CHINESE INTELLIGENCE.

Wellington Independent, Volume II, Issue 67, 3 June 1846, Page 4

CHINESE INTELLIGENCE.

[From the Hongkong Register, Jan. 20.]

Accounts have been received of aseriouß disturbance within the city of Canton. It appears that on Thursday last a boy about 17 years of age, carrying a burden in the street, came into collision with the Coolies carrying the chair of the Quangchow.foo, for whom he did not clear the way quick enough. He was consequently seized immediately and ordered to receive twenty strokes of ihe rattan and on his using language which was considered disrespectful, he received two hundred, and was besides ordered to be confined at the Quang-chow-foo's house. A large number of the shopkeepers shut up their shops and repaired to the latter, petitioning him to release the lad and not to inilict so cruel punishments. No attention was paid to their representations, aad a large number of the populace, amounting to several thousands, assembled in the evening, burst into his house, and after breaking the furniture in pieces, set it on fire. The fire engines from the factories were sent for, but the mob would not allow them to be used, except to prevent the flames from extending to the neighbouring houses, at which they expressed their readiness to assist. Fortunately the night was calm and the fire did not extend.; but the house was eompl&tely burnt to the ground, and according to one account the city records were consumed. On hearing of the transaction, Keying has dismissed the Quang-chow-foo from his situation, and reinstated the person who held the office previously. A Chop from Keying had been pasted on the walls of -the factory, announcing that application had been made to the Emperor, for Foreigners to be allowed to enter the city in the same manner as at the other ports, and that if this was granted, they must be treated with civility. This has much the appearance of gradually accustoming the inhabitants to look on the arrangement as proper and likely to be made. This chop was torn down, and on Friday another put in its place, threatening to burn the factories if foreigners attempted to enter the city, and denouncing the Keying as an improper person, and favourer of foreigners, and that he must be opposed. A young gentleman went to pull this down, but was pelted with bricks and obliged to retire. A servant girl also was hooted in th« gardens, and found it necessary to withdraw. It is fortunate that the Pluto is now lying a-breast of the factories, and the Vestal at Whaoxpoa, so that assistance can be procured readily if required. These vessels certainly ought not to be withdrawn until after the Chinese New Year's holidays, during which an idle and profligate crowd are always ready for any mischief. laJeed, it is quite evident that a war vessel ought never to be withdrawn from Whampoa according to the terms of the treaty. In the present case, but for the accidental despatch of the Vestal and Pluto to receive the last instalment from the Chinese, the English at Canton might have been a second time dependent upon the Americans for safety. Later accoun s have been received to the morning of Sunday, the 18ih instant, up to which time all had remained quiet. On Saturday a considerable number of Chinamen attempted to force their way into the gardens in front of the factories; but it was understood they were only following in the train of one of the English ladies, who have not yet ceased to be objects of curiosity to the inhabitants of Canton. We are happy to observe that the Dgedalus and Hazard Lit the harbour this morning for Whampoa, thus affording the assurance of sufficient assistance should it be required. Such prompt measures are the best to prevent any out-break, and at the same time show a proper respect for the safety of the lives and properties of our countrymen. Keying, High Imperial Commissioner, &c., sends the following reply to the Honorable Envoy's despatch concerning equal toleration of the religion professed by the English (here follows an extract of the contents of that letter.) When I previously concluded the commercial teaty with the United States, one of the articles gave permission to erect chapels in the five ports, and all nations were to have the same privileges, without the slightest distinction. Subsequently, the French Envoy Lagrene requested, that nativeß, if they were good men, thould be entirely exempted from punishment on account of the religion they professed, I, the Great Minister, then again represented this matter to the throne ; upon which the imperial reply was received that it should be done as proposed, without drawing any distinction between the rites of the several religions.

As, however, some of the local Mandating seised crucifixes, pictures, and images, and burnt luem.it was subsequently settled that permission should be ( given to worship them. I, the Great Minister, do not underhand drawing a line of demarcation between the religious ceremonies of'the'various nations; but vircuous Chinese-shall by-no means be punished on account of the religion they hold. No matter whether they wor«hip images or do not worship images, there are no prohibitions against them, if, when practising • their creed, they act well. .You, the Honorable envoy, need therefore not be solicitous about this matter ; for all western nations shall in this respect certainly be treated upon the same footing, and receive the same protection. I have now addressed a letter to the LieutenantGovernor of Keangsoo, to direct the Inspector of Suochoo, Sunghcang Taetseang, to publish another proclamation; and likewise officially requested the Governor-General of Fokee and Chekeang to issue a distinct declaration of the same tenor in the various ports. Whilst sending an answer, I wish you much happiness at this season) and send this important paper, To his Excellency, Her Britannic Majesty's Plenipotentiary, Sir John Francis Davis, Baronet, &c. &c. Taoukwang, 25th year, «1 lth month, 22nd day, (20th December, 1845 ) Received, 23rd inst. True translation. (Signed) Charles Gutzlaff, Chinese Secretary. True copy.—Adam W. Elmslie.