From the southern, it spread to the northern and eastern coasts. Receiving vessels were stationed at Amoy, Fuh-Choo, Namoa, and Woosung, with fast clippers to supply them from the principal dépôt at Hong-Kong; and opium was smuggled almost within the precincts of the Imperial Palace.
The government did all in its power to prevent its introduction and sale, but its efforts were fruitless, until Commissioner Lin was sent to Canton, empowered by the Emperor himself. By prompt and vigorous measures, he succeeded in obtaining possession of two thousand two hundred and eighty-three chests, which he publicly destroyed, and which act was the cause of the rupture between England and China, justly called the Opium War. This war was continued with much success by the English, and a great deal of intriguing on the part of the Chinese, until, on the twenty-ninth of August, 1842, after the British forces had possessed themselves of nearly all the important towns on the coast, and penetrated the Chinese empire as far as Nankin, a treaty was concluded between the two nations on board H. B. M. ship Cornwallis, which was to take effect from that date, after being signed and sealed by the Plenipotentiaries of the respective parties. By this treaty, five ports in China were to be opened to British subjects for residence and trade. These are Canton, Amoy, Fuh-Choo, Ning-po, and Shanghae: six millions of dollars paid as the value of the opium destroyed by Lin: the system of Co-Hong abolished, and three millions paid for losses by the Hong merchants to British subjects; twelve millions to defray the expenses of the war; and the island of Hong-Kong ceded for ever to the British government. By the cession of this island, all future attempts of the Chinese government to prevent the introduction of opium are frustrated. Previously, those who dealt in this article were confined to the insecure dépôt of a receiving vessel, liable to attack, fire, and wreck. Now they possess an island capable of a strong defence, where the opium can be imported in any quantity, under the protection of the English flag, and from whence it can be exported at leisure to any point in China. Certainly, by the acquisition of Hong-Kong the British have secured this trade; and henceforth the "flowing poison" must spread from hence over the length and breadth of the "Central Flowery Land," unless the Celestials, with one consent, should abandon its use,—a thing almost impossible to a people once brought under its influence.
It has been urged by Chinese of much shrewdness, that its importation as a drug should be allowed under a heavy duty, and that the government thus secure a profit from the evil; but a former Emperor declared he could never receive a revenue from the misery of his people, and the present government still perseveringly opposes its use.
CHAPTER XV.
Trip to Macào—Disappointed in getting ashore—Mai arrived—Get no Letters—Expression of Sentiments—Causes and Effects—Overland Mail—Idea of a Route—Happy Valley—Chase of Pirates—A Poisson d'Avril—Into the Typa again—Arrival of Consort—Late Dates—Catholic Fête—Depart for Shanghae—The Yang-tse-Kiang—Improvement in the appearance of the Country—Better race of Men—Banks of the Woo-sung.
Took a trip over to Macào, for a supply of provisions, our dépôt being there, and having these on board, back again to Hong-Kong. Did not get ashore at Macào, which was somewhat of a disappointment, as I had some kind friends there whom I wished much to see, and from whom the cruise to Manilla had made the separation longer than usual.
Upon the eighteenth of March the Mail Steamer came into Hong-Kong, with the overland mail. I had been anxiously expecting its arrival, with letters for myself, but was disappointed, and gave expression to my feelings in this wise:
No news from home! My weary heart
Beats sadly in its prison cage,
And 'gainst its bars, with bound and start,
A wearing, useless war doth wage.
Alone, alone! Its feeble song
Finds no responsive, answering tone;
[128] And it hath sung in silence long,
And long, alas! may sing alone.
Oh, for a sound across the main,
A note affection knows so well;
That it might dream of heaven again,
That peace again with it might dwell;
And joy delayed, at last may come,
In cheerful, happy news from home.