opinion

LATE FROM CHINA.
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GREAT RIOT AND FIRE AT CANTON


The ship Delphi arrived at New York from
Canton, which place she left on the Goth Decem
, Der, brings Canton papers to December 18th, and


Hongkong 10 the 18th; fortnight later than
previous advices.


We find in the Journal of Commerce the fol-
lowing account of an alarming riot which took
place at Canton the 9TH December, in which the
foreign factories were set on fire, and much dam,
age done.


In the morning of the 7th difficulty occurred


between some Lascars and Chinese, near the fac


tories and in very few minutes, most vigor-


Gus attack was made upon No. British, which


was carried by numbers entering the lower win


dows. There can be no doubt that this factory


was attacked in this sudden manner in the hope
and expectation of capturing two ladies that were


residing there. These ladies, most fortunately,
had been removed Immediately it was seen that
the company's garden broken open, and


being taken out the back way, were deposited in
one of the hongs


The attack was so sudden, that most of the
other residents believed that the object had been
accomplished, and the ladies captured. Neither
residents nor domestics saved a single article but
what they stood in. The Hong merchants, at the
earnest request of some residents, had sent for SOL
diers to some station outside the walls near the
| factories; but the mandarin thereof of course
knowing that the row would be much more seri-
Gus than was generally contemplated considered
his force insufficient, and, refusing to act, referred
the application to the Qwang-heep.


This functionary applied to the Governor to be
allowed to arm his force cnp-G-pie, as he could
not take life without the Governors sanction,
knowing that the ordinary mode of quieting
disturbance would be unavailing in the present in
stance. The Governor refused his sanction; and
the Qwane-hcep went, accompanied by the
Qwang-chow-foo and Namhoy-yune, escorted by
about 800 soldiers armed to the teeth.


The soldiers fired up in the air; and the mob,
finding that they burst not fire amongst them, at
tackled and drove them off, breaking the chairs Of
the three great mandarins, and pelting them with
stones. Consequently, the mandarins took refuge


in the Consoo house, which the soldiers guarded.
1t was now about FIVE o'clock. The mob had set
fire to the Company's hail. and commenced pilla-
gng and destroying all the factories eastward Of
Hong lane.


They did not seem bent upon ':loot" as they
broke and destroyed everything, of course seizing
all the money that fell in their way. No. Brit
ish, adjoining the hall, next caught fire, and the
Hong merchants sent their engines to prevent the
fire spreading. The mob would not allow them
10 work. saying that they were determined that all
the factories eastward of Hong lane should be
burnt; but that if any others caught, they would
assist in quenching them.


Ali these factories had now been pillaged and
deserted, excepting No l Dutch. This factory,
having an immense amount of money in its treas
ury was bravcly defended by its inhabitants, who
falling short Of ammunition and the factory being
ing blaze, evacuated it about ii o'clock The
residents of the factory to the westward finding
the square in possession of ruthless mob, elated
with success, had to look after their own personal
safety Those between Hong lane and old China
street took refuge the tops of their houses ex-
pecting every moment to find their factories on
fire, and hoped, climbing over the roof, to gain
access to the back streets.


These gentlemen could not 90 out, as the mob
was frantic before the doors Those to the east
ward of that, again, at the entreaty of the Hong
merchants made their escape at the back doors
and, after being conveyed through the streets to-
wards the westward, were deposited for the night
in the Shaman pack-houses. Some took refuge in
Minquas hong, and were in momentary expecta-
ton OF being attacked.


1t was fortunate that the immense amount of dol
lars which were under the embers of the burnt
factories diverted the attention of the mob or there
can be no doubt that all the factories would have
shared the like fate; for although it was evident
that the political part OF it were satisfied with
what they had done when they saw all in blaze
eastward of Hong lane, yet all the bad characters
of Canton having by this time assembled, great
number consisted of those who come after loot
HIHSS IeIIldIleu III LnlS STATE until ABOUT two,
when, strange to say, the mob began to sperse
Soon after, the Qwang-hecp, having received the
Governors authority to do as he liked, came to
the square, and soon dispersed what remained.


Kingqua's hong escaped by a miracle, having
to bear the full influence of the Creek factories
being on fire. Some foreigners gave large prices
to boats to go to Whampoa; and others offered
$500 to be taken across the river, which was re-
fused. 1t is to be particularly observed that the
mandarins prevented the fast boat from Macao
starting as usual that night.


All the next day, the fire continued; and the
following day, early, Sir Hugh Cough anchored
ott the factories: in the steamer Proserpine Or
ders were Immediately sent to Hong Kong for
2,OOO troops; but nothing has yet arrived (Mon-
day, 18th, two o'clock, p N.Y. The square is
now entirely in the possession of the Chinese SOL
dIera, who have made an encampment thereupon.
but are much apprehensive of fresh attack, and
1t is sald' have applied to Sir Hugh for his CO.
operation.
The back streets are much crowded, and for
eIgners cannot walk in them. Parties are still
shipping off teas. The people, it is said, have {
PctltIoned the Governor to be firm, and they will l.