad an outbreak on board. Tht captain and chief officer were wounded, «nd the carpenter killed. The Chinese were ultimately subdued. Cholera has made its appearance in Malacca, The disposition of the King of Siam towards foreigners continued as favourable as aver. Two ships (the barque Titania of Liverpool, and the Soibraon.ol Belfast) had been lost ; crew saved, cargo lost.