[108] In October 1856, the Chinese captured 12 of the crew of the Lorcha Arrow in Canton river, on the plea that they were pirates. Commissioner Yeh, the Chinese commander, released the prisoners but refused to apologise for the outrage, thereupon Canton was bombarded and other acts of war committed. In March 1857 the House of Commons, by a majority of 19, censured Sir John Bowring, Governor of Hong Kong, for the “violent measures” he had pursued. The Ministry (who took his part) dissolved Parliament, and in the new one a large majority was returned to support Lord Palmerston, and the Chinese War. Messrs. Cobden, Bright, Milner Gibson, Layard and many other leading opponents of the Chinese policy were left without seats.
[109] Mr. Bright was absent on the continent for the benefit of his health during the whole of the session, and telegraphed from Rome his intention to stand again for Manchester, but he was defeated.
[110] This line was borrowed from Sidney Smith.
[111] The last eight lines parody the first eight lines of Zelica’s song in Moore’s Lalla Rookh.
[112] The Emma Mines.
[113] Sir Louis Cavagnari murdered in Cabul.
[114] The Nelson Column.
[115] The system of the purchase of Commissions in the Army was not abolished until 1871.
[116] In connection with these burlesques, it may be noted that this prolific dramatic author and inveterate punster was remotely connected with Lord Byron, to whom, indeed, he bore a slight personal resemblance. Admiral John Byron, the grandfather of the poet, was the great-great uncle of the author of “Our Boys,” in other words, both the poet and the dramatist were lineal descendants of William the fourth Lord Byron.
[117] The Princess Beatrice.