Page:Through China with a camera.pdf/284

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by the offer, they presented themselves to arrange conditions, and were forthwith seized, despatched to Peking and there put to an ignominious death. On another occasion it is reported that the Japanese came down upon their enemy with a fleet of 300 vessels; and after carrying all before them, and plundering to their hearts' content, they departed laden with their spoil; the Chinese troops pursuing them valiantly out of the country and making an imposing hostile demonstration on the shore as they unfurled the sails of their ships.

As to the settlement itself, those of my readers who have not visited China will feel interested in a brief description of its appearance. The approach by the river almost looks like that of any busy prosperous European seaport. There one finds ships of all nations ; and, anchored in mid-channel, or making their way to their moorings, a long line of ocean steamers; while steam-launches, bearing mails and despatches, dart in and out among the crowd of native craft that are seen around. Advancing further up the river, we pass rows of store- houses, foundries, dockyards and sheds. Next to these the substantial buildings on the American concession; and then a full view opens before us of the public garden and the impos- ing array of European offices which front the river on the EngHsh concession ground. What surprised me most about this settlement was the absence of anything temporary or unfinished in the style of its buildings, such as might remind one that the place was, after all, nothing more than a trading depot, planted on hostile and inhospitable shores, and sustained in its position in spite of the envy which its appearance excited among the rulers of the land. What pangs of regret and remorse ought to be awakened among these proud unenlightened men, when, in their moments, if any, of honest reflection, they cast their eyes