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the present rupture, they were to be silenced by an exposition of the rights of the question. Eleang and Chaou now inform us that the Consul of the English barbarians had waited on[1] the Taoutae of the Soo-sung-tae Circuit (the Intendant residing at Shanghae), and had handed to him a communication which contained a repetition of the old story. Thoroughly conversant as Eleang is with barbarian affairs, it would be his duty to instruct the Taoutae and others concerned to speak authoritatively[2] (to the barbarians), and to set the matter before them as to put an end, if possible, to their garrulous importunity.
"As to Yeh, he has been so long engaged in the administration of barbarian affairs that it is not in reason to assume that he has no resources for keeping (the barbarians) in hand.[3] He reported, in the first instance, that the Americans, and other barbarians, being all of opinion that these (the English) were in the wrong, had not chosen to cooperate with them. Eleang and his colleague state, however, that they understand both English and American barbarians to be in possession of the forts; that both are endeavouring to produce an impression, by misrepresentations, the object of which is to make it appear that neither is singly guilty of having commenced this quarrel. Let not the Governor-General and his colleague be deceived by this.
"In a supplementary memorial the same officers, in concert with Ho,[4] request that the introduction of a steamer (or steamers) into the Yang-tsze-keang be postponed, &c. At this time of year, the winter season, the water is low, and there is a difficulty attending the movement of vessels.
"Barbarian artificers (engineers, &c.) will not, either, be easily obtained during the present troubles at Canton. Let the (contemplated arrangements regarding the steamer, therefore,) stand over till the next spring, when the floods will enable her to be brought up. Let the barbarians, meanwhile, be carefully observed, and if their affairs[5] be then in a satisfactory state, let the steamer be ordered into the river at once. It will not be necessary to detain her until the final settlement of the Kwang-tung question, &c.
"Respect this!"
The reply of your Majesty's servant (the memorialist), to the effect that, as soon as he had received your Majesty's commands relating to the disorderly proceedings of the English barbarians in Kwang-tung, he had written to the civil and military authorities along the coast, to make its protection sure, is already on record.
With respect to the vessel (or vessels) subscribed for[6] by the provinces of Keang-soo and Che-keang, should it be possible for her, after convoying the southern grain-junks next spring, to enter the river, it will be the duty (of your servant the memorialist)—the aspect of barbarian affairs, as observed by your servants the Governor-General of the Two Keang, the Governor of Keang-soo, and the late Governor of Che-keang, being satisfactory—to consider, with those officers, the appointment of Deputies, who, in concert with the Intendant of Soo-sung-tae, may take the necessary steps, in respectful accordance with your Majesty's commands. These your servant is confidentially communicating to the several (authorities whom they concern). It is farther his duty to address to your Majesty this supplementary memorial. Prostrate he prays the sacred glance thereon.
A respectful memorial.
- ↑ Waited on; "foo," to repair to, with the context certainly argues an inferiority on the part of the person so repairing.
- ↑ Speak authoritatively; "heaou yu, " commonly to issue an edict or notification. The teacher does not understand this to be what is meant here. It is a signification of purpose issued with authority, either in speech or writing.
- ↑ Keeping in hand; more literally, "It is not in reason that there should not be in his grasp any one of all the driving expedients in the world." Driving as a coachman.
- ↑ Ho is most likely the late Governor of Che-keang, now, I think, employed against the rebels west of Nankin.
- ↑ The teacher is of opinion that what is meant is, if they be prepared to trade as usual.
- ↑ Subscribed. The character, with a slight change, would be "wheel;" in which case it would here mean steamer. The steamer is most likely the "Paou-shun" or "Confucius," and the convoy to Teen-tsin.
