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diff --git a/old/10610-8.txt b/old/10610-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..09c9b0d --- /dev/null +++ b/old/10610-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,18751 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Letters and Journals of James, Eighth Earl +of Elgin, by James, Eighth Earl of Elgin + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Letters and Journals of James, Eighth Earl of Elgin + +Author: James, Eighth Earl of Elgin + +Release Date: January 6, 2004 [EBook #10610] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNALS OF ELGIN *** + + + + +Produced by Robert Connal and PG Distributed Proofreaders from images +generously made available by the Canadian Institute for Historical +Microreproductions + + + + + +LETTERS AND JOURNALS OF +JAMES, EIGHTH EARL OF ELGIN + +GOVERNOR OF JAMAICA, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA, +ENVOY TO CHINA, VICEROY OF INDIA + + + +EDITED BY THEODORE WALROND, C.B. + + + +WITH A PREFACE BY ARTHUR PENRHYN STANLEY, D.D. +DEAN OF WESTMINSTER + + + + +PREFACE. + + +Having been consulted by the family and friends of the late Lord Elgin as +to the best mode of giving to the world some record of his life, and +having thus contracted a certain responsibility in the work now laid +before the public, I have considered it my duty to prefix a few words by +way of Preface to the following pages. + +On Lord Elgin's death it was thought that a career intimately connected +with so many critical points in the history of the British Empire, and +containing in itself so much of intrinsic interest, ought not to be left +without an enduring memorial. The need of this was the more felt because +Lord Elgin was prevented, by the peculiar circumstances of his public +course, from enjoying the familiar recognition to which he would else have +been entitled amongst his contemporaries in England. 'For' (if I may use +the words which I have employed on a former occasion) 'it is one of the +sad consequences of a statesman's life spent like his in the constant +service of his country on arduous foreign missions, that in his own land, +in his own circle, almost in his own home, his place is occupied by +others, his very face is forgotten; he can maintain no permanent ties with +those who rule the opinion, or obtain the mastery, of the day; he has +identified himself with no existing party; he has made himself felt in +none of those domestic and personal struggles which, attract the attention +and fix the interest of the many who contribute in large measure to form +the public opinion of the time. For twenty years the few intervals of Lord +Elgin's residence in these islands were to be counted not by years, but by +months; and the majority of those who might be reckoned amongst his +friends and acquaintances, remembered him chiefly as the eager and +accomplished Oxford student at Christ Church or at Merton.' + +The materials for supplying this blank were, in some respects, abundant. +Besides the official despatches and other communications which had passed +between himself and the Home Government during his successive absences in +Jamaica, Canada, China, and India, he had in the two latter positions kept +up a constant correspondence, almost of the nature of a journal, with Lady +Elgin, which combines with his reflections on public events the expression +of his more personal feelings, and thus reveals not only his own genial +and affectionate nature, but also indicates something of that singularly +poetic and philosophic turn of mind, that union of grace and power, which, +had his course lain in the more tranquil walks of life, would have +achieved no mean place amongst English thinkers and writers. + +These materials his family, at my suggestion, committed to my friend Mr. +Theodore Walrond, whose sound judgment, comprehensive views, and official +experience are known to many besides myself, and who seemed not less +fitted to act as interpreter to the public at large of such a life and +character, because, not having been personally acquainted with Lord Elgin, +or connected with any of the public transactions recorded in the following +pages, he was able to speak with the sobriety of calm appreciation, rather +than the warmth of personal attachment. In this spirit he kindly +undertook, in the intervals of constant public occupations, to select from +the vast mass of materials placed at his disposal such extracts as most +vividly brought out the main features of Lord Elgin's career, adding such +illustrations as could be gleaned from private or published documents or +from the remembrance of friends. If the work has unavoidably been delayed +beyond the expected term, yet it is hoped that the interest in those great +colonial dependencies for which Lord Elgin laboured, has not diminished +with the lapse of years. It is believed also that there is no time when it +will not be good for his countrymen to have brought before them those +statesmanlike gifts which accomplished the successful accommodation of a +more varied series of novel and entangled situations than has, perhaps, +fallen to the lot of any other public man within our own memory. +Especially might be named that rare quality of a strong overruling sense +of the justice due from man to man, from nation to nation; that +'combination of speculative and practical ability' (so wrote one who had +deep experience of his mind) 'which peculiarly fitted him to solve the +problem how the subject races of a civilised empire are to be governed;' +that firm, courageous, and far-sighted confidence in the triumph of those +liberal and constitutional principles (in the best sense of the word), +which, having secured the greatness of England, were, in his judgment, +also applicable, under other forms, to the difficult circumstances of new +countries and diverse times. + +'It is a singular coincidence,' said Lord Elgin, in a speech at Benares a +few months before his end, 'that three successive Governors-General of +India should have stood towards each other in the relationship of +contemporary friends. Lord Dalhousie, when named to the government of +India, was the youngest man who had ever been appointed to a situation of +such high responsibility and trust. Lord Canning was in the prime of life; +and I, if I am not already on the decline, am nearer to the verge of it +than either of my contemporaries who have preceded me. When I was leaving +England for India, Lord Ellenborough, who is now, alas! the only surviving +ex-Governor-General, said to me, '"You are not a very old man; but, depend +upon it, you will find yourself by far the oldest man in India."' To that +mournful catalogue was added his own name within the brief space of one +year; and now a fourth, not indeed bound to the others by ties of personal +or political friendship, but like in energetic discharge of his duties and +in the prime of usefulness in which he was cut off, has fallen by a fate +yet more untimely. + +These tragical incidents invest the high office to which such precious +lives have been sacrificed with a new and solemn interest. There is +something especially pathetic when the gallant vessel, as it were, goes +down within very sight of the harbour, with all its accumulated treasures. +But no losses more appeal at the moment to the heart of the country, no +careers deserve to be more carefully enshrined in its grateful +remembrance. + +ARTHUR P. STANLEY. + +_Deanery, Westminster: +March 4,1872._ + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +CHAPTER I. + +EARLY YEARS. + +Birth and Parentage--School and College--Taste for Philosophy--Training +for Public Life--M.P. for Southampton--Speech on the Address--Appointed +Governor of Jamaica. + + +CHAPTER II. + +JAMAICA. + +Shipwreck--Death of Lady Elgin--Position of a Governor in a West Indian +Colony such as Jamaica--State of Public Opinion in the Island--Questions +of Finance, Education, Agriculture, the Labouring Classes, Religion, the +Church--Harmonising Influences of British Connexion--Resignation +--Appointment to Canada. + + +CHAPTER III. + +CANADA. + +State of the Colony--First Impressions--Provincial Politics--'Responsible +Government'--Irish Immigrants--Upper Canada--Change of Ministry--French +Habitans--The French Question--The Irish--The British--Discontents; their +Causes and Remedies--Navigation Laws--Retrospect--Speech on Education. + + +CHAPTER IV. + +CANADA. + +Discontent--Rebellion Losses Bill--Opposition to it--Neutrality of the +Governor--Riots at Montreal--Firmness of the Governor--Approval of Home +Government--Fresh Riots--Removal of Seat of Government from Montreal +--Forbearance of Lord Elgin--Retrospect. + + +CHAPTER V. + +CANADA. + +Annexation Movement--Remedial Measures--Repeal of the Navigation Laws +--Reciprocity with the United States--History of the Two Measures--Duty of +Supporting Authority--Views on Colonial Government--Colonial Interests the +Sport of Home Parties--No Separation!--Self-Government not necessarily +Republican--Value of the Monarchical Principle--Defences of the Colony. + + +CHAPTER VI. + +CANADA. + +The 'Clergy Reserves'--History of the Question--Mixed Motives of the +Movement--Feeling in the Province--In Upper Canada--In Lower Canada--Among +Roman Catholics--In the Church--Secularisation--Questions of Emigration, +Labour, Land-tenure, Education, Native Tribes--Relations with the United +States--Mutual Courtesies--Farewell to Canada--At Home. + + +CHAPTER VII. + +FIRST MISSION TO CHINA--PRELIMINARIES. + +Origin of the Mission--Appointment of Lord Elgin--Malta--Egypt--Ceylon +--News of the Indian Mutiny--Penang--Singapore--Diversion of Troops to +India--On Board the 'Shannon'--Hong-Kong--Change of Plans--Calcutta and +Lord Canning--Return to China--Perplexities--Caprices of Climate--Arrival +of Baron Gros--Preparation for Action. + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +FIRST MISSION TO CHINA--CANTON. + +Improved Prospects--Advance on Canton--Bombardment and Capture--Joint +Tribunal--Maintenance of Order--Canton Prisons--Move Northward--Swatow +--Mr. Burns--Foochow--Ningpo--Chusan--Potou--Shanghae--Missionaries. + + +CHAPTER IX. + +FIRST MISSION TO CHINA--TIENTSIN. + +Advance to the Peiho--Taking of the Forts--The Peiho River--Tientsin +--Negotiations--The Treaty--The Eight of Sending a Minister to Pekin +--Return southward--Sails for Japan. + + +CHAPTER X. + +FIRST MISSION TO CHINA--JAPAN. + +Embark for Japan--Coast Views--Simoda--Off Yeddo--Yeddo--Conferences--A +Country Ride--Peace and Plenty--Feudal System--A Temple--A Juggler +--Signing the Treaty--Its Terms--Retrospect. + + +CHAPTER XI. + +FIRST MISSION TO CHINA--THE YANGTZE KIANG. + +Delays--Subterfuges defeated by Firmness--Revised Tariff--Opium Trade--Up +the Yangtze Kiang--Silver Island--Nankin--Rebel Warfare--The Hen-Barrier +--Unknown Waters--Difficult Navigation--Hankow--The Governor-General +--Return--Taking to the Gunboats--Nganching--Nankin--Retrospect--More +Delays--Troubles at Canton--Return to Hong-Kong--Mission completed +--Homeward Voyage + + +CHAPTER XII. + +SECOND MISSION TO CHINA--OUTWARD. + +Lord Elgin in England--Origin of Second Mission to China--Gloomy +Prospects--Egypt--The Pyramids--The Sphinx--Passengers Homeward bound +--Ceylon--Shipwreck--Penang--Singapore--Shanghae--Meeting with Mr. Bruce +--Talien-Whan--Sir Hope Grant--Plans for Landing. + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +SECOND MISSION TO CHINA--PEKIN. + +The Landing--Chinese Overtures--Taking of the Forts--The Peiho--Tientsin +--Negotiations broken off--New Plenipotentiaries--Agreement made--Agreement +broken--Treacherous Seizure of Mr. Parkes and others--Advance on Pekin +--Return of some of the Captives--Fate of the rest--Burning of the Summer +Palace--Convention signed--Funeral of the murdered Captives--Imperial +Palace--Prince Kung--Arrival of Mr. Bruce--Results of the Mission. + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +SECOND MISSION TO CHINA--HOMEWARD. + +Leaving the Gulf--Detention at Shanghae--Kowloon--Adieu to China--Island +of Luzon--Churches--Government--Manufactures--General Condition--Island of +Java--Buitenzorg--Bantong--Volcano--Soirées--Retrospect--Ceylon--The +Mediterranean--England--Warm Reception--Dunfermline--Royal Academy Dinner +--Mansion House Dinner. + + +CHAPTER XV. + +INDIA. + +Appointed Viceroy of India--Forebodings--Voyage to India--Installation +--Deaths of Mr. Ritchie, Lord Canning, General Bruce--The Hot Season +--Business resumed--State of the Empire--Letters: the Army; Cultivation of +Cotton; Orientals not all Children; Missionaries; Rumours of Disaffection; +Alarms; Murder of a Native; Afghanistan; Policy of Lord Canning; +Consideration for Natives. + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +INDIA. + +Duty of a Governor-General to visit the Provinces--Progress to the North- +West--Benares--Speech on the Opening of the Railway--Cawnpore--Grand +Durbar at Agra--Delhi--Hurdwar--Address to the Sikh Chiefs at Umballa +--Kussowlie--Simla--Letters: Supply of Labour; Special Legislation; +Missionary Gathering; Finance; Seat of Government; Value of Training at +Head-quarters; Aristocracies; against Intermeddling--The Sitana Fanatics +--Himalayas--Rotung Pass--Twig Bridge--Illness--Death--Characteristics +--Burial-place. + + + + + + +MEMOIR + +OF + +JAMES, EIGHTH EARL OF ELGIN, + +&c. &c. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +EARLY YEARS. + +BIRTH AND PARENTAGE--SCHOOL AND COLLEGE--TASTE FOR PHILOSOPHY--TRAINING +FOR PUBLIC LIFE--M.P. FOR SOUTHAMPTON--SPEECH ON THE ADDRESS--APPOINTED +GOVERNOR OF JAMAICA. + + +[Sidenote: Birth and parentage.] + +James, eighth Earl of Elgin and twelfth Earl of Kincardine, was born in +London on July 20, 1811. His father, whose career as Ambassador at +Constantinople is so well known in connection with the 'Elgin Marbles,' +was the chief and representative of the ancient Norman house, whose hero +was 'Robert the Bruce.' From him, it may be said that he inherited the +genial and playful spirit which gave such a charm to his social and +parental relations, and which helped him to elicit from others the +knowledge of which he made so much use in the many diverse situations of +his after-life. His mother, Lord Elgin's second wife, was a daughter of +Mr. Oswald, of Dunnikier, in Fifeshire. Her deep piety, united with wide +reach of mind and varied culture, made her admirably qualified to be the +depositary of the ardent thoughts and aspirations of his boyhood; and, as +he grew up, he found a second mother in his elder sister, Matilda, who +became the wife of Sir John Maxwell, of Pollok. To the influence of such a +mother and such a sister he probably owed the pliancy and power of +sympathy with others for which he was remarkable, and which is not often +found in characters of so tough a fibre. To them, from his earliest years, +he confided the outpourings of his deeper religious feelings. One +expression of such feeling, dated June 1821, may be worth recording as an +example of that strong sense of duty and affection towards his brothers, +which, beginning at that early age, marked his whole subsequent career. +'Be with me this week, in my studies, my amusements, in everything. When +at my lessons, may I think only of them; playing when I play: when +dressing, may I be quick, and never put off time, and never amuse myself +but in playhours. Oh! may I set a good example to nay brothers. Let me not +teach them anything that is bad, and may they not learn wickedness from +seeing me. May I command my temper and passions, and give me a better +heart for their good.' + +[Sidenote: School and college.] + +He learned the rudiments of Latin and Greek under the careful teaching of +a resident tutor, Mr. Fergus Jardine. At the age of fourteen he went to +Eton, and thence, in due time, to Christ Church, Oxford, where he found +him self among a group of young men destined to distinction in after-life +--Lord Canning, James Ramsay (afterwards Lord Dalhousie), the late Duke +of Newcastle, Sidney Herbert, and Mr. Gladstone. + +There is little to record respecting this period of his life; but a +touching interest attaches to the following extracts from a letter written +by his brother, Sir Frederick Bruce, in November, 1865. + +'My recollections of Elgin's early life are, owing to circumstances, +almost nothing. In the year 1820 he went abroad with my father and mother, +and was away for two years. From that time I recollect nothing until he +went to Eton; and his holidays were then divided between Torquay, where my +eldest brother was, and Broomhall;[1] and of them my memory has retained +nothing but the assistance in his later holidays he used to give me in +classical studies. + +We were together for about a year and a half at Oxford. But he was so far +advanced in his studies, that we had very little in common to bring us +together; and I hardly remember any striking fact connected with him, +except one or two speeches at the Union Club, when in eloquence and +originality he far outshone his competitors.[2] + +'I do not know whether Mr. Welland is still alive: he probably, better +than anyone, could give some sketch of his intellectual growth, and of +that beautiful trait in his character, the devotion and abnegation he +showed o poor Bruce[3] in his long and painful illness. + +'He was always reserved about his own feelings and aspirations. Owing to +the shortness of his stay at Oxford, he had to work very hard; and his +friends, like Newcastle and Hamilton, were men who sought him for the +soundness of his judgment, which led them to seek his advice in all +matters. He always stood to them in the relation of a much older man. He +had none of the frailties of youth, and, though very capable of enjoying +its diversions, life with him from a very early date was "sicklied o'er +with the pale cast of thought." Its practical aspect to him was one of +anxiety and difficulty, while his intellect was attracted to high and +abstract speculation, and took little interest in the every-day routine +which is sufficient occupation for ordinary minds. Like all men of +original mind, he lived a life apart from his fellows. + +'He looked upon the family estate rather as a trust than as an +inheritance--as far more valuable than money on account of the family +traditions, and the position which in our state of society is given to a +family connected historically with the country. Elgin felt this deeply, +and he clung to it in spite of difficulties which would have deterred a +man of more purely selfish views.' + +'It is melancholy to reflect,' adds Sir F. Bruce, 'how those have +disappeared who could have filled up this gap in his history.' It is a +reflection even more melancholy, that the loved and trusted brother, who +shared so many of his labours and his aspirations, no longer lives to +write that history, and to illustrate in his own person the spirit by +which it was animated. + +The sense of the difficulties above referred to strongly impressed his +mind even before he went to Oxford, and laid the foundation of that habit +of self-denial in all personal matters, which enabled him through life to +retain a feeling of independence, and at the same time to give effect to +the promptings of a generous nature. 'You tell me,' he writes to his +father from college, 'I coin money. I uncoined your last order by putting +it into the fire, having already supplied myself.' + +About the middle of his Oxford career, a studentship fell vacant, which, +according to the strange system then prevalent, was in the gift of Dr. +Bull, one of the Canons of Christ Church. Instead of bestowing it, as was +too commonly done, on grounds of private interest, Dr. Bull placed the +valuable prize at the disposal of the Dean and Censors, to be conferred on +the most worthy of the undergraduates. Their choice fell on James Bruce. +In announcing this to a member of the Bruce family, Dr. Bull wrote: 'Dr. +Smith, no less than the present college officers, assures me that there is +no young man, of whatever rank, who could be more acceptable to the +society, and none whose appointment as the reward of excellent deportment, +diligence, and right-mindedness, would do more good among the young men.' + +A letter written about this time to his father shows that the young +student, with a sagacity beyond his years, discerned the germs of an evil +which has since grown to a great height, and now lies at the root of some +of the most troublesome questions connected with University Education. + + In my own mind I confess I am much of opinion, that college is put off + in general till too late;[4] and the gaining of _honours_ + therefore, becomes too severe to be useful to men who are to enter + into professions. It was certainly originally intended that the + degrees which require only a knowledge of the classics should be taken + at an earlier age, in order to admit of a residence after they were + taken, during which the student might devote himself to science or + composition, and those habits of reflection by which the mind might be + formed, and a practical advantage drawn from the stores of knowledge + already acquired. By putting them off to so late an age, the + consequence has been, that it has been necessary proportionably to + increase the difficulty of their attainment, and to mix up in college + examinations (which were supposed to depend upon study alone) essays + in many cases of a nature that demands the most prolonged and deep + reflection. The effect of this is evident. Those who, from + circumstances, have neither opportunity nor leisure thus to reflect, + must, in order to secure their success, acquire that kind of + superficial information which may enable them to draw sufficiently + plausible conclusions, upon very slight grounds; and [of] many who + have this _form_ of knowledge, most will eventually be proved (if + this system is carried to an excess) to have but little of the + _substance_ of it. + +He had meant to read for double honours, but illness, brought on by over- +work, obliged him to confine himself to classics. All who know Oxford are +aware, that the term 'Classics,' as there used, embraces not only Greek +and Latin scholarship, but also Ancient History and Philosophy. In these +latter studies the natural taste and previous education of James Bruce led +him to take a special interest, and he threw himself into the work in no +niggard spirit.[5] At the Michaelmas Examination of 1832, he was placed in +the first class in classics, and common report spoke of him as 'the best +first of his 'year.' Not long afterwards he was elected Fellow of Merton. +He appears to have been a candidate also for the Eldon Scholarship, but +without success. In a contest for a legal prize it was no discredit to be +defeated by Roundell Palmer. + +[Sidenote: Taste for philosophy.] + +Some of his contemporaries have a lively remembrance of the eagerness with +which, while still a student, he travelled into fields at that period +beyond the somewhat narrow range of academic study. Professor Maurice at +one time, Dr. Pusey at another, were his delighted companions in exploring +the dialogues of Plato. Mr. Gladstone 'remembers his speaking of Milton's +prose works with great fervour when they were at Eton together;' and adds +the confession--interesting alike as regards both the young students--'I +think it was from his mouth I first learned that Milton had written any +prose,' This affection for those soul-stirring treatises of the great +advocate of free speech and inquiry he always retained: they formed his +constant companions wherever he travelled; and there are many occasions in +which their influence may be traced on his thought and language. 'I would +rather swallow a bushel of chaff than lose the precious grains of truth +which may somewhere or other be scattered in it,' was a sentiment which, +though expressed in much later life, was characteristic of his whole +career. In this spirit he listened with deep interest to the roll of +theological controversy then raging at Oxford, though he was never carried +away by its violence. + +In after life he had little leisure to pursue the philosophic studies +commenced at Oxford; but they took deep and permanent hold on his mind, +and formed in fact the groundwork of his great practical ability. This is +well stated by Sir Frederick Bruce:-- + + In Elgin (to use the distinctions of Coleridge, whose philosophy he + had thoroughly mastered) the Reason and Understanding were both + largely developed, and both admirably balanced. And in this + combination lay the secret of his success in so many spheres of + action, so different in their characteristics, so alike in their + difficulties. The process he went through was always the same. He set + himself to work to form in his own mind a clear idea of each of the + constituent parts of the problem with which he had to deal. This he + effected partly by reading, but still more by conversation with + special men, and by that extraordinary logical power of mind and + penetration which not only enabled him to get out of every man all he + had in him, but which revealed to those men themselves a knowledge of + their own imperfect and crude conceptions, and made them constantly + unwilling witnesses or reluctant adherents to views which originally + they were prepared to oppose. To test the accuracy of their statements + and observations, and to discriminate between what was fact and what + was prejudice or misconception, he made use of the higher faculty of + cultivated Reason, which enabled him, by his deep insight into the + universal principles of human nature, of forms of government, &c., to + bring to the consideration of particular facts the light of an a + priori knowledge of what was to be expected under particular + circumstances. The result was, that in an incredibly short time, and + with little apparent study or effort, he attained an accurate and + clear conception of the essential facts before him, and was thus + enabled to strike out a course which he could consistently pursue + amidst all difficulties, because it was in harmony with the actual + facts and the permanent conditions of the problem he had to solve. + +[Sidenote: Training for public life.] + +The years which followed the completion of his academical studies--those +golden years which generally determine the complexion of a man's future +life--were not devoted in his case to any definite pursuit; for though he +entered himself of Lincoln's Inn in June, 1835, he does not appear to have +ever embarked in the professional study of law. + +The scanty notices which remain of this period show him chiefly residing +at Broomhall, where, in his father's absence, he takes his place in the +affairs of the county of Fife; commands his troop of yeomanry; now +presides at a farmers' dinner, for which be has written an appropriate +song; now, at the request of Dr. Chalmers, speaks at a public meeting in +favour of church extension. At one time we hear of long solitary rides +over field and fell, during which the thoughts and feelings that stirred +in him would take the shape of a sonnet or a poem, to be confided to one +of his sisters; at another time he is keeping up a regular correspondence +on abstruse questions of philosophy with his brother Frederick, still at +Oxford. + +In these pursuits, as well as in the somewhat harassing occupation of +disentangling the family property from its embarrassments, be was +preparing himself for future usefulness by the exercise of the same +industry and patience, the same grasp both of details and of general +purpose, which be showed in the political career gradually dawning upon +him. It was observed that, whatsoever his hand found to do, he did it with +all his might, as well as with a judgment and discretion beyond his years, +and a tact akin to genius. He was undergoing, perhaps, the best training +for the varied duties to which he was to be called--that peculiarly +British 'discipline of mind, body, and heart' to which observers like +Bunsen attribute the effectiveness of England's public men. + +As early as 1834, when he had barely completed his twenty-third year, he +published a Letter to the Electors of Great Britain, with the view of +vindicating the policy and the position of the Tory leaders, more +especially of the Duke of Wellington. A similar motive, the desire of +protesting against a monopoly of liberal sentiments by the Whigs, and +showing in his own person that a Tory was not necessarily a narrow bigot, +impelled him to offer himself as a candidate at the election of 1837, on +the occurrence of an unexpected vacancy in the representation of +Fifeshire. But, coming forward at a moment's warning, he never had any +chance of success, and was defeated by a large majority. + +[Sidenote: M.P. for Southampton.] + +In the year 1840, George, Lord Bruce, the eldest son of Lord Elgin by his +first wife, died, unmarried, and James became heir to the earldom. On +April 22, 1841, he married Elizabeth Mary, daughter of Mr. C.L. Cumming +Bruce. At the general election in July of the same year he stood for the +borough of Southampton, and was returned at the head of the poll. His +political views at this time were very much those which have since been +called 'Liberal Conservative.' Speaking at a great banquet at Southampton +he said-- + + I am a Conservative, not upon principles of exclusionism--not from + narrowness of view, or illiberality of sentiment--but because I + believe that our admirable Constitution, on principles more exalted + and under sanctions more holy than those which Owenism or Socialism + can boast, proclaims between men of all classes and degrees in the + body politic a sacred bond of brotherhood in the recognition of a + common warfare here, and a common hope hereafter. I am a Conservative, + not because I am adverse to improvement, not because I am unwilling to + repair what is wasted, or to supply what is defective in the political + fabric, but because I am satisfied that, in order to improve + effectually, you must be resolved most religiously to preserve. I am a + Conservative, because I believe that the institutions of our country, + religious as well as civil, are wisely adapted, when duly and + faithfully administered, to promote, not the interest of any class or + classes exclusively, but the happiness and welfare of the great body + of the people; and because I feel that, on the maintenance of these + institutions, not only the economical prosperity of England, but, what + is yet more important, the virtues that distinguish and adorn the + English character, under God, mainly depend. + +[Sidenote: Speech on the Address.] + +Parliament met on August 19, and, on the 24th, the new member seconded the +amendment on the Address, in a speech, of great promise. In the course of +it he professed himself a friend to Free Trade, but Free Trade as +explained and vindicated by Mr. Huskisson:-- + + He should at all times be prepared to vote for a free trade on + principles of reciprocity, due regard being had to the interests which + had grown up under our present commercial system, without which, as he + conceived, the rights of the labouring classes could not be protected. + Much had been on various occasions said about the interests of the + capitalists and the landlords, but unless the measures of a Government + were directed equally to secure the rights of the working classes, + they never should be supported by a vote of his. It was true that the + landlord might derive some increased value to his property from the + increase of factories and other buildings upon it, and that the + capitalist might more advantageously invest his capital, or he might + withdraw it from a sinking concern; but the only capital of the + labourer was his skill in his own particular walk, and it was a + mockery to tell him that he could find a satisfactory compensation + elsewhere. + +But the most characteristic part of his speech was that in which he +commented on the 'harsh, severe, and unjust terms' in which it had been +the fashion to designate those who had taken an opposite view on these +questions to that taken by Her Majesty's Government:-- + + In a day (he said) when all monopolies are denounced, I must he + permitted to say that, to my mind, the monopoly which is the most + intolerable and odious is the pretension to the monopoly of public + virtue. + +The amendment was carried by a large majority. Lord Melbourne resigned, +and Sir Robert Peel became Prime Minister. About the same time, by the +death of his father and his own succession to the peerage, the young +Lord's brief career in the House of Commons was closed for ever; no +Scottish peer being eligible, according to the commonly received opinion, +to sit in the Lower House. He appears, indeed, to have had at one time an +idea of pressing the question; but he abandoned this intention on finding +that it had been entertained twenty-five years before by Lord Aberdeen, +and given up by him on the ground, that the majority of the Scottish Peers +looked upon the proposal as lowering to their body, and as implying +inferiority on their part to the English Peers. + +[Sidenote: Governor of Jamaica.] + +At this time it seemed as if the fair promise of eloquence and +statesmanship had been shown to public life only to be withdrawn from it; +but a path was about to be opened, leading to a new field of action, +distant, indeed, and often thankless, but giving scope for the exercise of +gifts, both of mind and character, which can rarely be exhibited in a +Parliamentary career. In March 1842, at the early age of thirty, he was +selected by Lord Stanley, who was then Secretary for the Colonies, for the +important post of Governor of Jamaica. + + +[1] The family seat In Fifeshire. + +[2] The most distinguished of all those competitors has borne his + testimony to the truth of this expression. 'I well remember,' Mr. + Gladstone wrote after his death, placing him as to the natural gift of + eloquence at the head of all those I knew either at Eton or at the + University.' + +[3] His elder brother. + +[4] 'We are disposed, in fact, to regard the question, of + University extension, in this sense, as depending entirely on the + possibility of reducing the time required for a University degree, and + we should like to see more attention paid to this point.... The + opinion is strongly and widely entertained, that students now stay too + long at the Public Schools and Universities, and that voting men + ought not to be engaged in the mere preparatory studies of their life + up to the age of twenty-three or twenty-four.'--_Times_, May 22, 1869. + +[5] There remains a memorandum in his handwriting of a systematic + course of study to be pursued for his degree, in which two points are + remarkable--1st, the broad and liberal spirit in which it is + conceived; 2ndly, that the whole is based on the Bible. Ancient + History, together with Aristotle's Politics and the ancient orators, + are to be read 'in connection with the Bible History,' with the view + of seeing 'how all hang upon each other, and develops the leading + schemes of Providence.' The various branches of mental and moral + science he proposes, in like manner, 'to hinge upon the New Testament, + as constituting, in another line, the history of moral and + intellectual development.' + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +JAMAICA. + +SHIPWRECK--DEATH OF LADY ELGIN--POSITION OF A GOVERNOR IN A WEST INDIAN +COLONY SUCH AS JAMAICA--STATE OF PUBLIC OPINION IN THE ISLAND--QUESTIONS +OF FINANCE, EDUCATION, AGRICULTURE, THE LABOURING CLASSES, RELIGION, THE +CHURCH--HARMONISING INFLUENCES OF BRITISH CONNEXION--RESIGNATION +--APPOINTMENT TO CANADA. + + +[Sidenote: Shipwreck.] +[Sidenote: Death of Lady Elgin.] + +Lord Elgin sailed for Jamaica in the middle of April 1842. The West Indian +steamers at that time held their rendezvous for the collection and +distribution of the mails not, as now, at St. Thomas, but at a little +island called Turk's Island, a mere sandbank, hedged with coral reefs. The +vessel in which Lord Elgin was a passenger made this island during the +night; but the captain, over anxious to keep his time, held on towards the +shore. They struck on a spike of coral, which pierced the ship's side and +held her impaled; fortunately so, for she was thus prevented from backing +out to sea and foundering with all hands, as other vessels did. Though the +ship itself became a total wreck, no lives were lost, and nearly +everything of value was saved; but from the shock of that night Lady +Elgin, though apparently little alarmed at the time, never recovered. Two +months afterwards, in giving birth to a daughter, now Lady Elma Thurlow, +she was seized with violent convulsions, which were nearly fatal; and +though, to the surprise of the medical men, she rallied from this attack, +her health was seriously impaired, and she died in the summer of the +following year. + +[Sidenote: Position of a Governor in a West Indian colony] + +There are probably few situations of greater difficulty and delicacy than +that of the Governor of a British colony which possesses representative +institutions. A constitutional sovereign, but with frail and temporary +tenure, he is expected not to reign only but to govern; and to govern +under the orders of a distant minister, who, if he has one eye on the +colony, must keep the other on home politics. Thus, without any power in +himself, he is a meeting-point of two different and generally antagonistic +forces--the will of the imperial government and the will of the local +legislature. To act in harmony with both these forces, and to bring them +into something of harmony with each other, requires, under the most +favourable circumstances, a rare union of firmness with patience and tact. +But the difficulties were much aggravated in a West Indian colony in the +early days of Emancipation. + +[Sidenote: such as Jamaica.] + +Here the local legislature was a democratic oligarchy, partly composed of +landowners, but chiefly of overseers, with no permanent stake in the +country. And this legislature had to be induced to pass measures for the +benefit of those very blacks of whose enforced service they had been +deprived, and whose paid labour they found it difficult to obtain. Add to +this that, in Jamaica, a long period of contention with the mother-country +had left a feeling of bitter resentment for the past, and sullen +despondency as regards the future. Moreover, the balance had to be held +between the Church of England on the one hand, which was in possession of +all the ecclesiastical endowments, and probably of all the learning and +cultivation of the island, and, on the other hand, the various sects, +especially that of the Baptists, who, having fought vigorously for the +Negroes in the battle of Emancipation, now held undisputed sway over their +minds, and who, as was natural, found it difficult to abandon the position +of demagogues and agitators. + +Lord Elgin was at once fortunate and unfortunate in coming after the most +conciliatory and popular of governors, Sir C. Metcalfe. The island was in +a state of peace and harmony which had been long unknown to it; but the +singular affection, which Metcalfe had inspired in all classes, made them +look forward with the most gloomy forebodings to the advent of his +successor. + +[Sidenote: State of opinion in the island.] + +Moreover, to use Lord Elgin's own language, a tone of despondency with +reference to the prospects of the owners of property had long been +considered the test of a sincere regard for the welfare of Jamaica. He who +had been most successful in proclaiming the depression under which the +landed and trading interests laboured, had been held to be in the popular +acceptation of the term the truest friend to the colony. + +Nothing could be more alien to the spirit of inquiry and enterprise which +leads to practical improvement. In an enervating climate, with a +proprietary for the most part non-resident, and a peasantry generally +independent of their employers, much encouragement is requisite to induce +managers to encounter the labour and responsibility which attends the +introduction of new systems; but, by reason of the unfortunate +prepossession above described, the announcement of a belief that the +planters had not exhausted the resources within their reach, had been +considered a declaration of hostility towards that class. + + And truly (wrote Lord Elgin himself) the _onus probandi_ lay, and + pretty heavily too, upon the propounder of the obnoxious doctrine of + hope. Was it not shown on the face of unquestioned official returns, + that the exports of the island had dwindled to one-third of their + former amount? Was it not attested even in Parliament, that estates, + which used to produce thousands annually, were sinking money year + after year? Was it not apparent that the labourers stood in a relation + of independence towards the owners of capital and land, totally + unknown to a similar class in any fully peopled country? All these + were facts and indisputable. And again, was it not equally certain + that undeserved aspersions were cast upon the planters? Were they not + held responsible for results over which they could exercise no manner + of control? and was it not natural that, having been thus calumniated, + they should be somewhat impatient of advice? + +From the day of Lord Elgin's arrival in the colony, he was convinced that +the endeavour to work a change on public opinion in this respect, would +constitute one of his first and most important duties; but he was not +insensible to the difficulties with which the experiment was surrounded. +He felt that a new Governor, rash enough to assert that all was not yet +accomplished which ingenuity and perseverance could achieve, might have +perilled his chance of benefiting the colony. Men would have said, and +with some truth, 'he knows nothing of the matter; his information is +derived from A. or B.; he is a tool in their hands; he will undo all the +good which others have effected by enlisting the sympathies of England in +our favour.' He would have been deemed a party man, and become an object +of suspicion and distrust. + +It was soon found, however, that the new Governor was as anxious as his +predecessor had been to conciliate the good will and promote the interests +of all ranks of the community in a spirit of perfect fairness and +moderation. The agitation of vexed constitutional questions he earnestly +deprecated as likely to interrupt the harmony happily prevailing between +the several branches of the legislature, and to divert the attention of +influential members of the community from the material interests of the +colony to the consideration of more exciting subjects. 'I do not +underrate,' he said, 'the importance of constitutional questions, nor am I +insensible to the honour which may be acquired by their satisfactory +adjustment. In the present crisis of our fortunes, however, I am impressed +with the belief that he is the best friend to Jamaica who concentrates his +energies on the promotion of the moral well-being of the population, and +the restoration of the economical prosperity of the island.' + +[Sidenote: Questions of finance] + +The finances of the colony were at this time in a state to require the +most careful treatment. At a moment when the recent violent change in the +distribution of the wealth of the community had left the proprietary body +generally in a depressed condition, the Legislature had to provide for the +wants of the newly emancipated population, by increasing at great cost the +ecclesiastical and judicial establishments; and at the same time it was +necessary that a quantity of inconvertible paper recently set afloat +should be redeemed, if the currency was to be fixed on a sound basis. +Under these conditions it was not easy to equalise the receipts and +expenditure of the island treasury; and the difficulty was not diminished +by the necessity of satisfying critics at home. Before long an occasion +arose to test Lord Elgin's tact and discretion in mediating on such +questions between the colony and the mother-country. + +Towards the end of 1842 a new tariff was enacted by the legislature of the +island. When the Act embodying it was sent home, it was found to violate +certain economical principles recently adopted in this country. An angry +despatch from Downing Street informed Lord Elgin that it was disapproved, +and that nothing but an apprehension of the financial embarrassments that +must ensue prevented its being formally disallowed. In terms almost +amounting to a reprimand, it was intimated that the adoption of such +objectionable enactments might be prevented if the Governor would exercise +the legitimate influence of his office in opposing them; and it was added, +'If, unfortunately, your efforts should be unsuccessful, and if any such +bill should be presented for your acceptance, it is Her Majesty's pleasure +and command that you withhold your assent from it.' + +Lord Elgin replied by a temperate representation, that it was but natural +that traces of a policy long sanctioned by the mother-country should +remain in the legislation of the colony; that the duties in question were +not found injuriously to check trade, while they were needed to meet the +expenditure: moreover, that the Assembly was, and always had been, +extremely jealous of any interference in the matter of self-taxation: +lastly, that 'while sensible that the services of a Governor must be +unprofitable if he failed to acquire and exercise a legitimate moral +influence in the general conduct of affairs, he was at the same time +convinced that a just appreciation of the difficulties with which the +legislature of the island had yet to contend, and of the sacrifices and +exertions already made under the pressure of no ordinary embarrassments, +was an indispensable condition to his usefulness.' + +The Home Government felt the weight of these considerations, and the +correspondence closed with the revocation of the peremptory command above +quoted. + +[Sidenote: Education.] + +The object which Lord Elgin had most at heart was to improve the moral and +social condition of the Negroes, and to fit them, by education, for the +freedom which had been thrust upon them; but, with characteristic tact and +sagacity, he preferred to compass this end through the agency of the +planters themselves. By encouraging the application of mechanical +contrivances to agriculture, he sought to make it the interest not only of +the peasants to acquire, but of the planters to give them, the education +necessary for using machinery; while he lost no opportunity of impressing +on the land-owning class that, if they wished to secure a constant supply +of labour, they could not do so better than by creating in the labouring +class the wants which belong to educated beings. + +The following extracts from private letters, written at the time to the +Secretary of State, contain the freshest and best expression of his views +on these and similar questions of island politics:-- + + In some quarters I am informed, that less desire for education is + shown now by the Negroes than during the apprenticeship; and the + reason assigned is, that it was then supposed that certain social and + political advantages would accrue to those who were able to read, but + that now, when all is gained, and all are on a par in these respects, + the same zeal for learning no longer prevails. It has been suggested + that a great impulse might be given in this direction, by working on + the feeling which existed formerly; confining the franchise for + instance to qualified persons who could read, or by some other + expedient of the same nature. This being an important constitutional + question, I have not thought it right to give the notion any + encouragement; but I submit it as coming from persons who are, I + believe, sincere well-wishers to the Negro. It is not very easy to + keep children steadily at school, or to enforce a very rigid + discipline on them when they are there. Parents who have never been + themselves educated, cannot be expected to attach a very high value to + education. The system of Slavery was not calculated to strengthen the + family ties; and parents do not, I apprehend, exercise generally a + very steady and consistent control in their families. The consequence + is, that children are pretty generally at liberty to attend school or + not as they please. If the rising generation, however, are not + educated, what is to become of this island? That they have withdrawn + themselves to a considerable extent from field labour is, I think, + generally admitted. It is therefore undoubtedly desirable that all + legitimate inducements should be held out, both to parents and + children, to encourage the latter to attend school. + + In urging the adoption of machinery in aid of manual labour, one main + object I have had in view has ever been the creation of an aristocracy + among the labourers themselves; the substitution of a given amount of + skilled labour for a larger amount of unskilled. My hope is, that we + may thus engender a healthy emulation among the labourers, a desire to + obtain situations of eminence and mark among their fellows, and also + to push their children forwards in the same career. Where labour is so + scarce as it is here, it is undoubtedly a great object to be able to + effect at a cheaper rate by machinery, what you now attempt to execute + very unsatisfactorily by the hand of man. But it seems to me to be a + still more important object to awaken this honourable ambition in the + breast of the peasant, and I do not see how this can be effected by + any other means. So long as labour means nothing more than digging + cane holes, or carrying loads on the head, physical strength is the + only thing required, no moral or intellectual quality comes into play. + But, in dealing with mechanical appliances, the case is different; + knowledge, acuteness, steadiness are at a premium. The Negro will soon + appreciate the worth of these qualities, when they give him position + among his own class. An indirect value will thus attach to education. + + Every successful effort made by enterprising and intelligent + individuals to substitute skilled for unskilled labour; every premium + awarded by societies in acknowledgment of superior honesty, + carefulness, or ability, has a tendency to afford a remedy the most + salutary and effectual which can be devised for the evil here set + forth. + +[Sidenote: Agriculture.] + +With the view of awakening an interest in the subject of agricultural +improvements, Lord Elgin himself offered a premium of 100_l_. for the +best practical treatise on the cultivation of the cane, with a special +reference to the adoption of mechanical aids and appliances in aid or in +lieu of mechanical labour. In forwarding to Lord Stanley printed copies of +eight of the essays which competed for the prize, he wrote as follows:-- + +Much, I believe, is involved in the issue of this and similar experiments. +So long as the planter despairs,--so long as he assumes that the cane can +be cultivated and sugar manufactured at profit only on the system adopted +during slavery,--so long as he looks to external aids (among which I class +immigration) as his sole hope of salvation from ruin--with what feelings +must he contemplate all earnest efforts to civilise the mass of the +population? Is education necessary to qualify the peasantry to carry on +the rude field operations of slavery? May not some persons even entertain +the apprehension, that it will indispose them to such pursuits? But let +him, on the other hand, believe that, by the substitution of more +artificial methods for those hitherto employed, he may materially abridge +the expense of raising his produce, and he cannot fail to perceive that an +intelligent, well-educated labourer, with something of a character to +lose, and a reasonable ambition to stimulate him to exertion, is likely to +prove an instrument more apt for his purposes than the ignorant drudge who +differs from the slave only in being no longer amenable to personal +restraint.[1] + +One of the measures in which Lord Elgin took the most active interest was +the establishment of a 'General Agricultural Society for the Island of +Jamaica,' and he was much gratified by receiving Her Majesty's permission +to give to it the sanction of her name as Patroness. + + I am confident (he writes to Lord Stanley) that the notice which Her + Majesty is pleased to take of the institution will be duly + appreciated, and will be productive of much good. + + You must allow me to remark (he adds) that moral results of much + moment are involved in the issue of the efforts which we are now + making for the improvement of agriculture in this colony. Not only has + the impulse which has been imparted to the public mind in Jamaica been + beneficial in itself and in its direct effects, but it has, I am + firmly persuaded, checked opposing tendencies, which threatened very + injurious consequences to Negro civilisation. To reconcile the planter + to the heavy burdens which he was called to bear for the improvement + of our establishments and the benefit of the mass of the population, + it was necessary to persuade him that he had an interest in raising + the standard of education and morals among the peasantry; and this + belief could be imparted only by inspiring a taste for a more + artificial system of husbandry. By the silent operation of such + salutary convictions, prejudices of old standing are removed; the + friends of the Negro and of the proprietary classes find themselves + almost unconsciously acting in concert, and conspiring to complete + that great and holy work of which the emancipation of the slave was + but the commencement. + +[Sidenote: The labouring classes.] + +On a general survey of the state of the labouring classes, taken after +he had been a little more than a year in the island, he was able to give +a most favourable report of their condition, in all that concerns material +prosperity and comfort of living. + + The truth is (he wrote) that our labourers are for the most part in + the position of persons who live habitually within their incomes. They + are generally sober and frugal, and accustomed to a low standard of + living. Their gardens supply them in great measure with the + necessaries of life. The chief part, therefore, of what they receive + in money, whether as wages or as the price of the surplus produce of + their provision grounds, they can lay aside for occasional calls, and, + when they set their minds on an acquisition or an indulgence, they do + not stickle at the cost. I am told that, in the shops at Kingston, + expensive articles of dress are not unusually purchased by members of + the families of black labourers. Whether the ladies are good judges of + the merits of silks and cambrics I do not pretend to decide; but they + pay ready money, and it is not for the sellers to cavil at their + discrimination. The purchase of land, as you well know, is going on + rapidly throughout the island; and the money thus invested must have + been chiefly, though not entirely, accumulated by the labouring + classes since slavery was abolished. A proprietor told me the other + day that he had, within twelve months, sold ten acres of land in small + lots, for the sum of 900_l_. The land sold at so high a price is + situated near a town, and the purchasers pay him an annual rent of + 50_s_. per acre, for provision grounds on the more distant parts + of the estate. Again, in most districts, the labourers are possessed + of horses, for which they often pay handsomely. A farm servant not + unfrequently gives from 12_l_. to 20_l_. for an animal which + he intends to employ, not for purposes of profit, but in riding to + church, or on occasions of festivity. + + Whence then are these funds derived? That the peasantry are generally + frugal and sober I have already observed. But they are assuredly not + called to tax their physical powers unduly, in order to achieve the + independence I have described. Although the estate I lately visited is + well managed, and the best understanding subsists between employer and + labourers, the latter seldom made their appearance in the field until + some time after I had sallied forth for my morning walk. They work on + the estate only nine days in the fortnight, devoting the alternate + Fridays to the cultivation of their provision grounds, and the + Saturdays to marketing and amusements. On the whole, seeing that the + climate is suited to their constitutions, that they experience none of + the drawbacks to which new settlers, even in the most fertile + countries, are subject, that they are by disposition and temperament a + cheerful race, I much doubt whether any people on the face of the + globe enjoy as large a share of happiness as the Creole peasantry of + this island. And this is a representation not over-charged, or highly + coloured, but drawn in all truth and sobriety of the actual condition + of a population which was, a very few years ago, subjected to the + degrading, depressing influences of slavery. Well may you and others + who took part in the work of emancipation rejoice in the success of + your great experiment. + +But was it possible to indulge the same feelings of exultation when +contemplating their condition morally, and marking the indications of +advance towards a higher state of civilisation? In the island itself +controversy was rife as to the degree in which such results had been +already achieved, and the promise of further progress. Some of the more +enthusiastic and ardent of that class of persons who had been the zealous +advocates of the interests of the Negro population at a former period, +were now disposed to judge most hardly of their conduct. Their very +sympathy with the victims of the system formerly prevailing, led them to +conceive unbounded hopes of the benefits, moral and social alike, which a +change would effect; the admirable behaviour of the peasantry at the time +of emancipation, confirmed such anticipations; and they were now beginning +to experience disappointment on finding that all they looked for was not +immediately realised. These feelings, however, Lord Elgin did not share. + + On the whole (he said) I feel confident that the moral results + consequent on the introduction of freedom, have been as satisfactory + as could in reason have been expected; and, notwithstanding the very + serious pecuniary loss which this measure has entailed in many + quarters, few indeed, even if they had the power to do so, would + consent to return to the system which has been abandoned. It is + gratifying in the highest degree to observe the feelings now + subsisting between those who lately stood to each other in the + relation of master and slave. Past wrongs are forgotten, and in the + every-day dealings between man and man the humanity of the labourer is + unhesitatingly recognised. + +[Sidenote: Religion.] + +We have seen how zealously Lord Elgin exerted himself to realise his own +hopes for the prosperity of the colony, by encouraging the spread of +secular and industrial education. Not that he regarded secular education +as all-sufficient. His sympathies[2] were entirely with those who believe +that, while 'it is a great and a good thing to know the laws that govern +this world, it is better still to have some sort of faith in the relations +of this world with another; that the knowledge of cause and effect can +never replace the motive to do right and avoid wrong; that our clergymen +and ministers are more useful than our schoolmasters; that Religion is the +motive power, the faculties are the machines: and the machines are useless +without the motive power.'[3] But, as a practical statesman, he felt that +the one kind of education he had it in his power to forward directly by +measures falling within his own legitimate province; while the other he +could only promote indirectly, by pointing out the need for it, and +drawing attention to the peculiar circumstances of the island respecting +it. The following are a few of the passages in which he refers to the +subject:-- + +[Sidenote: The Church.] + + Much has been done by the island legislature--more, I think, than + could reasonably have been looked for under the circumstances--towards + making provision for the religious necessities of the population. But + the daily formation of small mountain settlements, and the consequent + dispersion of large numbers in districts remote from the established + places of worship, adds greatly to the difficulty of extending to all + these humanising and civilising influences. The Church can keep its + footing here only by the exhibition of missionary zeal and devotion, + tempered by a spirit of Christian benevolence and conciliation. I + regret to say that some of the unhappy controversies which are vexing + the Church in England have broken out here of late. Discussions of + this nature are singularly unprofitable where the people need to be + instructed in the very rudiments of Christian knowledge, and where it + is so desirable to keep well with all who profess to have a similar + object in view. + + A single bishop in a colony, where large funds are provided by the + State for Church purposes, and where he is beyond the reach of the + public opinion of England, exercises a very great and irresponsible + authority. If a zealous man, of extreme views on points of doctrine, + the clergy of the diocese, looking to him alone for advancement in + their profession, are apt to echo his sentiments; and the wide folding + doors of our mother Church, which she flings open for the reception of + so many, to use Milton's words, 'brotherly dissimilitudes that are not + vastly disproportioned,' are contracted, to the exclusion, perchance, + of some whom it were desirable to retain in our communion. If, on the + other hand, he be a man of but moderate piety, ability, and firmness, + the importunity of friends at a distance, who may wish to provide for + dependents or connections, and other considerations which need not be + enumerated, may tempt him to lower the standard of ministerial + qualification, of which he is, of course, the sole judge. It requires + a person of much Christian principle, and singular moderation, + discretion, and tact, to administer powers of this nature well. I have + every hope that the bishop whom you have sent us will prove equal to + the task. For the sake of humanity and civilisation, as well as for + the interests of the island, I fervently trust that I may not be + disappointed in my expectations on this head. + +The complex and thwarting currents of interest and opinion that may exist +in a colony respecting the maintenance of a State Church are well +illustrated in the following extracts:-- + + Very soon after I arrived here, I felt satisfied that the conflicts of + party in the colony would ere long assume a new character. I perceived + that the hostility to the proprietary interests, which was supposed to + actuate certain classes of persons who had much influence with the + peasantry, was on the decline. Should a state of quiescence prove + incompatible with the maintenance of their hold on their flocks, + analogy led me to anticipate that the Established Church would, in all + probability, become an object of attack. + + Considering the facility with which the franchise may be acquired, it + is not a little remarkable that the constituency should have hitherto + increased so slowly. This phenomenon has not escaped the notice of the + opponents of the union of Church and State, and they have ascribed it + to the true cause. They are sensible that all uneducated population in + easy circumstances, without practical grievances, are not likely to be + intent on the acquisition of political privileges. They have, + therefore, undertaken to supply them with a grievance, in order to + whet their appetite for the franchise, and also to provide them with + guides who shall instruct them in the proper use of it. But in + attempting to carry this scheme into effect they have encountered an + obstacle, which has, for the time, entirely frustrated their + intentions. The more educated and intelligent of the brown party + listen with disapprobation to the tone in which the Baptist ministers + and their adherents arrogate to themselves exclusively the title of + friends and leaders of the black population. Many persons of this + class have already embarked in public life; some, as members of + Assembly, have taken part in those transactions which are the object + of the bitterest denunciations of the Anti-Church party. A few are + Churchmen, others Wesleyans. The prospect of a Baptist oligarchy + ruling in undivided sway disquiets them. They have their doubts as to + whether, in the present stage of our civilisation, the peasantry of + this Island would evince much discrimination in their selection of a + religion if left in that matter entirely to themselves. In the + chequered array of colours which our religious world even now + presents, comprising every shade, from Roman Catholicism and Judaism, + to Myalism, and providing spiritual gratification for every eye, they + still think it, on the whole, desirable that predominance should be + given to some one over the rest. Many have experienced the bounty of + the legislature, which has been most liberal in affording aid to all + sects who have applied for it. They are not, therefore, as yet ready + for the overthrow of the Church Establishment. But I will not take + upon myself to affirm that, as a body, they are prepared to incur + political martyrdom in its defence. + +But apart from the difficulties--social, moral, and religious--at which we +have glanced, there was enough in the political aspect of affairs to fill +the Governor of Jamaica with anxiety. The franchise being within the reach +of every one who chose to stretch out a hand and grasp it, might at any +time be claimed by vast numbers of persons who had recently been slaves, +and were still generally illiterate. And the Assembly for which this +constituency had to provide members exercised great authority within its +own sphere. It discharged a large portion of the functions which usually +devolve upon an Executive Government; it initiated all legislative +measures, besides voting the supplies from year to year. What hope was +there that a body so constituted would wield such powers with discretion? + +[Sidenote: Harmonising influence of British institutions.] + +Lord Elgin's answer to this question shows that he already cherished that +faith in the harmonising influence of British institutions on a mixed +population, which afterwards, at a critical period of Canadian history, +was the mainspring of his policy. + + A sojourner in this sea of the Antilles, who is watching with + heartfelt anxiety the progress of the great experiment of Negro + emancipation (an experiment which must result in failure unless + religion and civilisation minister to the mind that freedom which the + enactments of law have secured for the body), might well be tempted to + view the prospect to which I have now introduced you with some + feelings of misgiving, were he not reassured by his firm reliance on + the harmonising influence of British connexion, and the power of self- + adaptation inherent in our institutions. On the one side he sees the + model Republic of Hayti--a coloured community, which has enjoyed + nearly half a century of entire independence and self-rule. And with + what issues? As respects moral and intellectual culture, stagnation: + in all that concerns material development, a fatal retrogression. He + beholds there, at this day, a miserable parody of European and + American institutions, without the spirit that animates either: the + tinsel of French sentiment on the ground of negro ignorance: even the + 'sacred right of 'insurrection' burlesqued: a people which has for its + only living belief an ill-defined apprehension of the superiority of + the white man, and, for the rest, blunders on without faith in what + regards this world or that which is to come. + + He turns his eyes to another quarter and perceives the cluster of + states which have formed themselves from the breakup of the Spanish + continental dominions. What ground of consolation or hope does he + discover there? + + These illustrations of the working of free systems constructed out of + the wreck of a broken-down African Slave Trade are not indeed + encouraging; but neither do they, in my opinion, warrant despair. I + believe that by great caution and diligence, by firmness and + gentleness on the part of the parent state, and much prudence in the + instruments which it employs, a people with a heart and soul may be + built up out of the materials in our hands. I regard our local + constitution as a _fait accompli_, and have no desire to remove a + stone of the fabric. I think that a popular representative system is, + perhaps, the best expedient that can be devised for blending into one + harmonious whole a community composed of diverse races and colour, and + this conviction is strengthened when I read the observations of Sir H. + Macleod and Governor Light, on the coloured classes in Demerara and + Trinidad. In colonies which have no assemblies, it would appear that + aspiring intellects have not the same opportunity of finding their + level, and pent up ambitions lack a vent. + +In studying the play of the various forces at work around him, and in +endeavouring to direct them to good issues, Lord Elgin found the best +solace for the domestic sorrow which darkened this period of his life. He +lived chiefly in retirement, at a country-house called Craigton, in the +Blue Mountains, with his sister, now Lady Charlotte Locker, and his +brother Robert, who was also his most able and efficient secretary; seeing +little society beyond that occasioned by official intercourse and +receptions, which were never intermitted at Spanish Town, the seat of +Government. The isolation and monotony of this position, broken only once +by a conference held with some of the neighbouring Governors on a question +of common interest respecting immigration, could not fail to be +distasteful to his active spirit; and when it had lasted over three years, +it was not unnatural that he should seek to be relieved from it. Early in +1845 we find him writing to Lord Stanley as follows:-- + +[Sidenote: Resignation.] + + I am warned by the commencement of the year 1845 that I have filled + the situation of Governor of Jamaica for as long a time as any of my + predecessors since the Duke of Manchester. The period of my + administration has not been marked by striking incidents, but it has + been one of considerable social progress. Uninterrupted harmony has + prevailed between the colonists and the local Government; and it may + perhaps, without exaggeration, be affirmed, that the spirit of + enterprise which has proceeded from Jamaica during the past two years + has enabled the British West Indian colonies to endure, with + comparative fortitude, apprehensions and difficulties which might + otherwise have depressed them beyond measure. Circumstances have, + however, occurred since my arrival in the colony, unconnected with + public affairs, which have materially affected my views in life, and + which made me contemplate with much repugnance the prospect of an + indefinitely prolonged sojourn in this place. Without dwelling at any + greater length on these painful topics, I venture to trust that you + will acquit me of undue presumption when I assure you, that in my + present forlorn and isolated position, nothing enables me to persevere + in the discharge of my duties, except the hope that my humble services + may earn for me your confidence and the approbation of my Sovereign, + and prove not altogether unprofitable to the community over whose + interests I am appointed to watch. + +He remained, however, at his post for more than a year longer, and quitted +it in the spring of 1846 on leave of absence, with the understanding that +he should not be required to return to Jamaica. + +[Sidenote: Appointment to Canada.] + +During nearly the whole period of his government the seals of the Colonial +Office had been held by Lord Stanley, to whom he owed his appointment; and +at the break-up of the Tory party, in the beginning of 1846, they passed +into the hands of his old schoolfellow and college friend, Mr. Gladstone. +But he had scarcely arrived in England when a new Secretary arose in the +person of Lord Grey, to whom he was unknown except by reputation. It is +all the more creditable to both parties that, in spite of their political +differences, Lord Grey should first have endeavoured to induce him, on +public grounds alone, to retain the government of Jamaica, with the +promise of his unreserved confidence and most cordial support; and shortly +afterwards, should have offered to him the still more important post of +Governor-General of British North America. 'I believe,' wrote his +Lordship, in making the offer, 'that it would be difficult to point out +any situation in which great talents would find more scope for useful +exertion, or are more wanted at this moment, and I am sure that I could +not hope to find anyone whom I could recommend to Her Majesty for that +office with so much confidence as yourself.' + +So splendid an offer, made in a manner so gratifying, might well overcome +any reluctance which Lord Elgin felt to embark at once on a fresh period +of expatriation, and to resume labours which, however cordially they may +be appreciated by a minister, are apt to meet with little recognition from +the public. + +He accepted it, not in the spirit of mere selfish ambition, but with a +deep sense of the responsibilities attached to it, which he portrayed in +earnest and forcible words at a public dinner at Dunfermline:-- + + To watch over the interests of those great offshoots of the British + race which plant themselves in distant lands; to aid them in their + efforts to extend the domain of civilisation, and to fulfil that first + behest of a benevolent Creator to His intelligent creatures--'subdue + the earth;' to abet the generous endeavour to impart to these rising + communities the full advantages of British laws, British institutions, + and British freedom; to assist them in maintaining unimpaired, it may + be in strengthening and confirming, those bonds of mutual affection + which unite the parent and dependent states--these are duties not to + be lightly undertaken, and which may well claim the exercise of all + the faculties and energies of an earnest and patriotic mind. + +It was arranged that he should go to Canada at the end of the year. In the +interval he became engaged to Lady Mary Louisa Lambton, daughter of the +first Earl of Durham. They were married on November 7th, and in the first +days of the year 1847 he sailed for America. + + +[1] It is impossible not to be struck with the applicability of + these remarks to the condition of the agricultural poor in some parts + of England, and the question of extending among them the benefits of + education. + +[2] Vide inf. p. 156. + +[3] See the speech of Mr. W.E. Forster, at Leeds, May 20, 1869. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +CANADA. + +STATE OF THE COLONY--FIRST IMPRESSIONS--PROVINCIAL POLITICS--'RESPONSIBLE +GOVERNMENT'--IRISH IMMIGRANTS--UPPER CANADA--CHANGE OF MINISTRY--FRENCH +HABITANTS--THE FRENCH QUESTION--THE IRISH--THE BRITISH--DISCONTENTS; THEIR +CAUSES AND REMEDIES--NAVIGATION LAWS--RETROSPECT--SPEECH ON EDUCATION. + + +[Sidenote: View of the state of Canada.] + +In passing from Jamaica to Canada, Lord Elgin went not only to a far wider +sphere of action, but to one of infinitely greater complication. For in +Canada there were two civilised populations of nearly equal power, viewing +each other with traditionary dislike and distrust: the French +_habitans_ of the Lower Province, strong in their connexion with the +past, and the British settlers, whose energy and enterprise gave +unmistakable promise of predominance in the future. Canada had, within a +few miles of her capital, a powerful and restless neighbour, whose +friendly intentions were not always sufficient to restrain the unruly +spirits on her frontier from acts of aggression, which might at any time +lead to the most serious complications. Moreover, in Canada representative +institutions were already more fully developed than in any other colony, +and were at this very time passing through the most critical period of +their final development. + +[Sidenote: Rebellion of 1837.] +[Sidenote: Lord Durham's Report.] +[Sidenote: Lord Sydenham.] +[Sidenote: Sir C. Bagot.] +[Sidenote: Lord Metcalfe.] + +The rebellion of 1837 and 1838 had necessarily checked the progress of the +colony towards self-government. It has since been acknowledged that the +demands which led to that rebellion were such as England would have gladly +granted two or three hundred years before; and they were, in fact, +subsequently conceded one after another, 'not from terror, but because, on +seriously looking at the case, it was found that after all we had no +possible interest in withholding them.'[1] But at the time it was +necessary to put down the rebels by force, and to establish military +government. In 1838 Lord Durham was sent out as High Commissioner for the +Adjustment of the Affairs of the Colony, and his celebrated 'Report' sowed +the seeds of all the beneficial changes which followed. So early as +October 1839, when Poulett Thomson, afterwards Lord Sydenham, went out as +Governor, Lord John Russell took the first step towards the introduction +of 'responsible government,' by announcing that the principal offices of +the colony 'would not be considered as being held by a tenure equivalent +to one during good behaviour, but that the holders would be liable to be +called upon to retire whenever, from motives of public policy or for +other reasons, this should be found expedient.'[2] But the insurrection +was then too recent to allow of constitutional government being +established, at least in Lower Canada; and, after the Union in 1840, Lord +Sydenham exercised, partly owing to his great ability, much more power +than is usually enjoyed by constitutional governors. He exercised it, +however, in such a manner as to pave the way for a freer system, which was +carried out to a great extent by his successor, Sir Charles Bagot; who, +though bearing the reputation of an old-fashioned Tory, did not scruple to +admit to his counsels persons who had been active in opposing the Crown +during the recent rebellion; acting on 'the broad principle that the +constitutional majority had the right to rule under the constitution.'[3] +Towards the end of 1842, Sir C. Bagot found himself obliged by continued +ill-health to resign; and he was succeeded by Lord Metcalfe--a man, as has +been before noticed, of singularly popular manners and conciliatory +disposition, but whose views of government, formed in India and confirmed +in Jamaica, little fitted him to deal at an advanced age with the novel +questions presented by Canada at this crisis. A quarrel arose between him +and his Ministry on a question of patronage. The ministers resigned, +though supported by a large majority in the Assembly. With great +difficulty he formed a Conservative administration, and immediately +dissolved his Parliament. The new elections gave a small majority to the +Conservatives, chiefly due, it was said, to the exertion of his personal +influence; but the success was purchased at a ruinous cost, for he was now +in the position, fatal to a governor, of a party man. Even from this +situation he might perhaps have been able to extricate himself: so great +was the respect felt for his rare qualities of mind and character. But a +distressing malady almost incapacitated him for the discharge of public +business, and at length, in November 1845, forced him to resign. At this +time there was some apprehension of difficulties with America, arising +from the Oregon question, and, in view of the possibility of war, Mr. +Gladstone, who was then at the Colonial Office, appointed Lord Cathcart, +the commander of the forces, to be Governor-General. + +[Sidenote: Lord Cathcart.] + +When the Whig party came into power, and Lord Grey became Secretary for +the Colonies, the Oregon difficulty had been happily settled, and it was +no longer necessary or desirable that the colony should be governed by a +military officer. What was wanted was a person possessing an intimate +knowledge of the principles and practice of the constitution of England, +some experience of popular assemblies, and considerable familiarity with +the political questions of the day.'[4] After much consideration it was +decided to offer the post to Lord Elgin, though personally unknown at the +time both to the Premier and to the Secretary for the Colonies. + +[Sidenote: Principles of Colonial Government.] + +The principles on which Lord Elgin undertook to conduct the affairs of the +colony were, that he should identify himself with no party, but make +himself a mediator and moderator between the influential of all parties; +that he should have no ministers who did not enjoy the confidence of the +Assembly, or, in the last resort, of the people; and that he should not +refuse his consent to any measure proposed by his Ministry, unless it were +of an extreme party character, such as the Assembly or the people would be +sure to disapprove.[4] Happily these principles were not, in Lord Elgin's +case, of yesterday's growth. He had acted upon them, as far as was +possible, even in Jamaica; and in their soundness as applied to a colony +like Canada he had that firm faith, grounded on original conviction, which +alone could have enabled him to maintain them, as he afterwards did, +single-handed, in face of the most violent opposition, and in +circumstances by which they were most severely tested. + +[Sidenote: Crossing the Atlantic.] + +It was fortunate that Lord Elgin had arranged to leave his bride in +England, to follow at a less inclement season; for he had an unusually +stormy passage across the Atlantic--'the worst passage the ship had ever +made.' + +Writing on the 16th of January to Lady Grey he says: + + Hitherto we have had a very boisterous passage. On the 13th we had a + hurricane, and were obliged to lie to--a rare occurrence with these + vessels. It was almost impossible to be on deck, but I crept out of a + hole for a short time, to behold the sea, which was truly grand in its + wrath; the waves rolling mountains high, and the wind sweeping the + foam off their crests, and driving it, together with the snow and + sleet, almost horizontally over the ocean. We lay thus for some hours, + our masts covered with snow, pitching and tossing, now in the trough + of the sea, and now on the summit of the billows, without anxiety or + alarm, so gallantly did our craft bear itself through these perils. + + The ship is very full, with half a million of specie, and a motley + group of passengers: a Bishop, an ex-secretary of Legation and an + ex-consul, both of the United States; a batch of Germans and of + Frenchmen; a host of Yankees, the greater part being bearded, which + is, I understand, characteristic of young America, particularly when + it travels; some specimens of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Canada, and + the Rocky Mountains, not to mention English and Scotch. Every now and + then, at the most serious moments, sounds of uproarious mirth proceed + from a party of Irish, who are playing antics in some corner of the + ship. Considering that we are all hemmed in within the space of a few + feet, and that it is the amusement of the great restless ocean to + pitch us constantly into each other's arms, it is hard indeed if we do + not pick up something new in the scramble. + +[Sidenote: First impressions.] + +On the 25th of January he landed at Boston, and proceeding next day by +railway and sleigh, reached Montreal on the 29th. On the 31st he wrote +from Monklands, the suburban residence of the governor, to Lady Elgin:-- + + Yesterday was my great day. I agreed to make my entrance to Montreal, + for the purpose of being inaugurated. The morning was unpropitious. + There had been a tremendous storm during the night, and the snow had + drifted so much that it seemed doubtful whether a sleigh could go from + hence to town (about four miles). I said that I had no notion of being + deterred by weather. Accordingly, I got into a one-horse sleigh, with + very small runners, which conveyed me to the entrance of the town, + where I was met by the Mayor and Corporation with an address. I then + got into Lord Cathcart's carriage, accompanied by the Mayor, and a + long procession of carriages was formed. We drove slowly to the + Government House (in the town), through a dense mass of people--all + the societies, trades, &c., with their banners. Nothing could be more + gratifying. After the swearing in, at which the public were present, + the Mayor read another address from the inhabitants. To this I + delivered a reply, which produced, I think, a considerable effect, and + no little astonishment on some gentlemen who intended that I should + say nothing. I have adopted frankly and unequivocally Lord Durham's + view of government, and I think that I have done all that could be + done to prevent its being perverted to vile purposes of faction. + + Various circumstances combined to smooth, for the time, the waters on + which Lord Elgin had embarked. The state of political parties was + favourable; for the old Tories of the British 'Family Compact' party + were in good humour, being in enjoyment of the powers to which they + claimed a prescriptive right, while the 'Liberals' of the Opposition + were full of hope that the removal of Lord Metcalfe's disturbing + influence would restore their proper preponderance. Something also was + due to his own personal qualities. Whereas most of his immediate + predecessors had been men advanced in years and enfeebled by + ill-health, he was in the full enjoyment of vigorous youth--able, if + need were, to work whole days at a stretch; to force his way through a + Canadian snow-storm, if his presence was required at a public meeting; + to make long and rapid journeys through the province, ever ready to + receive an address, and give an _impromptu_ reply. The papers soon + began to remark on the 'geniality and affability of 'his demeanour.' + 'He is daily,' they said, 'making new 'friends. He walks to church, + attends public meetings, 'leads the cheering, and is, in fact, a man + of the people.' Before long it was added, 'Our new governor is 'the + most effective speaker in the province;' and, thanks to his foreign + education, he was able to speak as readily and fluently to the French + Canadians in French as to the English in English. Added to this, his + recent marriage was a passport to the hearts of many in Canada, who + looked back to the late Lord Durham as the apostle of their liberties, + if not as a martyr in their cause. + +[Sidenote: Provincial politics.] + +But though the surface was smooth, there was much beneath to disquiet an +observant governor. It was not only that the Ministry was so weak, and so +conscious of its weakness, as to be incapable even of proposing any +measures of importance. This evil might be remedied by a change of +administration. But there was no real political life; only that pale and +distorted reflection of it which is apt to exist in a colony before it has +learned 'to look within itself for the centre of power.' Parties formed +themselves, not on broad issues of principle, but with reference to petty +local and personal interests; and when they sought the support of a more +widespread sentiment, they fell back on those antipathies of race, which +it was the main object of every wise Governor to extinguish. + +The following extracts from private letters to Lord Grey, written within a +few months of his arrival, reflect this state of things. Though the +circumstances to which they refer are past and gone, they may not be +without interest, as affording an insight into a common phase of colonial +government. + + Hitherto things have gone on well with me, much better than I hoped + for when we parted. I should have been very willing to meet the + Assembly at once, and throw myself with useful measures on the good + sense of the people, but my ministers are too weak for this. They seem + to be impressed with the belief that the regular Opposition will of + course resist whatever they propose, and that any fragments of their + own side, who happen not to be able at the moment to get what they + want, will join them. When I advise them, therefore, to go down to + Parliament with good measures and the prestige of a new Governor, and + rely on the support of public opinion, they smile and shake their + heads. It is clear that they are not very credulous of the existence + of such a controlling power, and that their faith in the efficiency of + appeals to selfish and sordid motives is greater than mine. + + Nevertheless, we must take the world as we find it, and if new + elements of strength are required to enable the Government to go on, + it is I think very advisable to give the French a fair opportunity of + entering the Ministry in the first instance. It is also more prudent + to enter upon these delicate negotiations cautiously and slowly, in + order to avoid, if possible, giving the impression that I am ready to + jump down everybody's throat the moment I touch the soil of Canada. + + I believe that the problem of how to govern United Canada would be + solved if the French would split into a Liberal and a Conservative + party, and join the Upper Canada parties which bear corresponding + names. The great difficulty hitherto has been that a Conservative + government has meant a government of Upper Canadians, which is + intolerable to the French, and a Radical government a government of + French, which is no less hateful to the British. No doubt the party + titles are misnomers, for the radical party comprises the political + section most averse to progress of any in the country. Nevertheless, + so it has been hitherto. The national element would be merged in the + political if the split to which I refer were accomplished. + +The tottering Ministry attempted to strengthen its position by a junction +with some of the leaders of the 'French' party; but the attempt was +unsuccessful: + + I cannot say that I am surprised or disheartened by the result of + these negotiations with the French. In a community like this, where + there is little, if anything, of public principle to divide men, + political parties will shape themselves under the influence of + circumstances, and of a great variety of affections and antipathies, + national, sectarian, and personal; and I never proposed to attempt to + force them into a mould of my own forming. + + You will observe that no question of principle or of public policy has + been mooted by either party during the negotiation. The whole + discussion has turned upon personal considerations. This is, I fancy, + a pretty fair sample of Canadian politics. It is not even pretended + that the divisions of party represent corresponding divisions of + sentiment on questions which occupy the public mind; such as + Voluntaryism, Free Trade, &c., &c. Responsible government is the only + subject on which this coincidence is alleged to exist. The opponents + of the Administration are supposed to dissent from the views held by + Lord Metcalfe upon it, though it is not so clear that its supporters + altogether adopt them. That this delicate and most debatable subject + should furnish the watchwords of party is most inconvenient. + + In enumerating the difficulties which surround such questions as Union + of the provinces, Emigration, &c., you omit the greatest of them all; + viz.: the materials with which I have to work in carrying out any + measures for the public advantage. There are half a dozen parties + here, standing on no principles, and all intent on making political + capital out of whatever turns up. It is exceedingly difficult, under + such circumstances, to induce public men to run the risk of adopting + any scheme that is bold or novel. + +Keenly alive to the evil of this state of things, Lord Elgin was not less +sensible that the blame of it did not rest with the existing generation of +Canadian politicians, but that it was the result of a variety of +circumstances, some of which it was impossible to regret. + + Several causes (he wrote) co-operate together to give to personal and + party interests the overweening importance which attaches to them in + the estimation of local politicians. There are no real grievances here + to stir the depths of the popular mind. We are a comfortable people, + with plenty to eat and drink, no privileged classes to excite envy, or + taxes to produce irritation. It were ungrateful to view these + blessings with regret, and yet I believe that they account in some + measure for the selfishness of public men and their indifference to + the higher aims of statesmanship. + +[Sidenote: Responsible government.] + + The comparatively small number of members of which the popular bodies + who determine the fate of provincial administrations consist, is also, + I am inclined to think, unfavourable to the existence of a high order + of principle and feeling among official personages. A majority of ten + in an assembly of seventy may probably be, according to Cocker, + equivalent to a majority of 100 in an assembly of 700. In practice, + however, it is far otherwise. The defection of two or three + individuals from the majority of ten puts the administration in peril. + Thence the perpetual patchwork and trafficking to secure this vote and + that, which (not to mention other evils) so engrosses the time and + thoughts of ministers, that they have not leisure for matters of + greater moment. It must also be remembered that it is only of late + that the popular assemblies in this part of the world have acquired + the right of determining who shall govern them--of insisting, as we + phrase it, that the administration of affairs shall be conducted by + persons enjoying their confidence. It is not wonderful that a + privilege of this kind should be exercised at first with some degree + of recklessness, and that, while no great principles of policy are at + stake, methods of a more questionable character for winning and + retaining the confidence of these arbiters of destiny should be + resorted to. My course in these circumstances is, I think, clear and + plain. It may be somewhat difficult to follow occasionally, but I feel + no doubt as to the direction in which it lies. I give to my ministers + all constitutional support, frankly and without reserve, and the + benefit of the best advice that I can afford them in their + difficulties. In return for this I expect that they will, in so far as + it is possible for them to do so, carry out my views for the + maintenance of the connexion with Great Britain and the advancement of + the interests of the province. On this tacit understanding we have + acted together harmoniously up to this time, although I have never + concealed from them that I intend to do nothing which may prevent me + from working cordially with their opponents, if they are forced upon + me. That ministries and Oppositions should occasionally change places, + is of the very essence of our constitutional system, and it is + probably the most conservative element which it contains. By + subjecting all sections of politicians in their turn to official + responsibilities, it obliges heated partisans to place some restraint + on passion, and to confine within the bounds of decency the patriotic + zeal with which, when out of place, they are wont to be animated. In + order, however, to secure these advantages, it is indispensable that + the head of the Government should show that he has confidence in the + loyalty of all the influential parties with which he has to deal, and + that he should have no personal antipathies to prevent him from acting + with leading men. + + I feel very strongly that a Governor-General, by acting upon these + views with tact and firmness, may hope to establish a moral influence + in the province which will go far to compensate for the loss of power + consequent on the surrender of patronage to an executive responsible + to the local Parliament. Until, however, the functions of his office, + under our amended colonial constitution, are more clearly defined-- + until that middle term which shall reconcile the faithful discharge of + his responsibility to the Imperial Government and the province with + the maintenance of the quasi-monarchical relation in which he now + stands towards the community over which he presides, be discovered and + agreed upon, he must be content to tread along a path which is + somewhat narrow and slippery, and to find that incessant watchfulness + and some dexterity are requisite to prevent him from falling, on the + one side into the _néant_ of mock sovereignty, or on the other + into the dirt and confusion of local factions. + +Many of his letters exhibit the same conviction that the remedy for the +evils which he regretted was to be found in the principles of government +first asserted by Lord Durham; but there is a special interest in the +expression of this sentiment when addressed, as in the following extract, +to Lord Durham's daughter:-- + + I still adhere to my opinion that the real and effectual vindication + of Lord Durham's memory and proceedings will be _the success of a + Governor-General of Canada who works out his views of government + fairly_. Depend upon it, if this country is governed for a few + years satisfactorily, Lord Durham's reputation as a statesman will be + raised beyond the reach of cavil. I do not indeed know whether I am to + be the instrument to carry out this work, or be destined, like others + who have gone before me, to break down in the attempt; but I am still + of opinion that the thing may be done, though it requires some good + fortune and some qualities not of the lowest order. I find on my + arrival here a very weak Government, almost as much abused by their + friends as by their foes, no civil or private secretary, and an + immense quantity of arrears of business. It is possible, therefore, + that I may not be able to bear up against the difficulties of my + situation, and that it may remain for some one else to effect that + object, which many reasons would render me so desirous to achieve. + +[Sidenote: Irish immigration,] + +With these cares, which formed the groundwork of the texture of the +Governor's life, were interwoven from time to time interests of a more +temporary character; of which the first in date, as in importance, was +connected with the flood of immigration consequent on the Irish famine of +1847. + +During the course of the season nearly 100,000 immigrants landed at +Quebec, a large proportion of whom were totally destitute, and must have +perished had they not been forwarded at the cost of the public. Owing to +various causes, contagious fever of a most malignant character prevailed +among them, to an unexampled extent; the number confined at one time in +hospitals occasionally approached 10,000: and though the mortality among +children was very great, nearly 1,000 immigrant orphans were left during +the season at Montreal, besides a proportionate number at Grosse Isle, +Quebec, Kingston, Toronto, and other places. + +In this manner 'army after army of sick and suffering people, fleeing from +famine in their native land to be stricken down by death in the valley of +the St. Lawrence, stopped in rapid succession at Grosse Isle, and there +leaving numbers of their dead behind, pushed upwards towards the lakes, in +over-crowded steamers, to burthen the inhabitants of the western towns and +villages.'[5] + +The people of Canada exerted themselves nobly, under the direction of +their Governor, to meet the sudden call upon their charity; but he felt +deeply for the sufferings which it entailed upon the colony, and he did +not fail to point out to Lord Grey how severe was the strain thus laid on +her loyalty:-- + +[Sidenote: a scourge to the province.] + + The immigration which is now taking place is a frightful scourge to + the province. Thousands upon thousands of poor wretches are coming + here incapable of work, and scattering the seeds of disease and death. + Already five or six hundred orphans are accumulated at Montreal, for + whose sustenance, until they can be put out to service, provision must + be made. Considerable panic exists among the inhabitants. Political + motives contribute to swell the amount of dissatisfaction produced by + this state of things. The Opposition make the want of adequate + provision to meet this overwhelming calamity, in the shape of + hospitals, &c., a matter of charge against the Provincial + Administration. That section of the French who dislike British + immigration at all times, find, as might be expected, in the + circumstances of this year, a theme for copious declamation. Persons + who cherish republican sympathies ascribe these evils to our dependent + condition as colonists--'the States of the Union,' they say, 'can take + care of themselves, and avert the scourge from their shores, but we + are victims on whom inhuman Irish landlords, &c., can charge the + consequences of their neglect and rapacity.' Meanwhile I have a very + delicate and irksome duty to discharge. There is a general belief + that Great Britain must make good to the province the expenses + entailed on it by this visitation. 'It is enough,' say the + inhabitants, 'that our houses should be made a receptacle of this mass + of want and misery: it cannot surely be intended that we are to be + mulcted in heavy pecuniary damages besides.' The reasonableness of + these sentiments can hardly be questioned--bitter indignation would be + aroused by the attempt to confute them--and yet I feel that if I were + too freely to assent to them, I might encourage recklessness, + extravagance, and peculation. From the overwhelming nature of the + calamity, and the large share which it has naturally occupied of the + attention of Parliament and of the public, the task of making + arrangements to meet the necessities of the case has practically been + withdrawn from the department of the Civil Secretary, and fallen into + the hands of the Provincial Administration. In assenting to the + various minutes which they have passed for affording relief to the + sick and destitute, and for guarding against the spread of disease, I + have felt it to be my duty, even at the risk of incurring the + imputation of insensibility to the claims of distress, to urge the + necessity of economy, and of adopting all possible precautions against + waste. You will at once perceive, however, how embarrassing my + position is. A source of possible misunderstanding between myself and + the colonists is furnished by these untoward circumstances, altogether + unconnected with the ordinary, or, as I may perhaps venture to term + them, normal difficulties of my situation. + + On the whole, all things considered, I think that a great deal of + forbearance and good feeling has been shown by the colonists under + this trial. Nothing can exceed the devotion of the nuns and Roman + Catholic priests, and the conduct of the clergy and of many of the + laity of other denominations has been most exemplary. Many lives have + been sacrificed in attendance on the sick and administering to their + temporal and spiritual need. But the aspect of affairs is becoming + more and more alarming. The panic which prevails in Montreal and + Quebec is beginning to manifest itself in the Upper Province, and + farmers are unwilling to hire even the healthy immigrants, because it + appears that since the warm weather set in, typhus has broken out in + many cases among those who were taken into service at the commencement + of the season, as being perfectly free from disease. I think it most + important that the Home Government should do all in their power by + enforcing the provisions of the Passengers' Act, and by causing these + facts to be widely circulated, to stem this tide of misery. + + * * * * * + + What is to be done? Private charity is exhausted. In a country where + pauperism as a normal condition of society is unknown, you have not + local rates for the relief of destitution to fall back upon. Humanity + and prudence alike forbid that they should be left to perish in the + streets. The exigency of the case can manifestly be met only by an + expenditure of public funds. + +[Sidenote: The charge should be borne by the mother-country.] + + But by whom is this charge to be borne? You urge, that when the first + pressure is past, the province will derive, in various ways, advantage + from this immigration,--that the provincial administration, who + prescribe the measures of relief, have means, which the Imperial + authorities have not, of checking extravagance and waste; and you + conclude that their constituents ought to be saddled with at least a + portion of the expense. I readily admit the justice of the latter + branch of this argument, but I am disposed to question the force of + the former. The benefit which the province will derive from this + year's immigration is, at best, problematical; and it is certain that + they who are to profit by it would willingly have renounced it, + whatever it may be, on condition of being relieved from the evils by + which it has been attended. Of the gross number of immigrants who have + reached the province, many are already mouldering in their graves. + Among the survivors there are widows and orphans, and aged and + diseased persons, who will probably be for an indefinite period a + burden on Government or private charity. A large proportion of the + healthy and prosperous, who have availed themselves of the cheap route + of the St. Lawrence, will, I fears find their way to the Western + States, where land is procurable on more advantageous terms than in + Canada. To refer, therefore, to the 82,000 immigrants who have passed + into the States through New York, and been absorbed there without cost + to the mother-country, and to contrast this circumstance with the + heavy expense which has attended the admission of a smaller number + into Canada, is hardly just. In the first place, of the 82,000 who + went to New York, a much smaller proportion were sickly or destitute; + and, besides, by the laws of the state, ship-owners importing + immigrants are required to enter into bonds, which are forfeited when + any of the latter become chargeable on the public. These, and other + precautions yet more stringent, were enforced so soon as the character + of this year's immigration was ascertained, and they had the effect of + turning towards this quarter the tide of suffering which was setting + in that direction. Even now, immigrants attempting to cross the + frontier from Canada are sent back, if they are either sickly or + paupers. On the whole, I fear that a comparison between the condition + of this province and that of the states of the neighbouring republic, + as affected by this year's immigration, would be by no means + satisfactory or provocative of dutiful and affectionate feelings + towards the mother-country on the part of the colonists. It is a case + in which, on every account, I think the Imperial Government is bound + to act liberally. + +[Sidenote: Lord Palmerston's tenants.] + +Month after month, the tide of misery flowed on, each wave sweeping deeper +into the heart of the province, and carrying off fresh victims of their +own benevolence. Unfortunately, just as navigation closed for the season, +a vessel arrived full of emigrants from Lord Palmerston's Irish estates. +They appear to have been rather a favourable specimen of their class; but +they came late, and they came from one of Her Majesty's Ministers, and +their coming was taken as a sign that England and England's rulers, in +their selfish desire to be rid of their starving and helpless poor, cared +nothing for the calamities they were inflicting on the colony. Writing on +November 12, Lord Elgin says:-- + + Fever cases among leading persons in the community here still continue + to excite much comment and alarm. This day the Mayor of Montreal + died,--a very estimable man, who did much for the immigrants, and to + whose firmness and philanthropy we chiefly owe it, that the immigrant + sheds here were not tossed into the river by the people of the town + during the summer. He has fallen a victim to his zeal on behalf of the + poor plague-stricken strangers, having died of ship-fever caught at + the sheds. Colonel Calvert is lying dangerously ill at Quebec, his + life despaired of. + + Meanwhile, great indignation is aroused by the arrival of vessels from + Ireland, with additional cargoes of immigrants, some in a very sickly + state, after our Quarantine Station is shut up for the season. + Unfortunately the last arrived brings out Lord Palmerston's tenants. I + send the commentaries on this contained in this day's newspapers.[6] + +[Sidenote: The flood subsides.] + +From this time, however, the waters began to subside. The Irish famine had +worked its own sad cure. In compliance with the urgent representations of +the Governor, the mother-country took upon herself all the expenses that +had been incurred by the colony on behalf of the immigrants of 1847; and +improved regulations respecting emigration offer ground for hope that the +fair stream, which ought to be full of life and health both to the colony +and to the parent state, will not again be choked and polluted, and its +plague-stricken waters turned into blood. + +[Sidenote: Visit to Upper Canada.] + +In the autumn of this year Lord Elgin paid his first visit to Upper +Canada, meeting everywhere with a reception which he felt to be 'most +gratifying and 'ncouraging;' and keenly enjoying both the natural beauties +of the country and the tokens of its prosperity which met his view. From +Niagara he wrote to Mr. Cumming Bruce:-- + +[Sidenote: Niagara.] + + I write with the roar of the Niagara Falls in my ears. We have come + here for a few days' rest, and that I may get rid of a bad cold in the + presence of this most stupendous of all the works of nature. It is + hopeless to attempt to describe what so many have been describing; but + the effect, I think, surpassed my expectations. The day was waning + when we arrived, and a turn of the road brought us all at once in face + of the mass of water forming the American Fall, and throwing itself + over the brink into the abyss. Then another turn and we were in + presence of the British Fall, over which a still greater volume of + water seems to be precipitated, and in the midst of which a white + cloud of spray was soaring till it rose far above the summit of the + ledge and was dispersed by the wind. This day we walked as far as the + Table Rock which overhangs one side of the Horse-shoe Fall, and made a + closer acquaintance with it; but intimacy serves rather to heighten + than to diminish the effect produced on the eye and the ear by this + wonderful phenomenon. + +The following to Lord Grey is of the same date:-- + + Our tour has been thus far prosperous in all respects except weather, + which has been by no means favourable. I attended a great Agricultural + Meeting at Hamilton last week, and had an opportunity of expressing my + sentiments at a dinner, in the presence of six or seven hundred + substantial Upper Canada yeomen--a body of men not easily to be + matched. + + It is indeed a glorious country, and after passing, as I have done + within the last fortnight, from the citadel of Quebec to the Falls of + Niagara, rubbing shoulders the while with its free and perfectly + independent inhabitants, one begins to doubt whether it be possible to + acquire a sufficient knowledge of man or nature, or to obtain an + insight into the future of nations, without visiting America. + +A portion of the speech to which he refers in the foregoing letter may be +here given, as a specimen of his occasional addresses, which were very +numerous; for though the main purposes of his life were such as 'wrote +themselves in action not in word,' he regarded his faculty of ready and +effective speaking as an engine which it was his duty to use, whenever +occasion arose, for the purpose of conciliating or instructing. In +proposing the toast of 'Prosperity to the Agricultural Association of +Upper Canada,' he said:-- + +[Sidenote: Speech at an agricultural meeting.] + + Gentlemen, the question forces itself upon every reflecting mind, How + does it come to pass that the introduction of agriculture, and of the + arts of civilised life, into this and other parts of the American + continent has been followed by such astonishing results? It may be + said that these results are due to the qualities of the hardy and + enterprising race by which these regions have been settled, and the + answer is undoubtedly a true one: but it does not appear to me to + contain the whole truth; it does not appear to account for all the + phenomena. Why, gentlemen, our ancestors had hearts as brave and arms + as sturdy as our own; but it took them many years, aye, even + centuries, before they were enabled to convert the forests of the + Druids, and the wild fastnesses of the Highland chieftains, into the + green pastures of England and the waving cornfields of Scotland. How, + then, does it come to pass, that the labours of their descendants here + have been rewarded by a return so much more immediate and abundant? I + believe that the true solution of this problem is to be found in the + fact that here, for the first time, the appliances of an age, which + has been prolific beyond all preceding ages in valuable discoveries, + more particularly in chemistry and mechanics, have been brought to + bear, under circumstances peculiarly favourable, upon the + productiveness of a new country. When the nations of Europe were + young, science was in its infancy; the art of civil government was + imperfectly understood; property was inadequately protected; the + labourer knew not who would reap what he had sown, and the teeming + earth yielded her produce grudgingly to the solicitations of an + ill-directed and desultory cultivation. It was not till long and + painful experience had taught the nations the superiority of the arts + of peace over those of war; it was not until the pressure of numbers + upon the means of subsistence had been sorely felt, that the ingenuity + of man was taxed to provide substitutes for those ineffective and + wasteful methods, under which the fertility of the virgin soil had + been well-nigh exhausted. But with you, gentlemen, it is far + otherwise. Canada springs at once from the cradle into the full + possession of the privileges of manhood. Canada, with the bloom of + youth yet upon her cheek, and with youth's elasticity in her tread, + has the advantage of all the experience of age. She may avail herself, + not only of the capital accumulated in older countries, but also of + those treasures of knowledge which have been gathered up by the labour + and research of earnest and thoughtful men throughout a series of + generations. + + Now, gentlemen, what is the inference that I would draw from all this? + What is the moral I would endeavour to impress upon you? It is this: + That it is your interest and your duty to avail yourselves to the + utmost of all these unparalleled advantages; to bring to bear upon + this soil, so richly endowed by nature, all the appliances of modern + art; to refuse, if I may so express myself, to convert your one talent + into _two_, if, by a more skilful application of the true + principles of husbandry, or by greater economy of management, you can + convert it into _ten_. And it is because I believe that societies + like these, when well directed, are calculated to aid you in your + endeavours to effect these important objects, that I am disposed to + give them all the protection and countenance, which it is in my power + to afford. They have certainly been very useful in other countries, + and I cannot see why they should be less serviceable in Canada. The + Highland Society of Scotland was the first instituted, and the proud + position which Scotland enjoys as an agricultural country speaks + volumes of the services rendered by that society. The Royal + Agricultural Society of England and the Royal Agricultural Society of + Ireland followed in its wake, and with similarly beneficial results. I + myself was instrumental in establishing an agricultural society in the + West Indies, which has already done much to revive the spirits of the + planters; and I shall be very much disappointed, indeed, if that + society does not prove the means, before many years are past, of + establishing the truth so important to humanity, that, even in + tropical countries, free labour properly applied under a good system + of husbandry is more economical than the labour of slaves. + +[Sidenote: Change of Ministry.] + +At the close of 1847 the Canadian Parliament was dissolved. When the new +Parliament met early in 1848, the Ministry--Lord Metcalfe's Ministry-- +found itself in a decided minority. A new one was accordingly formed from +the ranks of the opposition, 'the members of both parties concurring in +expressing their sense of the perfect fairness and impartiality with which +Lord Elgin had conducted himself throughout the transactions' which led to +this result.[7] + +[Sidenote: French _habitans_.] + +The French Canadians, who formed the chief element in the new government, +were even at this time a peculiar people. Planted in the days of the old +French monarchy, and cut off by conquest from the parent state long before +the Revolution of 1789, their little community remained for many years +like a fragment or boulder of a distinct formation--an island enshrining +the picturesque institutions of the _ancien régime_, in the midst of +an ever-encroaching sea of British nineteenth-century enterprise. The +English, it has been truly said, emigrate, but do not colonise. No +concourse of atoms could be more fortuitous than the gathering of +'traders, sailors, deserters from the army, outcasts, convicts, slaves, +democrats, and fanatics,' who have been the first, and sometimes the only +ingredients of society in our so-called colonies. French Canada, on the +contrary, was an organism complete in itself, a little model of medieval +France, with its recognised gradations of ranks, ecclesiastical and +social. + +It may, indeed, be doubted whether the highest forms of social life are +best propagated by this method: whether the freer system, which 'sows +itself on every wind,' does not produce the larger, and, in the long run, +the more beneficent results. But if reason acquiesces in the ultimate +triumph of that busy, pushing energy which distinguishes the British +settler, there is something very attractive to the imagination in the +picture presented by the peaceful community of French _habitans_, +living under the gentle and congenial control of their _coūtumes de +Paris_, with their priests and their seigneurs, their frugal, +industrious habits, their amiable dispositions and simple pleasures, and +their almost exaggerated reverence for order and authority. Politically +speaking, they formed a most valuable element in Canadian society. At one +time, indeed, the restless anarchical spirit of the settlers around them, +acting on the sentiment of French nationality, instigated them to the +rebellion of 1837; but, as a rule, their social sympathies were stronger +than their national antipathies; and gratitude to the Government which +secured to them the enjoyment of their cherished institutions kept them +true to England on more than one occasion when her own sons threatened to +fall away from her. + +By the legislative union of 1840 the barriers which had separated the +British and French communities were, to a great extent, broken down; and +the various elements in each began gradually to seek out and to combine +with those which were congenial to them in the other. But there were many +cross currents and thwarting influences; and there was great danger, as +Lord Elgin felt, lest they should form false combinations, on partial +views of local or personal interest, instead of uniting on broad +principles of social and political agreement. + +Such were the antecedents of the party which now, for the first time, +found itself admitted to the counsels of the Governor. Well might he write +to Lord Grey, that 'the province was about to pass through an interesting +crisis.' He was required, in obedience to his own principles, to accept as +advisers persons who had very lately been denounced by the Secretary of +State as well as by the Governor-General, as impracticable and disloyal. +On the other hand he reflected, with satisfaction, that in these +sentiments he himself had neither overtly nor covertly expressed +concurrence; while the most extravagant assertors of responsible +government had never accused him of stepping out of his constitutional +position. He felt, therefore, that the _onus probandi_ would rest on +his new councillors if they could not act with him, and put forth +pretensions to which he was unable to accede. At least he was determined +to give them a fair trial. Writing on the 17th of March he says:-- + + The late Ministers tendered their resignations in a body on Saturday + 4th, immediately after the division on the address, which took place + on Friday. I received and answered the address on Tuesday, and then + sent for Messrs. Lafontaine and Baldwin. I spoke to them in a candid + and friendly tone: told them that I thought there was a fair prospect, + if they were moderate and firm, of forming an administration deserving + and enjoying the confidence of Parliament; that they might count on + all proper support and assistance from me. + + They dwelt much on difficulties arising out of pretensions advanced in + various quarters; which gave me an opportunity to advise them not to + attach too much importance to such considerations, but to bring + together a council strong in administrative talent, and to take their + stand on the wisdom of their measures and policy.... + + I am not without hopes that my position will be improved by the change + of administration. My present council unquestionably contains more + talent, and has a firmer hold on the confidence of Parliament and of + the people than the last. There is, I think, moreover, on their part, + a desire to prove, by proper deference for the authority of the + Governor-General (which they all admit has in my case never been + abused), that they were libelled when they were accused of + impracticability and anti-monarchical tendencies. + +[Sidenote: News of the French revolution.] + +It was only a few days after this that news reached Canada of the +revolution of February in Paris. On receipt of it he writes:-- + + It is just as well that I should have arranged my Ministry, and + committed the Flag of Britain to the custody of those who are + supported by the large majority of the representatives and + constituencies of the province, before the arrival of the astounding + intelligence from Europe, which reached us by the last mail. There + are not wanting here persons who might, under different circumstances, + have attempted, by seditious harangues if not by overt acts, to turn + the example of France, and the sympathies of the United States, to + account. + +[Sidenote: Three difficulties.] + +But while congratulating Lord Grey on having passed satisfactorily through +a crisis which might, under other circumstances, have been attended with +very serious results, and on the fact that 'at no period, during the +recent history of Canada, had the people of the province generally been +better contented, or less disposed to quarrel with the mother-country,' +Lord Elgin did not disguise from himself, or from the Secretary of State, +that there were ominous symptoms of disaffection on the part of all the +three great sections of the community, the French, the Irish, and the +British. + + Bear in mind that one-half of our population is of French origin, and + deeply imbued with French sympathies; that a considerable portion of + the remainder consists of Irish Catholics; that a large Irish + contingent on the other side of the border, fanatics on behalf of + republicanism and repeal, are egging on their compatriots here to + rebellion; that all have been wrought upon until they believe that the + conduct of England to Ireland is only to be paralleled by that of + Russia to Poland; that on this exciting topic, therefore, a kind of + holy indignation mixes itself with more questionable impulses; that + Guy Fawkes Papineau, actuated by the most malignant passions, + irritated vanity, disappointed ambition, and national hatred, which + unmerited favour has only served to exasperate, is waving a lighted + torch among these combustibles--you will, I think, admit, that if we + pass through this crisis without explosions it will be a gratifying + circumstance, and an encouragement to persevere in a liberal and + straightforward application of constitutional principles to + Government. + + I have peculiar satisfaction therefore, under all these circumstances, + in calling your attention to the presentment of the grand jury of + Montreal, which I have sent you officially, in which that body adverts + to the singularly tranquil and contented state of the province.[8] + +[Sidenote: The French question.] + +With regard to the French he constantly expressed the conviction that +nothing was wanted to secure the loyalty of the vast majority, but a +policy of conciliation and confidence. In this spirit he urged the +importance of removing the restrictions on the use of the French +language:-- + +[Sidenote: Use of the French language.] + + I am very anxious to hear that you have taken steps for the repeal of + so much of the Act of Union as imposes restrictions on the use of the + French language. The delay which has taken place in giving effect to + the promise made, I think by Gladstone, on this subject, is one of the + points of which M. Papineau is availing himself for purposes of + agitation. I must, moreover, confess, that I for one am deeply + convinced of the impolicy of all such attempts to denationalise the + French. Generally speaking they produce the opposite effect from that + intended, causing the flame of national prejudice and animosity to + burn more fiercely. But suppose them to be successful, what would be + the result? You may perhaps _Americanize_, but, depend upon it, + by methods of this description you will never _Anglicize_ the + French inhabitants of the province. Let them feel, on the other hand, + that their religion, their habits, their prepossessions, their + prejudices if you will, are more considered and respected here than in + other portions of this vast continent, who will venture to say that + the last hand which waves the British flag on American ground may not + be that of a French Canadian? + +In the same spirit, when an association was formed for facilitating the +acquisition of crown lands by French _habitans_, he put himself at +the head, of the movement; by which means he was able to thwart the +disloyal designs of the demagogue who had planned it. + +[Sidenote: French unionisation.] + + You will perhaps recollect that some weeks ago I mentioned that the + Roman Catholic bishop and priests of this diocese had organised an + association for colonisation purposes, their object being to prevent + the sheep of their pasture (who now, strange as it may appear, + emigrate annually in thousands to the States, where they become hewers + of wood and drawers of water to the Yankees, and bad Catholics into + the bargain) from quitting their fold. Papineau pounced upon this + association as a means of making himself of importance in the eyes of + his countrymen, and of gratifying his ruling passion by abusing + England. Accordingly, at a great meeting convened at Montreal, be held + forth for three hours to the multitude (the bishop in the chair), + ascribing this and all other French-Canadian ills, real or supposed, + to the selfish policy of Great Britain, and her persevering efforts to + deprive them of their nationality and every other blessing. + + In process of time, after this rather questionable start, the + association waited on me with a memorial requesting the co-operation + of Government, M. Papineau being one of the deputation. + + In dealing with them I had two courses to choose from. I had nothing + for it, situated as I was, but either, on the one hand, to give the + promoters of the scheme a cold shoulder, point out its objectionable + features, and dwell upon difficulties of execution--in which case (use + what tact I might) I should have dismissed the bishop and his friends + discontented, and given M. Papineau an opportunity of asserting that I + had lent a quasi sanction to his calumnies; or, on the other, to + identify myself with the movement, put myself in so far as might be at + its head, impart to it as salutary a direction as possible, and thus + wrest from M. Papineau's hands a potent instrument of agitation. + + I was tempted, I confess, to prefer the latter of these courses, not + only by reason of its manifest expediency as bearing upon present + political contests, but also because I sympathise, to a considerable + extent, with the views of the promoters of the movement. No one + object, in my opinion, is so important, whether you seek to retain + Canada as a colony, or to fit her for independence and make her + instinct with national life and vigour, as the filling up of her + vacant lands with a resident agricultural population. More especially + is it of moment that the inhabitants of French origin should feel that + every facility for settling on the land of their fathers is given them + with the cordial assent and concurrence of the British Government and + its representative, and that in the plans of settlement their feelings + and habits are consulted. The sentiment of French Canadian + nationality, which Papineau endeavours to pervert to purposes of + faction, may yet perhaps, if properly improved, furnish the best + remaining security against annexation to the States. + + I could not with these views afford to lose the opportunity of + promoting this object, which was presented by a spontaneous movement + of the people, headed by the priesthood--the most powerful influence + in Lower Canada. + + The official correspondence which has passed on this subject I hope to + send by the next mail, and I need not trouble you with the detail of + proceedings on my own part, which, though small in themselves, were + not without their effect. Suffice it to say, that Papineau has retired + to solitude and reflection at his seignory, 'La Petite Nation'--and + that the pastoral letter, of which I enclose a copy, has been read + _au prōne_ in every Roman Catholic church in the diocese. To + those who know what have been the real sentiments of the French + population towards England for some years past, the tone of this + document, its undisguised preference for peaceful over quarrelsome + courses, the desire which it manifests to place the representative of + British rule forward as the patron of a work dear to French-Canadian + hearts, speaks volumes. + +With the same object of conciliating the French portion of the community, +he lost no opportunity of manifesting the personal interest which he felt +in their institutions. The following letter, written in August 1848, to +his mother at Paris, describes a visit to one of these institutions, the +college of St. Hyacinthe, the chief French college of Montreal:-- + +[Sidenote: A French college.] + + I was present, the other day, at an examination of the students at one + of the Roman Catholic Colleges of Montreal. It is altogether under the + direction of the priesthood, and it is curious to observe the course + they steer. The young men declaimed for some hours on a theme proposed + by the superior, being a contrast between ancient and modern + civilisation. The greater part of it was a sonorous exposition of + ultra-liberal principles, '_Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité,' 'Vox + populi, vox Dei_,' a very liberal tribute to the vanity and to the + prejudices of the classes who might be expected to send their children + to the institution or to puff it; with an elaborate _pivot ą la + Lacordaire_--that the Church had achieved all that had been + effected in this genre hitherto. _Au reste_, there was the + wonderful mechanism which gives that church such advantages--the + fourteen professors receiving no salaries, working for their food and + that of the homeliest; as a consequence, an education, board and + lodging inclusive, costing only 15 _l._ a year; the youths + subjected to a constant discipline under the eye of ecclesiastics day + and night. I confess, when I see both the elasticity and the machinery + of this church, my wonder is, not with Lacordaire that it should do so + much, but that it should not do more. + +[Sidenote: The Irish question.] + +More formidable at all times than any discontent on the part of the quiet +and orderly French _habitans_ was the chronic disaffection of the +restless, roving Irish; and especially when connected with a threatened +invasion of American 'sympathisers.' When such threats come to nothing, it +is generally difficult to say whether they were all mere vapouring, or +whether they might have led to serious results, if not promptly met; but +at one time, at least, there appears to have been solid ground for +apprehending that real mischief was intended. On the 18th July, 1848, Lord +Elgin writes:-- + +[Sidenote: Irish republicans.] + + At the moment when the last mail was starting a placard, calling an + Irish repeal, or rather republican, meeting was placed in my hands. I + enclosed it in my letter to you, and I now proceed to inform you how + the movement to which it relates has progressed since then. + + An M.P.P.[9], opposed in politics to the present Government, waited on + me a few days ago and told me, that he had been requested to move a + resolution at the meeting in question by a Mr. O'Connor, who + represented himself to be the editor of a newspaper at New York, and a + member of the Irish Republican Union. This gentleman informed him that + it was expected that, before September, there would be a general + rising in Ireland; that the body to which he belonged had been + instituted with the view of abetting this movement; that it was + discountenanced by the aristocracy of the States, but supported by the + great mass of the people; that funds were forthcoming in plenty; that + arms and soldiers, who might be employed as drill sergeants in the + clubs, were even now passing over week after week to Ireland; that an + American general, lately returned from Mexico, was engaged to take the + command when the proper time came; that they would have from 700,000 + to 800,000 men in the field, a force with which Great Britain would be + altogether unable to cope; that when the English had been expelled, + the Irish people would be called to determine, whether the Queen was + to be at the head of their political system or not. He added that his + visit to Canada was connected with these objects; that it was + desirable that a diversion should be effected here at the time of the + Irish outbreak; that 50,000 Irish were ready to march into Canada from + the States at a moment's notice. He further stated that he had called + on my informant, because he understood him to be a disappointed man, + and ill-disposed to the existing order of things; that with respect to + himself and the thousands who felt with him, there was no sacrifice + they were not ready to make, if they could humble England and reduce + her to a third-rate power. + + The place originally selected for the monster meeting, according to + the advertisement which I enclose, was the Bonsecour Market, a covered + building, under the control of the corporation. When this was + announced, however, the Government sent for the mayor (a French + Liberal) and told him that they considered it unbecoming that he + should give the room for such a purpose. He accordingly withdrew his + permission, stating that he had not been before apprised of the + precise nature of the assembly. After receiving this check, the + leaders of the movement fixed on an open space near the centre of the + town for their gathering. + + It took place last night, and proved a complete failure. Not a single + individual of importance among the Irish Repeal party was present. + Some hundreds of persons attended, but were speedily dispersed by a + timely thunder shower. O'Connor was violent enough; but I have not yet + ascertained that he said anything which would form good material for + an indictment. I am of opinion, however, that proceedings of this + description on the part of a citizen of another country are not to be + tolerated; and, although there is an indisposition in certain quarters + to drive things to an extremity, I think I shall succeed in having him + arrested unless he takes himself off speedily. + +[Sidenote: The British question.] + +But the French question and the Irish question were simple and unimportant +as compared with those which were raised by the state of feeling recently +created in a large and influential portion of the British population, +partly by political events, partly by commercial causes. + +[Sidenote: The Family Compact.] + +The political party, which was now in opposition--the old Tory Loyalists, +who from their long monopoly of office and official influence had acquired +the title of the 'Family Compact'--were filled with wrath at seeing +rebels--for as such they considered the French leaders--now taken into +the confidence of the Governor as Ministers of the Crown. At the same time +many of the individuals who composed that party were smarting under a +sense of injury and injustice inflicted upon them by the Home Government, +and by that party in the Home Government by whose policy their own +ascendency in the colony had, as they considered, been undermined. Nor was +it possible to deny that there was some ground for their complaints. By +the Canada Corn Act of 1843 not only the wheat of Canada, but also its +flour, which might be made from American wheat, had been admitted into +England at a nominal duty. The premium thus offered for the grinding of +American wheat for the British market, caused a great amount of capital to +be invested in mills and other appliances of the flour trade. 'But almost +before these arrangements were fully completed, and the newly built mills +fairly at work, the [Free-Trade] Act of 1846 swept away the advantage +conferred upon Canada in respect to the corn-trade with this country, and +thus brought upon the province a frightful amount of loss to individuals, +and a great derangement of the Colonial finances.'[10] Lord Elgin felt +deeply for the sufferers, and often pressed their case on the attention of +the Secretary of State. + +[Sidenote: Discontent due to Imperial legislation.] + + I do not think that you are blind to the hardships which Canada is now + enduring; but, I must own, I doubt much whether you fully appreciate + their magnitude, or are aware of how directly they are chargeable on + Imperial legislation. Stanley's Bill of 1843 attracted all the produce + of the West to the St. Lawrence, and fixed all the disposable capital + of the province in grinding mills, warehouses, and forwarding + establishments. Peel's Bill of 1846 drives the whole of the produce + down the New York channels of communication, destroying the revenue + which Canada expected to derive from canal dues, and ruining at once + mill-owners, forwarders, and merchants. The consequence is, that + private property is unsaleable in Canada, and not a shilling can be + raised on the credit of the province. We are actually reduced to the + disagreeable necessity of paying all public officers, from the + Governor-General downwards, in debentures, which are not exchangeable + at par. What makes it more serious is, that all the prosperity of + which Canada is thus robbed is transplanted to the other side of the + lines, as if to make Canadians feel more bitterly how much kinder + England is to the children who desert her, than to those who remain + faithful. For I care not whether you be a Protectionist or a + Free-trader, it is the inconsistency of Imperial legislation, and not + the adoption of one policy rather than another, which is the bane of + the colonies. I believe that the conviction that they would be better + off if they were 'annexed' is almost universal among the commercial + classes at present, and the peaceful condition of the province under + all the circumstances of the time is, I must confess, often a matter + of great astonishment to myself. + +[Sidenote: How to be remedied.] + +His sympathy, however, with the sufferings caused by the introduction of +Free-trade was not accompanied by any wish to return to a Protective +policy. On the contrary, he felt that the remedy was to be sought in a +further development of the Free-trade principle, in the repeal of the +Navigation Laws, which cramped the commerce Canada by restricting it to +British vessels, and in a reciprocal reduction of the duties which +hampered her trade with the United States. In this sense he writes to Lord +Grey:-- + + I am glad to see your bold measure on the Navigation Laws. You have no + other course now open to you if you intend to keep your colonies. You + cannot halt between two opinions: Free-trade in all things, or general + Protection. There was something captivating in the project of forming + all the parts of this vast British empire into one huge + _Zollverein_ with free interchange of commodities, and uniform + duties against the world without; though perhaps, without some + federal legislation, it might have been impossible to carry it out. + Undoubtedly, under such a system, the component parts of the empire + would have been united by bonds which cannot be supplied under that on + which we are now entering; though it may be fairly urged on the other + side, that the variety of conflicting interests which would, under + this arrangement, have been brought into presence would have led to + collisions which we may now hope to escape. But, as it is, the die is + cast. As regards these colonies you must allow them to turn to the + best possible account their contiguity to the States, that they may + not have cause for dissatisfaction when they contrast their own + condition with that of their neighbours. + + Another subject on which I am very solicitous, is the free admission + of Canadian products into the States. At present the Canadian farmer + gets less for his wheat than his neighbour over the lines. This is an + unfortunate state of things. I had a long conversation with Mr. + Baldwin about it lately, and he strongly supports the proposition + which I ventured to submit for your consideration about a year ago, + viz. that a special treaty should be entered into with the States, + giving them the navigation of the St. Lawrence jointly with ourselves, + on condition that they admit Canadian produce duty free. An + arrangement of this description affecting internal waters only might, + I apprehend, be made (as in the case of Columbia in the Oregon treaty) + independently of the adjustment of questions touching the Navigation + Laws generally. I confess that I dread the effect of the continuance + of the present state of things on the loyalty of our farmers. Surely + the admission of the Americans into the St. Lawrence would be a great + boon to them, and we ought to exact a _quid pro quo_. + +He was sanguine enough to hope that these measures, so simple and so +obviously desirable, might be brought into operation at once; but they +were not carried until many years later, one of them, as we shall see, +only by aid of his own personal exertions; and his disappointment on this +score deepened the anxiety with which he looked round upon the +difficulties of his position, already described. On August 16 he writes:-- + + The news from Ireland--the determination of Government not to proceed + with the measure respecting the Navigation Laws--doubts as to whether + the American Congress will pass the Reciprocity of Trade Bill--menaces + of sympathisers in the States--all combine at present to render our + position one of considerable anxiety. + + Firstly, we have the Irish Repeal body. I need not describe them; you + may look at home; they are here just what they are in Ireland. + Secondly, we have the French population; their attitude as regards + England and America is that of an armed neutrality. They do not + exactly like the Americans, but they are the _conquered, oppressed + subjects_ of England! To be sure they govern themselves, pay no + taxes, and some other trifles of this description; nevertheless, they + are the victims of British _égoisme._ Was not the union of the + provinces carried without their consent, and with a view of subjecting + them to the British? Papineau, their press, and other authorities, are + constantly dinning this into their ears, so no wonder they believe it. + + Again, our mercantile and commercial classes are thoroughly disgusted + and lukewarm in their allegiance. You know enough of colonies to + appreciate the tendency which they always exhibit to charge their + misfortunes upon the mother-country, no matter from what source they + flow. And indeed it is easy to show that, as matters now stand, the + faithful subject of Her Majesty in Canada is placed on a worse + footing, as regards trade with the mother-country, than the rebel + 'over the 'lines.' + + The same man who, when you canvass him at an English borough election, + says, 'Why, sir, I voted Red all my life, and I never got anything by + it: this time I intend to vote Blue,'--addresses you in Canada with 'I + have been all along one of the steadiest supporters of the British + Government, but really, if claims such as mine are not more thought + of, I shall begin to consider whether other institutions are not + preferable to ours.' What to do under these circumstances of anxiety + and discouragement is the question. + + As to any aggressions from without, I shall throw the responsibility + of repelling them upon Her Majesty's troops in the first instance. And + I shall be disappointed, indeed, if the military here do not give a + very good account of all American and Irish marauders. + + With respect to internal commotions, I should like to devolve the duty + of quelling them as much as possible upon the citizens. I very much + doubt whether any class of them, however great their indifference or + disloyalty, fancy the taste of Celtic pikes, or the rule of Irish mob + law. + +Happily the dangers which there seemed so much reason to apprehend were +dispelled by the policy at once firm and conciliatory of the Governor: +mainly, as he himself was never wearied of asserting, owing to the healthy +and loyal feeling engendered in the province by his frank adoption and +consistent maintenance of Lord Durham's principle of responsible +government. It was one of the occasions, not unfrequent in Lord Elgin's +life, that recall the words in which Lord Melbourne pronounced the +crowning eulogy of another celebrated diplomatist:--'My Lords, you can +never fully appreciate the merits of that great man. You can appreciate +the great acts which he publicly performed; but you cannot appreciate, for +you cannot know, the great mischiefs which he unostentatiously prevented.' + +[Sidenote: Navigation Laws.] + +In the course of the discussions on the Repeal of the Navigation Laws, to +which reference is made in the foregoing letters, an incident occurred +which attracted some attention at the time, and which, as it could not be +explained then, ought, perhaps, to be noticed in this place. + +Lord George Bentinck, who led the opposition to the measure, saw reason to +think that, in the published despatches from Canada on the subject, a +letter had been suppressed which would have furnished arguments against +the Government; and, under this impression, he moved in the House of +Commons for 'copies of the omitted correspondence.' The motion was +negatived without a division, on Lord John Russell's pointing out that it +involved an imputation on the Governor's good faith; but the Premier +himself was probably not aware at the time, how completely the mover was +at fault, as is shown in the following letter from Lord Elgin to Mr. C. +Bruce, who, being a member of Parliament and a strong Protectionist, had a +double interest in the matter:-- + + You ask me about this mare's nest of Bentinck. The facts are these: + the Montreal Board of Trade drew up a memorial for the House of + Commons _against the Navigation Laws_, containing _inter + alia_ a very distinct threat of separation in the event of their + _non-repeal_. My secretary (not my private secretary, mark, but + my responsible Government Secretary) sent _me a draft_ of a + letter to the Board containing very loyal and proper sentiments on + this head. I approved of the letter, and sent a copy of it home with + the memorial, _instead of a report by myself_, partly because it + saved me trouble, and partly because I was glad to show how perfectly + my liberal government had expressed themselves on the point. Two or + three weeks later, the Board of Trade, not liking Mr. Sullivan to have + the last word, wrote an answer, simply justifying what they had + already stated in their memorial, which had already gone with my + comment upon it to be laid before the House of Commons. To send such a + letter home in a separate despatch would have seemed to me worse than + absurd, because it would really have been giving to this unseemly + menace a degree of importance which it did not deserve. If I + _had_ sent it I must have accompanied it with a statement to the + effect, that my sentiments on the point communicated in my former + letter remained unchanged; so the matter would have rested pretty much + where it did before. Bentinck seems to suppose that, in keeping back a + letter which stated that Canada would separate if the Navigation Laws + were not repealed, I intended by some very ingenious dodge to hasten + their repeal![11] + +[Sidenote: Speech on education.] + +At the beginning of the winter season of 1848-9, Lord Elgin was present, +as patron, at a meeting of the Montreal Mercantile Library Association, to +open the winter's course of lectures. It was an association mainly founded +by leading merchants, 'with a view of affording to the junior members of +the mercantile body opportunities of self-improvement, and inducements +sufficiently powerful to enable them to resist those temptations to +idleness and dissipation which unhappily abound in all large communities.' +He took the opportunity of delivering his views on the subject of +education in a speech, parts of which may still be read with interest, +after all that has been spoken and written on this fertile topic. It has +at least the merit of being eminently characteristic of the speaker, whose +whole life was an illustration, in the eyes of those who knew him best, of +the truths which he sought to inculcate on the young merchants of +Montreal.[12] + +After remarking that it was vain for him to attempt, in a cursory address, +to fan the fervour of his hearers' zeal, or throw light on subjects which +they were in the habit of hearing so effectively treated, + + Indeed (he continued) I should almost be tempted to affirm that in an + age when education is so generally diffused--when the art of printing + has brought the sources of information so near to the lips of all who + thirst for understanding--when so many of the secrets of nature have + been revealed--when the impalpable and all-pervading electricity, and + the infinite elasticity of steam, have been made subservient to + purposes of human utility,--the advantages of knowledge, in an + utilitarian point of view, the utter hopelessness of a successful + attempt on the part either of individuals or classes to maintain their + position in society if they neglect the means of self-improvement, are + truths too obvious to call for elucidation. I must say that it seems + to me that there is less risk, therefore, of our declining to avail + ourselves of our opportunities than there is of our misusing or + abusing them; that there is less likelihood of our refusing to grasp + the treasures spread out before us, than of our laying upon them rash + and irreverent hands, and neglecting to cultivate those habits of + patient investigation, humility, and moral self-control, without which + we have no sufficient security that even the possession of knowledge + itself will be a blessing to us. I was much struck by a passage I met + with the other day in reading the life of one of the greatest men of + his age and country--Watt--which seemed to me to illustrate very + forcibly the nature of the danger to which I am now referring as well + as its remedy. It is stated in the passage to which I allude, that + Watt took great delight in reading over the specifications of + inventions for which patent rights were obtained. He observed that of + those inventions a large proportion turned out to be entirely + worthless, and a source of ruin and disappointment to their authors. + And it is further stated that he discovered that, among these abortive + inventions, many were but the embodiment of ideas which had suggested + themselves to his own mind--which, probably, when they first presented + themselves, he had welcomed as great discoveries, likely to contribute + to his own fame and to the advantage of mankind, but which, after + having subjected them to that rigid and unsparing criticism which he + felt it his bounden duty to apply to the offspring of his own brain, + he had found to be worthless, and rejected. Now, unquestionably, the + powerful intellect of Watt went for much in this matter: + unquestionably his keen and practised glance enabled him to detect + flaws and errors in many cases where an eye equally honest, but less + acute, would have failed to discover them; but can we doubt that a + moral element was largely involved in the composition of that quality + of mind which enabled Watt to shun the sunken rocks on which so many + around him were making shipwreck--that it was his unselfish devotion + to truth, his humility, and the practice of self-control, which + enabled him to rebuke the suggestions of vanity and self-interest, + and, with the sternness of an impartial judge, to condemn to silence + and oblivion even the offspring of his own mind, for which he + doubtless felt a parent's fondness, when it fell short of that + standard of perfection which he had reared? From this incident in the + life of that great man, we may draw, I think, a most useful lesson, + which we may apply with good effect to fields of inquiry far + transcending those to which the anecdote has immediate reference. + Take, for instance, the wide region occupied with moral and political, + or, as they are styled, social questions: observe the wretched half- + truths, the perilous fallacies, which quacks, greedy of applause or + gain, and speculating on the credulity of mankind, more especially in + times of perturbation or distress, have the audacity to palm upon the + world as sublime discoveries calculated to increase, in some vast and + untold amount, the sum of human happiness; and mark the misery and + desolation which follow, when the hopes excited by these pretenders + are dispelled. It is often said in apology for such persons, that they + are, after all, sincere; that they are deceived rather than deceivers; + that they do not ask others to adopt opinions which they have not + heartily accepted themselves; but apply to this reasoning the + principle that I have been endeavouring to illustrate from the life of + Watt, and we shall find, I think, that the excuse is, in most cases, + but a sorry one, if, indeed, it be any excuse at all. God has planted + within the mind of man the lights of reason and of conscience, and + without it, He has placed those of revelation and experience; and if + man wilfully extinguishes those lights, in order that, under cover of + the darkness which he has himself made, he may install in the + sanctuary of his understanding and heart, where the image of truth + alone should dwell, a vain idol, a creature of his own fond + imaginings, it will, I fear, but little avail him, more especially in + that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed, if he shall + plead in extenuation of his guilt that he did not invite others to + worship the idol until he had fallen prostrate himself before it. + + These, gentlemen, are truths which I think it will be well for us to + lay to heart. I address myself more particularly to you who are + entering upon the useful and honourable career of the British + merchant; for you are now standing on the lower steps of a ladder, + which, when it is mounted with diligence and circumspection, leads + always to respectability, not unfrequently to high honour and + distinction. Bear in mind, then, that the quality which ought chiefly + to distinguish those who aspire to exercise a controlling and + directing influence in any department of human action, from those who + have only a subordinate part to play, is the knowledge of principles + and general laws. A few examples will make the truth of this + proposition apparent to you. Take, for instance, the case of the + builder. The mason and carpenter must know how to hew the stone and + square the timber, and follow out faithfully the working plan placed + in their hands. But the architect must know much more than this; he + must be acquainted with the principles of proportion and form; he must + know the laws which regulate the distribution of heat, light, and air, + in order that he may give to each part of a complicated structure its + due share of these advantages, and combine the multifarious details + into a consistent whole. Take again the case of the seaman. It is + enough for the steersman that he watch certain symptoms in the sky and + on the waves; that he note the shifting of the wind and compass, and + attend to certain precise rules which have been given him for his + guidance. But the master of the ship, if he be fit for his + situation--and I am sorry to say that many undertake the duties of + that responsible office who are not fit for it--must be thoroughly + acquainted, not only with the map of the earth and heavens, but he + must know also all that science has revealed of some of the most + subtle of the operations of nature; he must understand, as far as man + can yet discover them, what are the laws which regulate the movements + of the currents, the direction of the tempest, and the meanderings of + the magnetic fluid. Or, to take a case with which you are more + familiar--that of the merchant. The merchant's clerk must understand + book-keeping and double-entry, and know how to arrange every item of + the account under its proper head, and how to balance the whole + correctly. But the head of the establishment must be acquainted, in + addition to this, with the laws which regulate the exchanges, with the + principles that affect the production and distribution of national + wealth, and therefore with those social and political causes which are + ever and anon at work to disturb calculations, which would have been + accurate enough for quiet times, but which are insufficient for + others. I think, therefore, that I have established the truth of the + proposition, that men who aspire to exercise a directing and + controlling influence in any pursuit or business, should be + distinguished by a knowledge of principles and general laws. But it is + in the acquisition of this knowledge, and more especially in its + application to the occurrences of daily life, that the chief necessity + arises for the exercise of those high moral qualities, with the + importance of which I have endeavoured, in these brief remarks, to + impress you. + + +[1] _Our Colonies_: an Address delivered to the members of the + Mechanics' Institute, Chester, Nov. 12, 1855, by the Right Hon. W. E. + Gladstone, M.P. + +[2] See the _Colonial Policy of Lord John Russell's Administration_, by + Earl Grey: a work in which the records of a most important period of + colonial history are traced with equal ability and authority. + +[3] MacMullen's _History of Canada_, p. 497. + +[4] Lord Grey's _Colonial Policy_, &c., i. 207. + +[5] MacMullen's _History of Canada_. + +[6] A pamphlet was published by a member of the Legislative Council, + denouncing this and similar instances of 'horrible and heartless + conduct' on the part of landed proprietors and their 'mercenary + agents;' but it was proved by satisfactory evidence that his main + statements were not founded in fact. + +[7] Lord Grey's _Colonial policy_. + +[8] See Papers presented to Parliament, May, 1848; or Lord Grey's + _Colonial Policy_, i. 216. + +[9] _I.e._ Member of the Provincial Parliament. + +[10] Lord Grey's _Colonial Policy,_ i. 220. Lord Grey was one of the + few statesmen who were blameless in the matter, for he voted against + the Act of 1843, in opposition to his party. + +[11] The personal annoyance which he felt on this occasion was only a phase + of the indignation which was often roused in him, by seeing the + interests and feelings of the colony made the sport of party-speakers + and party-writers at home; and important transactions in the province + distorted and misrepresented, so as to afford ground for an attack, in + the British Parliament, on an obnoxious Minister.--_Vide Infra_, + p. 113. + +[12] 'A knowledge' wrote Sir F. Bruce, 'of what he was, and of the results + he in consequence achieved, would be an admirable text on which to + engraft ideas of permanent value on this most important question;' as + helping to show 'that to reduce education to stuffing the mind with + facts is to dwarf the intelligence, and to reverse the natural process + of the growth of man's mind; that the knowledge of principles, as the + means of discrimination, and the criterion of those individual + appreciations which are fallaciously called facts, ought to be the end + of high education.' + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +CANADA. + +DISCONTENT--REBELLION LOSSES BILL--OPPOSITION TO IT--NEUTRALITY OF THE +GOVERNOR--RIOTS AT MONTREAL--FIRMNESS OF THE GOVERNOR--APPROVAL OF HOME +GOVERNMENT--FRESH RIOTS--REMOVAL OF SEAT OF GOVERNMENT FROM +MONTREAL--FORBEARANCE OF LORD ELGIN--RETROSPECT. + + +[Sidenote: Commercial depression.] + +The winter of 1848 passed quietly; but the commercial depression, which was +then everywhere prevalent, weighed heavily on Canada, more especially on +the Upper Province. In one of his letters Lord Elgin caught himself, so to +speak, using the words, 'the downward progress of events.' He proceeds:-- + + The downward progress of events! These are ominous words. But look at + the facts. Property in most of the Canadian towns, and more especially + in the capital, has fallen fifty per cent. in value within the last + three years. Three-fourths of the commercial men are bankrupt, owing + to Free-trade; a large proportion of the exportable produce of Canada + is obliged to seek a market in the States. It pays a duty of twenty + per cent. on the frontier. How long can such a state of things be + expected to endure? + + Depend upon it, our commercial embarrassments are our real difficulty. + Political discontent, properly so called, there is none. I really + believe no country in the world is more free from it. We have, indeed, + national antipathies hearty and earnest enough. We suffer, too, from + the inconvenience of having to work a system which is not yet + thoroughly in gear. Reckless and unprincipled men take advantage of + these circumstances to work into a fever every transient heat that + affects the public mind. Nevertheless, I am confident I could carry + Canada unscathed through all these evils of transition, and place the + connection on a surer foundation than ever, if I could only tell the + people of the province that as regards the conditions of material + prosperity, they would be raised to a level with their neighbours. But + if this be not achieved, if free navigation and reciprocal trade with + the Union be not secured for us, the worst, I fear, will come, and + that at no distant day. + +[Sidenote: Political discontent.] + +Unfortunately, powerful interests in the one case, indifference and apathy +in the other, prevented these indispensable measures, as he always +maintained them to be, from being carried for many years; and in the +meantime a most serious fever of political discontent was in effect worked +up, out of a heat which ought to have been as transient as the cause of it +was intrinsically unimportant. + +[Sidenote: Rebellion Losses Bill.] + +Irritated by loss of office, groaning under the ruin of their trade, +outraged moreover (for so they represented it to themselves) in their best +and most patriotic feelings by seeing 'Rebels' in the seat of power, the +Ex-ministerial party were in a mood to resent every measure of the +Government, and especially every act of the Governor-General. When +Parliament met on January 18, he took advantage of the repeal of the law +restricting the use of the French language, to deliver his speech in French +as well as in English: even this they turned to his reproach. But their +wrath rose to fury on the introduction of a Bill 'to provide for the +indemnification of parties in Lower Canada whose property was destroyed +during the Rebellion in 1837 and 1838:' a 'questionable measure,' to use +Lord Elgin's own words in first mentioning it, 'but one which the preceding +administration had rendered almost inevitable by certain proceedings +adopted by them' in Lord Metcalfe's time. As the justification of the +measure is thus rested on its previous history, a brief retrospect is +necessary before proceeding with the account of transactions which formed +an epoch in the history of the colony, as well as in the life of the +Governor. + +[Sidenote: History of the measure.] + +Within a very short time after the close of the Rebellion of 1837 and 1838, +the attention of both sections of the colony was directed to compensating +those who had suffered by it. First came the case of the primary sufferers, +if so they may be called; that is, the Loyalists, whose property had been +destroyed by Rebels. Measures were at once taken to indemnify all such +persons,--in Upper Canada, by an Act passed in the last session of its +separate Parliament; in Lower Canada, by an ordinance of the 'Special +Council' under which it was at that time administered. But it was felt that +this was not enough; that where property had been wantonly and +unnecessarily destroyed, even though it were by persons acting in support +of authority, some compensation ought to be given; and the Upper Canada Act +above mentioned was amended next year, in the first session of the United +Parliament, so as to extend to all losses occasioned by violence on the +part of persons acting or assuming to act on Her Majesty's behalf. Nothing +was done at this time about Lower Canada; but it was obviously inevitable +that the treatment applied to the one province should be extended to the +other. Accordingly, in 1845, during Lord Metcalfe's Government, and under a +Conservative Administration, an Address was adopted unanimously by the +Assembly, praying His Excellency to cause proper measures to be taken 'in +order to insure to the inhabitants of that portion of the province, +formerly Lower Canada, indemnity for just losses by them sustained during +the Rebellion of 1837 and 1838.' + +In pursuance of this address, a Commission was appointed to inquire into +the claims of persons whose property had been destroyed in the rebellion; +the Commissioners receiving instructions to distinguish the cases of those +persons who had joined, aided, or abetted in the said rebellion, from the +case of those who had not. On inquiring how they were to distinguish, they +were officially answered that in making out the classification 'it was not +His Excellency's intention that they should be guided by any other +description of evidence than that furnished by the sentences of the Courts +of Law.' It was also intimated to them that they were only intended to form +a 'general estimate' of the rebellion losses, 'the particulars of which +must form the subject of more minute inquiry hereafter under legislative +authority.' + +In obedience to these instructions, the Commissioners made their +investigations, and reported that they had recognised, as worthy of further +inquiry, claims representing a sum total of 241,965_l_. 10_s_. +5_d_., but they added an expression of opinion that the losses +suffered would be found, on closer examination, not to exceed the value of +100,000_l_. + +This Report was rendered in April 1846; but though Lord Metcalfe's Ministry +which had issued the Commission, avowedly as preliminary to a subsequent +and more minute inquiry, remained in office for nearly two years longer, +they took no steps towards carrying out their declared intentions. + +So the matter stood in March 1848, when, as has been already stated, a new +administration was formed, consisting mainly of persons whose political +sympathies were with Lower Canada. It was natural that they should take up +the work left half done by their predecessors; and early in 1849 they +introduced a Bill which was destined to become notorious under the name of +the 'Rebellion Losses Bill.' The preamble of it declared that in order to +redeem the pledge already given to parties in Lower Canada, it was +necessary and just that the particulars of such losses as were not yet +satisfied, should form the subject of more minute inquiry under legislative +authority; and that the same, so far only as they might have arisen from +the 'total or partial unjust or wanton destruction' of property, should be +paid and satisfied. A proviso was added that no person who had been +convicted, or pleaded guilty, of treason during the rebellion should be +entitled to any indemnity for losses sustained in connection with it. The +Bill itself authorised the appointment of Commissioners for the purpose of +the Act, and the appropriation of 90,000_l_. to the payment of claims +that might arise under it; following in this respect the opinion expressed +by Lord Metcalfe's preliminary Commission of enquiry. + +[Sidenote: Excitement respecting it.] + +Such was the measure--so clearly inevitable in its direction, so modest in +its proportions--which, falling on an inflamed state of the public mind in +Canada, and misunderstood in England, was the occasion of riot and nearly +of rebellion in the Province, and exposed the Governor-General, who +sanctioned it, to severe censure on the part of many whose opinion he most +valued at home. His own feelings on its introduction, his opinion of its +merits, and his reasons for the course which he pursued in dealing with it, +cannot be better stated than in his own words. Writing to Lord Grey on +March 1, he says:-- + + A good deal of excitement and bad feeling has been stirred in the + province by the introduction of a measure by the Ministry for the + payment of certain rebellion losses in Lower Canada. I trust that it + will soon subside, and that no enduring mischief will ensue from it, + but the Opposition leaders have taken advantage of the circumstances + to work upon the feelings of old Loyalists as opposed to Rebels, of + British as opposed to French, and of Upper Canadians as opposed to + Lower; and thus to provoke from various parts of the province the + expression of not very temperate or measured discontent. I am + occasionally rated in not very courteous language, and peremptorily + required to dissolve the Parliament which was elected only one year + ago, under the auspices of this same clamorous Opposition, who were + then in power. The measure itself is not indeed altogether free from + objection, and I very much regret that an addition should be made to + our debt for such an object at this time. Nevertheless, I must say I + do not see how my present Government could have taken any other course + in this matter than that which they have followed. Their predecessors + had already gone more than half-way in the same direction, though they + had stopped short, and now tell us that they never intended to go + farther. If the Ministry had failed to complete the work of alleged + justice to Lower Canada which had been commenced by the former + Administration, M. Papineau would most assuredly have availed himself + of the plea to undermine their influence in this section of the + province. The debates in Parliament on this question have been + acrimonious and lengthy, but M. Lafontaine's resolutions were finally + passed by a majority of fifty to twenty-two. + + Dissensions of this class place in strong relief the passions and + tendencies which render the endurance of the political system which we + have established here, and of the connection with the mother-country, + uncertain and precarious. They elicit a manifestation of antipathy + between races and of jealousy between the recently united provinces, + which is much to be regretted. This measure of indemnity to Lower + Canada is, however, the last of the kind, and if it be once settled + satisfactorily, a formidable stumblingblock will have been removed + from my path. + +A fortnight later he adds:-- + + The Tory party are doing what they can by menace, intimidation, and + appeals to passion to drive me to a _coup d'État_. And yet the + very measure which is at this moment the occasion of so loud an + outcry, is nothing more than a strict logical following out of their + own acts. It is difficult to conceive what the address on the subject + of rebellion losses in Lower Canada, unanimously voted by the House of + Assembly while Lord Metcalfe was governor and Mr. Draper minister, and + the proceedings of the Administration upon that address could have + been meant to lead to, if not to such a measure as the present + Government have introduced. + + I enclose a letter which has been published in the newspapers by A. M. + Masson, one of the Bermuda exiles,[1] who was appointed to an office + by the late Government. This person will be excluded from compensation + by the Bill of the present Government, and he positively asserts that + Lord Metcalfe and some of his Ministers assured him that he would be + included by them. + + I certainly regret that this agitation should have been stirred, and + that any portion of the funds of the province should be diverted now + from much more useful purposes to make good losses sustained by + individuals in the rebellion. But I have no doubt whatsoever that a + great deal of property was wantonly and cruelly destroyed at that time + in Lower Canada. Nor do I think that this Government, after what their + predecessors had done, and with Papineau in the rear, could have + helped taking up this question. Neither do I think that their measure + would have been less objectionable, but very much the reverse, if, + after the lapse of eleven years, and the proclamation of a general + amnesty, it had been so framed as to attach the stigma of Rebellion to + others than those regularly convicted before the Courts. Any kind of + extra-judicial inquisition conducted at this time of day by + Commissioners appointed by the Government, with the view of + ascertaining what part this or that claimant for indemnity may have + taken in 1837 and 1838, would have been attended by consequences much + to be regretted, and have opened the door to an infinite amount of + jobbing, false swearing, and detraction. + +[Sidenote: Petitions against it.] +[Sidenote: Neutrality of the Governor.] + +Petitions against the measure were got up by the Tories in all parts of the +province; but these, instead of being sent to the Assembly, or to the +Legislative Council, or to the Home Government, were almost all addressed +to Lord Elgin personally; obviously with the design of producing a +collision between him and his Parliament. They generally prayed either that +Parliament might be dissolved, or that the Bill, if it passed, might be +reserved for the royal sanction. All such addresses, and the remonstrances +brought to him by deputations of malcontents, he received with civility, +promising to bestow on them his best consideration, but studiously avoiding +the expression of any opinion on the points in controversy. By thus +maintaining a strictly constitutional position, he foiled that section of +the agitators who calculated on his being frightened or made angry, while +he left a door open for any who might have candour enough to admit that +after all he was only carrying out fairly the principle of responsible +government. + +In pursuance of this policy he put off to the latest moment any decision as +to the course which he should take with respect to the Bill when it came up +to him for his sanction. As regards a dissolution, indeed, he felt from the +beginning that it would be sheer folly, attended by no small risk. Was he +to have recourse to this ultima ratio, merely because a parliament elected +a year before, under the auspices of the party now in opposition, had +passed, by a majority of nearly two to one, a measure introduced by the +present Government, in pursuance of the acts of a former one? + + If I had dissolved Parliament, I might have produced a rebellion, but + most assuredly I should not have procured a change of Ministry. The + leaders of the party know that as well as I do, and were it possible + to play tricks in such grave concerns, it would have been easy to + throw them into utter confusion by merely calling upon them to form a + Government. They were aware, however, that I could not for the sake of + discomfiting them hazard so desperate a policy: so they have played + out their game of faction and violence without fear of consequences. + +The other course urged upon him by the Opposition, namely, that of +reserving the Bill for the consideration of the Home Government, may appear +to have been open to no such objections, and to have been in fact the +wisest course which he could pursue, in circumstances of so much delicacy. +And this seems to have been the opinion of many in England, who were +disposed to approve of his general policy; but it may be doubted whether +they had weighed all the considerations which presented themselves to the +mind of the Governor on the spot, and which he stated to Lord Grey as +follows:-- + + There are objections, too, to reserving the Bill which I think I shall + consider insurmountable, whatever obloquy I may for the time entail on + myself by declining to lend myself even to this extent to the plans of + those who wish to bring about a change of administration. + + In the first place the Bill for the relief of a corresponding class of + persons in Upper Canada, which was couched in terms very nearly + similar, was not reserved, and it is difficult to discover a + sufficient reason, in so far as the representative of the Crown is + concerned, for dealing with the one measure differently from the + other. And in the second place, by reserving the Bill I should only + throw upon Her Majesty's Government, or (as it would appear to the + popular eye here) on Her Majesty herself, a responsibility which + rests, and ought, I think, to rest, on my own shoulders. If I pass the + Bill, whatever mischief ensues may probably be repaired, if the worst + comes to the worst, by the sacrifice of me. Whereas, if the case be + referred to England, it is not impossible that Her Majesty may only + have before her the alternative of provoking a rebellion in Lower + Canada, by refusing her assent to a measure chiefly affecting the + interest of the _habitans_, and thus throwing the whole + population into Papineau's hands, or of wounding the susceptibilities + of some of the best subjects she has in the province. For among the + objectors to this Bill are undoubtedly to be found not a few who + belong to this class; men who are worked upon by others more selfish + and designing, to whom the principles of constitutional Government are + unfathomable mysteries, and who still regard the representative of + royalty, and in a more remote sense the Crown and Government of + England, if not as the objects of a very romantic loyalty (for that, I + fear, is fast waning), at least as the butts of a most intense and + unrelenting: indignation, if political affairs be not administered in + entire accordance with their sense of what is right. + +In solving these knotty problems, and choosing his course of action, the +necessities of the situation required that he should be guided by his own +unaided judgment, and act entirely on his own responsibility. For although, +throughout all his difficulties, in the midst of the reproaches with which +he was assailed both in the colony and in England, he had the great +satisfaction of knowing that his conduct was entirely approved by Lord +Grey, to whom he opened all his mind in private letters, the official +communications which passed between them were necessarily very reserved. +The following extract illustrates well this peculiarity in the position of +a British Colonial Governor, who has two popular Assemblies and two public +presses to consider:-- + + Perhaps you may have been annoyed by my not writing officially to you + ere this so as to give you communications to send to Parliament. All + that I can say on that point is, that I have got through this + disagreeable affair as well as I have done only by maintaining my + constitutional position, listening civilly to all representations + addressed to me against the measure, and adhering to a strict reserve + as to the course which I might deem it proper eventually to pursue. By + following this course I have avoided any act or expression which might + have added fuel to the flame; and although I have been plentifully + abused, because it has been the policy of the Opposition to drag me + into the strife, no one can say that I have said or done anything to + justify the abuse. And the natural effect of such patient endurance is + now beginning to show itself in the moderated tone of the organs of + the Opposition press. You will perceive, however, that I could not + possibly have maintained this position here, if despatches from me + indicating the Ministerial policy had been submitted to the House of + Commons. They would have found their way out here at once. Every + statement and opinion would have formed the subject of discussion, and + I should have found myself in the midst of the _mźlée_ a + partisan. + +To counteract the violent and reckless efforts of the Opposition, Lord +Elgin trusted partly to the obvious reasonableness of the proposal under +discussion, but more to the growth of a patriotic spirit which should lead +the minority to prefer the rule of a majority within the province to the +coercion of a power from without. Something also he hoped from the effect +of the many excellent measures brought in about the same time by his new +Ministry, 'the first really efficient and working Government that Canada +had had since the Union.' Nor were these hopes altogether disappointed. +Writing on April 12 he observed, that a marked change had taken place +within the last few weeks in the tone both of the press[2] and of the +leaders of the party, some of whom had given him to understand, through +different channels, that they regretted things had gone so far. 'But,' he +adds, 'whether the gales from England will stir the tempest again or not +remains to be seen.' + +[Sidenote: Opinions in England.] + +And, in effect, the next post from England came laden with speeches and +newspaper articles, denouncing, in no measured terms, the 'suicidal folly +of rewarding rebels for rebellion.' A London journal of influence, speaking +of the British population as affected by the measure in question, said:-- +'They are tolerably able to take care of themselves, and we very much +misconstrue the tone adopted by the English press and the English public in +the province, if they do not find some means of resisting the heavy blow +and great discouragement which is aimed at them.' Such passages were read +with avidity in the colony, and construed to mean that sympathy would be +extended from influential quarters at home to those who sought to annul the +obnoxious decision of the local Legislature, whatever might be the means to +which they resorted for the attainment of that end. It may be doubted, +however, whether any extraneous disturbance of this kind had much to do +with the volcanic outburst of local passions which ensued, and which is now +to be related. + +[Sidenote: The Bill is passed,] + +The Bill was passed in the Assembly by forty-seven votes to eighteen. On +analysing the votes, it was found that out of thirty-one members from Upper +Canada who voted on the occasion, seventeen supported and fourteen opposed +it; and that of ten members for Lower Canada, of British descent, six +supported and four opposed it. + + These facts (wrote Lord Elgin) seemed altogether irreconcilable with + the allegation that the question was one on which the two races were + arrayed against each other throughout the province generally. I + considered, therefore, that by reserving the Bill, I should only cast + on Her Majesty and Her Majesty's advisers a responsibility which + ought, in the first instance at least, to rest on my own shoulders, + and that I should awaken in the minds of the people at large, even of + those who were indifferent or hostile to the Bill, doubts as to the + sincerity with which it was intended that constitutional Government + should be carried on in Canada; doubts which it is my firm conviction, + if they were to obtain generally, would be fatal to the connection. + +[Sidenote: and receives the Royal Assent.] + +Accordingly, when, on April 25, 1849, circumstances made it necessary for +him to proceed to Parliament in order to give the Royal Assent to a Customs +Bill which had that day passed the Legislative Council, he considered that, +as this necessity had arisen, it would not be expedient to keep the public +mind in suspense by omitting to dispose, at the same time, of the other +Acts which still awaited his decision, among which was the 'Act to provide +for the indemnification of parties in Lower Canada whose property was +destroyed during the Rebellion in 1837 and 1838.' What followed is thus +described in an official despatch written within a few days after the +event:-- + +[Sidenote: Riots.] + + When I left the House of Parliament I was received with mingled cheers + and hootings by a crowd by no means numerous which surrounded the + entrance to the building. A small knot of individuals, consisting, it + has since been ascertained, of persons of a respectable class in + society, pelted the carriage with missiles which they must have + brought with them for the purpose. Within an hour after this + occurrence a notice, of which I enclose a copy, issued from one of the + newspaper offices, calling a meeting in the open air. At the meeting + inflammatory speeches were made. On a sudden, whether under the effect + of momentary excitement, or in pursuance of a plan arranged + beforehand, the mob proceeded to the House of Parliament, where the + members were still sitting, and breaking the windows, set fire to the + building and burned it to the ground. By this wanton act public + property of considerable value, including two excellent libraries, has + been utterly destroyed. Having achieved their object the crowd + dispersed, apparently satisfied with what they had done. The members + were permitted to retire unmolested, and no resistance was offered to + the military who appeared on the ground after a brief interval, to + restore order, and aid in extinguishing the flames. During the two + following days a good deal of excitement prevailed in the streets, and + some further acts of incendiarism were perpetrated. Since then the + military force has been increased, and the leaders of the disaffected + party have shown a disposition to restrain their followers, and to + direct their energies towards the more constitutional object of + petitioning the Queen for my recall, and the disallowance of the + obnoxious Bill. The proceedings of the House of Assembly will also + tend to awe the turbulent. I trust, therefore, that the peace of the + city will not be again disturbed. + + The Ministry are blamed for not having made adequate provision against + these disasters. That they by no means expected that the hostility to + the Rebellion Losses Bill would have displayed itself in the outrages + which have been perpetrated during the last few days is certain.[3] + Perhaps sufficient attention was not paid by them to the menaces of + the Opposition press. It must be admitted, however, that their + position was one of considerable difficulty. The civil force of + Montreal--a city containing about 50,000 inhabitants of different + races, with secret societies and other agencies of mischief in + constant activity--consists of two policemen under the authority of + the Government, and seventy appointed by the Corporation. To oppose, + therefore, effectual resistance to any considerable mob, recourse must + be had in all cases either to the military or to a force of civilians + enrolled for the occasion. Grave objections, however, presented + themselves in the present instance to the adoption of either of these + courses until the disposition to tumult on the part of the populace + unhappily manifested itself in overt acts. More especially was it of + importance to avoid any measure which might have had a tendency to + produce a collision between parties on a question on which their + feelings were so strongly excited. The result of the course pursued + is, that there has been no bloodshed, and, except in the case of some + of the Ministers themselves, no destruction of private property. + + +The passions, however, which appeared to have calmed down, burst out with +fresh fury the very day on which these sentences were penned. The House of +Assembly had voted, by a majority of thirty-six to sixteen, an address to +the Governor-General, expressive of abhorrence at the outrages which had +taken place, of loyalty to the Queen, and approval of his just and +impartial administration of the Government, with his late as well as with +his present advisers. It was arranged that Lord Elgin should receive this +Address at the Government House instead of at Monklands. Accordingly, on +April 30, he drove into the city, escorted by a troop of volunteer +dragoons, and accompanied by several of his suite. On his way through the +streets he was greeted with showers of stones, and with difficulty +preserved his face from being injured.[4] On his return he endeavoured to +avoid all occasion of conflict by going back by a different route; but the +mob, discovering his purpose, rushed in pursuit, and again assailed his +carriage with various missiles, and it was only by rapid driving that he +escaped unhurt.[5] + +None but those who were in constant intercourse with him can know what Lord +Elgin went through during the period of excitement which followed these +gross outrages. The people of Montreal seemed to have lost their reason. +The houses of some of the Ministers and of their supporters were attacked +by mobs at night, and it was not safe for them to appear in the streets. A +hostile visit was threatened to the house in which the Governor-General +resided at a short distance from the city; all necessary preparation was +made to defend it, and his family were kept for some time in a state of +anxiety and suspense.[6] + +For some weeks he himself did not go into the town of Montreal, but kept +entirely within the bounds of his country seat at Monklands, determined +that no act of his should offer occasion or excuse to the mob for fresh +outrage.[7] He knew, of course, that the whole of French Lower Canada was +ready at any moment to rise, as one man, in support of the Government; but +his great object was to keep them quiet, and 'to prevent collision between +the races.' + +[Sidenote: Firmness of the Governor.] +[Sidenote: Refuses either to use force,] + +'Throughout the whole of this most trying time,' writes Major Campbell,[8] +'Lord Elgin remained perfectly calm and cool; never for a moment losing his +self-possession, nor failing to exercise that clear foresight and sound +judgment for which he was so remarkable. It came to the knowledge of his +Ministers that, if he went into the city again, his life would be in great +danger; and they advised that a commission should issue to appoint a +Deputy-Governor for the purpose of proroguing Parliament. He was urged by +irresponsible advisers to make use of the military forces at his command, +to protect his person in an official visit to the city; but he declined to +do so, and thus avoided what these infatuated rioters seemed determined to +bring on--the shedding of blood. "I am prepared," he said, "to bear any +amount of obloquy that may be cast upon me, but, if I can possibly prevent +it, no stain of blood shall rest upon my name."' + +As might have been expected, the Montreal press attributed this wise and +magnanimous self-restraint to fear for his own safety. But he was not to be +moved from his resolve by the paltry imputation; nor did he even care that +his friends should resent or refute it on his behalf. + +So little was he affected by it that on finding, some years afterwards, +that Lord Grey proposed to introduce some expression of indignation on the +subject in his work on the colonies, he dissuaded him from doing so. 'I do +not believe,' he said, 'that these imputations were hazarded in any +respectable quarter, or that they are entitled to the dignity of a place in +your narrative.' + +[Sidenote: or to yield to violence.] + +But if neither the entreaties of 'irresponsible advisers,' nor the taunts +of foes, could move him to the use of force, he was equally firm in his +determination to concede nothing to the clamour and violence of the mob. +Writing officially to Lord Grey on the 30th of April, when the fury of the +populace was at its height, he said:-- + + It is my firm conviction that if this dictation be submitted to, the + government of this province by constitutional means will be + impossible, and that the struggle between overbearing minorities, + backed by force, and majorities resting on legality and established + forms, which has so long proved the bane of Canada, driving capital + from the province, and producing a state of chronic discontent, will + be perpetuated. + +[Sidenote: Tenders resignation.] + +At the same time, he thought it his duty to suggest, that 'if he should be +unable to recover that position of dignified neutrality between contending +parties which it had been his unremitting study to maintain,' it might be a +question whether it would not be for the interests of Her Majesty's service +that he should be removed, to make way for some one 'who should have the +advantage of being personally unobnoxious to any section of Her Majesty's +subjects within the province.' + +[Sidenote: Approval of Home Government.] + +The reply to this letter assured him, in emphatic terms, of the cordial +approval and support of the Home Government. 'I appreciate,' wrote Lord +Grey, 'the motives which have induced your Lordship to offer the suggestion +with which your despatch concludes, but I should most earnestly deprecate +the change it contemplates in the government of Canada. Your Lordship's +relinquishment of that office, which, under any circumstances, would be a +most serious loss to Her Majesty's service, and to the province, could not +fail, in the present state of affairs, to be most injurious to the public +welfare, from the encouragement which it would give to those who have been +concerned in the violent and illegal opposition which has been offered to +your Government. I also feel no doubt that when the present excitement +shall have subsided, you will succeed in regaining that position of +"dignified neutrality" becoming your office, which, as you justly observe, +it has hitherto been your study to maintain, and from which, even those who +are at present most opposed to you, will, on reflection, perceive that you +have been driven, by no fault on your part, but by their own unreasoning +violence. + +Relying, therefore, upon your devotion to the interests of Canada, I feel +assured that you will not be induced by the unfortunate occurrences which +have taken place, to retire from the high office which the Queen has been +pleased to entrust to you, and which, from the value she puts upon your +past services, it is Her Majesty's anxious wish that you should retain.' + +[Sidenote: Support in the colony.] + +While awaiting, in his retreat at Monklands, the _contrecoup_ from the +mother-country of the storm which had burst over the colony, Lord Elgin +found a great source of consolation in the numerous sympathetic addresses +which poured in from every part of the province: fortifying him in the +conviction that the heart of the colony was with him, and that the bitter +opposition at Montreal was chiefly due to local causes; especially 'to +commercial distress, acting on religious bigotry and national hatred.' One +of these addresses, coming from the county of Glengarry, an ancient +settlement of Scottish loyalists, appears to have touched the Scotsman's +heart within the statesman's. In reply to it he said:-- + + Men of Glengarry--My heart warms within me when I listen to your manly + and patriotic address. + + I recognise in it evidence of that vigorous understanding which + enables men of the stock to which you belong to prize, as they ought + to be prized, the blessings of well-ordered freedom, and of that keen + sense of principle which prompts them to recoil from no sacrifice + which duty enjoins. + + The men of Glengarry need not recapitulate their services. He must be + ignorant indeed of the history of Canada who does not know how much + they have done and suffered for their Sovereign and their country. + + You inhabit here a goodly land. A land full of promise, where your + children have room enough to increase and to multiply, and to become, + with God's blessing, greater and more prosperous than yourselves. But + I am confident that no spell less potent than the gentle and benignant + control of those liberal institutions which it is Britain's pride and + privilege to bestow on her children, will insure the peaceful + development of its unrivalled resources, or knit together into one + happy and united family the various races of which this community is + composed. + + On this conviction I have acted, in labouring to secure for you, + during the whole course of my administration the full benefit of + constitutional government. It is truly gratifying to me to learn that + you appreciate my exertions. Depend upon it, they will not be relaxed. + I claim to have something of your own spirit: devotion to a cause + which I believe to be a just one--courage to confront, if need be, + danger and even obloquy in its pursuit--and an undying faith that God + protects the right. + +[Sidenote: Debates in the British Parliament.] + +In the meantime the unhappy Bill, which had caused such an explosion in the +colony, was running the gantlet of the British Parliament. On June 14 it +was vehemently attacked in the House of Commons by Mr. Gladstone, as being +a measure for the rewarding of Rebels.[9] He, indeed, contented himself +with 'calling the attention of the House to certain parts' of the Bill in +question; but Mr. Herries, following out the same views to their legitimate +conclusion, moved an Address to Her Majesty to disallow the Act of the +Colonial Legislature. The debate was sustained with great Vigour for two +nights; in the course of which the Act was defended not only by Lord John +Russell as leader of the Government, but also, with even more force, by his +great opponent Sir Robert Peel. Speaking with all the weight of an +impartial observer, he showed that it was not the intention of the measure, +and would not be its effect, to give compensation to anyone who could be +proved to have been a rebel; that it was only an inevitable sequel to other +measures which had been passed without opposition; and, further, that its +rejection at this stage would be resisted by all parties in the colony +alike, as an arbitrary interference with their right of self-government. On +a division the amendment of Mr. Herries was thrown out by a majority of +141. And though, a few nights later, a resolution somewhat in the same +sense, moved by Lord Brougham in the Upper House, was only negatived, with +the aid of proxies, by three votes, the large majority in the House of +Commons, and the firm attitude of the Government on the subject, did much +to quiet the excitement in the colony. + + The news from England (wrote Lord Elgin) has produced a marked, and, + so far as it goes, a satisfactory change in the tone of the Press; in + proof of which I send you the leading articles of the Tory papers of + Saturday. ... The party, it would appear, is now split into three; but + on one point all are agreed. We must have done, they say, with this + habit of abusing the French; we must live with them on terms of amity + and affection. Such is the first fruit of the policy which was to bring + about, we were assured, a war of races. + +This satisfactory result was also due in part to the wise measures adopted +by the Ministry, under direction of the Governor-General, for giving effect +to the provisions of the much-disputed Bill. + + We are taking steps (he wrote on June 17) to carry out the Rebellion + Losses Bill. Having adopted the measure of the late Conservative + Government, we are proceeding to reappoint their own Commissioners; + and, not content with that, we are furnishing them with instructions + which place upon the Act the most restricted and loyalist construction + of which the terms are susceptible. Truly, if ever rebellion stood + upon a rickety pretence, it is the Canadian Tory Rebellion of 1849. + +[Sidenote: Fresh riots.] + +Unhappily the flames, which at this time had nearly died out, were re- +kindled two months later on occasion of the arrest of certain persons +concerned in the former riots; and though this fresh outbreak lasted but a +few days, it was attended in one case with fatal consequences.[10] Writing +on August 20, Lord Elgin says:-- + + We are again in some excitement here. M. Lafontaine's house was + attacked by a mob (for the second time) two nights ago. Some persons + within fired, and one of the assailants was killed. The violent + Clubbists are trying to excite the passions of the multitude, alleging + that this is Anglo-Saxon blood shed by a Frenchman. + + The immediate cause of this excitement is the arrest of certain + persons who were implicated in the destruction of the Parliament + buildings in April last. I was desirous, for the sake of peace, that + these parties should not be arrested until indictments had been laid + before the grand jury, and true bills found against them. + Unfortunately, in consequence of the cholera, the requisite number of + jurors to form a court was not forthcoming for the August term. The + Government thought that they could not, without impropriety, put off + taking any steps against these persons till November. They were, + therefore, arrested last week; all except one, who was committed for + arson, were at once bailed by the magistrates; and he too was bailed + the day after his committal by one of the judges of the Supreme Court. + + All this is simple enough, and augurs no very vindictive spirit in the + authorities. Nevertheless it affords the occasion for a fresh + exhibition of the recklessness of the Montreal mob, and the + demoralisation of other classes in the community. + +Again on the 27th he writes:-- + + We have had a fortnight of crisis consequent on the arrests which I + reported to you last week; which may perhaps be the prelude (though I + do not like to be too sanguine) to better times. A most violent + excitement was got up by the Press against M. Lafontaine more + especially, as the instigator of the arrests and the cause of the + death of the young man who was shot in the attack on his house. A vast + number of men, wearing red scarfs and ribands, attended the funeral of + the youth. The shops were shut on the line of the procession; fires + occurred during several successive nights in different parts of the + town, under circumstances warranting the suspicion of incendiarism. + +Upon this the stipendiary magistrates, charged by the Government with the +preservation of the peace of the city, represented officially to the +Governor that nothing could save it but the proclamation of Martial Law. +But he told his Council that he 'would neither consent to Martial Law, nor +to any measures of increased vigour whatsoever, until a further appeal had +been made to the Mayor and Corporation of the city.' + +[Sidenote: Quiet restored.] + +This appeal was successful. A proclamation, issued by the Mayor, was +responded to by the respectable citizens of all parties; and a large number +of special constables turned out to patrol the streets and keep the peace. +Meanwhile the coroner's jury, after a very rigorous investigation, agreed +unanimously to a verdict acquitting M. Lafontaine of all blame, and finding +fault with the civic authorities for their remissness. This verdict was +important, for two of the jury were Orangemen, who had marched in the +procession at the funeral of the young man who was shot. The public +acknowledged its importance, and two of the most violent Tory newspapers +had articles apologising to Lafontaine for having so unfairly judged him +beforehand. 'From, these and other indications (wrote Lord Elgin) I begin +to hope that there may be some return to common sense in Montreal.' + +[Removal of Government from Montreal.] + + My advisers, however (he proceeds), now protest that it will be + impossible to maintain the seat of Government here. We had a long + discussion on this point yesterday. All seem to be agreed, that if a + removal from this town takes place, it must be on the condition + prescribed in the address of the Assembly presented to me last + Session, viz. that there shall henceforward be Parliaments held + alternately in the Upper and Lower Provinces. A removal from this to + any other fixed point would be the certain ruin of the party making + it. Therefore removal from Montreal implies the adoption of the system + (which, although it has a good deal to recommend it, is certainly open + to great objections) of alternating Parliaments. But this is not the + only difficulty. The French members of the Administration ... are + willing to go to Toronto for four years at the close of the present + Parliament, but they give many reasons, which appear to have in a + great measure satisfied their Upper Canada colleagues, for insisting + on Quebec as the first point to be made. Now I have great objection to + going to Quebec at present. I fear it would be considered, both here + and in England, as an admission that the Government is under French- + Canadian influence, and that it cannot maintain itself in Upper + Canada. I, therefore, concluded in favour of a few days more being + given in order to see whether or not the movement now in progress in + Montreal may be so directed as to render it possible to retain the + seat of Government there. + +This hope was disappointed, and he was obliged to admit the necessity of +removal. On September 3 he wrote again:-- + + We have had, since I last wrote, a week of unusual tranquillity.... + but I regret to say that I discover as yet nothing to warrant the + belief that the seat of Government can properly remain at Montreal. + + The existence of a perfect understanding between the more outrageous + and the more respectable fractions of the Tory party in the town, is + rendered even more manifest by the readiness with which the former, + through their organs, have yielded to the latter when they preached + moderation in good earnest. Additional proof is thus furnished of the + extent to which the blame of the disgraceful transactions of the past + four months falls on all. All attempts, and several have been made, to + induce the Conservatives to unite in an address, inviting me to return + to the town, have failed; which is the more significant, because it is + well known that the removal of the seat of Government is under + consideration, and that I have deprecated the abandonment of Montreal. + + The existence of a party, animated by such sentiments, powerful in + numbers and organisation, and in the station of some who more or less + openly join it--owning a qualified allegiance to the constitution of + the province--professing to regard the Parliament and the Government + as nuisances to be tolerated within certain limits only--raising + itself whenever the fancy seizes it, or the crisis in its judgment + demands it, into an '_imperium in imperio_,'--renders it, I fear, + extremely doubtful whether the functions of Legislation or of + Government can be carried on to advantage in this city. 'Show vigour + and put it down,' say some. You _may_ and _must_ put down + those who resist the law when overt acts are committed. But the party + is unfortunately a national as well as a political one; after each + defeat it resumes its attitude of defiance; and, whenever it comes + into collision with the authorities, there is the risk of a frightful + race feud being provoked. All these dangers are vastly increased by + Montreal's being the seat of Government. + +There were other arguments also of no little force. He was assured that +some Members had declared that nothing would induce them to come again to +Montreal; and he himself felt that it must do great mischief to the members +from other parts of the Province, to pass some months of each year in that +'hot-bed of prejudice and disaffection.' Moreover, so long as Montreal +retained the prestige of being the Metropolis, it was impossible to prevent +its press from enjoying a factitious importance, not only within the +province, but also in England and in the States, where it would be looked +upon as the exponent of the sentiments of the community at large. + +Ultimately, on November 18, Lord Elgin reported to the Home Government, +that after full and anxious deliberation he had resolved, on the advice of +his Council, to act on the recommendation of the Assembly that the +Legislature should sit alternately at Toronto and Quebec, and with that +view to summon the Provincial Parliament for the next session at Toronto. +This step, 'decided upon in this deliberate and unimpassioned manner,' gave +a useful lesson, which was not lost either upon Montreal or the rest of the +Province. Nor was this its only good effect. 'The arrangement,' wrote Lord +Grey in 1852, 'by which the seat of Government and the sittings of the +Legislature were fixed alternately at Toronto and Quebec, has contributed +not a little towards removing the feelings of alienation from each other of +the inhabitants of French and of British descent. The French Canadians have +thus been brought into closer communication than formerly with the +inhabitants of the Western division of the province, and an increase of +mutual esteem and respect, with the removal of many prejudices by which +they were formerly divided, have been the result of the two classes +becoming better acquainted with each other.'[11] + +[Sidenote: Visit to Upper Canada.] + +While these arrangements were under discussion, in the autumn following the +stormy events above described, in spite of the threats thrown out by the +extreme party, Lord Elgin, after a progress in Upper Canada in which he was +accompanied by his family, made a short tour in the Western districts, the +stronghold of British feeling, attended only by one aide-de-camp and a +servant, 'so as to contradict the allegation that he required protection.' +Everywhere he was received with the utmost cordiality; the few indications +of a different feeling, on the part of Orangemen and others, having only +the effect of heightening the enthusiasm with which he was greeted by the +majority of the population. + +[Sidenote: Continued animosities.] + +From this time we hear no more of such disgraceful scenes as it has been +necessary to record; but it was long before the old 'Family-Compact' party +forgave the Governor who had dared to be impartial. By many kinds of +detraction they sought to weaken his influence and damage his popularity; +detractions probably repeated in all sincerity by many who were honestly +incapable of understanding his real motives for forbearance. And as the +members of this party, though they had lost their monopoly of political +power, still remained the dominant class in society, the disparaging tone +which they set was taken up not only in the colony itself, but also by +travellers who visited it, and by them carried back to infect opinion in +England. The result was that persons at home, who had the highest +appreciation of Lord Elgin's capacity as a statesman, sincerely believed +him to be deficient in nerve and vigour; and as the misapprehension was one +which he could not have corrected, even if he had been aware how widely it +was spread, it continued to exist in many quarters until dispelled by the +singular energy and boldness, amounting almost to rashness, which he +displayed in China. + +[Sidenote: Forbearance of Lord Elgin.] + +The more we remember the vehemence with which these injurious reports were +circulated, the more remarkable appears the resolution not to yield to the +provocation they involved, and the determination to accept the whole +responsibility of the situation at whatever personal cost. + +The following letters are among those which disclose the motives of his +resolute forbearance. The last of them, written to an intimate friend +nearly two years later, and summing up the feelings with which he looked +back on the struggles of 1849, may close the personal records of this +troubled year. + +[Sidenote: Its motives.] + + I do not at all wonder that you should be disposed to question the + wisdom of my course in respect to Montreal; I think it was the best I + could have taken under the circumstances; but I do not presume to say + that it may not be criticised--justly criticised. My choice was not + between a clearly right and a clearly wrong course: how easy is it to + deal with such cases, and how rare are they in life! But between + several difficulties, I think I chose the least. I think, too, that I + am beginning to reap the reward of my policy. I do not believe that + such enthusiasm was ever manifested towards anyone in my situation in + Canada, as has been exhibited during my recent tour. But more than + this. I do not believe that the function of the Governor-General under + constitutional government as the moderator between parties, the + representative of interests which are common to all the inhabitants of + the country, as distinct from those which divide them into parties, + was ever so fully and so frankly recognised. Now, I do not believe + that I could have achieved this if I had had blood upon my hands. I + might have been quite as popular, perhaps more so; for there are many, + especially in Lower Canada, who would gladly have seen the severities + of the law practised upon those from whom they believe that they have + often suffered much, unjustly. But my business is to humanize--not to + harden. At that task I must labour, through obloquy and + misrepresentation if needs be. At the same time I admit that I must, + not for the miserable purpose of self-glorification, but with a view + to the maintenance and establishment of my moral influence, recover + the prestige of personal courage of which some here sought to deprive + me. Before I have travelled unattended through the towns and villages + of Upper Canada, and met 'the bhoys' as they are called, in all of + them on their own ground, I think I shall have effected this object, + in so far as the province is concerned. To right myself in England + will be more difficult; but doubtless, if I live, the opportunity of + so doing, even there, will sooner or later present itself. Hitherto + any impertinences which have reached me from the other side have been + anonymous. + + * * * * * + +[Sidenote: Afterthoughts.] + + I believe that the sentiments expressed in the newspaper extract of + which you acknowledge the receipt in your last, with respect to the + merits of the policy of forbearance adopted by me at the great crisis, + are beginning to obtain very generally among the few who trace results + to their causes. But none can know what that crisis was, and what that + decision cost. At the time I took it, I stood literally _alone_. + I alienated from me the adherents of the Government, who felt, or + imagined (having been generally, in times past, on the anti-Government + side), that if the tables had been turned--if _they_ and not + _their adversaries_ had been resisting the law of the land, and + threatening the life of the Queen's representative--a very different + course of repressive policy would have been adopted. At the same time + I gained nothing on the other side, who only advanced in audacity; and + added the charge of personal cowardice to their other outrages. At + home, too, I forfeited much moral support; for although the Government + sustained me with that honourable confidence which entitles a + Government to be well served, they were puzzled. The logic of the case + was against me. Lord Grey and Lord J. Russell both felt that either I + was right or I was wrong. If the latter, I ought to be recalled; if + the former, I ought to make the law respected. And, lastly, I lost any + chance of moral support from the opinion of our neighbours in the + States; for, like all primitive constitutionalists, the ideas of + government they hold in that quarter are very simple. I have been told + by Americans, 'We thought you were quite right; but we could not + understand why you did not _shoot them down!_' + + I do not, as you may suppose, often speak of these matters; but the + subject was alluded to the other day by a person (now out of politics, + but who knew what was going on at the time, one of our ablest men), + and he said to me, 'Yes; I see it all now. You were right--a thousand + times right--though I thought otherwise then. I own that I would + have reduced Montreal to ashes before I would have endured half what + you did; and,' he added, 'I should have been justified, too.' 'Yes,' I + answered, 'you would have been justified, because your course would + have been perfectly defensible; but it would not have been the _best + course_. Mine was a _better one_.' And shall I tell you + what was the deep conviction on my mind, which, apart from the + reluctance which I naturally felt to shed blood (particularly in a + cause in which many who opposed the Government were actuated by + motives which, though much alloyed with baser metal, had claims on my + sympathy), confirmed me in that course? I perceived that the mind of + the British population of the province, in Upper Canada especially, + was at that time the prey of opposing impulses. On the one hand, as a + question of blood and sensibility, they were inclined to go with the + anti-French party of Lower Canada; on the other, as a question of + constitutional principle, they felt that I was right, and that I + deserved support. Depend upon it, if we had looked to bayonets instead + of to reason for a triumph, the _sensibilities_ of the great body + of which I speak would soon have carried the day against their + _judgment_. + + And what is the result? 700,000 French reconciled to England--not + because they are getting _rebel money_--I believe, indeed, that + no _rebels_ will get a farthing; but because they believe that + the British Governor is just. 'Yes;' but you may say 'this is + purchased by the alienation of the British.' Far from it; I took the + whole blame upon myself; and I will venture to affirm that the + Canadian British never were so loyal as they are at this hour; and, + what is more remarkable still, and more directly traceable to this + policy of forbearance, never, since Canada existed, has party-spirit + been more moderate, and the British and French races on better terms + than they are now; and this, in spite of the withdrawal of protection, + and of the proposal to throw on the colony many charges which the + Imperial Government has hitherto borne. + + Pardon me for saying so much on this point; but _'magna est + veritas.'_ + + +[1] _I.e._ one of the rebels of 1837, who had been banished to Bermuda + by Lord Durham. + +[2] One of the Conservative papers of the day wrote:--'Bad as the payment + of the rebellion losses is, we do not know that it would not be better + to submit to pay twenty rebellion losses than have what is nominally a + free Constitution fettered and restrained each time a measure + distasteful to the minority is passed.' + +[3] 'I confess,' he wrote in a private letter of the same date, 'I did not + before know how thin is the crust of order which covers the anarchical + elements that boil and toss beneath our feet.' + +[4] 'When he entered the Government House he took a two-pound stone with + him which he had picked up in his carriage, as evidence of the most + unusual and sorrowful treatment Her Majesty's representative had + received.'--Mac Mullen, p. 511. + +[5] 'Cabs, caleches, and everything that would run were at once launched in + pursuit, and crossing his route, the Governor-General's carriage was + bitterly assailed in the main street of the St. Lawrence suburbs. The + good and rapid driving of his postilions enabled him to clear the + desperate mob, but not till the head of his brother, Colonel Bruce, + had been cut, injuries inflicted on the chief of police. Colonel + Ermatanger, and on Captain Jones, commanding the escort, and every + panel of the carriage driven in.'--Mac Mullen, p. 511. + +[6] In the midst of this time of anxiety and even of danger to himself and + his family, his eldest son was born at Monklands, on May 16. Her + Majesty was graciously pleased to become godmother to the child, who + was christened Victor Alexander. + +[7] The motives, he afterwards said, which induced him to abstain from + forcing his way into Montreal, might be correctly stated in the words + of the Duke of Wellington, who, when asked why he did not go to the + city in 1830, is reported to have answered, 'I would have gone if the + law had been equal to protect me, but that was not the case. Fifty + dragoons would have done it, but that was a military force. If firing + had begun, who could tell when it would end? one guilty person would + fall and ten innocent be destroyed. Would this have been wise or + humane for a little bravado, or that the country might not be alarmed + for a day or two?' + +[8] His valued Secretary, to whose personal recollections most of these + details are due. + +[9] Some years afterwards, in the 'Address' already quoted, Mr. Gladstone + made something of an _amende_ for this attack; but he does not + appear to have been fully informed, even then, either as to the + intention with which the Act was framed, or as to the manner in which + it had been carried out. + +[10] 'This,' observes Lord Grey, 'owing to the extreme forbearance of Lord + Elgin and his advisers, was the only life lost throughout these + unhappy disturbances.' + +[11] Lord Grey's Colonial Policy, &c. i. 234. In 1858, however, this + 'perambulating system' having proved expensive and inconvenient, the + Queen was asked to designate a permanent abode for the Legislature. + Her Majesty was graciously pleased to name Ottawa, the present capital + of the Dominion; and the selection of this central spot, with, its + singular facilities of communication, has greatly aided in the + consolidation of the province. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +ANNEXATION MOVEMENT--REMEDIAL MEASURES--REPEAL OF THE NAVIGATION LAWS-- +RECIPROCITY WITH THE UNITED STATES--HISTORY OF THE TWO MEASURES--DUTY OF +SUPPORTING AUTHORITY--VIEWS ON COLONIAL GOVERNMENT--COLONIAL INTERESTS THE +SPORT OF HOME PARTIES--NO SEPARATION!--SELF-GOVERNMENT NOT NECESSARILY +REPUBLICAN--VALUE OF THE MONARCHICAL PRINCIPLE--DEFENCES OF THE COLONY. + + +[Sidenote: Annexation movement] + +The disturbances which followed the passing of the 'Rebellion Losses Bill' +have been described in the preceding chapter chiefly as they affected the +person of the Governor. But it may be truly said that this was the aspect +of them that gave him least concern. He felt, indeed, deeply the +indignities offered to the Crown of England through its representative. But +there was some satisfaction in the reflection that, by taking on himself +the whole responsibility of sanctioning the obnoxious Bill, he had drawn +down upon his own head the chief violence of a storm which might otherwise +have exploded in a manner very dangerous to the Empire. 'I think I might +say,' he writes, 'with less poetry but with more truth, what Lamartine said +when they accused him of coquetting with the _Rouges_ under the +Provisional Government: "_Oui, j'ai conspiré! J'ai conspiré comme le +paratonnerre conspire avec le nuage pour désarmer la foudre._"' But the +thunder-cloud was not entirely disarmed; and it burst in a direction which +popular passion in Canada has always been too apt to take, threats of +throwing off England and joining the American States. As far back as March +14, 1849, we find Lord Elgin drawing Lord Grey's attention to this subject. + + There has been (he writes) a vast deal of talk about 'annexation,' as + is unfortunately always the case here when there is anything to + agitate the public mind. If half the talk on this subject were + sincere, I should consider an attempt to keep up the connection with + Great Britain as Utopian in the extreme. For, no matter what the + subject of complaint, or what the party complaining; whether it be + alleged that the French are oppressing the British, or the British the + French--that Upper Canada debt presses on Lower Canada, or Lower + Canada claims on Upper; whether merchants be bankrupt, stocks + depreciated, roads bad, or seasons unfavourable, annexation is invoked + as the remedy for all ills, imaginary or real. A great deal of this + talk is, however, bravado, and a great deal the mere product of + thoughtlessness. Undoubtedly it is in some quarters the utterance of + very sincere convictions; and if England will not make the sacrifices + which are absolutely necessary to put the colonists here in as good a + position commercially as the citizens of the States--in order to which + _free navigation and reciprocal trade with the States are + indispensable_--if not only the organs of the league but those of + the Government and of the Peel party are always writing as if it were + an admitted fact that colonies, and more especially Canada, are a + burden, to be endured only because they cannot be got rid of, the end + may be nearer at hand than we wot of. + +In these sentences we have the germs of views and feelings which time only +made clearer and stronger;--indignation at that tendency, so common in all +minorities, to look abroad for aid against the power of the majority; faith +in the idea of Colonial Government, if based on principles of justice and +freedom; and, as regards the particular case of Canada, the conviction that +nothing was wanted to secure her loyalty but a removal of the commercial +restrictions which placed her at a disadvantage in competing with her +neighbours of the Union. To understand the scope of his policy during the +next few years, it will be necessary to dwell at some length on each of +these points; but for the present we must return to the circumstances which +gave occasion to the letter which we have quoted. + +[Sidenote: Manifesto.] + +While ready, as that letter shows, to make every allowance for the +utterances of thoughtless folly, or of well-founded discontent on the part +of the people, Lord Elgin felt the necessity of checking at once such +demonstrations on the part of paid servants of the Crown. Accordingly, when +an elaborate manifesto appeared in favour of 'annexation,' bearing the +signatures of several persons--magistrates, Queen's counsel, militia +officers, and others--holding commissions at the pleasure of the Crown, he +caused a circular to be addressed to all such persons with the view of +ascertaining whether their names had been attached with their own consent. +Some of these letters were answered in the negative, some in the +affirmative, and others by denying the right of the Government to put the +question, and declining to reply to it. Lord Elgin resolved, with the +advice of his executive council, to remove from such offices as are held +during the pleasure of the Crown, the gentlemen who admitted the +genuineness of their signatures, and those who refused to disavow them. + +[Sidenote: Remedial measures.] + +'In this course, says Lord Grey,[1] 'we thought it right to support him; +and a despatch was addressed to him signifying the Queen's approval of his +having dismissed from Her service those who had signed the address, and Her +Majesty's commands to resist to the utmost any attempt that might be made +to bring about a separation of Canada from the British dominions,' But the +necessity for such acts of severity only increased Lord Elgin's desire to +remove every reasonable ground of complaint and discontent; to shut out, as +he said, the advocates of annexation from every plea which could grace or +dignify rebellion. He felt, indeed, an assured confidence that, by carrying +out fearlessly the principle of self-government, he had 'cast an acorn into +time,' which could not fail to bring forth the fruit of political +contentment. But, in the meantime, for the immediate security of the +connection between the colony and the mother-country he thought, as we have +already seen, that two measures were indispensable, viz. the removal of the +existing restrictions on navigation, and the establishment of reciprocal +free trade with the United States. + +Judging after the event we may, perhaps, be inclined to think that the +importance which he attached to the latter of these measures was +exaggerated; especially as the annexation movement had died away, and +content, commercial as well as political, had returned to the Province long +before it was carried. But we cannot form a correct view of his policy +without giving some prominence to a subject which occupied, for many years, +so large a share of his thoughts and of his energies. + +Writing to Lord Grey on November 8, 1849, he says:-- + +[Sidenote: 'Reciprocity.'] + + The fact is, that although both the States and Canada export to the + same neutral market, prices on the Canada side of the line are lower + than on the American, by the amount of the duty which the Americans + levy. So long as this state of things continues there will be + discontent in this country; deep, growing discontent You will not, I + trust, accuse me of having deceived you on this point. I have always + said that I am prepared to assume the responsibility of keeping Canada + quiet, with a much smaller garrison than we have now, and without any + tax on the British consumer in the shape of protection to Canadian + products, if you put our trade on as good a footing as that of our + American neighbours; but if things remain on their present footing in + this respect, there is nothing before us but violent agitation, ending + in convulsion or annexation. It is better that I should worry you with + my importunity, than that I should be chargeable with having neglected + to give you due warning. You have a great opportunity before you-- + obtain reciprocity for us, and I venture to predict that you will be + able shortly to point to this hitherto turbulent colony with + satisfaction, in illustration of the tendency of self-government and + freedom of trade, to beget contentment and material progress. Canada + will remain attached to England, though tied to her neither by the + golden links of protection, nor by the meshes of old-fashioned + colonial office jobbing and chicane. But if you allow the Americans to + withhold the boon which you have the means of extorting if you will, I + much fear that the closing period of the connection between Great + Britain and Canada will be marked by incidents which will damp the + ardour of those who desire to promote human happiness by striking + shackles either off commerce or off men. + +Even when tendering to the Premier, Lord John Russell, his formal thanks on +being raised to the British peerage--an honour which, coming at that +moment, he prized most highly as a proof to the world that the Queen's +Government approved his policy--he could not forego the opportunity of +insisting on a topic which seemed to him so momentous. + + It is (he writes) of such vital importance that your Lordship should + rightly apprehend the nature of these difficulties, and the state of + public opinion in Canada at this conjuncture, that I venture, at the + hazard of committing an indiscretion, to add a single observation on + this head. Let me then assure your Lordship, and I speak advisedly in + offering this assurance, that the disaffection now existing in Canada, + whatever be the forms with which it may clothe itself, is due mainly + to commercial causes. I do not say that there is no discontent on + political grounds. Powerful individuals and even classes of men are, I + am well aware, dissatisfied with the conduct of affairs. But I make + bold to affirm that so general is the belief that, under the present + circumstances of our commercial condition, the colonists pay a heavy + pecuniary fine for their fidelity to Great Britain, that nothing but + the existence to an unwonted degree of political contentment among the + masses has prevented the cry for annexation from spreading, like + wildfire, through the Province. This, as your Lordship will perceive, + is a new feature in Canadian politics. The plea of self-interest, the + most powerful weapon, perhaps, which the friends of British connection + have wielded in times past, has not only been wrested from my hands, + but transferred since 1846 to those of the adversary. I take the + liberty of mentioning a fact, which seems better to illustrate the + actual condition of affairs in these respects than many arguments. I + have lately spent several weeks in the district of Niagara. Canadian + Niagara is separated from the state of New York by a narrow stream, + spanned by a bridge, which it takes a foot passenger about three + minutes to cross. The inhabitants are for the most part U.E. + loyalists,[2] and differ little in habits or modes of thought and + expression from their neighbours. Wheat is their staple product--the + article which they exchange for foreign comforts and luxuries. Now it + is the fact that a bushel of wheat, grown on the Canadian side of the + line, has fetched this year in the market, on an average, from + 9_d_. to 1_s_. less than the same quantity and quality of + the same article grown on the other. Through their district council, a + body elected under a system of very extended suffrage, these same + inhabitants of Niagara have protested against the Montreal annexation + movement. They have done so (and many other district councils in Upper + Canada have done the same) under the impression that it would be base + to declare against England at a moment when England has given a signal + proof of her determination to concede constitutional Government in all + its plenitude to Canada. I am confident, however, that the large + majority of the persons who have thus protested, firmly believe that + their annexation to the United States would add one-fourth to the + value of the produce of their farms. + + I need say no more than this to convince your Lordship, that while + this state of things subsists (and I much fear that no measure but the + establishment of reciprocal trade between Canada and the States, or + the imposition of a duty on the produce of the States when imported + into England, will remove it), arguments will not be wanting to those + who seek to seduce Canadians from their allegiance. + +Shortly afterwards he writes to Lord Grey:-- + + It is not for me to dispute the point with free-traders, when they + allege that all parts of the Empire are suffering from the effects of + free-trade, and that Canadians must take their chance with others. But + I must be permitted to remark, that the Canadian case differs from + others, both as respects the immediate cause of the suffering, and + still more as respects the means which the sufferers possess of + finding for themselves a way of escape. As to the former point I have + only to say that, however severe the pressure in other cases attendant + on the transition from protection to free-trade, there is none which + presents so peculiar a specimen of legislative legerdemain as the + Canadian, where an interest was created in 1843 by a Parliament in + which the parties affected had no voice, only to be knocked down by + the same Parliament in 1846. But it is the latter consideration which + constitutes the specialty of the Canadian case. What in point of fact + _can_ the other suffering interests, of which the _Times_ + writes, do? There may be a great deal of grumbling, and a gradual + move towards republicanism, or even communism; but this is an operose + and empirical process, the parties engaged in it are full of + misgivings, and their ranks at every step in advance are thinned by + desertion. Not so with the Canadians. The remedy offered to them, such + as it is, is perfectly definite and intelligible. They are invited to + form a part of a community, which is neither suffering nor free- + trading, which never makes a bargain without getting at least twice as + much as it gives; a community, the members of which have been within + the last few weeks pouring into their multifarious places of worship, + to thank God that they are exempt from the ills which afflict other + men, from those more especially which afflict their despised + neighbours, the inhabitants of North America, who have remained + faithful to the country which planted them. + + Now, I believe, that if these facts be ignored, it is quite impossible + to understand rightly the present state of opinion in Canada, or to + determine wisely the course which the British Government and + Parliament ought to pursue. It may suit the policy of the English + free-trade press to represent the difficulties of Canada as the + consequence of having a fool for a Governor-General; but, if it be + permitted me to express an opinion on a matter of so much delicacy, I + venture to doubt whether it would be safe to act on this hypothesis. + My conviction on the contrary is, that motives of self-interest of a + very gross and palpable description are suggesting treasonable courses + to the Canadian mind at present, and that it is a political sentiment, + a feeling of gratitude for what has been done and suffered this year + in the cause of Canadian self-government, which is neutralising these + suggestions. + +Again, on December 29,1849, he writes as follows:-- + +[Sidenote: Free navigation.] + + I believe that the operation of the free navigation system will be + what you anticipate, to a great extent at least, and that it will tend + materially to equalise prices on the two sides of the line. At the + same time I do think, that there are circumstances in this country + which falsify, in some degree, the deductions at which one arrives + from reasoning founded on the abstract principles of political + economy. One of these circumstances is the power which the farmers in + the Western States, having no rents to pay, have of holding back their + grain when prices do not suit them. You must have observed what hoards + they poured forth when they were tempted by the famine prices of 1847; + and I cannot but think that this power of hoarding, coupled with an + indifferent harvest, must account for the great disparity of price, + which has obtained during the course of the present year in the New + York market for bonded grain, and grain for the home consumption. I + fully expect, however, to see the price of Canadian grain, bonded at + New York, rise, now that it can be exported to Liverpool in the New + York liners, which will carry it for ballast. Nevertheless, I think + that Sir Robert Peel's _dictum_ with respect to the Repeal of the + Corn Laws, on the day on which he retired last from office, when he + observed that thenceforward, even when the poor suffered from the high + price of bread, they would not ascribe that suffering to the fact of + their bread being taxed, applies with at least equal force to the + reciprocity question as affecting the Canadian farmers. For sure am I + that, so long as there is a duty on their produce when it enters the + States, and none on the introduction of United States produce into + England, they will ascribe to this cause alone the differences of + price that may occasionally rule to their disadvantage. + +The history of the two measures which Lord Elgin so ardently desired, and +which in the foregoing and many similar letters he so urgently pressed, was +eminently characteristic of the two Legislatures, through which they had +respectively to be carried. + +[Sidenote: Repeal of Navigation Laws.] + +In England, the repeal of restrictive Navigation Laws was contended for by +thoughtful statesmen on grounds of public policy. The protective and +conservative instincts of the old country, fortified by the never-absent +spirit of party, resisted the change. When fairly beaten by force of +argument in the House of Commons, they entrenched themselves ha the House +of Lords; and it was only after a hot struggle that the Act was passed in +June 1849, of which one effect was, by lowering freights, to increase the +profits of the Canadian trade in wheat and timber, and thus to advance, in +a very important degree, the commercial prosperity of the colony. + +[Sidenote: Reciprocity Treaty.] + +The delays which retarded the settlement of the Reciprocity Treaty were due +to causes of another kind. The difficulty was to induce the American +Congress to pay any attention at all to the subject. In the vast +multiplicity of matters with which that Assembly has to deal, it is said +that no cause which does not appeal strongly to a national sentiment, or at +least to some party feeling, has a chance of obtaining a hearing, unless it +is taken up systematically by 'organizers' outside the House. The +Reciprocity Bill was not a measure about which any national or even party +feeling could be aroused. It was one which required much study to +understand its bearings, and which would affect different interests in the +country in different ways. It stood, therefore, especially in need of the +aid of professional organizers; a kind of aid of which it was of course +impossible that either the British or the Canadian Government should avail +itself. Session after session the Bill was proposed, scarcely debated, and +set aside. At last, in 1854, after the negotiations had dragged on wearily +for more than six years, Lord Elgin himself was sent to Washington in the +hope--'a forlorn hope,' as it seemed to those who sent him--of bringing the +matter to a successful issue. It was his first essay in diplomacy, but made +under circumstances unusually favourable. He was personally popular with +the Americans, towards whom he had always entertained and shown a most +friendly feeling. They appreciated, moreover, better perhaps than it was +appreciated at home, the consummate ability, as well as the rare strength +of character, which he had displayed in the government of Canada; and the +prestige thus attaching to his name, joined to the influence of his +presence, and his courtesy and _bonhomie_, enabled him in a few days +to smooth all difficulties, and change apathy into enthusiasm. Within a few +weeks from the time of his landing he had agreed with Mr. Marcy upon the +terms of a Treaty of Reciprocity, which soon afterwards received the +sanction of all the Governments concerned. + +The main concessions made by the Provinces to the United States in this +treaty were, (1) the removal of duties on the introduction, for consumption +in the Provinces, of certain products of the States; (2) the admission of +citizens of that country to the enjoyment of the in-shore sea-fishery; (3) +the opening-up to their vessels of the St. Lawrence and canals pertaining +thereto. + +A good deal of misconception prevailed at the time as to the amount of the +concession made under the second head. The popular impression on this point +was, that a gigantic monopoly was about to be surrendered; but this was far +from being the case. The citizens of the United States had already, under +the Convention of 1818, access to the most important cod-fisheries on the +British coasts. The new treaty maintained in favour of British subjects the +monopoly of the river and freshwater fisheries; and the concession which it +made to the citizens of the United States amounted in substance to this, +that it admitted them to a legal participation in the mackerel and herring +fisheries, from illegal encroachments on which it had been found, after the +experience of many years, practically impossible to exclude them.[3] + +The duration of the Treaty was limited to ten years, and has not been +extended; but it is not too much to hope that it has had some effect in +engendering feelings of friendliness, and of community of interest, which +may long outlast itself. + +[Sidenote: Views of Government.] + +It has been already noticed that the 'annexation movement' of 1849 died +away without serious consequences; and extracts which have been given above +sufficiently show to what cause Lord Elgin attributed its extinction. The +powerful attraction of the great neighbouring republic had been +counteracted and overcome by the more powerful attraction of self- +government at home. The centrifugal force was no longer equal to the +centripetal. To create this state of feeling had been his most cherished +desire; to feel that he had succeeded in creating it was, throughout much +obloquy and misunderstanding, his greatest support. + +[Sidenote: Duty of supporting authority,] + +From the earliest period of his entrance into political life he had always +had the strongest sense of the duty incumbent on every public man of +supporting, even in opposition, the authority of Government. The bitterest +reproach which he cast upon the Whigs, in his first Tory 'Letter to the +Electors of Great Britain' in 1835, was that when they found they could not +carry on the government themselves, they tried to make it impossible for +any other party to do so. Nor was he less severe, on another occasion, in +his reprehension of 'a certain high Tory clique who are always cavilling at +royalty when it is constitutional; circulating the most miserable gossip +about royal persons and royal entertainments,' &c.; busily 'engaged in +undermining the foundations on which respect for human institutions rests.' +Writing, in May 1850, to Mr. Gumming Bruce, a Tory and Protectionist, he +said-- + + I shall not despair for England whether Free-traders or Protectionists + be in the ascendant, unless I see that the faction out of power abet + the endeavours of those who would make the Government of the country + contemptible. Read Montalembert's speeches. They are very eloquent and + instructive. He had as full a faith in his religion, and what he + considered due to his religion, as you can have in your Corn Laws. Yet + observe how bitterly he now repents having aided those who have + undermined in the French public all respect for authority and the + powers that be. + + If all that your Protectionist friends want to do is to put + themselves, or persons in whom they have greater confidence than the + present Ministry, in office, their object is, I confess, a perfectly + legitimate one. What I complain of is the system of what is termed + damaging the Government, when resorted to by those who have no such + purpose in view; or at least no honest intention of assuming + responsibilities which they are endeavouring to render intolerable to + those who are charged with them. + +[Sidenote: especially in Colonies.] + +But if this 'political profligacy' was, in his judgment, the bane of party +government at home, a still stronger but, perhaps, more excusable tendency +to it threatened to defeat the object of responsible government in Canada. +Accustomed to look abroad for the source and centre of power, a beaten +minority in the Colonial Parliament, instead of loyally accepting its +position, was never without a hope of wresting the victory from its +opponents, either by an appeal to opinion in the mother-country, always +ill-informed, and therefore credulous, in matters of colonial politics, or +else by raising a cry of 'separation' or 'annexation.' + +The evil effects of this state of things need hardly be pointed out. On the +one hand the constant reference to opinion in England, not in the shape of +constitutional appeal but by ex-parte statements, produced a state of +chronic irritation against the mother-country. 'There is nothing,' wrote +Lord Elgin, 'which makes the colonial statesman so jealous as rescripts +from the Colonial Office, suggested by the representations of provincial +cliques or interests, who ought, as he contends, to bow before the +authorities of Government House, Montreal, rather than those of Downing +Street.' On the other hand it was not easy to know how to deal with +politicians who did not profess to own more than a qualified and +provisional allegiance to the constitution of the Province and the Crown of +England. The one hope in both cases was to foster a 'national and manly +tone' of political morals; to lead all parties alike to look to their own +Parliament, and neither to the London press nor the American hustings, for +the solution of all problems of Provincial government. + +But while thus zealously defending, the fortress of British connection +committed to his care, Lord Elgin was dismayed to find that its walls were +crumbling round him? undermined by the operations of his own Mends; that +there had arisen at home a school of philosophic statesmen, strong in their +own ability, and strengthened by the support of the Radical economists, +according to whom it was to be expected and desired that every colony +enjoying constitutional government should aim at emancipating itself +entirely from allegiance to the mother-country, and forming itself into an +independent Republic. With such views he had no sympathy. The 'Sparta' +which had fallen to his lot was the position of a colonial governor, and +that position he felt it his duty to 'adorn' and to maintain. Moreover, +believing firmly in the vitality of the monarchical principle, as well as +in its value, he contended that it is an error to suppose that a +constitutional monarchy, in proportion as it becomes more liberal, tends +towards republicanism; and further, that if such tendency existed it would +be retrograde rather than progressive. + +The views of Colonial Government, its objects and its difficulties, which +have been here briefly epitomised, are displayed in full in the following +letters, together with a variety of opinions on kindred topics. They are +given as characteristic of Lord Elgin; but they may, perhaps, have an +interest of their own, as bearing on important questions which still await +solution. + + _To the Earl Grey._ + + November 16,1849. + +[Sidenote: Maintenance of British connection.] + + Very much, as respects the result of this annexation movement, depends + upon what you do at home. I cannot say what the effect may be if the + British Government and press are lukewarm on the subject. The + annexationists will take heart, but in a tenfold greater degree the + friends of the connection will be discouraged. If it be admitted that + separation _must_ take place, sooner or later, the argument in + favour of a present move seems to be almost irresistible. I am + prepared to contend that with responsible government, fairly worked + out with free-trade, there is no reason why the colonial relation + should not be indefinitely maintained. But look at my present + difficulty, which may be increased beyond calculation, if indiscreet + expressions be made use of during the present crisis. The English + Government thought it necessary, in order to give moral support to + their representative in Ireland, to assert in the most solemn manner + that the Crown never would consent to the severance of the Union; + although, according to the O'Connell doctrine, the allegiance to the + Crown of the Irish was to be unimpaired notwithstanding such + severance. But when I protest against Canadian projects for + dismembering the empire, I am always told 'the most eminent statesmen + in England have over and over again told us, that whenever we chose we + might separate. Why, then, blame us for discussing the subject?' + + * * * * * + + _To the Earl Grey._ + + January 14,1850. + +[Sidenote: Colonial interests the sport of home parties.] + + I am certainly less sanguine than I was as to the probability of + retaining the colonies under free-trade. I speak not now of the cost + of their retention, for I have no doubt but that, if all parties + concerned were honest, expenses might be gradually reduced. I am sure + also that when free-trade is fairly in operation it will be found that + more has been gained by removing the causes of irritation which were + furnished by the constant _tinkering_ incident to a protective + system, than has been lost by severing the bonds by which it tied the + mother-country and the colonies together. What I fear is, that when + the mystification in which certain questions of self-interest were + involved by protection is removed, factions both at home and in the + colonies will be more reckless than ever in hazarding for party + objects the loss of the colonies.[4] Our system depends a great deal + more on the discretion with which it is worked than the American, + where each power in the state goes habitually the full length of its + tether: Congress, the State legislatures, Presidents, Governors, all + legislating and _vetoing_, without stint or limit, till pulled up + short by a judgment of the Supreme Court. With us factions in the + colonies are clamorous and violent, with the hope of producing effect + on the Imperial Parliament and Government, just in proportion to their + powerlessness at home. The history of Canada during the past year + furnishes ample evidence of this truth. Why was there so much violence + on the part of the opposition here last summer, particularly against + the Governor-General? Because it felt itself to be weak in the + province, and looked for success to the effect it could produce in + England alone. + + And how is this tendency to bring the Imperial and Local Parliaments + into antagonism, a tendency so dangerous to the permanence of our + system, to be counteracted? By one expedient as it appears to me only; + namely, by the Governor's acting with some assumption of + responsibility, so that the shafts of the enemy, which are intended + for the Imperial Government, may fall on him. If a line of demarcation + between the questions with which the Local Parliaments can deal and + those which are reserved for the Imperial authority could be drawn, + (as was recommended last session by the Radicals), it might be + different; but, as it is, I see nothing for it but that the Governors + should be responsible for the share which the Imperial Government may + have in the policy carried out in the responsible-government colonies, + with the liability to be recalled and disavowed whenever the Imperial + authorities think it expedient to repudiate such policy. + + * * * * * + + _To the Duke of Newcastle._ + + Quebec: February 18, 1853. + +[Sidenote: Distribution of honours.] + + Now that the bonds formed by commercial protection and the disposal of + local offices are severed, it is very desirable that the prerogative + of the Crown, as the fountain of honour, should be employed, in so far + as this can properly be done, as a means of attaching the outlying + parts of the empire to the throne. Of the soundness of this + proposition as a general principle no doubt can, I presume, be + entertained. It is not, indeed, always easy to apply it in these + communities, where fortunes are precarious, the social system so much + based on equality, and public services so generally mixed up with + party conflicts. But it should never, in my opinion, be lost sight of, + and advantage should be taken of all favourable opportunities to act + upon it. + + There are two principles which ought, I think, as a general rule to be + attended to in the distribution of Imperial honours among colonists. + Firstly, they should appear to emanate directly from the Crown, on the + advice, if you will, of the Governors and Imperial Ministers, but not + on the recommendation of the local executives. And, secondly, they + should be conferred, as much as possible, on the eminent persons who + are no longer actively engaged in political life. If these principles + be neglected, such distinctions will, I fear, soon lose their value. + + * * * * * + + _To the Earl Grey._ + + Toronto: March 23,1850. + +[Sidenote: Speech of Lord J. Russell.] +[Sidenote: Colonial existence not provisional.] + + Lord John's speech on the colonies seems to have been eminently + successful at home. It is calculated too, I think, to do good in the + colonies; but for one sentence, the introduction of which I deeply + deplore--the sting in the tail. Alas for that sting in the tail! I + much fear that when the liberal and enlightened sentiments, the + enunciation of which by one so high in authority is so well calculated + to make the colonists sensible of the advantages which they derive + from their connection with Great Britain, shall have passed away from + their memories, there will not be wanting those who will remind them + that, on this solemn occasion, the Prime Minister of England, amid the + plaudits of a full senate, declared that he looked forward to the day + when the ties which he was endeavouring to render so easy and mutually + advantageous would be severed. And wherefore this foreboding? or, + perhaps, I ought not to use the term foreboding, for really to judge + by the comments of the press on this declaration of Lord John's, I + should be led to imagine that the prospect of these sucking + democracies, after they have drained their old mother's life-blood, + leaving her in the lurch, and setting up as rivals, just at the time + when their increasing strength might render them a support instead of + a burden, is one of the most cheering which has of late presented + itself to the English imagination. But wherefore then this + anticipation--if foreboding be not the correct term? Because Lord John + and the people of England persist in assuming that the Colonial + relation is incompatible with maturity and full development. And is + this really so incontestable a truth that it is a duty not only to + hold but to proclaim it? Consider for a moment what is the effect of + proclaiming it in our case. We have on this continent two great + empires in presence, or rather, I should say, two great Imperial + systems. In many respects there is much similarity between them. In so + far as powers of self-government are concerned it is certain that our + colonists in America have no reason to envy the citizens of any state + in the Union. The forms differ, but it may be shown that practically + the inhabitants of Canada have a greater power in controlling their + own destiny than those of Michigan or New York, who must tolerate a + tariff imposed by twenty other states, and pay the expenses of war + undertaken for objects which they profess to abhor. And yet there is a + difference between the two cases; a difference, in my humble judgment, + of sentiment rather than substance, which renders the one a system of + life and strength, and the other a system of death and decay. No + matter how raw and rude a territory may be when it is admitted as a + state into the Union of the United States, it is at once, by the + popular belief, invested with all the dignity of manhood, and + introduced into a system which, despite the combativeness of certain + ardent spirits from the South, every American believes and maintains + to be immortal. But how does the case stand with us? No matter how + great the advance of a British colony in wealth and civilisation; no + matter how absolute the powers of self-government conceded to it, it + is still taught to believe that it is in a condition of pupilage from + which it must pass before it can attain maturity. For one I have never + been able to comprehend why, elastic as our constitutional system is, + we should not be able, now more especially when we have ceased to + control the trade of our colonies, to render the links which bind them + to the British Crown at least as lasting as those which unite the + component parts of the Union.... One thing is, however, indispensable + to the success of this or any other system of Colonial Government. You + must renounce the habit of telling the Colonies that the Colonial is a + provisional existence. You must allow them to believe that, without + severing the bonds which unite them to Great Britain, they may attain + the degree of perfection, and of social and political development, to + which organised communities of free men have a right to aspire. + + Since I began this letter I have, I regret to say, confirmatory + evidence of the justice of the anticipations I had formed of the + probable effect of Lord John's declaration. I enclose extracts from + two newspapers, an annexationist, the _Herald_ of Montreal, and a + _quasi_ annexationist, the _Mirror_ of Toronto. You will + note the use they make of it. I was more annoyed however, I confess, + by what occurred yesterday in council. We had to determine whether or + not to dismiss from his offices a gentleman who is both M.P.P., Q.C., + and J.P., and who has issued a flaming manifesto in favour, not of + annexation, but of an immediate declaration of independence as a step + to it. I will not say anything of my own opinion on the case, but it + was generally contended by the members of the Board, that it would be + impossible to maintain that persons who had declared their intention + to throw off their allegiance to the Queen, with a view to annexation, + were unfit to retain offices granted during pleasure, if persons who + made a similar declaration with a view to independence were to be + differently dealt with. Baldwin had Lord John's speech in his hand. He + is a man of singularly placid demeanour, but he has been seriously + ill, so possibly his nerves are shaken--at any rate I never saw him so + much moved. 'Have you read the latter part of Lord J. Russell's + speech?' he said to me. I nodded assent. 'For myself,' he added, 'if + the anticipations therein expressed prove to be well founded, my + interest in public affairs is gone for ever. But is it not hard upon + us while we are labouring, through good and evil report, to thwart the + designs of those who would dismember the Empire, that our adversaries + should be informed that the difference between them and the Prime + Minister of England is only one of time? If the British Government has + really come to the conclusion that we are a burden to be cast off + whenever a favourable opportunity offers, surely we ought to be + warned.' + + I replied that while I regretted as much as he could do the paragraph + to which he referred, I thought he somewhat mistook its import: that I + believed no man living was more opposed to the dismemberment of the + Empire than Lord J. Russell: that I did not conceive that he had any + intention of deserting the Colonies, or of inviting them to separate + from England; but that he had in the sentence in question given + utterance to a purely speculative, and in my judgment most fallacious, + opinion, which, was shared, I feared, by very many persons both in + England and the Colonies: that I held it to be a perfectly unsound and + most dangerous theory, that British Colonies could not attain maturity + without separation, and that my interest in labouring with them to + bring into full play the principles of Constitutional Government in + Canada would entirely cease if I could be persuaded to adopt it. I + said all this I must confess, however, not without misgiving, for I + could not but be sensible that, in spite of all my allegations to the + contrary, my audience was disposed to regard a prediction of this + nature, proceeding from a Prime Minister, less as a speculative + abstraction than as one of that class of prophecies which work their + own fulfilment. I left the Council Chamber disheartened, with the + feeling that Lord J. Russell's reference to the manhood of Colonies + was more likely to be followed by practical consequences than + Lamartine's famous '_quand l'heure aura sonné_' invocation to + oppressed nationalities. It is possible, indeed, that I exaggerate to + myself the probable effects of this declaration. Politicians of the + Baldwin stamp, with distinct views and aims, who having struggled to + obtain a Government on British principles, desire to preserve it, are + not, I fear, very numerous in Canada; the great mass move on with very + indefinite purposes, and not much inquiring whither they are going. Of + one thing, however, I am confident; there cannot be any peace, + contentment, progress, or credit in this colony while the idea obtains + that the connection with England is a millstone about its neck which + should be cast off, as soon as it can be conveniently managed. What + man in his senses would invest his money in the public securities of a + country where questions affecting the very foundations on which public + credit rests are in perpetual agitation; or would settle in it at all + if he could find for his foot a more stable resting-place elsewhere? I + may, perhaps, be expressing myself too unreservedly with reference to + opinions emanating from a source which I am no less disposed than + bound to respect. As I have the means, however, of feeling the pulse + of the colonists in this most feverish region, I consider it to be + always my duty to furnish you with as faithful a record as possible of + our diagnostics. And, after all, may I not with all submission ask, Is + not the question at issue a most momentous one? What is it indeed but + this: Is the Queen of England to be the Sovereign of an Empire, + growing, expanding, strengthening itself from age to age, striking its + roots deep into fresh earth and drawing new supplies of vitality from + virgin soils? Or is she to be for all essential purposes of might and + power, Monarch of Great Britain and Ireland merely--her place and that + of her line in the world's history determined by the productiveness of + 12,000 square miles of a coal formation, which is being rapidly + exhausted, and the duration of the social and political organization + over which she presides dependent on the annual expatriation, with a + view to its eventual alienization, of the surplus swarms of her born + subjects? If Lord J. Russell, instead of concluding his excellent + speech with a declaration of opinion which, as I read it, and as I + fear others will read it, seems to make it a point of honour with the + Colonists to prepare for separation, had contented himself with + resuming the statements already made in its course, with showing that + neither the Government nor Parliament could have any object in view in + their Colonial policy but the good of the Colonies, and the + establishment of the relation between them and the mother-country on + the basis of mutual affection; that, as the idea of maintaining a + Colonial Empire for the purpose of exercising dominion or dispensing + patronage had been for some time abandoned, and that of regarding it + as a hot-bed for forcing commerce and manufactures more recently + renounced, a greater amount of free action and self-government might + be conceded to British Colonies without any breach of Imperial Unity, + or the violation of any principle of Imperial Policy, than had under + any scheme yet devised fallen to the lot of the component parts of any + Federal or imperial system; if he had left these great truths to work + their effect without hazarding a conjecture which will, I fear, be + received as a suggestion, with respect to the course which certain + wayward members of the Imperial family may be expected to take in a + contingency still confessedly remote, it would, I venture with great + deference to submit, in so far at least as public feeling in the + Colonies is concerned, have been safer and better. + +[Sidenote: 'Separation' and 'annexation.'] + + You draw, I know, a distinction between separation with a view to + annexation and separation with a view to independence. You say the + former is an act of treason, the latter a natural and legitimate step + in progress. There is much plausibility doubtless in this position, + but, independently of the fact that no one advocates independence in + these Colonies except as a means to the end, annexation, is it really + tenable? If you take your stand on the hypothesis that the Colonial + existence is one with which the Colonists ought to rest satisfied, + then, I think, you are entitled to denounce, without reserve or + measure, those who propose for some secondary object to substitute the + Stars and Stripes for the Union Jack. But if, on the contrary, you + assume that it is a provisional state, which admits of but a stunted + and partial growth, and out of which all communities ought in the + course of nature to strive to pass, how can you refuse to permit your + Colonies here, when they have arrived at the proper stage in their + existence, to place themselves in a condition which is at once most + favourable to their security and to their perfect national + development? What reasons can you assign for the refusal, except such + as are founded on selfishness, and are, therefore, morally worthless? + If you say that your great lubberly boy is too big for the nursery, + and that you have no other room for him in your house, how can you + decline to allow him to lodge with his elder brethren over the way, + when the attempt to keep up an establishment for himself would + seriously embarrass him? + + * * * * * + + _To the Earl Grey._ + + Toronto: November 1, 1850. + + Sir H. Bulwer spent four days with us, and for many reasons I am glad + that he has been here. He leaves us knowing more of Canada than he did + when he came. I think too that both he and Sir E. Head return to their + homes re-assured on many points of our internal policy, on which they + felt doubtful before, and much enlightened as to the real position of + men and things in this province. + +[Sidenote: Self-government not republican.] + + With one important truth 1 have laboured to impress them, and I hope + successfully. It is this: that the faithful carrying out of the + principles of Constitutional Government is a departure from the + American model, not an approximation to it, and, therefore, a + departure from republicanism in its only workable shape. Of the + soundness of this view of our case I entertain no doubt whatever; and + though I meet with few persons to whom it seems to have occurred (for + the common belief of superficial observers is that we are + republicanising the colonies), I seldom fail in bringing it borne to + the understanding of any intelligent person with whom I have occasion + to discuss it. The fact is, that the American system is our old + Colonial system with, in certain cases, the principle of popular + election substituted for that of nomination by the Crown. Mr. Filmore + stands to his Congress very much in the same relation in which I stood + to my Assembly in Jamaica. There is the same absence of effective + responsibility in the conduct of legislation, the same want of + concurrent action between the parts of the political machine. The + whole business of legislation in the American Congress, as well as in + the State Legislatures, is conducted in the manner in which railway + business was conducted in the House of Commons at a time when it is to + be feared that, notwithstanding the high standard of honour in the + British Parliament, there was a good deal of jobbing. For instance our + Reciprocity measure was pressed by us at Washington last session, just + as a Railway Bill in 1845 or 1846 would have been pressed in + Parliament. There was no Government to deal with. The interests of the + Union, as a whole and distinct from local and sectional interests, had + no organ in the representative bodies; it was all a question of + canvassing this member of Congress or the other. It is easy to + perceive that, under such a system, jobbing must become not the + exception but the rule. + + Now I feel very strongly, that when a people have been once thoroughly + accustomed to the working of such a Parliamentary system as ours, they + never will consent to revert to this clumsy irresponsible mechanism. + Whether we shall be able to carry on the war here long enough to allow + the practice of Constitutional Government and the habits of mind which + it engenders to take root in these provinces, may be doubtful. But it + may be worth your while to consider whether these views do not throw + some light on affairs in Europe. If you part with constitutional + monarchies there, you may possibly get something much more democratic; + but you cannot, I am confident, get American republicanism. It is the + fashion to say, 'of course not; we cannot get their federal system;' + but this is not the only reason, there are others that lie deeper. + Look at France, where they are trying to jumble up the two things, a + head of the State responsible to the people who elect him, and a + ministry responsible to the Parliament. + + * * * * * + + _To the Duke of Newcastle._ + + March 26, 1853. + + It is argued that, by the severance of the connection, British + statesmen would be relieved of an onerous responsibility for colonial + acts of which they cannot otherwise rid themselves. Is there not, + however, some fallacy in this? If by conceding absolute independence + the British Parliament can acquit itself of the obligation to impose + its will upon the Colonists, in the matter, for instance, of a Church + Establishment, can it not attain the same end by declaring that, as + respects such local questions, the Colonists are free to judge for + themselves? How can it be justifiable to adopt the former of these + expedients, and sacrilegious to act upon the latter? + + The true policy, in my humble judgment, is to throw the whole weight + of responsibility on those who exercise the real power, for, after + all, the sense of responsibility is the best security against the + abuse of power; and, as respects the connection, to act and speak on + this hypothesis--that there is nothing in it to check the development + of healthy national life in these young communities. I believe that + this policy will be found to be not only the safest, but also (an + important consideration in these days) the most economical. + + * * * * * + + _To the Earl Grey._ + + Toronto: December 17, 1850. + + Although, as you observe, it seems to be rather idle in us to + correspond on what may be termed speculative questions, when we have + so much pressing business on hand, I venture to say a few words in + reply to your letter of the 23rd ult., firstly, because I presume to + dissent from some of the opinions which you advance in it; and, + secondly, because I have a practical object of no small importance in + view in calling your attention to the contrasts which present + themselves in the working of our institutions, and those of our + neighbours in the States. My practical object is this: when you + concede to the Colonists Constitutional Government in its integrity, + you are reproached with leading them to Republicanism and the American + Union. The same reproach is hurled with anathemas against your humble + servant. Lord Stanley, if I rightly remember, in the debate on + Ryland's case last year, stated amid cheers, that if you were in the + habit of consulting the Ministers of the Crown in the Colony before + you placed persons on the colonial pension List, he had no hesitation + in saying you had already established a republic in Canada! Now I + believe, on the contrary, that it may be demonstrated that the + concession of Constitutional Government has a tendency to draw the + Colonists the other way; firstly, because it slakes that thirst for + self-government which seizes on all British communities when they + approach maturity; and, secondly, because it habituates the Colonists + to the working of a political mechanism, which is both intrinsically + superior to that of the Americans, and more unlike it than our old + Colonial system. + + Adopting, however, the views with respect to the superiority of the + mechanism of our political system to that of our neighbours, which I + have ventured to urge, you proceed to argue that the remedy is in + their hands; that without abandoning their republicanism they and + their _confrčres_ in France have nothing to do but to dismiss + their Presidents and to substitute our constitution without a King, + the body without the head, for their own, to get rid of the + inconveniences which they now experience; and you quote with + approbation, as an embodiment of this idea, the project submitted by + M. Grévy and the Red Republicans to the French Constituent Assembly. + +[Sidenote: Value of the monarchical principle.] + + Now here I confess I cannot go along with you, and the difference + between us is a very material one; for if the monarch be not an + indispensable element in our constitutional mechanism, and if we can + secure all the advantages of that mechanism without him, I have drawn + the wrong moral from the facts. You say that the system the Red + Republicans would have established in France would have been the + nearest possible approach to our own. It is possible, I think, that we + may be tending towards the like issues. It is possible, perhaps + probable, that as the House of Commons becomes more democratic in its + composition, and consequently more arrogant in its bearing, it may + cast off the shackles which the other powers of the State impose on + its self-will, and even utterly abolish them; but I venture to believe + that those who last till that day comes, will find that they are + living under a very different constitution from that which we now + enjoy; that they have traversed the interval which separates a + temperate and cautious administration of public affairs resting on the + balance of powers and interests, from a reckless and overbearing + tyranny based on the caprices and passions of an absolute and + irresponsible body. You talk somewhat lightly of the check of the + Crown, although you acknowledge its utility. But is it indeed so light + a matter, even as our constitution now works? Is it a light matter + that the Crown should have the power of dissolving Parliament; in + other words, of deposing the tyrant at will? Is it a light matter that + for several months in each year the House of Commons should be in + abeyance, during which period the nation looks on Ministers not as + slaves of Parliament but servants of the Crown? Is it a light matter + that there should still be such respect for the monarchical principle, + that the servants of that visible entity yclept the Crown are enabled + to carry on much of the details of internal and foreign administration + without consulting Parliament, and even without its cognisance? Or do + you suppose that the Red Republicans, when they advocated the + nomination of a Ministry of the House of Assembly with a revocable + _mandat_, intended to create a Frankenstein endowed with powers + in some cases paramount to, and in others running parallel with, the + authority of the omnipotent body to which it owed its existence? My + own impression is, that they meant a set of delegates to be appointed, + who should exercise certain functions of legislative initiation and + executive patronage so long as they reflected clearly, in the former + the passions, and in the latter the interests of the majority for the + time being, and no longer. + + It appears to me, I must confess, that if you have a republican form + of government in a great country, with complicated internal and + external relations, you must either separate the executive and + legislative departments, as in the United States, or submit to a + tyranny of the majority, not the more tolerable because it is + capricious and wielded by a tyrant with many heads. Of the two evils I + prefer the former. + + Consider, for a moment, how much more violent the proceedings of + majorities in the American Legislatures would be, how much more + reckless the appeals to popular passion, how much more frequently the + permanent interests of the nation and the rights of individuals and + classes would be sacrificed to the object of raising political capital + for present uses, if debates or discussions affected the tenure of + office. I have no idea that the executive and legislative departments + of the State can be made to work together with a sufficient degree of + harmony to give the maximum of strength and of mutual independence to + secure freedom and the rights of minorities, except under the + presidency of Monarchy, the moral influence of which, so long as a + nation is monarchical in its sentiments, cannot, of course, be + measured merely by its recognised power. + +[Sidenote: Influence of a Governor, under responsible Government.] + +Those who are most ready to concur in these views of Colonial Government, +and to admire the vigour with which they were defended, and the consistency +with which they were carried out, may still be inclined to ask whether the +maintenance of them did not involve a species of official suicide: whether +the theory of the responsibility of provincial Ministers to the provincial +Parliament, and of the consequent duty of the Governor to remain absolutely +neutral in the strife of political parties, had not a necessary tendency to +degrade his office into that of a mere _Roi fainéant_. He had in 1849, +as Sir C. Adderley expresses it, 'maintained the principle of responsible +Government at the risk of his life.' Was the result of his hard-won victory +only to empty himself of all but the mere outward show of power and +authority? + +Such questions he was always ready to meet with an uncompromising negative. +'I have tried,' he said, both systems. In Jamaica there was no responsible +Government: but I had not half the power I have here with my constitutional +and changing Cabinet.' Even on the Vice-regal throne of India, he missed, +at first, at least, something of the authority and influence which had been +his, as Constitutional Governor, in Canada.[5] He was fully conscious, +however, of the difficult nature of the position, and that it was only +tenable on condition of being penetrated, or _possessed_, as he said, +with the idea of its tenability. In this strain he wrote to his intimate +friend. Mr. Cumming Bruce, in September 1852, with reference to a report +that he was to be recalled by the Ministry which had recently come into +power. + + As respects the _matter_ of the report, I am disposed to believe + that, viewing the question with reference to personal interests + exclusively, my removal from hence would not be any disadvantage to + me. But, as to my work here--there is the rub. Is it to be all undone? + On this point I must speak frankly. I have been possessed (I use the + word advisedly, for I fear that most persons in England still consider + it a case of _possession_) with the idea that it is possible to + maintain on this soil of North America, and in the face of Republican + America, British connection and British institutions, if you give the + latter freely and trustingly. Faith, when it is sincere, is always + catching; and I have imparted this faith, more or less thoroughly, to + all Canadian statesmen with whom I have been in official relationship + since 1848, and to all intelligent Englishmen with whom I have come in + contact since 1850--as witness Lord Wharncliffe, Waldegrave, + Tremenheere, &c. &c. Now if the Governor ceases to possess this faith, + or to have the faculty of imparting it, I confess I fear that, ere + long, it will become extinct in other breasts likewise. I believe that + it is equally an error to imagine with one old-fashioned party, that + you can govern such dependencies as this on the antiquated + bureaucratic principle, by means of rescripts from Downing Street, in + defiance of the popular legislatures, and on the hypothesis that one + local faction monopolises all the loyalty of the Colony; and to + suppose with the Radicals that all is done when you have simply told + the colonists 'to go to the devil their own way.' I believe, on the + contrary, that there is more room for the exercise of influence on the + part of the Governor under my system than under any that ever was + before devised; an influence, however, wholly moral--an influence of + suasion, sympathy, and moderation, which softens the temper while it + elevates the aims of local polities. It is true that on certain + questions of public policy, especially with regard to Church matters, + views are propounded by my ministers which do not exactly square with + my pre-conceived opinions, and which I acquiesce in, so long as they + do not contravene the fundamental principles of morality, from a + conviction that they are in accordance with the general sentiments of + the community. + + It is true that I do not seek the commendation bestowed on Sir F. Head + for bringing men into his councils from the liberal party, and telling + them that they should enjoy only a partial confidence; thereby + allowing them to retain their position as tribunes of the people in + conjunction with the _prestige_ of advisers of the Crown by + enabling them to shirk responsibility for any acts of government which + are unpopular. It is true that I have always said to my advisers, + 'while you continue my advisers you shall enjoy nay unreserved + confidence; and _en revanche_ you shall be responsible for all + acts of government.' + + But it is no less certain that there is not one of them who does not + know that no inducement on earth would prevail with me to bring me to + acquiesce in any measures which seemed to me repugnant to public + morals, or Imperial interests; and I must say that, far from finding + in my advisers a desire to entrap me into proceedings of which 1 might + disapprove, I find a tendency constantly increasing to attach the + utmost value to my opinion on all questions, local or generals that + arise. + +The deep sense which he entertained of the importance of a correct +understanding on this point is shown by his devoting to it the closing +words of the last official despatch which he wrote from Quebec, on December +18, 1854. + + I readily admit that the maintenance of the position and due influence + of the Governor is one of the most critical problems that have to be + solved in the adaptation of Parliamentary Government to the Colonial + system; and that it is difficult to over-estimate the importance which + attaches to its satisfactory solution. As the Imperial Government and + Parliament gradually withdraw from legislative interference, and from + the exercise of patronage in Colonial affairs, the office of Governor + tends to become, in the most emphatic sense of the term, the link + which connects the Mother-country and the Colony, and his influence + the means by which harmony of action between the local and imperial + authorities is to be preserved. It is not, however, in my humble + judgment, by evincing an anxious desire to stretch to the utmost + constitutional principles in his favour, but, on the contrary, by the + frank acceptance of the conditions of the Parliamentary system, that + this influence can be most surely extended and confirmed. Placed by + his position above the strife of parties--holding office by a tenure + less precarious than the ministers who surround him--having no + political interests to serve but that of the community whose affairs + he is appointed to administer--his opinion cannot fail, when all cause + for suspicion and jealousy is removed, to have great weight in the + Colonial Councils, while he is set at liberty to constitute himself in + an especial manner the patron of those larger and higher interests-- + such interests, for example, as those of education, and of moral and + material progress in all its branches--which, unlike the contests of + party, unite instead of dividing the members of the body politic. The + mention of such influences as an appreciable force in the + administration of public affairs may provoke a sneer on the part of + persons who have no faith in any appeal which is not addressed to the + lowest motives of human conduct; but those who have juster views of + our common nature, and who have seen influences that are purely moral + wielded with judgment, will not be disposed to deny to them a high + degree of efficacy. + +[Sidenote: Defence of the colony,] + +Closely akin to the question of the maintenance of the connection between +the Colony and Great Britain, especially when viewed as affected by the +commercial and financial condition of the former, was the question of +throwing upon it the expense of defending itself; a problem which was then +only beginning to attract the attention of liberal statesmen. For though it +may be true that the practice of defending the Colonies with the troops and +at the cost of the mother-country was an innovation upon the earlier +Colonial system, introduced at the time of the great war, it is not the +less certain that to the generation of colonists that had grown up since +that time the abandonment of it had all the effect of novelty. It was a +question on which, as affecting Canada, Lord Elgin was in a peculiar degree +'between two fires;' exposed to pressure at once from the Government at +home and from his own Ministers, and seeing much to agree with in the views +of both. + +[Sidenote: against internal disorder;] + +In the first place, as regards the preservation of order within the +province, he thought it clear that, as a general rule, the cost of this +should fall on the Colony itself wherever it enjoyed self-government; but +there were peculiar circumstances in Canada which made him hesitate to +apply the doctrine unreservedly there. Owing to the contiguity of the +United States, the abettors of any mischief in the Colony might count on +help constantly at hand, not indeed from the Government of the Union, which +never acted disloyally,[6] but from the Unruly spirits that were apt to +infest the borders; and it seemed to him at least doubtful, whether both +justice and policy did not require that Great Britain should afford to the +supporters of order some material aid to counterbalance this. Again, the +peculiar social and political state of Lower Canada, arising mainly from +the conditions under which it had passed into the hands of England, and +from the manner in which England had fulfilled those conditions, created +special difficulties as to the maintenance of internal quiet. On the one +hand England's respect for treaty obligations had induced her to resist all +attempts to break down by fraud or violence those rights and usages of the +French population, which had tended to keep alive among them feelings of +distinctive nationality; while on the other hand the effect of the working +of the old system of colonial administration had been to confer upon +British or American settlers a disproportionate share in the government of +the province. It followed that the French-Canadian majority and the Anglo- +Saxon minority were dwelling side by side in that section of the Colony +without, to any sensible extent, intermingling, and under conditions of +equilibrium which could never have been established but for the presence on +the same scene of a directing and overruling power. In this state of +things, while confidently hoping that an impartial adherence to the +principles of constitutional government would by degrees obliterate all +national distinctions, he saw reason to fear that the sudden withdrawal of +Britain's moderating control, whether as the result of separation or of a +change of Imperial policy, would be followed at no distant period by a +serious collision between the races. + +[Sidenote: against foreign attack.] + +Similarly, as regards defence against foreign attack, while agreeing that a +self-governing colony should be self-dependent, Lord Elgin felt that the +peculiar position of Canada, having no foreign attack to apprehend except +hi quarrels of England's making, made her case somewhat exceptional. And +any wholesale withdrawal of British troops he strongly deprecated, as +likely to imperil her connection with the mother-country, if it took place +suddenly, before the old notion--the 'axiom affirmed again and again by +Secretaries of State and Governors, that England was bound to pay all +expenses connected with the defence of the Colony'--had lost its hold on +men's minds, and a feeling of the responsibilities attaching to self- +government had had time to grow up. + +His first letter on the subject is to Lord Grey, written so early as April +26,1848:-- + + The question which you raise in your last letter respecting the + military defence of Canada is a large one, and, before irrevocable + steps be taken, it may be well to look at it on all sides. + + The first consideration which offers itself in connection with this + subject is this, 'Why does Canada require to be defended, and against + whom?' A very large number of persons in this community believe that + there is only one power from which they have anything to dread, and + that this power would be converted into the fastest friend, bone of + their bone, and flesh of their flesh, if the connection with Great + Britain were abandoned. + + In this respect the position of Canada is peculiar. When you say to + any other colony 'England declines to be longer at the expense of + protecting you,' you at once reveal to it the extent of its dependence + and the value of Imperial support. But it is not so here. Withdraw + your protection from Canada, and she has it in her power to obtain the + security against aggression enjoyed by Michigan or Maine: about as + good security, I must allow, as any which is to be obtained at the + present time. + + But you may observe in reply to this, 'You cannot get the security + which Michigan and Maine enjoy for nothing; you must purchase it by + the surrender of your custom houses and public lands, the proceeds of + which will be diverted from their present uses and applied to others, + at the discretion of a body in which you will have comparatively + little to say.' The argument is a powerful one, so long as England + consents to bear the cost of the defence of the Colony, but its force + is much lessened when the inhabitants are told that they must look to + their own safety, because the mother-country can no longer afford to + take care of them. + + On the other hand very weighty reasons may be adduced in favour of the + policy of requiring the province to bear some portion at least of the + charge of its own protection. The adoption of free-trade, although its + advocates must believe that it tends to make the Colonies in point of + fact less chargeable than heretofore, will doubtless render the + English people more than ever jealous of expenditure incurred on their + behalf. I am, moreover, of opinion, that the system of relieving the + colonists altogether from the duty of self-defence is attended with + injurious effects upon themselves. It checks the growth of national + and manly morals. Men seldom think anything worth preserving for which + they are never asked to make a sacrifice. + + My view, therefore, would be that it is desirable that a movement in + the direction which you Lave indicated should take place, but that it + ought to be made with much caution. + + The present is not a favourable moment for experiments. British + statesmen, even Secretaries of State, have got into the habit lately + of talking of the maintenance of the connection between Great Britain + and Canada with so much indifference, that a change of system in + respect of military defence incautiously carried out, might be + presumed by many to argue, on the part of the mother-country, a + disposition to prepare the way for separation. Add to this, that you + effected, only a few years ago, a union between the Upper and Lower + Provinces by arbitrary means, and for objects the avowal of which has + profoundly irritated the French population; that still more recently + you have deprived Canada of her principal advantages in the British + markets; that France and Ireland are in flames, and that nearly half + of the population of this Colony are French, nearly half of the + remainder Irish. + +That Canada felt no need of bulwarks except against England's foes was a +point on which he constantly insisted. On one occasion he wrote:-- + + Only one absurdity can be greater, pardon me for saying so, than the + absurdity of supposing that the British Parliament will pay £200,000 + for Canadian fortifications; it is the absurdity of supposing that + Canadians will pay it themselves. + + £200,000 for defences! and against whom? against the Americans. And + who are the Americans? Your own kindred, a flourishing swaggering + people, who are ready to make room for you at their own table, to give + you a share of all they possess, of all their prosperity, and to + guarantee you in all time to come against the risk of invasion, or the + need of defences, if you will but speak the word! + +[Sidenote: Recommends gradual reduction of forces.] + +On the whole he was of opinion that the Government should quietly, and +_sans phrase_, remove their troops altogether from some points, reduce +them in others, and 'aim at the eventual substitution of a Major-General's +command for that of a Lieutenant-General in Canada; but that nothing should +be done hastily or _per saltum_, so as to alarm the Colonists with the +idea that some new and strange principle was going to be applied to them.' + + You may if you please (he wrote) largely reduce the staff, and more + moderately the men, leaving the remainder in the best barracks. I + think you may do this without, in any material degree, increasing the + tendency towards annexation; provided always that you make no noise + about it.... But, I repeat it, you must not, unless you wish to drive + the Colony away from you, impose new burdens upon the Colonists at + this time.[7] + +The course thus sketched out he himself steadily pursued; and his last +letters on the subject, written early in 1853 to the Duke of Newcastle, who +had recently become Secretary for the Colonies, were occupied in +recommending a continuance of the same quietly progressive policy: + + When I came here we had a Commander-in-Chief and two Major-Generals. + We have now only one General on the Station, and the staff has + undergone proportional diminution. If further reductions are to be + made, let them be effected in the same quiet way without parade or the + ostentatious adoption of new principles as applicable to the defence + of colonies which are exposed, as Canada is by reason of their + connection with Great Britain, to the hazard of assaults from + organised powers. + + Continue then, if you will pardon me for so freely tendering advice, + to apply in the administration of our local affairs the principles of + Constitutional Government frankly and fairly. Do not ask England to + make unreasonable sacrifices for the Colonists, but such sacrifices as + are reasonable, on the hypothesis that the Colony is an exposed part + of the empire. Induce her if you can to make them generously and + without appearing to grudge them. Let it be inferred from your + language that there is in your opinion nothing in the nature of things + to prevent the tie which connects the Mother-country and the Colony + from being as enduring as that which unites the different States of + the Union, and nothing in the nature of our very elastic institutions + to prevent them from expanding so as to permit the free and healthy + development of social, political, and national life in these young + communities. By administering colonial affaire in this spirit you will + find, I believe, even when you least profess to seek it, the true + secret of the cheap defence of nations. If these communities are only + truly attached to the connection and satisfied of its permanence (and, + as respects the latter point, opinions here will be much influenced by + the tone of statesmen at home), elements of self-defence, not moral + elements only but material elements likewise, will spring up within + them spontaneously as the product of movements from within, not of + pressure from without. Two millions of people, in a northern latitude, + can do a good deal in the way of helping themselves when their hearts + are in the right place. + + +[1] Colonial Policy, i. 232. + +[2] 'United Empire Loyalists,' i.e. descendants of the original Loyalists + of the American War. + +[3] Despatch of the Earl of Elgin, Dec. 18, 1854. + +[4] Compare _Junius_:--'Unfortunately for his country, Mr. Grenville + was at any rate to be distressed, because he was Minister: and Mr. + Pitt and Lord Camden were to be the patrons of America, because they + were in opposition. Their declaration gave spirit and argument to the + Colonies; and while, perhaps, they meant no more than the ruin of a + Minister, they in effect divided one half of the empire from the + other.' + +[5] 'Perhaps I may see reason after a little more experience here to modify + my opinion on these points. If I were to tell you what I now think of + the relative amount of influence which I exercised over the march, of + affairs in Canada, where I governed on strictly constitutional + principles, and with a free Parliament, as compared with that which + the Governor-General wields in India _when at peace_, you would + accuse me of paradox.'--_Letter to Sir C. Wood, December 9,1862._ + +[6] Vide infra, p. 159. + +[7] In entire accordance with this view, Be recommended that Great Britain + should take upon herself the payment of the Governor's salary, 'with a + view to future contingencies, and to calls which at a period more or + less remote we may have to make on the loyalty and patriotism of + Canadians.' + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +CANADA. + +THE 'CLERGY RESERVES'--HISTORY OF THE QUESTION--MIXED MOTIVES OF THE +MOVEMENT--FEELING IN THE PROVINCE--IN UPPER CANADA--IN LOWER CANADA--AMONG +ROMAN CATHOLICS--IN THE CHURCH--SECULARIZATION--QUESTIONS OF EMIGRATION, +LABOUR, LAND-TENURE, EDUCATION, NATIVE TRIBES--RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED +STATES--MUTUAL COURTESIES--FAREWELL TO CANADA--AT HOME. + + +[Sidenote: The 'Clergy Reserves'] + +We have had frequent occasion to observe that the guiding principle of Lord +Elgin's policy was to let the Colony have its own way in everything which +was not contrary either to public morality or to some Imperial interest. It +was in this spirit that he passed the Rebellion Losses Act; and in this +spirit he watched the contest which raged for many years on the memorable +question of the 'Clergy Reserves.' + +[Sidenote: History of the question.] + +By the Canada Act of 1791 one-seventh of the lands then ungranted had been +set apart for the support of a 'Protestant Clergy.' At first these reserves +were regarded as the exclusive property of the Church of England; but in +1820 an opinion was obtained from the Law Officers of the Crown in England, +that the clergy of the Church of Scotland had a right to a share in them, +but not Dissenting Ministers. In 1840 an Act was passed in which the claims +of other denominations also were distinctly recognised. By it the Governor +was empowered to sell the reserves; a part of the proceeds was to be +applied in payment of the salaries of the existing clergy, to whom the +faith of the Crown had been pledged; one-half of the remainder was to go to +the Churches of England and Scotland, in proportion to their respective +numbers, and the other half was to be at the disposal of the Governor- +General for the benefit of the clergy of any Protestant denomination +willing to receive public aid. + +But the old inveterate jealousy of Anglican ascendency, aggravated, it is +said, by the political conduct of Bishop Strachan, who had identified his +Church with the obnoxious rule of the Family Compact, was not content with +these concessions. Allying itself with the voluntary spirit, caught from +the Scottish Free Church movement in 1843, it took the shape of a fanatical +opposition to everything in the nature of a public provision for the +support of religion; and the cry was raised for the 'Secularisation of the +Clergy Reserves.' Eagerly taken up, as was natural, by the Ultra-radicals, +or 'Clear-grits,' the cry was echoed by a considerable section of the old +Tory party, from motives which it is less easy to analyse; and so violent +was the feeling that it threatened to sweep away at one stroke all the +endowments in question, without regard to vested interests, and without +even waiting for the repeal of the Imperial Act by which these endowments +were guaranteed. More loyal and moderate counsels however prevailed, owing +chiefly to the support which they received from the Roman Catholics of +Lower Canada, at one time so violently disaffected. In 1850 the Assembly +voted an Address to the Queen, praying that the Act referred to might be +repealed, and that the Local Legislature might be empowered to dispose of +the reserved lands, subject to the condition of securing to the existing +holders for their lives the stipends to which they were then entitled. To +this Address a favourable answer was returned by Lord Grey; who, while +avowing the preference of Her Majesty's Government for the existing +arrangement, by which a certain portion of the public lands of Canada were +applied to religious uses, admitted at the same time that the question of +maintaining it was one so exclusively affecting the people of Canada, that +its decision ought not to be withdrawn from the Provincial Legislature. + +A Bill for granting to the Colony the desired powers was intended to be +introduced into Parliament during the session of 1851, but owing to the +pressure of other business it was deferred to the next year. It was to have +been brought forward in a few days, when the break-up of Lord John +Russell's Ministry caused it to be again postponed; and it was not till May +9, 1853, that the long looked-for Act received the Queen's assent. + +No action could be taken in the matter by the Colonial Parliament for +that year, as its session closed on June 14; and when it met again next +year a ministerial crisis, followed by a dissolution and a change of +Ministers, caused a postponement of all legislation. Finally, on October +17, 1854, a Bill for the 'Secularisation of the Clergy Reserves' was +introduced into the Assembly. The more moderate and thoughtful men of every +party are said to have been at heart opposed to it; but it was impossible +for them to stand against the current of popular feeling. The Bill speedily +became law; the Clergy Reserves were handed over to the various municipal +corporations for secular uses; and though by this means 'a noble provision +made for the sustentation of religion was frittered away so as to produce +but few beneficial results,'[1] a question which had long been the +occasion of much heart-burning was at least settled, and settled for ever. +A slender provision for the future was saved out of the wreck by the +commutation of the reserved life-interests of incumbents, which laid the +foundation of a small permanent endowment; but, with this exception, the +equality of destitution among all Protestant communities was complete.[2] + +The various stages through which this question passed may be traced in the +following letters, of which the first was written to Lord Grey on July 5, +1850: + + Two addresses to the Queen were voted by the Assembly a few days ago + and brought up by the House to me for transmission. The one is an + address, very loyal in its tone, deprecating all revolutionary + changes. + +[Sidenote: Address to the Queen.] + + The other address is not so satisfactory. It prays Her Majesty to + obtain the repeal of the Imperial Act on the Clergy Reserves passed in + 1840, and to hand them over to the Canadian Parliament to deal with + them as it may see fit--guaranteeing, however, the life interests of + incumbents. The resolutions on which this address was founded were + introduced by a member of the Government, which has treated the + question as an _open_ one. + + You are sufficiently acquainted with Canadian history to be aware of + the fact, that these unfortunate Clergy Reserves have been a bone of + contention ever since they were set apart. I know how very + inconvenient it is to repeal the Imperial Act which was intended to be + a final settlement of the question; but I must candidly say I very + much doubt whether you will be able to preserve the Colony if you + retain it on the Statute Book. Even Lafontaine and others who + recognise certain vested rights of the Protestant churches under the + Constitutional Act, advocate the repeal of the Imperial Act of 1840: + partly because Lower Canada was not consulted at all when it was + passed; and, secondly, because the distribution made under that Act is + an unfair one, and inconsistent with the views of the Upper Canadian + Legislature, as expressed at the time but set aside in deference, as + it is alleged, to the remonstrances of the English bishops. Some among + the Anglo-Saxon Liberals, and some of the Orange Tories, I suspect, + share these views. + + A considerable section is for appropriating the proceeds of the + reserves at once, and applying them to education, without any regard + to the rights either of individuals or of churches. These persons are + furious with the supporters of the address for proposing to preserve + the life interests of incumbents. The sentiments of the remainder are + pretty accurately conveyed by the terms of the address. + + * * * * * + + _To the Earl Grey._ + + Toronto, July 19, 1850. + +[Sidenote: Reasons for agreeing.] + + The 'Clear Grit' organs, which have absorbed a large portion of the + 'Annexationists,' talk very big about what they will do if England + steps in to preserve the 'Clergy Reserves.' That party would be only + too glad to get up a quarrel with England on such a point. It is, of + course, impossible for you to do anything with the Imperial Act till + next session. A little delay may perhaps enable us to see our way more + clearly with respect to this most perplexing subject. + + Lord Sydenham's despatch of January 22,1840, is a curious and + instructive one. It accompanies the Act on the 'Clergy Reserve' + question, which he induced the Parliament of Upper Canada to pass, but + which was not adopted at home; for the House of Lords concocted one + more favourable to the Established Churches. He clearly admits that + the Act is against the sense of the country, and that nothing but his + own great personal influence got it through, and yet he looks upon it + as a settlement of the question. I confess I see few of the conditions + of finality in measures which are passed under such circumstances. + + * * * * * + + _To the Earl Grey._ + + Toronto, March 18,1851. + + I am far from thinking that the 'Clergy Reserves' will necessarily be + diverted from religious purposes if the Local Parliament has the + disposal of them. I should feel very confident that this would not be + the case, were it not that the tone adopted by the Church of England + here has almost always the effect of driving from her even those who + would be most disposed to cooperate with her if she would allow them. + + * * * * * + + _To the Earl Grey._ + + Toronto, June 14,1851. + + On the whole the best chance for the Church interest as regards the + question, in my judgment, is that you should carry your empowering + bill through the Imperial Parliament this session, and that we should + get through our session and the general election, which is about to + follow, with as little excitement as possible. The province is + prosperous and the people contented; and at such a time, if no + disturbing cause arise, moderate and reasonable men are likely to be + returned. At the same time the 'Clergy Reserve' question is + sufficiently before the public to insure our getting from the returns + to Parliament a pretty fair indication of what are the real sentiments + of the people upon it. I need not say that there can be no security + for the permanence of any arrangement which is not in tolerable + conformity with those sentiments. + + * * * * * + + _To the Earl Grey._ + + July 12,1851. + +[Sidenote: Movement not prompted by Roman Catholics.] + + As to the insinuation that the movement against the endowments of the + Church of England is prompted by the Romans, events will give the lie + to it ere long. The following facts, however, seem to be wholly + irreconcilable with this hypothesis. Before the Union of the Provinces + there were very few, if any, Roman Catholic members in the Upper + Canada Parliament; they were all-powerful in the Lower. Now it is + recorded in history, that the Upper Canadian Legislative Assembly kept + up year after year a series of assaults on the 'Clergy Reserves;' in + proof of which read the narrative part of the Address to Her Majesty + on the 'Clergy Reserves' from the Legislative Assembly last year. And + it is equally a fact that the Lower Canadian Legislative Assembly + never meddled with them, except I think once, when they were invited + to do so by the Government. + +Some months later, in the beginning of 1852, Lord John Russell's +Administration was broken up, and Lord Grey handed over the seals of the +Colonial Office to Sir John Pakington. One of the first subjects on which +the new Secretary asked to be furnished with confidential information was +as to the state of public feeling in Canada upon the question of the future +disposal of the 'Clergy Reserves.' Lord Elgin replied as follows: + +[Sidenote: Feeling in the Province;] + + You require, if I rightly understand your letter, that I should state, + in the first place, whether I believe that the sentiments of the + community in reference to the subject-matter of this Address are + faithfully represented in the votes of the Assembly. I cannot answer + this question otherwise than affirmatively. Not that I am by any means + disposed to under-rate the importance of the petitions which may have + been sent home by opponents of the measure. The clergy of the Church + of England and of that portion of the Presbyterian Church which + preserves its connection with the Established Church of Scotland, are + generally unwilling that the question of the reserves should be left + to the decision of the Local Legislature. They are, to a considerable + extent, supported by their flocks when they approach the throne as + petitioners against the prayer of the Assembly's Address, although it + is no doubt an error to suppose that the lay members of these + communions are unanimous, or all alike zealous in the espousal of + these views. From this quarter the petitions which appear to have + reached Lord Grey and yourself have, I apprehend, almost exclusively + proceeded. Other bodies, even of those which participate in the + produce of the reserves, as for example the Wesleyans and the Roman + Catholics of Upper Canada, have not, that I am aware of, moved in the + matter, unless it be in an opposite direction. + +[Sidenote: in Upper Canada;] +[Sidenote: in Lower Canada;] + + Can it then be inferred from such indications that public opinion in + the province does not support the cause taken by the Assembly in + reference to the 'Clergy Reserves'? or, what is perhaps more to the + purpose, that a provincial administration, formed on the principle of + desisting from all attempts to induce the Imperial Government to + repeal the Imperial statute on this subject, would be sustained? I am + unable, I confess, to bring myself to entertain any such expectation. + It is my opinion, that if the Liberals were to rally out of office on + the cry that they were asserting the right of the Provincial + Government to deal with the question of the 'Clergy Reserves' against + a Government willing, at the bidding of the Imperial authorities, to + abandon this claim, they would triumph in Upper Canada more decisively + than they did at the late general election. I need hardly add, that + if, after a resistance followed by such a triumph, the Imperial + Government were to give way, it would be more than ever difficult to + obtain from the victorious party a reasonable consideration for Church + interests. These remarks apply to Upper Canada. It is not so easy to + foresee what is likely to be the course of events in Lower Canada. The + party which looks to M. Papineou as its leader adopts on all points + the most ultra-democratic creed. It professes no very warm attachment + to the endowments of the Roman Catholic Church, and is, of course, not + likely to prove itself more tender with respect to property set apart + by royal authority for the support of Protestantism. The French- + Canadian Representatives who do not belong to this party are, I + believe, generally disinclined to secularisation, and would be brought + to consent to any such proposition, if at all, only by the pressure of + some supposed political necessity. They are however, almost without + exception, committed to the principle that the 'Clergy Reserves' ought + to be subject to the control of the Local Legislature. While the + battle is waged on this ground, therefore, they will probably continue + to side with the Upper Canada Liberals, unless the latter contrive to + alienate them by some act of extravagance.... + + I am aware that there lie, beyond the subjects of which I have + treated, larger considerations of public policy affecting this + question, on which I have not ventured to touch. On the one hand there + are persons who contend that, as the 'Clergy Reserves' were set apart + by a British Sovereign for religious uses, it is the bounden duty of + the Imperial authorities to maintain at all hazards the disposition + thus made of them. This view is hardly, I think, reconcilable with the + provisions of the statute of 1791; but, if it be correct, it renders + all discussion of subordinate topics and points of mere expediency, + superfluous. + +[Sidenote: In the Church;] + + On the other hand even among the most attached friends of the Church, + some are to be found who doubt whether on the whole the Church has + gained from the Reserves as much as she has lost by them--whether the + ill-will which they have engendered, and the bar which they have + proved to private munificence and voluntary exertion, have not more + than counter-balanced the benefits which they may have conferred; and + who look to secularisation as the only settlement that will be final + and put an end to strife. + +Up to this time Lord Elgin appears to have entertained at least a hope, +that, if the Colony were left to itself, it would settle the matter by +distributing the reserved funds according to some equitable proportion +among the clergy of all denominations. But as time went on, this hope +became fainter and fainter. In his next letter he recounts a conversation +with a person (not named) 'of much intelligence, and well acquainted with +Upper Canada,' not a member of the Church of England, but favourable to the +maintenance of an endowment for religious purposes, who, after remarking on +the infatuation shown by the friends of the Church in 1840, expressed a +decided opinion that the vantage ground then so heedlessly sacrificed was +lost for ever, so far as colonial sentiment was concerned; and that +'neither the present nor any future Canadian Parliament would be induced to +enact a law for perpetuating the endowment in any shape.' The increasing +likelihood, however, of a result which he regarded as in itself undesirable +could not abate his desire to see the matter finally settled, or shake his +conviction that the Provincial Parliament was the proper power to settle +it. With his correspondent it was not so; nor can it be wondered at that +the organ of a Tory Government should have declined to accede to the prayer +of an Address, which could hardly have any other issue than secularisation. +But the decision was not destined to be left in the hands of the Tories. +Before the end of 1852 Lord Derby was replaced by Lord Aberdeen, and Sir J. +Pakington by Lord Elgin's old friend the Duke of Newcastle, who saw at once +the necessity of conceding to the Canadian Parliament the power of settling +the question after its own fashion. Accordingly on May 21, 1853, Lord Elgin +was able to write to him as follows: + +[Sidenote: Empowering Bill passed.] + +I was certainly not a little surprised by the success with which you +carried the Clergy Reserves Bill through the House of Lords. I am assured +that this result was mainly due to your own personal exertions. I am quite +confident that both in what you have done, and in the way you have done it, +you have best consulted the interests of the Province, the Church, and the +Empire. I trust that what has happened will have here the favourable moral +effect which you anticipate. It cannot fail to have this tendency. + +As respects the measures which will be ultimately adopted on this vexed +subject, I do not yet venture to write with confidence. If the +representation of the Bishop of Toronto, as to the feelings which exist +among the great Protestant denominations on the question, were correct, +there could be no doubt whatsoever in regard to the issue. For you may +depend upon it the Roman Catholics have no wish to touch the Protestant +endowment; although, when they are forced into the controversy, they will +contend that it does not rest on the same basis as their own. But I confess +that I place no reliance whatsoever on these calculations and +representations. Almost the greatest evil which results from the delegation +to the Imperial Parliament of the duty of legislating on Colonial questions +of this class, is the scope which the system affords to exaggeration and +mystification. Parties do not meet in fair conflict on their own ground, +where they can soon gain a knowledge of their relative strength, and learn +to respect each other accordingly; they shroud themselves in mystery, and +rely for victory on their success in outdoing each other in hard swearing. +Many men, partly from good nature and partly from political motives, will +sign a petition spiced and peppered to tickle the palate of the House of +Lords, who will not move a yard, or sacrifice a shilling, on behalf of the +object petitioned for. I much fear that it will be found that there is much +division of opinion even among members of the laity of the Church, with +respect to the propriety of maintaining the 'Clergy Reserves;' and that, +even as regards a certain section of the clergy, owing to dissatisfaction +with the distribution of the fund and with the condition of dependence in +which the missionaries are kept, there is greater lukewarmness on the +subject than the fervent representations you have received would lead you +to imagine. + +Meanwhile there is a very good feeling in the Province--a great absence of +party violence. Your course has tended to confirm these favourable +symptoms. We must prevent anything being done during this session of the +Provincial Parliament to commit parties with respect to the 'Clergy +Reserves,' and as respects the future we must hope for the best. + +[Sidenote: The Reserves secularised.] + +The result has been already stated. The 'Clergy Reserves' were secularised, +contrary, no doubt, to the individual wishes of Lord Elgin; but the general +principle of Colonial self-government had signally triumphed, and its +victory more than outweighed to him the loss of any particular cause. + +One other measure remains to be noticed, on which Lord Elgin had the +satisfaction of inducing the Home Government to yield to the wishes of the +Colony, viz. the Reform of the Provincial Parliament. + +[Sidenote: Reform of the Provincial Parliament.] + +By the Constitution of 1840 the legislative power was divided between two +chambers: a council, consisting of twenty persons, who were nominated by +the Governor, and held their seats for life; and a House of Assembly, whose +eighty-four members were elected in equal proportions from the two sections +of the province. As the population of the Colony grew--and between 1840 and +1853 it nearly doubled itself--it was natural that the number of +legislators should be increased; and there were other reasons which made an +increase desirable. + +[Sidenote: Increase of representation.] + + The Legislative Assembly (wrote Lord Elgin early in 1853) is now + engaged on a measure introduced by the Government for increasing the + representation of the province. I consider the object of the measure a + very important one; for, with so small a body as eighty members, when + parties are nearly balanced, individual votes become too precious, + which leads to mischief. I have not experienced this evil to any great + extent since I have had a liberal administration, which has always + been strong in the Assembly; but, with my first administration, I felt + it severely. + +To this change no serious opposition was offered, either in the Colony or +in the Imperial Parliament; and the members of the two Houses were raised +to one hundred and thirty, and seventy-two, respectively. It was otherwise, +however, with the proposal to make the Upper House elective; a measure +certainly alien to English ideas, but one which Lord Elgin appears to have +thought necessary for the healthy working of the constitution under the +circumstances then existing in the province. As early as March, 1850, he +wrote to Lord Grey:-- + + +[Sidenote: Proposal to make the Upper House elective.] + +[Sidenote: Reasons in favour.] + + A great deal is said here at present about rendering our second branch + of the Legislature elective. As the advocates of the plan, however, + comprise two classes of persons, with views not only distinct but + contradictory, it is difficult to foresee how they are to agree on + details, when it assumes a practical shape. The one class desire to + construct a more efficient Conservative body than the present Council, + the other seek an instrument to aid them in their schemes of + subversion and pillage. For my own part, I believe that a second + legislative body, returned by the same constituency as the House of + Assembly, under some differences with respect to time and mode of + election, would be a greater check on ill-considered legislation than + the Council as it is now constituted. Baldwin is very unwilling to + move in this matter. Having got what he imagines to be the likest + thing to the British constitution he can obtain, he is satisfied, and + averse to further change. In this instance I cannot but think that he + mistakes the shadow for the substance. I admire, however, the + perseverance with which he proclaims, '_Il faut jeter l'ancre de la + constitution_,' in reply to proposals of organic change; though I + fully expect that, like those who raised this cry in 1791, he will + yet, if he lives, find himself and his state-ship floundering among + rocks and shoals, towards which he never expected to steer. + +Three years later he held the same language to the Duke of Newcastle. +Writing on March 26, 1853, to inform him that the Bill for increasing the +representation had been carried in the Assembly by a large majority, he +adds:-- + + The Lords must be attended to in the next place. The position of the + second chamber in our body politic is at present wholly + unsatisfactory. The principle of election must be introduced in order + to give to it the influence which it ought to possess; and that + principle must be so applied as to admit of the working of + Parliamentary Government (which I for one am certainly not prepared to + abandon for the American system) with two elective chambers. I have + made some suggestions with this view, which I hope to be able to + induce the Legislature to adopt. + + When our two legislative bodies shall have been placed on this + improved footing, a greater stability will have been imparted to our + constitution, and a greater strength, I believe, if England act + wisely, to the connection. + +[Sidenote: The Act passed.] + +The question did not come before the British Parliament till the summer of +1854, after Lord Elgin's visit to England, during which he had an +opportunity of stating his views personally to the Government. At his +instance they brought in a Bill to enable the Colonial Legislature to deal +with the subject; and the measure was carried, with few dissentients, +although vehemently denounced by Lord Derby in the House of Lords. The +principles of colonial policy which Lord Durham had expressed so powerfully +in 1888, and on which Lord Grey and Lord Elgin had been acting so +consistently for many years, had at last prevailed; and many of those who +most deprecated the proposed reform as a downward step towards pure +democracy, yet acknowledged that, as it had been determined upon by the +deliberate choice of the Colony, it ought not to be thwarted by the +interference of the mother-country. + +[Sidenote: Speech of Lord Derby.] + +In the course of the speech above referred to, Lord Derby made use of the +following eloquent words:-- + + I have dreamed--perhaps it was only a dream--that the time would come + when, exercising a perfect control over their own internal affairs, + Parliament abandoning its right to interfere in their legislation, + these great and important colonies, combined together, should form a + monarchical government, presided over either by a permanent viceroy, + or, as an independent sovereign, by one nearly and closely allied to + the present royal family of this country. + + I have believed that, in such a manner, it would be possible to uphold + the monarchical principle; to establish upon that great continent a + monarchy free as that of this country, even freer still with regard to + the popular influence exercised, but yet a monarchy worthy of the + name, and not a mere empty shadow. I can hardly believe that, under + such a system, the friendly connection and close intimacy between the + colonies and the mother-country would in any way be affected; but, on + the contrary, I feel convinced that the change to which I have + referred would be productive of nothing, for years and years to come, + but mutual harmony and friendship, increased and cemented as that + friendship would be by mutual appreciation of the great and + substantial benefits conferred by a free and regulated monarchy. + + But pass this Bill, and that dream is gone for ever. Nothing like a + free and regulated monarchy could exist for a single moment under such + a constitution as that which is now proposed for Canada. + + From the moment that you pass this constitution, the progress must be + rapidly towards republicanism, if anything could be more really + republican than this Bill. + +The dream has been realised, at least in one of its most important +features; the gloomy forebodings have hitherto happily proved groundless. +But the speaker of these words, and the author of the measure to which they +refer, would probably have been alike surprised at the course which events +have taken respecting the particular point then in question. For once the +stream that sets towards democracy has been seen to take a backward +direction; and the constitution of the Dominion of Canada has returned, as +regards the Legislative Council, to the Conservative principle of +nomination by the Crown. + + * * * * * + +It does not fall within the scope of this memoir to give an account of the +numerous administrative measures which made the period of Lord Elgin's +Government so marked an epoch in the history of Canadian prosperity. It may +be well, however, to notice a few points to which he himself thought it +worth while to advert in official despatches, written towards the close of +his sojourn in the country, and containing a statistical review of the +marvellously rapid progress which the Colony had made in all branches of +productive industry. + +The first extracts bear upon questions which have lost none of their +interest or importance--the kindred questions of emigration, of the demand +for labour, and of the acquisition and tenure of land. + +[Sidenote: Emigration.] + + The sufferings of the Irish during that calamitous period [1847] + induced philanthropic persons to put forward schemes of systematic + colonisation, based in some instances on the assumption that it was + for the interest of the emigrants that they should be as much as + possible concentrated in particular portions of the territories to + which they might proceed, so as to form communities complete in + themselves, and to remain subject to the influences, religious and + social, under which they had lived previously to emigration. It was + proposed, if I rightly remember, according to one of those schemes, + that large numbers of Irish with their priests and home associations + should be established by Government in some unoccupied part of Canada. + I believe that such schemes, however benevolent their design, rest on + a complete misconception of what is for the interest both of the + Colony and of the emigrants. It is almost invariably found that + emigrants who thus isolate themselves, whatever their origin or + antecedents, lag behind their neighbours; and I am inclined to think + that, as a general rule, in the case of communities whose social and + political organisation is as far advanced as that of the North + American Colonies, it is for the interest of all parties that new + comers, instead of dwelling apart and bound together by the affinities + whether of sect or party, which united them in the country which they + have left, should be dispersed as widely as possible among the + population already established in that to which they transfer + themselves. + + It may not be altogether irrelevant to mention, as bearing on this + subject, that the painful circumstances which attended the emigration + of 1847 created for a time in this Province a certain prejudice + against emigration generally. The poll tax on emigrants was increased, + and the opinion widely disseminated that, however desirable the + introduction of capitalists might be, an emigration of persons of the + poorer classes was likely to prove a burden rather than a benefit. + Commercial depression, and apprehensions as to the probable effect of + the Free-trade policy of Great Britain on the prosperity of the + Colonies, had an influence in the same direction. To counteract these + tendencies which were calculated, as I thought, to be injurious in the + long run both to the Mother-country and the Province, public attention + was especially directed, in the Speech delivered from the Throne in + 1849, to emigration by way of the St. Lawrence, as a branch of trade + which it was most desirable to cultivate (irrespective altogether of + its bearing on the settlement of the country) in consequence of the + great excess of exports over imports by that route, and the consequent + enhancement of freights outwards. These views obtained very general + assent, and the measures which have been adopted since that period to + render this route attractive to emigrants destined for the West (the + effect of which is beginning now to be visible in the yearly + increasing amount of emigration by way of Quebec from the continent of + Europe), are calculated not only to promote the trade of the Province, + but also to make settlers of a superior class acquainted with its + advantages.[3] + +[Sidenote: Ottawa Valley.] + + This important region (the valley of the Ottawa) takes the name by + which it is designated in popular parlance from the mighty stream + which flows through it, and which, though it be but a tributary of the + St. Lawrence, is one of the largest of the rivers that run + uninterruptedly from the source to the discharge within the dominions + of the Queen. It drains an area of about 80,000 square miles, and + receives at various points in its course the waters of streams, some + of which equal in magnitude the chief rivers of Great Britain. These + streams open up to the enterprise of the lumberman the almost + inexhaustible pine forests with which this region is clothed, and + afford the means of transporting their produce to market. In improving + these natural advantages considerable sums are expended by private + individuals. £50,000 currency was voted by Parliament last session for + the purpose of removing certain obstacles to the navigation of the + Upper Ottawa, by the construction of a canal at a point which is now + obstructed by rapids. + +[Sidenote: Demand for labour.] + + From the nature of the business, the lumbering trade falls necessarily + in a great measure into the hands of persons of capital, who employ + large bodies of men at points far removed from markets, and who are + therefore called upon to make considerable advances in providing food + and necessaries for their labourers, as well as in building slides and + otherwise facilitating the passage of timber along the streams and + rivers. Many thousands of men are employed during the winter in these + remote forests, preparing the timber which is transported during the + summer in rafts, or, if sawn, in boats, to Quebec when destined for + England, and up the Richelieu River when intended for the United + States. It is a most interesting fact, both in a moral and hygienic + view, that for some years past intoxicating liquors have been + rigorously excluded from almost all the chantiers, as the dwellings of + the lumbermen in these distant regions are styled; and that, + notwithstanding the exposure of the men to cold during the winter and + wet in the spring, the result of the experiment has been entirely + satisfactory. + + The bearing of the lumbering business on the settlement of the country + is a point well worthy of notice. The farmer who undertakes to + cultivate unreclaimed land in new countries, generally finds that not + only does every step of advance which he makes in the wilderness, by + removing him from the centres of trade and civilisation, enhance the + cost of all he has to purchase, but that, moreover, it diminishes the + value of what he has to sell. It is not so, however, with the farmer + who follows in the wake of the lumbermen. He finds, on the contrary, + in the wants of the latter, a ready demand for all that he produces, + at a price not only equal to that procurable in the ordinary marts, + but increased by the cost of transport from them to the scene of the + lumbering operations. This circumstance, no doubt, powerfully + contributes to promote the settlement of those districts, and attracts + population to sections of the country which, in the absence of any + such inducement, would probably remain for long periods + uninhabited.[4] + +[Sidenote: Wild land.] + + The large amount of wild land held by individuals and corporations, + renders the disposal of the public domain a question of less urgency + in this than in some other colonies. Opinion in the Province runs + strongly in favour of facilitating its acquisition in small lots by + actual settlers, and of putting all possible obstacles in the way of + its falling into the hands of speculators. This opinion is founded no + doubt in part on a jealousy of great landholders; but it is mainly, I + apprehend, attributable to a sense of the inconvenience and damage + which are experienced in young countries, when considerable tracts of + land are kept out of the market in the midst of districts that are in + course of settlement. To this feeling much of the hostility to the + 'Clergy Reserves' was originally due. The upset price of Government + wild land in Canada varies from 7_s_. 6_d_. currency to + 1_s_. currency an acre, according to quality, and by the rules of + the Crown Land Department now in force, it is conceded at these rates, + except in special cases, in lots of not more than 200 acres, on + condition of actual settlement, of erecting a dwelling-house, and + clearing one-fourth of the lot before the patent can be obtained. The + price is payable in some parts of the country in ten yearly + instalments; in others in five; with interest in both cases from the + date of sale. + + I have little faith in the efficacy of such devices to compel actual + settlement. They hinder the free circulation of capital, are easily + evaded, and seem to be especially out of place where wild lands are + subject to taxation for municipal purposes, as is the case in Upper + Canada.[5] + +[Sidenote: Seigniorial tenure.] + + A good deal of land in Lower Canada is held in seigniory, under a + species of feudal tenure, with respect to the conditions of which a + controversy has arisen which threatens, unless some equitable mode of + adjusting it be speedily devised, to be productive of very serious + consequences. A certain class of jurists contend, that by the custom + of the country, established before its conquest by Great Britain, the + seigniors were bound to concede their lands in lots of about 100 acres + to the first applicant, in consideration of the payment of certain + dues, and of a rent which, never, as they allege, exceeded one penny + an acre; and they quote edicts of the French monarchs to show that the + governor and intendant, when the seignior was contumacious, could + seize the land, and make the concession in spite of him, taking the + rent for the Crown. The seigniors, on the other hand, plead the + decisions of the courts since the conquest in vindication of their + claim to receive such rents as they can bargain for. Independently of + this controversy, the incidents of the tenure are in other respects + calculated to exercise an unfavourable influence on the progress of + the Province; and its abolition, if it could be effected without + injustice, would, no doubt, be a highly beneficial measure.[6] + +Still more important and interesting at this time is the following sketch +of the Educational System of Upper Canada; the 'Common Schools' and 'Public +School Libraries,' which have attracted so much the attention of our own +educationists. Nor is it uninstructive to note the contrast between what +had been achieved in the colony nearly twenty years ago, and the still +unsettled condition of similar questions in the mother-country: a contrast +which may perhaps call to mind the remarks of Lord Elgin already quoted, as +to the rapid growth which ensues when the seeds that fall from ancient +experience are dropped into a virgin soil.[7] + +[Sidenote: Education.] + + In 1847 the Normal School, which may be considered the foundation of + the system, was instituted, and at the close of 1853, the first volume + issued from the Educational Department to the Public School Libraries, + which are its crown and completion.... The term school libraries does + not imply that the libraries in question are specially designed for + the benefit of common school pupils. They are, in point of fact, + public libraries intended for the use of the general population; and + they are entitled school libraries because their establishment has + been provided for in the School Acts, and their management confided to + the school authorities. + +[Sidenote: Public School Libraries.] + + Public School Libraries then, similar to those which are now being + introduced into Canada, have been in operation for several years in + some states of the neighbouring Union, and many of the most valuable + features of the Canadian system have been borrowed from them. In most + of the States, however, which have appropriated funds for library + purposes, the selection of the books has been left to the trustees + appointed by the different districts, many of whom are ill-qualified + for the task; and the consequence has been, that the travelling + pedlars, who offer the most showy books at the lowest prices, have had + the principal share in furnishing the libraries. In introducing the + system into Canada, precautions have been taken which will, I trust, + have the effect of obviating this great evil. + + In the School Act of 1850, which first set apart a sum of money for + the establishment and support of school libraries, it is declared to + be the duty of the chief superintendent of education to apportion the + sum granted for this purpose by the legislature under the following + condition: 'That no aid should be given towards the establishment and + support of any school library unless an equal amount be contributed or + expended from local sources for the same;' and the Council of + Instruction is required to examine, and at its discretion recommend or + disapprove of text books for the use of schools, or books for school + libraries; 'provided that no portion of the legislative school grant + shall be applied in aid of any school in which any book is used that + has been disapproved of by the Council, and public notice given of + such disapproval.' + +[Sidenote: Common schools.] + + The system of public instruction in Upper Canada is engrafted upon the + municipal institutions of the Province, to which an organisation very + complete in its details, and admirably adapted to develop the + resources, confirm the credit, and promote the moral and social + interests of a young country, was imparted by an Act passed in 1849. + The law by which the common schools are regulated was enacted in 1850, + and it embraces all the modifications and improvements suggested by + experience in the provisions of the several school Acts passed + subsequently to 1841, when the important principle of granting money + to each county on condition that an equal amount were raised within it + by local assessment, was first introduced into the statute-book. + +[Sidenote: Local superintendence.] + + The development of individual self-reliance and local exertion, under + the superintendence of a central authority exercising an influence + almost exclusively moral, is the ruling principle of the system. + Accordingly, it rests with the freeholders and householders of each + school section to decide whether they will support their school by + voluntary subscription, by rate bill for each pupil attending the + school (which must not, however, exceed 1_s_. per month), or by + rates on property. The trustees elected by the same freeholders and + householders are required to determine the amount to be raised within + their respective school sections for all school purposes whatsoever, + to hire teachers from among persons holding legal certificates of + qualification, and to agree with them as to salary. On the local + superintendents appointed by the county councils is devolved the duty + of apportioning the legislative grant among the school sections within + the county, of inspecting the schools, and reporting upon them to the + chief superintendent. The county boards of public instruction, + composed of the local superintendent or superintendents, and the + trustees of the county grammar school, examine candidates for the + office of teacher, and give certificates of qualification which are + valid for the county; the chief superintendent giving certificates to + normal school pupils which are valid for the Province; while the chief + superintendent, who holds his appointment from the Crown, aided in + specified cases by the Council of Public Instruction, has under his + especial charge the normal and model schools, besides exercising a + general control over the whole system.. + + The question of religious instruction as connected with the common + school system, presented even more than ordinary difficulty in a + community where there is so much diversity of opinion on religious + subjects, and where all denominations are in the eye of the law on a + footing of entire equality. It is laid down as a fundamental + principle, that as the common schools are not boarding but day + schools, and as the pupils are under the care of their parents or + guardians during the Sunday, and a considerable portion of each week + day, it is not intended that the functions of the common school + teacher should supersede those of the parent and pastor of the child. + Accordingly, the law contents itself with providing on this head, + 'that in any model or common school established under this act, no + child shall be required to read or study in or from any religious + book, or to join in any exercise of devotion or religion, which shall + be objected to by his or her parents or guardians; provided always, + that within this limitation pupils shall be allowed to receive such + religious instruction as their parents or guardians shall desire, + according to the general regulations which shall be provided according + to law.' And it authorises under certain regulations the establishment + of a separate school for Protestants or Roman Catholics, as the case + may be, when the teacher of the common school is of the opposite + persuasion. + + Clergymen recognised by law, of whatever denomination, are made _ex + officio_ visitors of the schools in townships, cities, towns, or + villages where they reside, or have pastoral charge. The chief + superintendent. Dr. Ryerson, remarks on this head: + +[Sidenote: The clergy.] + + 'The clergy of the county have access to each of its schools; and we + know of no instance in which the school has been made the place of + religious discord, but many instances, especially on occasions of + quarterly public examinations, in which the school has witnessed the + assemblage and friendly intercourse of clergy of various religious + persuasions, and thus become the radiating centre of a spirit of + Christian charity and potent cooperation in the primary work of a + people's civilisation and happiness.' + + He adds with reference to the subject generally, 'The more carefully + the question of religion in connection with a system of common schools + is examined, the more clearly, I think, it will appear, that it has + been left where it properly belongs--with the local school + municipalities, parents, and managers of schools; the Government + protecting the right of each parent and child, but beyond this, and + beyond the principles and duties of morality common to all classes, + neither compelling nor prohibiting; recognising the duties of pastors + and parents as well as of school trustees and teachers, and + considering the united labours of all as constituting the system of + education for the youth of the country.' + +Lord Elgin himself had always shown a profound sense of the importance of +thus making religion the groundwork of education. Speaking on occasion of +the opening of a normal school, after noticing the zealous and wisely- +directed exertions which had 'enabled Upper Canada to place itself in the +van among the nations, in the great and important work of providing an +efficient system of general education for the whole community' he +proceeded:-- + +[Sidenote: What is education?] + + And now let me ask this intelligent audience, who have so kindly + listened to me up to this moment--let me ask them to consider, in all + seriousness and earnestness, what that great work really is. I do not + think that I shall be chargeable with exaggeration when I affirm, that + it is _the_ work of our day and generation; that it is _the_ + problem in our modern society which is most difficult of solution; + that it is the ground upon which earnest and zealous men unhappily too + often, and in too many countries meet, not to co-operate but to + wrangle; while the poor and the ignorant multitudes around them are + starving and perishing for lack of knowledge. Well, then, how has + Upper Canada addressed herself to the execution of this great work? + How has she sought to solve this problem--to overcome this difficulty? + Sir, I understand from your statements--and I come to the same + conclusion from my own investigation and observation--that it is the + principle of our common school educational system, that its foundation + is laid deep in the firm rock of our common Christianity. I + understand, sir, that while the varying views and opinions of a mixed + religious society are scrupulously respected, while every semblance of + dictation is carefully avoided, it is desired, it is earnestly + recommended, it is confidently expected and hoped, that every child + who attends our common schools shall learn there that he is a being + who has an interest in eternity as well as in time; that he has a + Father, towards whom he stands in a closer and more affecting, and + more endearing relationship than to any earthly father, and that + Father is in heaven; that he has a hope, far transcending every + earthly hope--a hope full of immortality--the hope, namely, that that + Father's kingdom may come; that he has a duty which, like the sun in + our celestial system, stands in the centre of his moral obligations, + shedding upon them a hallowing light, which they in their turn reflect + and absorb--the duty of striving to prove by his life and conversation + the sincerity of his prayer, that that Father's will may be done upon + earth as it is done in heaven. I understand, sir, that upon the broad + and solid platform which is raised upon that good foundation, we + invite the ministers of religion, of all denominations--the _de + facto_ spiritual guides of the people of the country--to take their + stand along with us; that, so far from hampering or impeding them in + the exercise of their sacred functions, we ask and we beg them to take + the children--the lambs of the flock which are committed to their + care--aside, and to lead them to those pastures and streams where they + will find, as they believe, the food of life and the waters of + consolation. + +One more extract must be given from the despatch already quoted, because it +illustrates a feature in his character, to which the subsequent course of +his life gave such marked prominence--his generous and tender feeling of +what was due to subject or inferior races; a sad feeling in this case, and +but faintly supported by any hope of being able to do anything for their +benefit. + +[Sidenote: Aboriginal tribes.] + + It is painful to turn from reviewing the progress of the European + population and their descendants established in this portion of + America, to contemplate the condition and prospects of the aboriginal + tribes. It cannot, I fear, be affirmed with truth, that the difficult + problem of reconciling the interests of an inferior and native race + with those of an intrusive and superior one, has as yet been + satisfactorily solved on this continent. In the United States, the + course of proceeding generally followed in this matter has been that + of compelling the Red man, through the influence of persuasion or + force, to make way for the White, by retreating farther and farther + into the wilderness; a mode of dealing with the case which necessarily + entails the occasional adoption of harsh measures, and which ceases to + be practicable when civilisation approaches the limits of the + territory to be occupied. In Canada, the tribes have been permitted to + dwell among the scenes of their early associations and traditions, on + lands reserved from the advancing tide of White settlement, and set + apart for their use. But this system, though more lenient in its + operation than the other, is not unattended with difficulties of its + own. The laws enacted for their protection, and in the absence of + which they fall an easy prey to the more unscrupulous among their + energetic neighbours, tend to keep them in a condition of perpetual + pupillage, and the relation subsisting between them and the + Government, which treats them, partly as independent peoples, and + partly as infants under its guardianship, involves many anomalies and + contradictions. Unless there be some reasonable ground for the hope + that they will be eventually absorbed in the general population of the + country, the Canadian system is probably destined in the long run to + prove as disastrous to them as that of the United States. In 1846 and + 1847 the attempt was first made to establish among them industrial + boarding schools, in part supported by contributions from their own + funds. If schools of this description be properly conducted, it may, I + think, be expected that, among the youth trained at them, a certain + proportion at least will be so far civilised, as to be capable of + making their way in life without exceptional privileges or restraints. + It would be, I am inclined to believe, expedient that any Indian, + showing this capacity, should be permitted, after sufficient trial, to + receive from the common property of the tribe of which he was a member + (on the understanding of course that neither he nor his descendants + had thenceforward any claim upon it), a sum equivalent to his interest + in it, as a means to enable him to start in independent life. The + process of transition from their present semi-barbarous condition + could hardly fail to be promoted by a scheme of this description if it + were judiciously carried out. + + * * * * * + +[Sidenote: Relations with the United States.] + +No sketch of a Governor's life in Canada would be complete which did not +contain some account of his relations with the great neighbouring republic. + +We have seen that, at the beginning of his government, Lord Elgin's cares +were increased by threats, and more than threats, of interference on the +part of 'sympathisers' from some of the American States; and that he looked +upon the likelihood of lawless inroad, not to speak of the possibility of +lawful war, as affording solid reason for England's maintaining a body of +troops in the Colony. But it must not be supposed that his attitude towards +the Government or people of the States was one of jealousy or hostility. +The loyal friendliness of the Government in repressing the intemperate +sympathies of certain of its citizens, he cordially acknowledged; and with +the people he did his utmost to encourage the freest and friendliest +intercourse, social and commercial, not only in order that the inhabitants +of the two countries might provoke one another to increased activity in the +good work of civilisation, but also that they might know and understand one +another; and that he might have in the public opinion of the United States +that intelligent support which he despaired of finding in England, owing to +the strange ignorance and indifference which so unfortunately prevails +there on all colonial subjects. + +The following letters refer to some of the occasion on which mutual +civilities were interchanged: + + _To Mr. Crampton, British Minister at Washington._ + + Montreal, May 21, 1849. + +[Sidenote: their loyal conduct in 1849.] + + I am much indebted to you for your letter of the 10th, conveying an + intimation of the intentions of the American Government with reference + to improper interference on the part of American citizens in Canadian + affairs, which is so honourable to General Taylor and his cabinet. If + I should receive any information leading me to believe that any such + interference is contemplated, I shall not fail to communicate with you + at once on the subject. My impression is, that there is not at present + much to be apprehended on that score; for although there is unhappily + considerable excitement and irritation in Canada, the subject in + dispute[8] is not one which is likely to conciliate much sympathy + among our neighbours. I do not, however, less highly appreciate the + good feeling and cordiality evinced by the Executive Government of the + United States. + + * * * * * + + _To the Earl Grey_ + + Toronto, June 14,1850. + +[Sidenote: Mutual Courtesies.] + + Our expedition to the Welland Canal went off admirably, the only + drawback being that we attempted too much. Mr. Merritt, who planned + the affair, gave it out that we were to pass through the canal, and to + touch at Buffalo on our way from Lake Erie to the Falls of Niagara, in + one day. On this hint the Buffalonians made preparations for our + reception on the most magnificent scale.... As might have been + expected, however, what with addresses, speeches, and mishaps of + various kinds, such as are to be looked for in canal travelling on a + large scale (for our party consisted of some three hundred), night + overtook us before we reached Lake Erie, and Buffalo had to be given + up. I very much regret this, as I fear the citizens were disappointed. + Some of our party went there the next day, and were most hospitably + received. + + * * * * * + + _To the Earl Grey._ + + Toronto, August 16, 1850. + + Our Session has closed with great _éclat_. On Thursday week our + Buffalo friends, with other persons of distinction from different + parts of the Union, arrived here, to the number of about two hundred. + They were entertained that evening at a ball in the City Hall, which + did great credit to the good taste and hospitality of the hosts. Next + day there was a review in the forenoon and a fźte at my house, which + lasted from half-past four to twelve. I succeeded in enabling a party + of five hundred to sit down together to dinner; and, what with a few + speeches, fireworks, and dances, I believe I may say the citizens went + away thoroughly pleased.[9] On Saturday, at noon, many of the party + assisted at the prorogation. + + These matters may seem trivial to you among the graver concerns of + state; nevertheless, I am sanguine enough to hope that the courtesies + which have passed this year between the Buffalonians and us will not + be without their fruit. The bulk of those who came here from Buffalo, + including the Mayor--a very able man and powerful speaker--are of the + democratic party, and held some years ago very different views from + those which they expressed on this visit. They found here the warmest + and most cordial welcome from all, Her Majesty's representative not + excepted. But they saw, I venture to say almost with certainty, + nothing to lead them to suppose that the Canadians desire to change + their political condition; on the contrary, the mention of Her + Majesty's name evoked on all occasions the most unbounded enthusiasm; + and there was every appearance of a kindly feeling towards the + Governor General, which the Americans seemed not disinclined + themselves to share. + + 'To render annexation by violence impossible, and by any other means + as improbable as may be,' is, as I have often ventured to repeat, the + polar star of my policy. In these matters, small as they may appear, I + believe we have been steering by its light. Again, as respects + ourselves. I trust that the effects of this Buffalonian visit will be + very beneficial. I took occasion in my speeches, in a joking way which + provoked nothing but laughter and good humour, to hint at some of the + unreasonable traits in the conduct of my Canadian friends. I am sure + that the Americans go home with very correct views as touching our + politics, and with the best sentiments towards myself. It is of very + great importance to me to have the aid of a sound public opinion from + without, to help me through my difficulties here; and, as I utterly + despair of receiving any such assistance from England (I allude not to + the Government but to the public, which never looks at us except when + roused by fear ignorantly to condemn), it is of incalculable + importance that I should obtain this support from America. + +[Sidenote: Boston Jubilee.] + +In the autumn of 1851, the inhabitants of Boston held a Three Days' +Jubilee, to celebrate the completion of various lines of communication, by +railroad and steamship, destined to draw closer the bonds of union between +Canada and the United States; and Lord Elgin gladly accepted an invitation +to be present. Writing on September 26, 1851, he mentions having 'met there +all the United States, President included;' and describes a 'dinner on the +Boston Common for 3,500 persons, at which many good speeches were made, +Everett's especially so.' He adds:-- + + Nothing certainly could be more cordial than the conduct of the + Bostonians throughout; and there was a scrupulous avoidance of every + topic that could wound British or Canadian susceptibilities. + +To the general harmony and good feeling no one contributed more than Lord +Elgin himself, by his general courtesy and affability, and especially by +his speeches, full of the happiest mixture of playfulness and earnestness, +of eloquence and sound sense, of ardent patriotism with broad international +sympathies. 'It was worth something,' he wrote afterwards, 'to get the +Queen of England as much cheered and lauded in New England as in any part +of Old England;' and the reflection faithfully represents the spirit of +expansive loyalty which characterised all his dealings with his neighbours +of the States. + +These qualities, added to the reputation of a wise and liberal Governor, +won for him an unusual amount of regard from the American people. At a +dinner given to him in London, during his short visit to England in the +spring of 1854--a dinner at which the Colonial Secretaries of five +different Governments, Lord Monteagle, Lord John Russell, Lord Grey, Sir J. +Pakington, and the Duke of Newcastle met to do him honour--no one spoke +more warmly or more discriminatingly in his praise than the American +Minister, Mr. Buchanan. + +[Sidenote: Speech of Mr. Buchanan.] + + 'Lord Elgin,' he said, 'has solved one of the most difficult problems + of statesmanship. He has been able, successfully and satisfactorily, + to administer, amidst many difficulties, a colonial government over a + free people. This is an easy task where the commands of a despot are + law to his obedient subjects; but not so in a colony where the people + feel that they possess the rights and privileges of native-born + Britons. Under his enlightened government Her Majesty's North American + provinces have realised the blessings of a wise, prudent, and + prosperous administration; and we of the neighbouring nation, though + jealous of our rights, have reason to be abundantly satisfied with his + just and friendly conduct towards ourselves. He has known how to + reconcile his devotion to Her Majesty's service with a proper regard + to the rights and interests of the kindred and neighbouring people. + Would to Heaven we had such governors-general in all the European + colonies in the vicinity of the United States!' + +[Sidenote: Reciprocity Treaty.] + +A signal proof of his popularity and influence in America was given a few +months later, on the occasion already referred to, when he visited +Washington for the purpose of negotiating the Reciprocity Treaty; and, +chiefly by the effect of his personal presence, carried through, in a few +weeks, a measure which had been in suspense for years. + +In returning from this visit he was received with special honours at +Portland, the terminus of the international railway which he had exerted +himself so much to promote; and he used the opportunity not only to please +and conciliate his entertainers, but also to impress them with the respect +due to the Canadians, as a flourishing and progressive, above all as a +loyal, people. Speaking of the alienation which had existed, a few years +earlier, between the Provinces and the States, he said:[10] + +[Sidenote: Speech at Portland.] + + When I look back to the past, I find what tended in some degree to + create this misunderstanding. In the first place, as I believe, the + government of these provinces was conducted on erroneous principles, + the rights of the people were somewhat restrained, and large numbers + were prevented from exercising those privileges which belong to a free + people. From this arose, very naturally, a discontent on the part of + the people of the Provinces, with which the people of the States + sympathised. Though this sympathy and this discontent was not always + wise, it is not wonderful that it existed. + + What have we now done to put an end to this? We have cut off the + source of all this misunderstanding by granting to the people what + they desired--the great principle of self-government. The inhabitants + of Canada at this moment exercise an influence over their own + destinies and government as complete as do the people of this country. + This is the only cause of misunderstanding that ever existed; and this + cannot arise when the circumstances which made them at variance have + ceased to exist. + + The good feeling which has been so fully established between the + States and the Provinces has already justified itself by its works. In + the British Provinces we have already had many evidences to prove your + kindness towards us; and within the last seven years, more than in any + previous seven years since the settlement of the two countries. + + Let me ask you, who is the worse off for this display of good feeling + and fraternal intercourse? Is it the Canadas? sir, as the + representative of Her Majesty, permit me to say that the Canadians + were never more loyal than at this moment. Standing here, on United + States ground, beneath that flag under which we are proud to live, I + repeat that no people was ever more loyal than are the Canadas to + their Queen; and it is the purpose of the present Ministers of Her + Majesty's Government to make the people of Canada so prosperous and + happy, that other nations shall envy them their good fortune. + +This was the last occasion of his addressing American citizens on their own +soil; nor did the course of his after-life bring him often in contact with +them. But the personal regard which he had won from them descended, some +years later, as a valuable heritage to his brother, Sir Frederick, when +appointed to the difficult post of Minister at Washington after the close +of the American Civil War.[11] + +[Sidenote: Parting from Canada.] + +The parting of Lord Elgin from Canada was spread, so to speak, over several +years; for though he did not finally quit its shores till the end of 1854, +from 1851 onwards he was continually in expectation of being recalled; and, +towards the end of 1853, he came to England, as we have already seen, on +leave of absence. The numerous speeches made, and letters written on the +occasion of these different leave-takings, contain ample proof how cordial +was the feeling which had grown up between the Colony and its Governor. It +may be enough to give here two specimens. The first is an extract from a +farewell speech at Montreal, listened to with tears by a crowded audience +in the very place where, a few years before, he had been so scandalously +outraged and insulted.[12] + +[Sidenote: Farewell to Montreal.] + + For nearly eight years, at the command of our beloved Queen, I have + filled this position among you, discharging its duties, often + imperfectly, never carelessly, or with indifference. We are all of us + aware that the period is rapidly approaching when I may expect to be + required by the same gracious authority to resign into other, and I + trust worthier, hands, the office of Governor-General, with the heavy + burden of responsibility and care which attaches to it. It is fitting, + therefore, that we should now speak to each other frankly and without + reserve. Let me assure you, then, that the severance of the formal tie + which binds us together will not cause my earnest desire for your + welfare and advancement to abate. The extinction of an official + relationship cannot quench the conviction that I have so long + cherished, and by which I have been supported through many trials, + that a brilliant future is in store for British North America; or + diminish the interest with which I shall watch every event which tends + to the fulfilment of this expectation. And again permit me to assure + you, that when I leave you, be it sooner or later, I shall carry away + no recollections of my sojourn among you except such as are of a + pleasing character. I shall remember--and remember with gratitude--the + cordial reception I met with at Montreal when I came a stranger among + you, bearing with me for my sole recommendation the commission of our + Sovereign. I shall remember those early months of my residence here, + when I learnt in this beautiful neighbourhood to appreciate the charms + of a bright Canadian winter day, and to take delight in the cheerful + music of your sleigh bells. I shall remember one glorious afternoon-- + an afternoon in April--when, looking down from the hill at Monklands, + on my return from transacting business in your city, I beheld that the + vast plain stretching out before me, which I had always seen clothed + in the white garb of winter, had assumed, on a sudden, and, as if by + enchantment, the livery of spring; while your noble St. Lawrence, + bursting through his icy fetters, had begun to sparkle in the + sunshine, and to murmur his vernal hymn of thanksgiving to the + bounteous Giver of light and heat. I shall remember my visits to your + Mechanics' Institutes and Mercantile Library Associations, and the + kind attention with which the advice which I tendered to your young + men and citizens was received by them. I shall remember the undaunted + courage with which the merchants of this city, while suffering under + the pressure of a commercial crisis of almost unparalleled severity, + urged forward that great work which was the first step towards placing + Canada in her proper position in this age of railway progress. I shall + remember the energy and patriotism which gathered together in this + city specimens of Canadian industry, from all parts of the province, + for the World's Fair, and which has been the means of rendering this + magnificent conception of the illustrious Consort of our beloved Queen + more serviceable to Canada than it has, perhaps, proved to any other + of the countless communities which have been represented there. And I + shall forget--but no--what I might have had to forget is forgotten + already; and therefore I cannot tell you what I shall forget. + +The remaining extract is from parting words, spoken after a ball which he +gave at Quebec on the eve of his final departure in December, 1854. + +[Sidenote: Farewell to Quebec.] + + I wish I could address you in such strains as I have sometimes + employed on similar occasions, strains suited to a festive meeting; + but I confess I have a weight on my heart, and that it is not in me to + be merry. For the last time I stand before you in the official + character which I have borne for nearly eight years. For the last time + I am surrounded by a circle of friends with whom I have spent some of + the most pleasant days of my life. For the last time I welcome you as + my guests to this charming residence which I have been in the habit of + calling my home.[13] I did not, I will frankly confess it, know what + it would cost me to break this habit, until the period of my departure + approached; and I began to feel that the great interests which have so + long engrossed my attention and thoughts, were passing out of my + hands. I had a hint of what my feelings really were upon this point--a + pretty broad hint too--one lovely morning in June last, when I + returned to Quebec after my temporary absence in England, and landed + in the Coves below Spencerwood (because it was Sunday, and I did not + want to make a disturbance in the town), and when with the greetings + of the old people in the Coves who put their heads out of the windows + as I passed along, and cried 'Welcome home again,' still ringing in my + ears, I mounted the hill and drove through the avenue to the house + door. I saw the dropping trees on the lawn, with every one of which I + was so familiar, clothed in the tenderest green of spring, and the + river beyond, calm and transparent as a mirror, and the ships fixed + and motionless as statues on its surface, and the whole landscape + bathed in a flood of that bright Canadian sun which so seldom pierces + our murky atmosphere on the other side of the Atlantic. I began to + think that persons were to be envied who were not forced by the + necessities of their position to quit these engrossing interests and + lovely scenes, for the purpose of proceeding to distant lands, but who + are able to remain among them until they pass to that quiet corner of + the Garden of Mount Hermon, which juts into the river and commands a + view of the city, the shipping, Point Levi, the Island of Orleans, and + the range of Lawrentine; so that through the dim watches of that + tranquil night, which precedes the dawning of the eternal day, the + majestic citadel of Quebec, with its noble train of satellite hills, + may seem to rest for ever on the sight, and the low murmur of the + waters of St. Lawrence, with the hum of busy life on their surface, to + fall ceaselessly on the ear. I cannot bring myself to believe that the + future has in store for me any interests which will fill the place of + those I am now abandoning. But although I must henceforward be to you + as a stranger, although my official connection with you and your + interests will have become in a few days matter of history, yet I + trust that through some one channel or another, the tidings of your + prosperity and progress may occasionally reach me; that I may hear + from time to time of the steady growth and development of those + principles of liberty and order, of manly independence in combination + with respect for authority and law, of national life in harmony with + British connection, which it has been my earnest endeavour, to the + extent of my humble means of influence, to implant and to establish. I + trust, too, that I shall hear that this house continues to be what I + have ever sought to render it, a neutral territory, on which persons + of opposite opinions, political and religious, may meet together in + harmony and forget their differences for a season. And I have good + hope that this will be the case for several reasons, and, among + others, for one which I can barely allude to, for it might be an + impertinence in me to dwell upon it. But I think that without any + breach of delicacy or decorum I may venture to say that many years + ago, when I was much younger than I am now, and when we stood towards + each other in a relation somewhat different from that which has + recently subsisted between us, I learned to look up to Sir Edmund Head + with respect, as a gentleman of the highest character, the greatest + ability, and the most varied accomplishments and attainments.[14] And + now, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have only to add the sad word Farewell. I + drink this bumper to the health of you all, collectively and + individually. I trust that I may hope to leave behind me some who will + look back with feelings of kindly recollection to the period of our + intercourse; some with whom I have been on terms of immediate official + connection, whose worth and talents I have had the best means of + appreciating, and who could bear witness, at least, if they please to + do so, to the spirit, intentions, and motives with which I have + administered your affairs; some with whom I have been bound by the + ties of personal regard. And if reciprocity be essential to enmity, + then most assuredly I can leave behind me no enemies. I am aware that + there must be persons in so large a society as this, who think that + they have grievances to complain of, that due consideration has not in + all cases been shown to them. Let them believe me, and they ought to + believe me, for the testimony of a dying man is evidence, even in a + court of justice, let them believe me, then, even I assure them, in + this the last hour of my agony, that no such errors of omission or + commission have been intentional on my part. Farewell, and God bless + you. + + * * * * * + +[Sidenote: At home.] + +The two years which followed Lord Elgin's return from Canada were a time of +complete rest from official labour. For though, on the breaking up of Lord +Aberdeen's Ministry in the spring of 1855, he was offered by Lord +Palmerston the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster, with a seat in the +Cabinet, he declined the offer, not on any ground of difference from the +new Ministry, which he intended to support; but because, having only +recently taken his seat in the House of Lords, after a long term of foreign +service, during which he had necessarily held aloof from home politics, he +thought it advisable, for the present at least, to remain independent. He +found, however, ample and congenial occupation for his time in the peaceful +but industrious discharge of home duties at Broomhall. Still his thoughts +were constantly with the distant Provinces in which he had laboured so +long. + +Whenever he appeared in public, whether at a dinner given in his honour at +Dunfermline, or on occasion of receiving the freedom of the city of +Glasgow, or in delivering a lecture at the annual opening of the Edinburgh +Philosophical Institute--it was with the same desire of turning to account +the knowledge gained abroad, for the advantage of the Colonies, or of the +mother-country, or for the mutual benefit of both; with the same hope of +drawing closer the bonds of union between them, and dispelling something of +that cloud of ignorance and indifference which has often made the public +opinion of Great Britain a hindrance rather than a support to the best +interests of her dependencies. + +[Sidenote: In the House of Lords.] + +It was only very rarely that he took any part in the business of +legislation; and of the two occasions on which he was induced to break +silence, one was when the interests of Canada appeared to him to be +imperilled by the rumoured intention of Government to send thither large +bodies of troops that had just returned from the Crimea. He thought it his +duty to protest earnestly against any such proceeding, as likely, in the +first place, to complicate the relations of Canada with the United States, +and, in the second place, to arrest her progress in self-dependence. + +[Sidenote: Crimean War.] + +The other occasion of his speaking was in May 1855, when Lord Ellenborough +had moved an Address to the Crown, condemnatory of the manner in which the +Crimean War had been and was being conducted. Having been out of England +when hostilities were begun, he had not to consider the question whether it +was a glorious, or even a necessary, war in which we were engaged; and his +one feeling on the subject was that which he had previously expressed to +the citizens of Glasgow. + + My opinion (he then said) [on the question of the war] I can easily + state, and I have no hesitation in avowing it. I say that now we are + in the war, we must fight it out like men. I don't say, throw away the + scabbard; in the first place, because I dislike all violent metaphors; + and, in the second place, because the scabbard is a very useful + instrument, and the sooner we can use it the better. But I do say, + having drawn the sword, don't sheathe it until the purpose for which + it was drawn is accomplished. + +In the same spirit he now defended the Ministry against Lord Ellenborough's +attack; not on party grounds, which he took pains to repudiate, but on what +he conceived to be the true patriotic principle--viz. to strengthen, at +such a time, the hands of the existing Government, unless there be a +distinct prospect of replacing it by a stronger. + +After mentioning that he had not long before informed Lord Palmerston, that +'while he was resolved to maintain an independent position in Parliament, +it was nevertheless his desire and intention, subject to that qualification +and reserve, to support the Government,' he proceeded: + + I formed this resolution not only because I had reason to believe that + on questions of public policy my sentiments would generally be found + to be in accordance with those of the present Government, nor yet only + because I felt I owed to the noble Viscount himself, and many at least + of his colleagues, a debt of obligation for the generous support they + uniformly gave me at critical periods in the course of my foreign + career; but also, and principally, because in the critical position in + which this country was placed--at a time when we had only recently + presented to the astonished eye of Europe the discreditable spectacle + of a great country left for weeks without a Government, and a popular + and estimable Monarch left without councillors, during a period of + great national anxiety and peril; when there was hardly a household in + England where the voice of wailing was not to be heard, or an eye + which was not heavy with a tear--it appeared to me, I say, under such + circumstances, to be the bounden duty of every patriotic man, who had + not some very valid and substantial reason to assign for adopting a + contrary course, to tender a frank and generous support to the + Government of the Queen. + +Having come to that determination, he had now to ask himself whether +circumstances were so altered as to make it his duty to revoke the pledge +spontaneously given? To this conclusion he could not bring himself. + + It seems to me (he said) these Resolutions divide themselves naturally + into two parts. The first part has reference to what I may call the + general policy of the Government with respect to the war; and that + portion of them is conceived in strains of eulogy and commendation--I + may almost say in strains of exultation. The Resolutions speak of firm + alliances, of brotherhood in arms, of a sympathetic and enthusiastic + people; but not a word of regret for national friendships of old + standing broken--desolation carried into thousands of happy + homes--Europe in arms--Asia agitated and febrile--America sullenly + expectant. + +This exuberance of exultation, he said, was amply met by the exuberance of +denunciation which characterises the latter part of the Address; but it was +to his mind even less just than the former. + + But even (he continued) if I could bring myself to believe, which I + have failed in doing, that censure might be passed in the terms of + these Resolutions upon Her Majesty's present Government without + injustice, I should still be unwilling to concur in them, unless I + could find some better security than either the Resolutions themselves + afford, or, as I regret to be obliged to add, the antecedents and + recorded sentiments of Noble Lords opposite afford, that by bringing + about the change of administration which these Resolutions are + intended to promote, I should be doing a benefit to the public + service. My Lords, I cannot but think that at a time when it is most + important that the Government of this country should have weight and + influence abroad, frequent changes of administration are _primā + facie_ most objectionable. I happened to be upon the Continent when + the last change of Government in this country took place; and I must + say it appeared to me, that a most painful impression was created in + foreign states with respect to the instability of the administrative + system of this country by these frequent changes of administration. I + do think, indeed, that not the least of the many calamities which this + war has brought upon us is the fact, that it has had a tendency in + many quarters to throw discredit on that constitutional system of + Government of which this country has hitherto been the type and the + bright example among the nations. + + After all, what is chiefly valuable to nations as well as to + individuals, and the loss of which alone is irreparable, is character; + and it appears to me that, viewed in this light, many of the other + calamities which we have had to deplore during the course of this war + have been already accompanied by a very large and ample measure of + compensation. To take, for instance, the military departments: + notwithstanding the complaints we have heard of deficiencies in our + military organisation, I believe we can with confidence affirm, that + the character of the British soldier, both for moral qualities and for + powers of physical endurance, has been raised by the instrumentality + of this war to an elevation which it had never before attained. In + spite of the somewhat unfavourable tone which, I regret to say, has + been adopted of late by a portion of the press of America, I have + myself seen in influential journals in that country commentaries upon + the conduct of our soldiers at Alma, at Balaklava, and at Inkerman, + which no true-hearted Englishman could read without emotion: and I + have heard a tribute not less generous and not less unqualified borne + to the qualities of our troops by eminent persons belonging to that + great military nation with which we are now so happily allied. To look + to another quarter--to contemplate another class of virtues not less + essential than those to which I have referred to the happiness and + glory of nations--I have heard from enthusiastic, even bigoted, + votaries of that branch of the Christian Church which sometimes prides + itself as having alone retained in its system room for the exercise of + the heroic virtues of Christianity,--I say I have frequently heard + from them the frank admission, that the hospitals of Scutari have + proved that the fairest and choicest flowers of Christian charity and + devotion may come to perfection even in what they are pleased to call + the arid soil of Protestantism. But, my Lords, can we flatter + ourselves with the belief that the character of our statesmen, of our + public men, and of our Parliamentary institutions has risen in a like + proportion? Is it not, on the contrary, notorious that doubts have + been created in quarters where such doubts never existed before as to + the practical efficiency of our much-vaunted constitution, as to its + fitness to carry us unscathed through periods of great difficulty and + danger? I believe, my Lords, that there is one process only, but that + a sure and certain process, by which these doubts may be removed. It + is only necessary that public men, whether connected with the + Government or with the Opposition, whether tied in the bonds of party + or holding independent positions in Parliament, should evince the same + indifference to small and personal motives, the same generous + patriotism, the same disinterested devotion to duty, which have + characterised the services of our soldiers in the field, and of the + women of England at the sick-bed. And, my Lords, I cannot help asking + in conclusion, if--which God forbid--it should unhappily be proved + that, in those whom fortune, or birth, or royal or popular favour has + placed in the van, these qualities are wanting, who shall dare to + blame the press and the people of England, if they seek for them + elsewhere? + +From the tone of this speech it will be seen that Lord Elgin had not at +this time joined either of the two parties in the State. He was, in truth, +still feeling his way through the mazes of home politics to which he had +been so long a stranger, and from which, as he himself somewhat regretfully +observed, those ancient landmarks of party had been removed, 'which, if not +a wholly sufficient guide, are yet some sort of direction to wanderers in +the political wilderness.' While he was still thus engaged, events were +happening at the other ends of the earth which were destined to divert into +quite another channel the current of his life. + + +[1] Mac Mullen's _History of Canada, p. 527._ + +[2] It Is a singular fact, as illustrating the tenacity and coherence of + the Church of Rome, that while all Protestant endowments were thus + indiscriminately swept away, no voice was raised against the + retention, by the Roman Catholic clergy, of the vast possessions left + to them by the old French capitulation.--_Mac Mullen, p. 528._ + +[3] Despatch of December 18, 1854. + +[4] Despatch of August 16,1853 + +[5] Despatch of December 18, 1854. + +[6] Despatch of December 18,1854. The abolition was shortly afterwards, + satisfactorily effected. + +[7] Vide _supra_, p. 48. + +[8] The Rebellion Losses Bill. + +[9] Some years afterwards, when speaking of these festivities, the Mayor of + Buffalo said: 'Never shall I forget the admiration elicited by Lord + Elgin's beautiful speech on that occasion. Upon the American visitors + (who, it must be confessed, do not look for the highest order of + intellect in the appointees of the Crown) the effect was amusing. A + sterling Yankee friend, while the Governor was speaking, sat by my + side, who occasionally gave vent to his feelings as the speech + progressed, each sentence increasing in beauty and eloquence, by such + approving exclamations as "He's a glorious fellow! He ought to be on + our side of the line! We would make him mayor of our city!" As some + new burst of eloquence breaks from the speaker's lips, my worthy + friend exclaims, "How magnificently he talks! Yes, by George, we'd + make him governor--governor of the state!" As the noble Earl, by some + brilliant hit, carries the assemblage with a full round of applause, + "Ah!" cries my Yankee friend, with a hearty slap on my shoulder, "by + Heaven, if he were on our side, we'd make him President--nothing less + than President!"' + +[10] The report of his words is obviously imperfect, but their substance is + probably given with sufficient accuracy. + +[11] The great abilities of Sir F. Bruce, and the nobility of his + character, fitted him in a singular manner for this post. He died + suddenly at Boston, on September 19, 1867, too early for extended + fame, but not unrecognised as a public servant of rare value. The + _Times_, which announced his death, after commenting on the + calamitous fate by which, 'within a period of four years, the nation + had lost the services of three members of one family, each endowed + with eminent qualifications for the important work to which they + severally devoted their lives,' proceeded thus with regard to the + youngest of the three brothers. 'The country would have had much. + reason to deplore the death of Sir Frederick Bruce whenever it had + happened; but his loss is an especial misfortune at a time when, + negotiations of the utmost intricacy and delicacy are pending with a + Government which is not always disposed to approach Great Britain in a + spirit of generosity and forbearance. Seldom has a citizen of another + country visited the United States who possessed so keen an insight + into the political working of the Great Republic, and at the same time + ingratiated himself so thoroughly with every American who approached + Him.... Although naturally somewhat impulsive in temperament, he + invariable exhibited entire calmness and self-command when the + circumstances of his position led him into trial.... This + imperturbable temperament in all his official relations served him + well on many occasions, from the day when he succeeded to the + laborious duties relinquished by Lord Lyons; but never was it of + greater advantage than in the protracted and difficult controversy + concerning the Alabama claims. This discussion it fell to the lot of + Sir F. Bruce to conduct on the part of Her Majesty; and we divulge no + secret when we state that it was in accordance with the late + Minister's repeated advice and exhortations that a wise overture + towards a settlement was made by the present Government. He had + succeeded in establishing for himself relations of cordial friendship + with Mr. Seward and the President, and probably there are few outside + the circle of his own family who will be more shocked at the tidings + of his death than the astute and keen-eyed old man with whom he had + sustained incessant diplomatic fence.' + +[12] It certainly was not without truth, that one of the local papers most + opposed to him remarked that 'Lord Elgin had, beyond all doubt, a + remarkable faculty of turning enemies into friends.' + +[13] Spencerwood, the Governor's private residence. + +[14] Sir Edmund Head, who succeeded Lord Elgin as Governor-General of + Canada in 1854, had examined him for a Merton Fellowship in 1833. + Those who knew him will recognise how singularly appropriate, in their + full force, are the terms in which he is here spoken of. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +FIRST MISSION TO CHINA.--PRELIMINARIES. + +ORIGIN OF THE MISSION--APPOINTMENT OF LORD ELGIN--MALTA--EGYPT--CEYLON-- +NEWS OF THE INDIAN MUTINY--PENANG--SINGAPORE--DIVERSION OF TROOPS TO INDIA +--ON BOARD THE 'SHANNON'--HONG-KONG--CHANGE OF PLANS--CALCUTTA AND LORD +CANNING--RETURN TO CHINA--PERPLEXITIES--CAPRICES OF CLIMATE--ARRIVAL OF +BARON GROS--PREPARATION FOR ACTION. + + +'The earlier incidents of the political rupture with the Chinese +Commissioner Yeh, which occurred at Canton during the autumn of 1856, and +which led to the appointment of a Special Mission to China, were too +thoroughly canvassed at the time to render it necessary to renew here any +discussion on their merits, or recall at length their details. As the +"Arrow" case derived its interest then from the debates to which it gave +rise, and its effects on parties at home, rather than from any intrinsic +value of its own, so does it now mainly owe its importance to the +accidental circumstance, that it was the remote and insignificant cause +which led to a total revolution in the foreign policy of the Celestial +Empire, and to the demolition of most of those barriers which, while they +were designed to restrict all intercourse from without, furnished the +nations of the West with fruitful sources of quarrel and perpetual +grievances.' + +These words form the preface to the 'Narrative of the Earl of Elgin's +Mission to China and Japan,' by Laurence Oliphant, then private secretary +to Lord Elgin. To that work we must refer our readers for a full and +complete, as well as authentic, account of the occurrences which gave +occasion to the following letters. A brief sketch only will here be given. + +[Sidenote: Origin of the Mission.] + +On October 8, 1856, a _lorcha_ named 'Arrow,' registered as a British +vessel, and carrying a British flag, was boarded by the authorities of +Canton, the flag torn down, and the crew carried away as prisoners. Such +was the English account. The Chinese denied that any flag was flying at the +time of the capture: the British ownership of the vessel, they maintained, +was never more than colourable, and had expired a month before: the crew +were all their own subjects, apprehended on a charge of piracy. + +The English authorities refused to listen to this. They insisted on a +written apology for the insult to their flag, and the formal restitution of +the captured sailors. And when these demands were refused, or incompletely +fulfilled, they summoned the fleet, in the hope that a moderate amount of +pressure would lead to the required concessions. Shortly after, finding +arms in their hands, they thought it a good opportunity to enforce the +fulfilment of certain 'long-evaded treaty obligations,' including the right +for all foreign representatives of free access to the authorities and the +city of Canton. With this view, fort after fort, suburb after suburb, was +taken or demolished. But the Chinese, after their manner, would neither +yield nor fight; and contented themselves with offering large rewards for +the head of every Englishman. + +When this state of matters was reported to England, it was brought before +the House of Commons on a motion by Mr. Cobden, condemnatory of 'the +violent measures resorted to at Canton in the late affair of the "Arrow."' +The motion, supported by Mr. Gladstone in one of his splendid bursts of +rhetoric, was carried against the Government by a majority of sixteen, in a +full and excited house, on the morning of February 26, 1857. But Lord +Palmerston refused to accept the adverse vote as expressing the will of the +people. He appealed to the constituencies, candidly telling the House that, +pending that appeal, 'there would be no change, and could be no change, in +the policy of the Government with respect to events in China.' At the same +time he intimated that a special Envoy would be sent out to supersede the +local authorities, armed with full powers to settle the relations between +England and China on a broad and solid basis. + +[Sidenote: Appointment of Lord Elgin.] + +But where was the man who, at a juncture so critical, in face of an adverse +vote of the House of Commons, on the chance of its being rescinded by the +country, could be trusted with so delicate a mission; who could be relied +on, in the conduct of such an expedition against a foe alike stubborn and +weak, to go far enough, and yet not too far--to carry his point, by +diplomatic skill and force of character, with the least possible +infringement of the laws of humanity; a man with the ability and resolution +to insure success, and the native strength that can afford to be merciful? +After 'anxious deliberation,' the choice of the Government fell upon Lord +Elgin. + +How, on the voyage to China, he was met half-way by the news of the Indian +Mutiny; how promptly and magnanimously he took on himself the +responsibility of sacrificing the success of his own expedition by +diverting the troops from China to India; how, after many weary months of +enforced inactivity, the expedition was resumed, and carried through +numberless thwartings to a successful issue--these are matters of history +with which every reader must be acquainted. But those who are most familiar +with the events may find an interest in the following extracts from private +letters, written at the time by the chief actor in the drama. They are +taken almost exclusively from a Journal, in which his first thoughts and +impressions on every passing occurrence were hurriedly noted down, from day +to day, for transmission to Lady Elgin. + +[Sidenote: Malta.] + + _H.M.S. 'Caradoc'--May 2nd._--I have just returned to my ship after + spending a few hours on shore and visiting Lord Lyons in his + magnificent Prince Albert.... How beautiful Malta is with its narrow + streets, gorgeous churches, and impregnable fortifications. I landed + at about six, and walked up to the Palace, and wrote my name in the + Governor's book, who resides out of town. I then took a turn through + the town, and went to the inn to breakfast.... + +[Sidenote: Chance meetings.] + + By way of conversation with the waiter, I asked who were in the house: + 'Only two families, one of them Lord Balgonie[1] and his sisters.' I + saw the ladies first, and, at a later hour, their brother, in his bed. + Poor fellow! the hand of death is only too visibly upon him. There he + lay; his arm, absolutely fleshless, stretched out: his large eyes + gleaming from his pale face. I could not dare to offer to his broken- + hearted sisters a word of comfort. These poor girls! how I felt for + them; alone! with their brother in such a state. They go to Marseilles + by the next opportunity, probably by the packet which will convey to + you this letter, and they hope that their mother will meet them there. + What a tragedy! ... I had been _incog_. at the hotel till Sir W. + Reid[2] found me there. When the innkeeper learned who I was, he was + in despair at my having been put into so small a room, and informed me + that he was the son of an old servant at Broomhall, Hood by name, and + that he had often played with me at cricket! How curious are these + strange _rencontres_ in life! They put me in mind of Heber's image, + who says that we are like travellers journeying through a dense wood + intersected by innumerable paths: we are constantly meeting in + unexpected places, and plunging into the forest again! + +[Sidenote: Alexandria.] + + _Alexandria.--May 6th.--_I made up my letter last night, not knowing + how short the time of my sojourn at Alexandria might be. But at about + one in the morning I received a letter from Frederick,[3] telling me + that the steamer due at Suez had not yet arrived, that an official + reception was to be given me, and that I had better not land too + early.... Notwithstanding which, washing decks, the morning gun, and a + bright sun, broke my slumbers at an early hour, and I got up and + dressed soon after daybreak. At about 6.30 A.M. a boat of the Pacha's, + with a dignitary (who turned out to be a very gentleman-like + Frenchman), arrived, and from him I learnt that the Governor of + Alexandria, with a cortege of dignitaries and a carriage and four, was + already at the shore awaiting my arrival; but Frederick did not come + till about half-past nine, and it was nearly ten before I landed. I + was then conducted by the authorities to the palace in which I am now + writing, consisting of suites of very handsome rooms, and commanding a + magnificent view of the sea. About a dozen attendants are loitering + about and watching every movement, not curiously, but in order to + supply any possible want. At this very moment a mild-looking Turk is + peeping into my bed-room where I am writing this letter, and supposing + that I may wish to be undisturbed, has drawn a red cloth _portičre_ + across the open doorway. This palace, which is set apart for the + reception of distinguished strangers, is situated in the Turkish + quarter of the town, and all the houses around are inhabited by + Mussulmans. The windows are all covered with latticed wooden shutters, + through which the wretched women may, I suppose, peer as they do + through the grating at the House of Commons, but which are at least as + impermeable to the mortal eye from without. The streets are very + empty, as it is the Ramadan, during which devout Turks fast and sleep + throughout the day, and indemnify themselves by eating, drinking, and + amusing themselves all night. + + _Cairo.--May 7th._--Most of yesterday afternoon was spent in drinking + coffee and smoking long pipes, two ladies partaking of the latter + enjoyment after dinner at Mr. Green's. One of them told me that she + had dined with the Princess (the Pacha's wife) a few days ago. She + went at seven and left at half-past twelve, and with the exception of + a half hour of dinner, all the rest of the time was spent in smoking + and drinking coffee. After dinner, the mother of the Pacha's only + child came in and joined the party. She was treated with a certain + consideration as being the mother of this child, although she was not + given a pipe. The Princess seemed on very good terms with her. This + child (a boy three years old) has an English nurse, and this nurse has + persuaded the Pacha to allow her to take the child to England on a + visit. The mother, who has picked up a little English from the nurse, + said to Mrs. Green, 'I am very unhappy; _young Pacha_' (her boy) 'is + going away.' The mother is no more thought of in this arrangement than + I am. What a strange system it is!... We passed through the wonderful + Delta to-day, and certainly the people looked more comfortable than + those of Alexandria. The beasts too, camels, oxen, donkeys, showed + signs of the fertility of the soil in their sleekness. What might not + be made of this country if it were wisely guided! + +[Sidenote: Crossing the Desert.] + + _Steamer 'Bentinck.'--Sunday, May 10th._--I write to you from the + neighbourhood of Mount Sinai, which we passed at an early hour this + morning, gliding through a sea of most transparent glass, with so + little motion that there is hardly an excuse for bad writing.... I + must, however, take you back to Cairo. We began to move at a very + early hour, about three, on Saturday (yesterday) morning. We were + actually in the railway carriages at half-past four. I was placed in a + _coupé_ before the engine, in order that I might see the road; and in + this somewhat formidable position ran over about forty miles of the + Desert in about an hour and a half. It is a wonderful sight this + strange barren expanse of stone and gravel, with here and there a + small encampment of railway labourers, after passing through the + luxuriant Valley of the Nile, teeming with production and life, animal + and vegetable. In the morning air there was a healthy freshness, which + was very delightful. At the end of our hour and a half we reached the + termination of the part of the railway which is already completed, and + embarked in two-wheeled four-horse vans (such as you see in the + _Illustrated News_), to pass over about five miles of trackless + desert, lying between the said terminus and a station on the regular + road across the Desert, at which we were to breakfast. This part of + our journey was rough work, and took us some time to execute. Our + station was really a very nice building; and while we were there a + caravan of pilgrims to Mecca, some women in front and the men + following, all mounted on their patient camels, passed by. After we + were refreshed we started for Suez; and you will hardly believe me + when I tell you, that we travelled forty-seven miles over the Desert + in a carriage as capacious and commodious as a London town coach, in + four hours and a half, including seven changes of horses and a + stoppage of half an hour. In short, we got over the ground in about + three hours and three-fourths. We had six horses to our carriage, and + a swarthy Nubian, with a capital seat on horseback, rode by us all the + way, occasionally reminding our horses that it was intended they + should go at a gallop. + +[Sidenote: Retrospect of Egypt.] +[Sidenote: Egyptian ladies.] + + _May 11th_.--I am glad to have had two days in Egypt. It gave one an + idea at least of that country; in some degree a painful one. I suppose + that France and England, by their mutual jealousies, will be the means + of perpetuating the abominations of the system under which that + magnificent country is ruled. They say that the Pacha's revenue is + about 4,000,000_l_., and his expenses about 2,000,000_l_.; so that he + has about 2,000,000_l_. of pocket-money. Yet I suppose that the + Fellahs, owing to their own industry, and the incomparable fertility + of the country, are not badly off as compared with the peasantry + elsewhere. We passed, at one of our stopping-places between Cairo and + Suez, part of a Turkish regiment on their way to Jeddah. These men + were dressed in a somewhat European costume, some of them with the + Queen's medal on their breasts. There was a hareem, in a sort of + omnibus, with them, containing the establishment of one of the + officers. One of the ladies dropped her veil for a moment, and I saw + rather a pretty face; almost the only Mahommedan female face I have + seen since I have reached this continent. They are much more rigorous, + it appears, with the ladies in Egypt than at Constantinople. There + they wear a veil which is quite transparent and go about shopping: but + in Egypt they seem to go very little out, and their veil completely + hides everything but the eyes. In the palace which I visited near + Cairo (and which the Pacha offered, if we had chosen to take it), I + looked through some of the grated windows allowed in the hareems, and + I suppose that it must require a good deal of practice to see + comfortably out of them. It appears that the persons who ascend to the + top of the minarets to call to prayer at the appointed hours are blind + men, and that the blind are selected for this office, lest they should + be able to look down into the hareems. That is certainly carrying + caution very far. + +[Sidenote: Aden.] + + _Steamship 'Bentinck,' off Socotra.--May 19th_.--I left my last + letter at Aden. We landed there at about four P.M., under a salute + from an Indian man-of-war sloop and the fort, to which latter place I + was conveyed in a carriage which the Governor sent for me. It was most + fearfully hot. The hills are rugged and grand, but wholly barren; not + a sign of vegetation, and the vertical rays of a tropical sun beating + upon them. The whole place is comprised in a drive around the hills of + some three or four miles, beyond which the inhabitants cannot stray + without the risk of being seized by the Arabs. I cannot conceive a + more dreary spot to dwell in, though the Governor assured me that the + troops are healthy. He received me very civilly, and insisted that I + should remain with him until the steamer sailed, which involved + leaving his abode (the cantonment) at about half-past three in the + morning. He took me to see some most extraordinary tanks which he has + recently discovered, and which must have been constructed with great + care and at great expense, at some remote period, in order to collect + the rain-water which falls at rare intervals in torrents. These tanks + are so constructed that the overflow of the upper one fills the lower, + and in this way, when the fall is considerable, a great quantity can + be gathered. They were all filled with rubbish, and it is very + possible that there may be many besides these which have been already + discovered, but when they are cleared out they are in perfect + preservation. Some of them are of great capacity, and it is difficult + to understand how they come to have been filled up so completely. The + Governor told me that he had, a few months before, driven in his gig + over the largest, which I went with him to see. At that time he had no + idea of its existence. + +[Sidenote: Gloomy prospects.] + + _May 22nd_.--As each of these wearisome days passes, I cannot help + being more and more determined that, in so far as it rests with me, + this voyage shall not have been made for nothing. However, the issues + are in higher hands. + + _Sunday, 24th_.--We are now told we shall reach Ceylon in two days.... + I have got dear Bruce's[4] large speaking eyes beside me while I am + writing, and mine (ought I to confess it) are very dim, while all + these thoughts of home crowd upon me. There is nothing congenial to me + in my present life. I have no elasticity of spirits to keep up with + the younger people around me. It may be better when the work begins; + but I cannot be sanguine even as to that, for the more I read of the + blue-books and papers with which I have been furnished, the more + embarrassing the questions with which I have to deal appear. + +[Sidenote: First news of the Indian Mutiny.] + +It was at Ceylon that he caught the first ominous mutterings of the +terrible storm which was about to burst over India, and which was destined +so powerfully to affect his own expedition. The news of the first serious +disturbance, the mutiny of a native Regiment at Meerut on the 11th of May, +had just been brought by General Ashburnham, the commander of the +expeditionary force, who had left Bombay a few hours after the startling +tidings had been received through the telegraph. Lord Elgin's first feeling +was that these disturbances in India furnished an additional reason for +settling affairs in China with all possible speed, so as to be free to +succour the Indian Government. It was only when fuller intelligence came +from Lord Canning, with urgent entreaties for immediate help, that he +determined, in consultation with General Ashburnham, who cordially entered +into all his views on the subject, to sacrifice for the present the Chinese +expedition, in order to pour into Calcutta all the troops that had been +intended for Canton. + + _Galle, Ceylon.--May 26th_.--This is a very charming place, so green + that one almost forgets the heat. Ashburnham is here; we go on + together to Singapore this evening. Bad news from India. I think that + I may find in this news, if confirmed, a justification for pressing + matters with vigour in China, and hastening the period at which I may + hope to see you again. + + _Steamship 'Singapore.'--May 27th_.--General Ashburnham brought with + him a report of a most serious mutiny in the Bengal army. Perhaps he + sees it in the worst light, because he has always (I remember his + speaking to me on the subject at Balbirnie) predicted that something + of the kind would occur; but, apart from his anticipations, the matter + seems grave enough. The mutineers have murdered Europeans, seized the + fort and treasure of Delhi; and proclaimed the son of the Great Mogul. + There seems to be no adequate European force at hand to put them down, + and the season is bad for operations by Europeans. Such is the sum and + substance of this report, as conveyed by telegraph to Elphinstone, the + evening before Ashburnham left Bombay. I was a good deal tempted to + remain at Galle for a few hours, in order to await the arrival of the + homeward-bound steamer from Calcutta, and to get further news; but, on + reflection, I came to the conclusion, that the best course to take was + to view this grave intelligence as an inducement to press on to China. + I wrote officially to Clarendon to say, that if this intelligence was + confirmed, it might have a tendency to lower our prestige in the East, + and to increase the influence of the party opposed to reason in China; + that this state of affairs might make it more than ever necessary that + I should endeavour to bring matters in China to an issue at the + earliest moment, so as to anticipate this mischief, and to place the + regiments destined for China at the disposal of Government for service + elsewhere. + + _May 29th_.--We are now near the close of our voyage, and the serious + work is about to begin. Up to this point I have heard nothing to throw + any light upon my prospects. It is impossible to read the blue-books + without feeling that we have often acted towards the Chinese in a + manner which it is very difficult to justify; and yet their treachery + and cruelty come out so strongly at times as to make almost anything + appear justifiable. + +[Sidenote: Penang.] +[Sidenote: Bishop of Labuan.] +[Sidenote: Character of Chinese.] + + _Penang.--June 1st_.--We have just returned to our vessel after a + few hours spent on shore; or, rather, I have just emerged from a bath + in which I have been reclining for half an hour, endeavouring to cool + myself after a hot morning's work. We made this place at about eleven + last night, running into the harbour by the assistance of a bright + moon. The water was perfectly smooth, and I stood on the paddle-box + for some hours, watching the distant hills as they rose into sight and + faded from our view, and the bright phosphorescent light of the sea + cut by our prow, and which, despite the clearness of the night, was + sometimes almost too brilliant to be gazed at. When we dropped our + anchor, the captain still professed to doubt whether or not he would + have to proceed immediately; but he gave me to understand that, if he + could not accomplish this, he would not wish to leave until twelve to- + day, so that I should in that case have an opportunity of landing and + ascending the mountain summit. On this hint I had a bed prepared on + deck (fearing the heat of the cabins), and tried, though rather in + vain, to take a few hours' sleep. At five A.M. I was told that the + Resident, Mr. Lewis, was on board, that carriages and horses were + ready, and that, if I wished to mount the hill, the time had arrived + for the operation. I immediately made a hasty toilette, and set forth + accompanied by the General, some of the others following. We were + conveyed in a carriage three miles, to the foot of the hill, and on + pony-back as much more up it, through a dense tropical vegetation + which reminded me of my Jamaica days. At the end of the ride we + arrived at the Government bungalow, and found one of the most + magnificent views I ever witnessed; in the foreground this tropical + luxuriance, and beyond, far below, the glistening sea studded with + ships and boats innumerable, over which again the Malay peninsula with + its varied outline. I had hardly begun to admire the scene, when a + gentleman in a blue flannel sort of dress, with a roughish beard and a + cigar in his mouth, made his appearance, and was presented to me as + the Bishop of Labuan! He was there endeavouring to recruit his health, + which has suffered a good deal. He complained of the damp of the + climate, while admitting its many charms, and seemed to think that he + owed to the dampness a very bad cold by which he was afflicted. Soon + afterwards his wife joined us. They were both at Sarawak when the last + troubles took place, and must have had a bad time of it. The Chinese + behaved well to them; indeed they seemed desirous to make the Bishop + their leader. His converts (about fifty) were stanch, and he has a + school at which about the same number of Chinese boys are educated. + These facts pleaded in his favour, and it says something for the + Chinese that they were not insensible to these claims. They committed + some cruel acts, but they certainly might have committed more. They + respected the women except one (Mrs. C., whom they wounded severely), + and they stuck by the Bishop until they found that he was trying to + bring Brooke back. They then turned upon him, and he had to run for + his life. The Bishop gave me an interesting description of his school + of Chinese boys. He says they are much more like English boys than + other Orientals: that when a new boy comes they generally get up a + fight, and let him earn his place by his prowess. But there is no + managing them without pretty severe punishments. Indeed, he says that + if a boy be in fault the others do not at all like his not being well + punished; they seem to think that it is an injustice to the rest if + this is omitted. I am about to do with a strange people; so much to + admire in them, and yet with a perversity of disposition which makes + it absolutely necessary, if you are to live with them at all, to treat + them severely, sometimes almost cruelly. They have such an overweening + esteem for themselves, that they become unbearable unless they are + constantly reminded that others are as good as they.... The Bishop + seemed to think that it would be a very good thing if the Rajah were + to go home for a time, and leave the government to his nephew, whom he + praises much.... When we came down from the mountain we went to the + house of the Resident on the shore, and there I found all the world of + Penang assembled to meet me; among them a quantity of Chinese in full + mandarin costume. It was not easy, under the circumstances, to make + conversation for them, but it was impossible not to be pleased with + their good-humoured faces, on which there rests a perpetual grin. We + had a grand 'spread,' in which fresh fish, mangosteen, and a horrible + fruit whose name I forget (_dorian_), but whose smell I shall ever + remember, played a conspicuous part. After breakfast we returned to + our ship to be broiled for about an hour, then to bathe, and now + (after that I have inserted these words in my journal to you) to + finish dressing. + +[Sidenote: Singapore.] + +_June 3rd._--Just arrived at Singapore. Urgent letters from +Canning to send him troops. I have not a man. 'Shannon' not +arrived. + + _Singapore.--June 5th._--I am on land, which is at any rate one thing + gained. But I am only about eighty miles from the equator, and about + two hundred feet above the level of the sea. The Java wind, too, is + blowing, which is the hot wind in these quarters, so that you may + imagine what is the condition of my pores. I sent my last letter + immediately after landing, and had little time to add a word from + land, as I found a press of business, and a necessity for writing to + Clarendon by the mail; the fact being, that I received letters from + Canning, imploring me to send troops to him from the number destined + for China. As we have no troops yet, and do not well know when we may + have any, it was not exactly an easy matter to comply with this + request. However, I did what I could, and, in concert with the + General, have sent instructions far and wide to turn the transports + back, and give Canning the benefit of the troops for the moment. + +[Sidenote: Diversion of troops to India.] + +The importance of the determination, thus simply announced, can hardly be +exaggerated. 'Tell Lord Elgin,' wrote Sir William Peel, the heroic leader +of the celebrated Naval Brigade, after the neck of the rebellion was +broken, 'tell Lord Elgin that it was the Chinese Expedition that relieved +Lucknow, relieved Cawnpore, and fought the battle of the 6th December.' Nor +would it be easy to praise too highly the large and patriotic spirit which +moved the heads of the Expedition to an act involving at once so generous a +renunciation of all selfish hopes and prospects, and so bold an assumption +of responsibility. Proofs were not wanting afterwards that the sacrifice +was appreciated by the Queen and the country; but these were necessarily +deferred, and it was all the more gratifying, therefore, to Lord Elgin to +receive, at the time and on the spot, the following cordial expressions of +approval from a distinguished public servant, with whom he was himself but +slightly acquainted--Sir H. Ward, then Governor of Ceylon:-- + +"You may think me impertinent in volunteering an opinion upon what in the +first instance only concerns you and the Queen and Lord Canning. But having +seen something of public life during a great part of my own, which is now +fast verging into the "sere and yellow leaf," I may venture to say that I +never knew a nobler thing than that which you have done in preferring the +safety of India to the success of your Chinese negotiations. If I know +anything of English public opinion, this single act will place you higher, +in general estimation as a statesman, than your whole past career, +honourable and fortunate as it has been. For it is not every man who would +venture to alter the destination of a force upon the despatch of which a +Parliament has been dissolved, and a Government might have been superseded. +It is not every man who would consign himself for many months to political +inaction in order simply to serve the interests of his country. You have +set a bright example at a moment of darkness and calamity; and, if India +can be saved, it is to you that we shall owe its redemption, for nothing +short of the Chinese expedition could have supplied the means of holding +our ground until further reinforcements are received." + +For the time the disappointment was great. His occupation was gone, and +with it all hope of a speedy end to his labours. Six weary months he +waited, powerless to act and therefore powerless to negotiate, and feeling +that every week's delay tended to aggravate the difficulties of the +situation in China. + + _Singapore.--June 5th._--It is, of course, difficult to conjecture how + this Indian business may affect us in China, and I shall await our + next news from India with no little anxiety. Await it, I say, for + there is no prospect of my getting on from here at present. There is + no word of the 'Shannon' and till she arrives I am a fixture. + +[Sidenote: Convict establishment.] + + _June 6th._--This morning the Governor took me on foot to the convict + establishment, at which some 2,500 murderers, &c., from India are + confined, and some fifty women, who are generally, after about two + years of penal servitude, let out on condition that they consent to + marry convicts. I cannot say that their appearance made me envy the + convicts much, although some of them were perhaps better-looking than + the women one meets out of the prison. In truth, one meets very few + women at all, and those that sees are far from attractive. _Au reste_, + the convicts go about apparently very little guarded, with a chain + round the waist and each leg. The church, which we afterwards visited, + is rather an imposing edifice, and is being built by convict labour, + at the cost of the Indian Government. + +[Sidenote: Opium-shops.] + + _June 8th._--This morning I visited, in my walk, some of the horrid + opium-shops, which we are supposed to do so much to encourage. They + are wretched dark places, with little lamps, in which the smokers + light their pipes, glimmering on the shelves made of boards, on which + they recline and puff until they fall asleep. The opium looks like + treacle, and the smokers are haggard and stupefied, except at the + moment of inhaling, when an unnatural brightness sparkles from their + eyes. After escaping from these horrid dens, I went to visit a Chinese + merchant who lives in a very good house, and is a man of considerable + wealth. He speaks English, and never was in China, having been born in + Malacca. I had tea, and was introduced to his mother, wife, and two + boys and two girls. He intends to send one of his sons to England for + education. He denounces opium and the other vices of his countrymen, + and their secret societies. All the well-to-do Chinese agree in this, + but they have not moral courage to come out against them. Indeed, I + suppose they could hardly do so without great risk.... Alas! still no + sign of the 'Shannon.' + +[Sidenote: Captain Peel.] +[Sidenote: Ignorance of the Chinese language.] + + _June 11th._--At half-past four this morning the 'Shannon' arrived. + Captain Peel came up to breakfast. He has made a quick passage, as he + came almost all the way under canvas: such were his orders from the + Admiralty. He says that his ship is the fastest sailer he has ever + been on board of; that he has the best set of officers; in short, all + is very cheery with him. I told him I should not start till after the + arrival of the steamer from England, and he requires that time to get + ready, as it appears that he had only twelve hours' notice that he was + to take me when he left England. On Tuesday, at noon, the Chinese + arrived with an address to me. I had a reply prepared, which was + translated into Malay, and read by a native. It is a most + extraordinary circumstance that, in this place, where there are some + 60,000 or 70,000 Chinese, and where the Europeans are always imagining + that they are plotting, &c., there is not a single European who can + speak their language. No doubt this is a great source of + misunderstanding. The last row, which did _not_ end in a massacre, but + which might have done so, originated in the receipt of certain police + regulations from Calcutta. These regulations were ill translated, and + published after Christmas Day. The Chinese, believing that they + authorised the police to enter their houses at all periods, to + interfere with their amusements at the New Year, &c., shut up their + shops, which is their constitutional mode of expressing + dissatisfaction. It was immediately inferred in certain quarters that + the Chinese intended, out of sympathy with the Cantonese, to murder + all the Europeans. Luckily the Governor thought it advisable to + explain to them what the obnoxious ordinances really meant before + proceeding to exterminate them, and a few hours of explanation had the + effect of inducing them to re-open their shops, and go on quietly with + their usual avocations. Just the same thing happened at Penang. There + too, because the Chinamen showed some disinclination to obey + regulations of police which interfered with their amusements and + habits, a plot against the Europeans was immediately suspected, and + great indignation expressed because it was not put down with _vigour_! + +[Sidenote: The Sultan of Johore.] +[Sidenote: _Frčres Chrétiens_.] +[Sidenote: _Soeurs_.] + + _June 13th_.--I have just been interrupted to go and see the Sultan of + Johore. These princes in this country, and indeed all over the East, + are spoilt from their childhood, all their passions indulged and + fostered by their parents, who say, 'What is the use of being a + prince, if he may not have more _ghee_, etc. etc. than his + neighbours?' I do not see what can be done for them. At the school I + visited this morning are two sultan's sons (of Queddah), but they were + at home for some holidays, when they will probably be ruined. During + my morning's walk I heard something like the sound of a school in a + house adjoining, and I proposed to enter and inspect. I found an + establishment of _Frčres chrétiens_, and one of them (an Irishman) + claimed acquaintance, as having been with Bishop Phelan when he + visited me in Canada. We struck up a friendship accordingly, and I + told him that if there were any _Soeurs_ I should like to see them. He + introduced me to the Vicar Apostolic, a Frenchman, and we went to the + establishment of the _Soeurs_. I found the _Supérieure_ a very + superior person, evidently with her heart in the work, and ready for + any fate to which it might expose her, but quiet and cheerful. I told + her that a devout lady in Paris had expressed a fear that my mission + to China would put an end to martyrdom in that country. She smiled, + and said that she thought there would always be on this earth + martyrdom in abundance. The Sisters educate a number of orphan girls + as well as others. All the missionary zeal in these quarters seems to + be among the French priests. Some one once said that it was not + wonderful that young men took away so much learning from Oxford as + they left so little behind them. The same may, I think, be said of the + French religion. It seems all intended for exportation. + +[Sidenote: View from Singapore.] + + _June 15th_.--I see from my window that a French steamer has just come + into the harbour and dropped her anchor. This reminds me that I have + not yet told you what I see from this window--if I may apply the term + window to a row of Venetian blinds running all round the house or + bungalow, for this residence is not dignified by the title 'house.' I + am on an eminence about 200 feet above the sea; immediately below me + the town; on one side a number of houses with dark red roofs, + surrounded with trees, looking very like a flower-garden, and + confirming me in my opinion of the beauty of such roofs when so + situated; on the other, the same red-roofed houses _without trees_, + which makes all the difference. Beyond, the harbour, or rather + anchorage, filled with ships, the mighty 'Shannon' in the centre--a + triton among the minnows. Beyond, again, a wide opening to the sea, + with lowish shores, rocky, and covered with wood, running out on + either side. Such is the prospect ever before me, a very fine one + during the day, still more interesting at night when it all sparkles + with lights, and the great tropical moon looks calmly down on the + whole. + +[Sidenote: On board the 'Shannon.'] + + _H.M.S. 'Shannon.'--June 24th_.--I daresay you will consider me an + object of envy when I describe to you where I am,--on board of a + magnificent ship-of-war, carrying sixty 68-pounders, our foremast and + mainmast sails set, and gliding through the water with just motion + enough to tell us that the pulse of the great sea is beating. The + temperature of the air is high, but the day is somewhat cloudy, and + the sails throw a shadow on the deck. The only thing I regret is, that + having no poop, the high bulwarks close us in and shut out both the + air and prospect. One can only get these by climbing up on a sort of + standing-place on the side.... Our departure from Singapore was very + striking.... Not only were all the troops and volunteers under arms, + with Chinamen and merchants in crowds, but (may I mention it) the fair + ladies of Singapore were drawn up in a row to give us a parting + salute. We moved off in our boats, under a salute from the battery, + which was repeated by the 'Spartan' as I passed her, and by the + 'Shannon' when I got on board, both these vessels manning yards. The + French admiral honoured me also with a salute as I passed him after + getting under weigh, although the sun had already set. + + _July 1st_.--Another month begun. Last night, at dinner, we were + startled by hearing that we seemed to be running on a rock or shoal, + where no rock or shoal was known to exist. We backed our screw, and + finally went over the alarming spot, and on sounding found no bottom. + The sea was discoloured, but whether it was by the spawn of fish or + sea-weed we could not discover. Peel took up water in a bucket, but + could discover nothing. If we had not been a screw, and had had + nothing but sails to rely on, we should have kept clear of this + apparent danger, and the result would have been that a shoal would + have been marked on the charts, where, in point of fact, no shoal + exists. Captain Keppel's adventure makes captains cautious. + +[Sidenote: Arrival at Hongkong.] + + _Hong-Kong.--July 3rd_.--I am headachy and fagged, for I have had + some hours of the most fatiguing of all things--a succession of + interviews, beginning with the Admiral, General, &c,... I found the + Admiral strong on the point that Canton is the only place where we + ought to fight.... However, I hope we may get off to the North in + about ten days,--as soon as we have sent off these letters, and got + (as we ought) two mails from home. + + _July 9th_.--An interval ... during which I have been doing a good + many things, my greatest enjoyment and pleasure being the receipt at + last of two sets of letters from home.... I have a great heap of + despatches, some of which seem rather likely to perplex me. I daresay, + however, that I shall see my way through the mist in a day or two.... + I had a levee last evening, which was largely attended. The course + which I am about to follow does not square with the views of the + merchants, but I gave an answer to their address, which gave them for + the moment wonderful satisfaction.... A document, taken in one of the + Chinese junks lately captured, states that 'Devils' heads are fallen + in price,'--an announcement not strictly complimentary, but reassuring + to you as regards our safety. + +[Sidenote: Change of plans.] + +Up to this time Lord Elgin had not entirely given up the hope that the +troops which he had detached to Calcutta might be restored to him before +the setting in of winter should make it impossible to proceed, as his +instructions required, to the mouth of the Peiho, and there open +negotiations with the Court of Pekin. But on the 14th of July came letters +from Lord Canning, written in a strain of deeper anxiety than any that had +preceded; and giving no hope that any troops could be spared from India for +many months to come. At the same time Lord Elgin learned that the French, +on whose co-operation he counted, could not act until the arrival of the +chief of the mission, Baron Gros, who was not expected to reach China till +the end of September. In this state of things, to remain at Hong-Kong was +worse than useless. The sight of his inaction, and the knowledge of the +reasons which enforced it, could not fail to damage the position of England +with the public of China, both Chinese and foreign. He formed, therefore, +the sudden resolution to proceed in person to Calcutta, where he would be +within easier reach of telegraphic instructions from England; where he +would have the advantage of personal communication with Lord Canning, and +of learning for himself at what time he might expect to have any troops at +his command; and where, moreover, his appearance might have a moral effect +in support of the Government greater than the amount of any material force +at his disposal. + +[Sidenote: Sails for Calcutta.] + + _H. M. S 'Shannon'--July 19th._--I wonder what you will think when you + receive this letter; that is, if I succeed in despatching it from the + point where I wish to post it. Will you think me mad? or what will + your view of my proceedings be?... Here I am actually on my way to + Calcutta! To Calcutta! you will exclaim in surprise. The reasons for + this step are so numerous, that I can hardly attempt to enumerate + them. I found myself at Hong-kong, without troops and without + competent representatives of our allies (America and France) to + concert with; doomed either to _aborder_ the Court of Pekin alone, + without the power of acting vigorously if I met a repulse, or to spend + three months at Hong-kong doing nothing, and proclaiming to the whole + world that I am waiting for the Frenchman; i.e. that England can do + nothing without France. I considered the great objections which + existed to either of these courses. _Sur ces entrefaites_, came + further letters from Canning, begging for more help from me, and + showing that things are even worse with him than they were when I + first heard from him. It occurred to me that I might occupy the three + months well in running up to Calcutta, taking with me what assistance + I can collect for him and obtaining thereby an opportunity of + conferring with him, and learning from him what chance I have of + getting before the winter the troops which I have detached to his + support. Sir M. Seymour approved the plan warmly. It occurred to me on + Tuesday evening, and on Thursday I was under weigh. Alas! _l'homme + propose, mais Dieu dispose_! The monsoon is against us, and as this + ship is practically useless as a steamer, as she can only carry coals + for five days, we are beating against the wind, and making little + progress. Perhaps my whole plans may fail, because I have the + misfortune to be in one of H.M.'s ships instead of in a good merchant + steamer, which would be going at ten miles an hour in a direct line, + while we are going at six in an oblique one. However, we must hope for + the best. + + Whether we are to have peace or war with China, either object will be + much more effectually accomplished, when the European forces are + acting together, than when we are alone; the Russians meanwhile, no + doubt, hinting to the Emperor that we are in a bad way in India. The + plan, then, if we can accomplish it, is this: To run up as fast as I + can to Calcutta, and to return so as to meet Baron Gros, who is not + expected till the middle of September. There will just be time to + communicate with the Court of Pekin before winter. I have mentioned + the reasons for these proceedings, derived from my own position; but, + of course, I am mainly influenced by a consideration for Canning. In + both his letters he has expressed a desire to see me, and I am told + that my appearance there with what the Indian public will consider the + first of a large force, will produce a powerful moral effect. I ought + to be there at least two months before he can receive a man from + England. + +[Sidenote: Birthday.] + + _July 20th_.[5]--Would that I were at home to-day! You say that I do + not appreciate anniversaries, but it is chiefly because it is so sad + when the days come when they cannot be celebrated as of yore. 'Nessun + maggior dolore.' Do not anniversaries stir this great fountain of + sadness? I feel sad when I look at this inhospitable sea, and think + of the smiling countenances with which I should have been surrounded + at home, and the joyous laugh when papa, with affected surprise, + detected the present wrapped up carefully in a paper parcel on the + breakfast table. Is it not lawful to be sad? + + _July 25th_.--The consequences of being at so great a distance from + head-quarters are very singular, _e.g._ in this case I shall not hear + whether the Government approve or not of this move of mine until it + has become matter of history; until, in all probability, I have + carried out my plan of visiting the Peiho with the French Ambassador. + It certainly contrasts very strongly with the position of a diplomatic + functionary in Europe now, when reference is made by telegraph to + headquarters in every case of difficulty.... This seems a very + solitary sea. We have passed in all, I think, two ships. This morning + once or twice we have met a log floating with one or two birds + standing upon it. Yesterday great excitement was created by the + discovery of a cask floating on the surface of the sea. Telescopes + were _braqués_ from every part of the ship upon this unhappy cask, + which went bobbing up and down, very unconscious of the sensation it + was creating. This incident will convey to you an idea of how + monotonous our life is. + + _July 27th_.--At about four yesterday another excitement, greater than + that created by the floating cask. Peel informed me that there was a + steamer in sight, coming towards us. Many were the speculations as to + what she could be. It was generally agreed that she was the 'Transit,' + as she was due about this time. As we neared her, however, she + dwindled in size, and proved a rather dirty-looking merchant-craft + with an auxiliary screw. On asking whence she came, she informed us + that she was from Calcutta, and that she had a letter for me. It + proved to be from Canning, in no respect more encouraging than his + former letters, and therefore, in so far, confirmatory of the + propriety of my present move. + + _July 31st.--En route_ for Calcutta. We reached Singapore on the 28th, + at about two P.M. I landed and went to my old quarters at the + Governor's. I found it deliciously cool, much more so than it was + during my former visit.... My friends at Singapore were very cordial + in their welcome of me, and the merchants immediately drew up an + address expressive of their satisfaction at my move on Calcutta. We + have taken on board 100 men of the detachment of the 90th which was on + board the 'Transit,' and put the remainder into the 'Pearl,' so that + we are crammed to the hilt. Please God we may reach Calcutta in about + a week or less, and then a new chapter begins. Just as we were + starting yesterday, an opium-ship from Calcutta arrived, and brought + me a letter and despatch from Canning, more urgent and gloomy than any + of the preceding ones. The 'Simoom' and 'Himalaya' had both arrived, + but he was clamorous for more help, and broadly tells me that I must + not expect to get any of my men back. So here I am deprived of the + force on which I was to rely in China!... Canning's letter is dated + the 21st, and therefore contains the latest intelligence. Nothing can + be worse. I am happy to say that I have already sent to him even more + than he has asked.... I trust that I may do some good, but of course + things are so bad that one fears that it may be too late to hope that + any great moral effect can be produced by one's arrival. However, I + have with me about 1,700 fighting men, and perhaps we may have more, + if we find a transport in the Straits, and take it in tow. + +[Sidenote: Arrival at Calcutta.] + +On the 8th August the 'Shannon' reached Calcutta. Her arrival is thus +described by Mr. Oliphant[6]:-- + +'As we swept past Garden Reach, on the afternoon of the 8th August, the +excitement on board was increased by early indications of the satisfaction +with which our appearance was hailed on shore. First our stately ship +suddenly burst upon the astonished gaze of two European gentlemen taking +their evening walk, who, seeing her crowded with the eager faces of men +ready for the fray, took off their hats and cheered wildly; then the +respectable skipper of a merchant-man worked himself into a state of +frenzy, and made us a long speech, which we could not hear, but the +violence of his gesticulations left us in little doubt as to its import; +then his crew took up the cheer, which was passed on at intervals until the +thunder of our 68-pounders drowned every other sound; shattered the windows +of sundry of the 'palaces;' attracted a crowd of spectators to the Maidan, +and brought the contents of Fort William on to the glacis. + +'As soon as the smoke cleared away, the soldiers of the garrison collected +there sent up a series of hearty cheers; a moment more and our men were +clustered like ants upon the rigging, and, in the energy which they threw +into their ringing response, they pledged themselves to the achievement of +those deeds of valour which have since covered the Naval Brigade with +glory. After the fort had saluted, Lord Elgin landed amid the cheers of the +crowd assembled at the ghaut to receive him, and proceeded to Government +House, gratified to learn, not merely from the popular demonstrations, but +from Lord Canning himself, that though happily the physical force he had +brought with him was not required to act in defence of the city, still that +the presence of a man of war larger than any former ship that ever anchored +abreast of the Maidan, and whose guns commanded the city, was calculated to +produce upon both the European and native population a most wholesome moral +effect, more especially at a time when the near approach of the Mohurrum +had created in men's minds an unusual degree of apprehension and +excitement.' + +Speaking afterwards of this scene, Lord Elgin himself said, 'I shall never +forget to my dying day--for the hour was a dark one, and there was hardly a +countenance in Calcutta, save that of the Governor-General, Lord Canning, +which was not blanched with fear--I shall never forget the cheers with +which the "Shannon" was received as she sailed up the river, pouring forth +her salute from those 68-pounders which the gallant and lamented Sir +William Peel sent up to Allahabad, and from those 24-pounders which, +according to Lord Clyde, made way across the country in a manner never +before witnessed.' + +[Sidenote: Peel's naval brigade.] +[Sidenote: Lord Canning.] + + _Calcutta.--August 11th_.--Here I am, writing to you from the + Governor-General's palace at Calcutta! Altogether it is one of the + strangest of the _péripéties_ of my life.... I think my visit has + entirely answered as regards the interests of India. I have every + reason to believe that it has had an excellent effect here. I have + agreed to give up the 'Shannon,' in order that Peel and his men may be + formed into a naval brigade, and march with some of their great guns + on Delhi. Peel, for this work, is, I believe, the right man in the + right place, and I expect great things from him. He is delighted, and + Canning and Sir P. Grant have signified in strong terms their + appreciation of the sacrifice I am making, and the service I am + rendering. They are in great want of artillery, and no such guns as + those of the 'Shannon' are in their possession. The vessel itself, + with a small crew, will remain in the river opposite Calcutta, able, + if need were, to knock all the city to bits. I shall get a steamer for + myself, probably one of the Peninsular and Oriental Company's, to + convey me to Hong-kong, and to remain with me till I am better suited. + Canning is very amiable, but I do not see much of him. He is at work + from five or six in the morning till dinner-time. No human being can, + in a climate like this, and in a situation which has so few + _délassements_ as that of Governor-General, work so constantly without + impairing the energy both of mind and body, after a time.... Neither + he nor Lady C. are so much oppressed by the difficulties in which they + find themselves as might have been expected. + +[Sidenote: Treatment of inferior races.] + + _August 21st._--It is a terrible business, however, this living among + inferior races. I have seldom from man or woman since I came to the + East heard a sentence which was reconcilable with the hypothesis that + Christianity had ever come into the world. Detestation, contempt, + ferocity, vengeance, whether Chinamen or Indians be the object. There + are some three or four hundred servants in this house. When one first + passes by their _salaaming_ one feels a little awkward. But the + feeling soon wears off, and one moves among them with perfect + indifference, treating them, not as dogs, because in that case one + would whistle to them and pat them, but as machines with which one can + have no communion or sympathy. Of course those who can speak the + language are somewhat more _en rapport_ with the natives, but very + slightly so, I take it. When the passions of fear and hatred are + engrafted on this indifference, the result is frightful; an absolute + callousness as to the sufferings of the objects of those passions, + which must be witnessed to be understood and believed. + + _August 22nd._ ---- tells me that yesterday, at dinner, the fact that + Government had removed some commissioners who, not content with + hanging all the rebels they could lay their hands on, had been + insulting them by destroying their caste, telling them that after + death they should be cast to the dogs, to be devoured, &c., was + mentioned. A rev gentleman could not understand the conduct of + Government; could not see that there was any impropriety in torturing + men's souls; seemed to think that a good deal might be said in favour + of bodily torture as well! These are your teachers, O Israel! Imagine + what the pupils become under such leading! + +[Sidenote: Fears for Lucknow.] + + _August 26th._--The great subject of anxiety here now is Lucknow, where + a small party of soldiers, with some two hundred women and an equal + number of children, are beleaguered by a rebel force of 15,000. The + attempts hitherto made to relieve them have failed; and General + Havelock, who commands, says he can do nothing unless he gets the 5th + and 90th Regiments, the two I sent from Singapore on my own + responsibility. The men of the 'Pearl' and 'Shannon' and the marines + are guarding Calcutta, or on their way up to Allahabad, so that it is + impossible to say what would have become of Bengal if these + reinforcements had not come. + + _August 30th._--The mail from England has arrived. No letters, of + course, for me. I gather from the newspapers and Canning's letters + that some troops, though only to a small extent, I fear, are to be + sent to Hong-kong, to replace those which have been diverted to India. + From Palmerston's speeches I gather that he adheres to the policy of + my first visiting the North, and making amicable overtures; and, + secondly, taking Canton, if these overtures fail. I believe I have + adopted the only mode of carrying out that policy. It is rather + perplexing, however, and sometimes a little amusing, to be working at + such a distance from head-quarters, as one never knows what is thought + of one's proceedings until it is so much too late to turn to account + the criticisms passed upon them. + +[Sidenote: Return to China.] + +There remained now nothing to keep him longer at Calcutta; a body of troops +was on its way to Hongkong, to take the place of those that had been +diverted to India, and the end of September was the time at which he had +arranged to meet Baron Gros in the China seas. On the 3rd of September, +therefore, he turned his face once more eastward, to resume the proper +duties of his mission. + +[Sidenote: Fever.] + + _Steamer 'Ava'--September 10th._--I have had a very bad time of it since + I finished my last letter on my way down the Hooghly. Probably it may + have been something of the Calcutta fever brought with me.... But on + the second night after our departure, it came on to blow hard towards + morning. I was in my cot on the windward side. First, I got rather a + chill, and then the ports were shut, leaving me very hot. I remained + all day in a state of feverish lethargy, unable to rise, and + constantly falling off into dreamy dozes; kaleidoscopes, with the + ugliest sides of everything perpetually twirling before my eyes. I + panted so for air that they opened my ports towards evening as an + experiment. It turned out better than might have been expected. A sea + washed in, and filled my cot half full of water, which decided me on + rising. No gentler hint would have mastered my lethargy. After I got + on deck, as you may imagine, it was about as difficult, or rather more + so, to overcome the _vis inertiae_ which fixed me there. So a bed was + made for me under the awning. I remained on deck for four nights; the + fourth, in a cot slung up to the boom, and though I slept little, it + was cool. Last night I came down to the cabin again. I have taken the + turn, and am on the mend, though I do not yet feel the least + inclination for food, and my nerves are so shaky that I can hardly + write. That little pretty book[7] of Guizot's which you sent me, I + have been trying to read, but I find that it is too touching for me, + and I have been obliged to lay it aside. + + _September 11th._--I am now at Singapore again, which is my kind of + oasis in this desert of the East; the only place where I have felt + well or comfortable, and where there has been a sort of cordiality in + the people, which makes one feel somewhat at home. I shall stay here + two days, to gain a little strength before plunging again into the + sea. + +[Sidenote: Perplexities.] + + _Hong-Kong.--September 20th._--I did not attempt to write on my way + from Singapore to this place, because, though we were much favoured by + the weather (as this is the worst month in the China seas and the most + subject to typhoons), the motion of the screw in the 'Ava' is so bad, + that it is almost impossible to write when she is going at full speed. + However, I may now tell you that we made out our voyage in six days of + beautiful weather, and that I have gone on gradually recovering my + health, which I lost between Calcutta and Singapore. I believe I do + not look quite as blooming as usual; but it is of no use my claiming + sympathy on this score, for, as the Bishop of Labuan appears to have + said, I always have a more florid appearance than most people, and + never therefore get credit for being ill, however ill I may feel. I + found two mails from home.... The Government approves of my having + sent my troops to India, and Clarendon's letter seems to imply that + they are not quite insensible to the difficulties of my position.... + As it is, I now find myself in a very puzzling position. If I go to + the North I shall lose prestige, and perhaps also time; it is even + possible that I may force the Emperor to declare himself against us, + and to direct hostilities against us at the northern ports, where + hitherto we have been trading in peace. On the other hand, if I do not + go to the North, and make pacific overtures to the Emperor, I shall go + dead against my instructions, and against the policy which Palmerston + has over and over again told Parliament I am to pursue. + +[Sidenote: Hong-kong.] + + _Hong-Kong.--September 25th._--I used to dislike to begin writing a + letter, when I thought I should receive one from my correspondent + before it was finished; but I have got over all these scruples now. + Our correspondence is kept up in a kind of constant flow, and our + letters so cross each other, that we hardly know where one is begun or + ended. Therefore, although I sent off one this forenoon, and although + I may calculate on hearing from you again before this is despatched, I + feel that it is quite natural to take up my pen, and to have some talk + with you this evening before I retire to my cot. I have been dining + with the Admiral quietly, at 3 P.M., and I went on shore with him + afterwards to take a walk. We strolled through the Chinese part of the + town, crowded with Chinese all returning from their work, and looking + good-humoured as usual. The town is more extensive than I had supposed + it to be; but it was close and hot, and I was rather glad when we got + into our boat again to pull off to our ship, which is lying about 2- + 1/2 miles from the shore. It was calm and cool on the water; and after + reaching my ship, I have sat down to my writing desk, having placed + one of the ship's attendants (a disbanded sepoy, I believe) at the + punkah which has lately been fitted up in my cabin. It is wonderful + what a comfort these punkahs are! I was suffocated with heat before my + sepoy began to pull, and every now and then I have to halloo to him + when he seems disposed to take a nap.... + +[Sidenote: Caprices of climate.] + + _October 1st._--What a climate! after raining cats and dogs for forty- + eight hours incessantly, it took to blowing at about twelve last + night, rain still as heavy as ever. Our captain, who is a man of + energy, apprehending that he might run ashore or foul of some ship, + got up steam immediately, and set to work to perform the goose step at + anchor in the harbour. You may imagine the row,--wind blowing, rain + splashing, ropes hauled, spars cracking, everybody hallooing:--'A + stroke a-head! ease her! faster! stop her!' and other variations of + the same tune. All this immediately over my head! After expending the + conventional number of hours in my cot, in the operation of what is + facetiously called sleeping, I mounted on deck at about 5 A.M.... I + wish I could send you a sketch of that gloomy hill at the foot of + which Victoria lies, as it loomed sullenly in the dusky morning, its + crest wreathed with clouds, and its cheeks wrinkled by white lines + that marked the track of the descending torrents. It was still blowing + and raining as hard as ever, but I took my two hours' exercise + notwithstanding, clad in Mackintosh. Frederick and Oliphant, who went + on shore the day before yesterday to dine with Sir J. Bowring, have + not yet returned. + +[Sidenote: After the storm.] + + _Seven P.M._--The weather cleared about noon. I remained in my cabin + as usual till after five, when I ordered my boat and went on shore. + There were signs of the night's work here and there. Masts of junks + sticking out of the water, and on land verandahs mutilated, &c. Loch + accompanied me, and we walked up the hill to a road which runs above + the town. The prospect was magnificent--Victoria below us, running + down the steep bank to the water's edge; beyond, the bay, crowded with + ships and junks, and closed on the opposite side by a semi-circle of + hills, bold, rugged, and bare, and glowing in the bright sunset.... + When we got beyond the town, the hill along which we were walking + began to remind me of some of the scenery in the Highlands--steep and + treeless, the water gushing out at every step among the huge granite + boulders, and dashing with a merry noise across our path. After + somewhat more than an hour's walk we turned back, and began to descend + a long and precipitous path, or rather street, for there were houses + on either side, in search of our boat. By the time we had embarked the + tints of the sunset had vanished, a moon nearly full rode undisputed + mistress in the cloudless sky, and we cut our way to our ship through + the ripple that was dancing and sparkling in her beams. + +[Sidenote: Better news from India.] + + _Hong-kong.--October 8th._--On the 6th, I went to the anchorage of the + French fleet, about twelve miles off. On our way back we made the tour + of the island. Every spot at the foot of the hills on which anything + will grow is cultivated by the industrious Chinese, whose chief + occupation in these parts seems, however, to be fishing. Last evening + I dined with our own admiral. An opium-ship from India had just + arrived, so we had a plentiful crop of topics of conversation. The + news from India is rather better. The whole of Bengal was dependent + not only on the China force, but on that portion of it which I took or + sent them on my own responsibility. The 5th and 90th regiments are + marching to the relief of Lucknow. The crews of the 'Shannon' and + 'Pearl' are protecting other disturbed districts, and the marines + garrisoning Calcutta.... It cannot therefore be said that I have not + done Canning a good turn. I think, however, that there is a + disposition, both in Calcutta and in England, to underrate our needs + in China, and I am disposed to write to Canning a despatch which will + bring this point out.... If we take Canton by naval means alone, we + shall probably not be able to hold the city; in which case we shall + probably occasion a great deal of massacre and bloodshed, without + influencing in the slightest degree the Court of Pekin. + +[Sidenote: Continued perplexities.] + + _October 9th._--I do not think that the naval actions here have really + done anything towards solving our questions, and perhaps they may have + been injurious, in so far as they have enabled the Government and the + Press to take up the tone that we could settle our affairs without + troops. All these partial measures increase the confidence of the + Chinese in themselves, and confirm them in the opinion that we cannot + meet them on land. They have never denied our superiority by sea. + + _October 13th._--No steamer from England yet. I have just despatched + letters to Canning, in the sense I have already explained to you.... + General Ashburnham's position is a very cruel one,--at the head of a + whole lot of doctors and staff-officers of all kinds, without any + troops. The enormous amount of supplies sent out passes belief. Oceans + of porter, soda-water, wine of all sorts, and delicacies that I never + even heard of, for the hospitals. I am told, even tea and sugar, but + that may be a calumny. This is the reaction, after the economies + practised in the Crimea, and will be persevered in, I suppose, till + Parliament gets tired of paying, and then we shall have counteraction + the other way. + +On the 16th of October the French ambassador reached Hong-kong, having been +delayed by the breaking down of an engine, which made it necessary for him +to stay at Singapore to refit. The relations of the two ambassadors, at +first somewhat distant and diplomatic, soon ripened into mutual feelings of +cordial regard. + +[Sidenote: Arrival of Baron Gros.] + + _October 18th._--The instructions brought by the last mail give me + much greater latitude of action; in fact, untie my hands altogether. I + hope I shall get Baron Gros to go with me; but if not, I shall go at + Canton alone. The Admiral is quite ready for the attempt, as soon as + his marines arrive. + +[Sidenote: A sister's death.] + + _October 30th._--How little was I prepared for the sad intelligence + brought to me by your last![8] How constantly we shall all feel the + absence of that good genius!--that Providence always on the watch to + soothe the wretched and to console the afflicted. I had never thought + of her early removal by death; and yet one ought to have done so, for + she complained much of suffering last year, and all who knew her well + must have felt that to make her complain her sufferings must have been + great. She is gone; and she will leave behind her a blank in many + existences.... Many years ago we were much together. She was then in + the full vigour of her faculties.... I had ample opportunity then of + appreciating the remarkable union of heart and head and soul which her + character presented. Many of her letters written in those days were of + rare excellence.... I feel for you. + + _October 31st._--I shall hardly recognise Scotland without her, so + much did she, in her unobtrusive and quiet way, make herself the point + to which, in all difficulties and joys, one looked.... Poor Maxwell + has the satisfaction of knowing that all that was great and lovable in + her flourished under his protection and with his sympathy. Perhaps + that is the best consolation which a person bereaved as he is can + enjoy. It is not a consolation which will arrest his progress along + the path which she has trodden before, but it is one which will strew + it with flowers.... Already, when this letter reaches you, the green + weeds will have begun to creep over the new-made grave, and the crust + of habit to cover wounds which at first bled most freely. It is also a + soothing reflection that hers was a life of which death is rather the + crown than the close; so that it will not be in gloom, but in the soft + sunset light of memory that they who have been wont to walk with her, + and are now deprived of her companionship, will have henceforward to + tread their weary way. I see in that sunset light the days when we + were much together--when she used to call herself my wife. In those + days her nervous system was stronger than it was when you became + acquainted with her. Her soul spoke through more obedient organs. + Nothing could exceed the eloquence and beauty of her letters in those + days, when written under the influence of strong feeling. She is gone. + I do not expect ever to see her like again. + + _November 1st._--Poor Balgonie, too. It is another loss; very sad, + though different in its character. When I saw him at Malta, I had not + a conception that he would last so long.... On _November 1st_ I am + reading your thoughts of _September 1st._ How far apart this proves us + to be!... I sympathise deeply in all those feelings.... To whatever + side one looks there is the sad blank effected by her removal; even in + my public interests, I cannot say how much, since I returned home, I + owed to her thoughtfulness and affection.... Cut off as we are here at + present from all immediate contact with home interests, it is + difficult to realise her removal and its consequences to the full. It + is a stunning blow from which one recovers gradually to a + consciousness of a great and undefined loss. God bless you!... and + grant that you may share her inexpressible comfort. + +[Sidenote: Visit to Macao.] + + _November 8th._--I have been absent for four days on a tour.... I + liked Macao, because there is some appearance about it of a history, + --convents and churches, the garden of Camoėns, &c. The Portuguese have + been in China about three hundred years. Hong-kong was a barren rock + fifteen years ago. Macao is Catholic, Hong-kong Protestant. So these + causes combined give the former a wonderful superiority in all that is + antique and monumental. + + _November 14th._--I have received your letters to September 24th.... + The Government approve entirely of my move to Calcutta, and Lord + Clarendon writes very cordially on the subject. + + _November 15th._--I have seen the Russian Plenipotentiary.... He has + been at Kiachta and the mouth of the Peiho, asking for admission to + Pekin, and got considerably snubbed at both places, as I should have + been if I had gone there. It will devolve on me, I apprehend, to + administer the return, which is not, I think, a bad arrangement for + British prestige in the East. + +[Sidenote: Beginning of serious work.] + + _Steamer 'Ava,' Hong-kong.--November 17th._--My serious work is about + to begin. I must draw up a challenge for Yeh, which is a delicate + matter. Gros showed me a _projet de note_ when I called on him some + days ago. It is very long, and very well written. The fact is, that he + has a much better case of quarrel than we; at least one that lends + itself much better to rhetoric. An opium-ship came in from Calcutta + yesterday. It brought me nothing from Canning. It is clear, however, + that things are getting better with him. I think it probable that my + despatch anticipating a favourable turn of affairs there, and founding + on that anticipation a demand for reinforcements, will reach England + at the very time when the news from India justifying that anticipation + will be received.... The Government and public in England would not + believe there was any danger in India for a long time, and + consequently allowed the season for precautionary measures to pass by, + and then made up for their apathy by the most exaggerated + apprehensions. My mind has been more tranquil, for it has not + presented these phases. As soon as I heard of Canning's difficulties, + I determined to do what I could for him; but it never occurred to me + that we were to act as if the game was up with us in the East. + +[Sidenote: How to govern a democracy.] + + The secret of governing a democracy is understood by men in power at + present. Never interfere to check an evil until it has attained such + proportions that all the world see plainly the necessities of the + case. You will then get any amount of moral and material support that + you require; but if you interfere at an earlier period, you will get + neither thanks nor assistance! I am not at all sure but that the time + is approaching when foresight will be a positive disqualification in a + statesman. But to return to our own matters. The Government and public + are thinking of nothing but India at present. It does not however + follow, that quite as strong a feeling might not be got up for China + in a few months. If we met with anything like disaster here, that + would certainly be the case. + +[Sidenote: Description of Hong-kong.] + + _Head-Quarters House, Hong-kong.--November 22nd._--I wish you could + take wings and join me here, if it were even for a few hours. We + should first wander through these spacious apartments. We should then + stroll out on the verandah, or along the path of the little terrace + garden which General Ashburnham has surrounded with a defensive wall, + and from thence I should point out to you the harbour, bright as a + flower-bed with the flags of many nations, the jutting promontory of + Kowloon, and the barrier of bleak and jagged hills that bounds the + prospect. A little later, when the sun began to sink, and the long + shadows to fall from the mountain's side, we should set forth for a + walk along a level pathway of about a quarter of a mile long, which is + cut in its flank, and connects with this garden, and from thence we + should watch this same circle of hills, now turned into a garland, and + glowing in the sunset lights, crimson and purple, and blue and green, + and colours for which a name has not yet been found, as they + successively lit upon them. Perhaps we should be tempted to wait (and + it would not be long to wait, for the night follows in these regions + very closely on the heels of day), until, on these self-same hills, + then gloomy and dark and sullen, tens of thousands of bright and + silent stars were looking down calmly from heaven. + + _Macao.--December 2nd._--Baron Gros and I have been settling our plans + of proceeding, which we are conducting with a most cordial + _entente_.... As he is well versed in all the forms and usages of + diplomacy, he is very useful to me in such points.... I have been + living here in the house of Mr. Dent, one of the merchant princes of + China. He is very obliging, and I have remained at his request a day + longer than I intended. I return, however, to-day. I like Macao with + its air of antiquity, in some respects almost of décadence. It is more + interesting than Hong-kong, which has only existed fifteen years, and + is as go-a-head and upstart and staring as 'one of our cities,' as my + American friend informed me a few days ago. + + _Hong-kong.--December 5th._--When I went out to walk with Oliphant, I + was informed by a person I met in a very public walk just out of the + town, that a man had been robbed very near where we were. I met the + person immediately afterwards. He was rather a _mesquin_-looking + Portuguese, and he said that three Chinamen had rushed upon him, + knocked him down, thrown a quantity of sand into his eyes, and carried + off his watch. This sort of affair is not uncommon. I have bought a + revolver, and am beginning to practise pistol-shooting. + +[Sidenote: Preparation for action.] + + _December 9th._--Baron Gros came here on Monday. We have been busy, + and all our plans are settled. I sent up this evening to the Admiral + my letter to Yeh, which is to be delivered on Saturday the 12th. He is + to have ten days to think over it, and if at the end of that time he + does not give in, the city will be taken. We are in for it now. I have + hardly alluded in my ultimatum to that wretched question of the + 'Arrow,' which is a scandal to us, and is so considered, I have reason + to know, by all except the few who are personally compromised. I have + made as strong a case as I can on general grounds against Yeh, and my + demands are most moderate. If he refuses to accede to them, which he + probably will, this will, I hope, put us in the right when we proceed + to extreme measures. The diplomatic position is excellent. The Russian + has had a rebuff at the mouth of the Peiho; the American at the hands + of Yeh. The Frenchman gives us a most valuable moral support by saying + that he too has a sufficient ground of quarrel with Yeh. We stand + towering above all, using calm and dignified language, moderate in our + demands, but resolute in enforcing them. If such had been our attitude + from the beginning of this controversy it would have been well. + However, we cannot look back; we must do for the best, and trust in + Providence to carry us through our difficulties. + + +[1] One of his Fifeshire neighbours. + +[2] The Governor of the island. + +[3] His brother, then Consul-general of Egypt. + +[4] His eldest son. + +[5] His birthday, and also his father's. + +[6] Narrative of the Earl of Elgin's Mission, i. 55. + +[7] Life of Lady Rachel Russell. + +[8] The death of his elder sister, Lady Matilda Maxwell. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +FIRST MISSION TO CHINA. CANTON. + +IMPROVED PROSPECTS--ADVANCE ON CANTON--BOMBARDMENT AND CAPTURE--JOINT +TRIBUNAL--MAINTENANCE OF ORDER--CANTON PRISONS--MOVE NORTHWARD--SWATOW--MR. +BURNS--FOOCHOW--NINGPO--CHU-SAN--POTOU--SHANGHAE--MISSIONARIES. + + +[Sidenote: Improved prospects.] + +On the same day on which the ultimatum of the Envoys was delivered to Yeh, +i.e. on the 12th of December, 1857, the glad news reached Lord Elgin that +Lucknow had been relieved: the more welcome to him as carrying with it the +promise of speedy reinforcement to himself, and deliverance from a +situation of extreme difficulty and embarrassment. 'Few people,' he might +well say, 'had ever been in a position which required greater tact--four +Ambassadors, two Admirals, 'a General, and a Consul-general; and, +notwithstanding 'this luxuriance of colleagues, no sufficient force.' And +what he felt most in the insufficiency of the force was not the irksomeness +of delay, still less any anxiety as to the success of his arms. 'My +greatest difficulty.' he wrote, 'arises from my fear that we shall be led +to 'attack Canton before we have all our force, and led 'therefore to +destroy, if there is any resistance, both life 'and property to a greater +extent than would otherwise 'be necessary.' The prospects of immediate +reinforcements from India diminished his fears on this score, and sent him +forward with a better hope of bringing the painful situation to a speedy +and easy close. + +[Sidenote: Changed quarters.] + + _H.M.S. 'Furious,' Canton River.--December 17th.--_You see from my + date that I am again in a new lodging. It promises to be, I think, + more agreeable than any of our previous marine residences. We have + paddles instead of a screw. Then the captain has not only given up to + me all the stern accommodation, but he has also done everything in his + power to make the place comfortable.... He is the Sherard Osborn of + Arctic regions notoriety. I am on my way to join Gros, in order to + decide on our future course of action. I mentioned yesterday that + Honan was occupied, and that I had received a letter from Yeh, which + must, I suppose, be considered a refusal. This was the fair side of + the medal. The reverse was an ugly quarrel up the river, which ended + in the loss of the lives of some sailors and the destruction of a + village,--a quarrel for which our people were, I suspect, to some + extent responsible. I fear that, under cover of the blockade + instituted by the Admiral, great abuses have taken place.... It makes + one very indignant, but unfortunately it is very difficult to bring + the matter home to the culprits. All this, however, makes it most + important to bring the situation to a close as soon as possible. It is + clear that there will be no peace till the two parties fight it out. + The Chinese do not want to fight, but they will not accept the + position relatively to the strangers under which alone strangers will + consent to live with them, till the strength of the two parties has + been tested by fighting. The English do want to fight. + +[Sidenote: Yeh's reply.] + + _December 18th._--This does not promise to be a lively sojourn. We are + anchored at present at a point where the river forks into the Whampoa + and Blenheim reaches. We have the Blenheim reach, and my suite wish me + to go up it to the Macao Fort, from which they think they would have a + good view of what goes on when the city is attacked. I wish, however, + to be with Gros, and he will go up the Whampoa reach as far as his + great lumbering ship will go. Meanwhile we are here confined to our + ships, as it would not of course do for me to go on shore to be + caught. Poor Yeh would think me worth having at present. What will he + do? His answer is very weak, and reads as if the writer was at his + wits' end; but with that sort of stupid Chinese policy which consists + in never yielding anything, he exposes himself to the worst + consequences without making any preparations (so far as we can see) + for resistance. Among other things in his letter he quotes a long + extract from a Hong-kong paper describing Sir G. Bonham's investiture + as K.C.B., and advises me to imitate him for my own interest, rather + than Sir J. Davis, who was recalled. Davis, says Yeh, insisted on + getting into the city, and Bonham gave up this demand. Hence his + advice to me. All through the letter is sheer twaddle. + +[Sidenote: Advance on Canton.] + + _December 22nd._--On the afternoon of the 20th, I got into a gunboat + with Commodore Elliot, and went a short way up towards the barrier + forts, which were last winter destroyed by the Americans. When we + reached this point, all was so quiet that we determined to go on, and + we actually steamed past the city of Canton, along the whole front, + within pistol-shot of the town. A line of English men-of-war are now + anchored there in front of the town. I never felt so ashamed of myself + in my life, and Elliot remarked that the trip seemed to have made me + sad. There we were, accumulating the means of destruction under the + very eyes, and within the reach, of a population of about 1,000,000 + people, against whom these means of destruction were to be employed! + 'Yes,' I said to Elliot, 'I am sad, because when I look at that town, + I feel that I am earning for myself a place in the Litany, immediately + after "plague, pestilence, and famine."' I believe however that, as + far as I am concerned, it was impossible for me to do otherwise than + as I have done. I could not have abandoned the demand to enter the + city after what happened last winter, without compromising our + position in China altogether, and opening the way to calamities even + greater than those now before us. I made my demands on Yeh as moderate + as I could, so as to give him a chance of accepting; although, if he + had accepted, I knew that I should have brought on my head the + imprecations both of the navy and army and of the civilians, the time + being given by the missionaries and the women. And now Yeh having + refused, I shall do whatever I can possibly do to secure the adoption + of plans of attack, &c., which will lead to the least destruction of + life and property.... The weather is charming; the thermometer about + 60° in the shade in the morning; the sun powerful, and the atmosphere + beautifully clear. When we steamed up to Canton, and saw the rich + alluvial banks covered with the luxuriant evidences of unrivalled + industry and natural fertility combined; beyond them, barren uplands, + sprinkled with a soil of a reddish tint, which gave them the + appearance of heather slopes in the Highlands; and beyond these again, + the white cloud mountain range, standing out bold and blue in the + clear sunshine,--I thought bitterly of those who, for the most selfish + objects, are trampling under foot this ancient civilisation. + +[Sidenote: Summons to Yeh.] + + _December 24th_.--My letter telling Yeh that I had handed the affair + over to the naval and military commanders, and Gros's to the same + effect, were sent to him to-day; also a joint letter from the + commanders, giving him forty-eight hours to deliver over the city, at + the expiry of which time, if he does not do so, it will be attacked. I + postponed the delivery of these letters till to-day, that the expiry + of the forty-eight hours might not fall on Christmas Day. Now I hear + that the commanders will not be ready till Monday, which the Calendar + tells me is 'the Massacre of the Innocents!' If we can take the city + without much massacre, I shall think the job a good one, because no + doubt the relations of the Cantonese with the foreign population were + very unsatisfactory, and a settlement was sooner or later inevitable. + But nothing could be more contemptible than the origin of our existing + quarrel. We moved this evening to the Barrier Forts, within about two + miles of Canton, and very near the place where the troops are to land + for the attack on the city. I have been taking walks on shore the last + two or three days on a little island called Dane's Island, formed of + barren hills, with little patches of soil between them and on their + flanks, cultivated in terraces by the industrious Chinese. The people + seemed very poor and miserable, suffering, I fear, from this horrid + war. The French Admiral sent on shore to Whampoa some casks of damaged + biscuit the other day, and there was such a rush for it, that some + people were, I believe, drowned. The head man came afterwards to the + officer, expressed much gratitude for the gift, but said that if it + was repeated, he begged notice might be given to him, that he might + make arrangements to prevent such disorder. The ships are surrounded + by boats filled chiefly by women, who pick up orange-peel and offal, + and everything that is thrown overboard. One of the gunboats got + ashore yesterday, within a stone's-throw of the town of Canton, and + the officer had the coolness to call on a crowd of Chinese, who were + on the quays, to pull her off, which they at once did! Fancy having to + fight such people! + + _Christmas Day_.--Who would have thought, when we were spending that + cold snowy Christmas Day last year at Howick, that _this_ day would + find us separated by almost as great a distance as is possible on the + surface of our globe! and that I should be anchored, as I now am, + within two miles of a great city, doomed, I fear, to destruction, from + the folly of its own rulers and the vanity and levity of ours. We have + moved a little farther up the river this morning, and as we are, like + St. Paul, dropping an anchor from the stern, I have had over my head + for several hours the incessant dancing about and clanking of a + ponderous chain-cable, till my brains are nearly all shaken out of + their place. + + _December 26th._--I have a second letter from Yeh, which is even more + twaddling than the first. They say that he is all day engaged in + sacrificing to an idol, which represents the God of Physic, and which + is so constructed that a stick in its hand traces figures on sand. In + the figures so traced he is supposed to read his fate. + +Early on Monday the 28th the attack began; and Lord Elgin was reluctantly +compelled to witness what he had been reluctantly compelled to order--the +bombardment of an unresisting town. Happily the damage both to life and +property proved to be very much less serious than at the time he supposed +it to be. + +[Sidenote: Bombardment.] + + _December 28th, Noon._--We have been throwing shells, etc., into + Canton since 6 A.M., without almost any reply from the town. I hate + the whole thing so much, that I cannot trust myself to write about it. + + _December 29th._--The mail was put off, and I add a line to say that I + hope the Canton affair is over, and well over.... When I say this + affair is over, perhaps I say too much. But the horrid bombardment has + ceased, and we are in occupation of Magazine Hill, at the upper part + of the city, within the walls. + +[Sidenote: Capture of the city.] +[Sidenote: Looting.] + + _H.M.S. 'Furious,' Canton River.--January 2nd, 1858._--The last week + has been a very eventful one: not one of unmixed satisfaction to me, + because of course there is a great deal that is painful about this + war, but on the whole the results have been successful. On Monday last + (the 28th) I was awakened at 6 A.M. by a cannon-shot, which was the + commencement of a bombardment of the city, which lasted for 27 hours. + As the fire of the shipping was either not returned at all, or + returned only by a very few shots, I confess that this proceeding gave + me great pain at the time. But I find that much less damage has been + done to the town than I expected, as the fire was confined to certain + spots. I am on the whole, therefore, disposed to think that the + measure proved to be a good one, as the terror which it has excited in + the minds of the Cantonese is more than in proportion to the injury + inflicted, and therefore it will have the effect, I trust, of + preventing any attempts on their part to dislodge or attack us, which + would entail very great calamities on themselves. At 10 A.M. on Monday + the troops landed at a point about two miles east of the city, and + marched up with very trifling resistance to Lin Fort, which they took, + the French entering first, to the great disgust of our people. Next + morning at 9 A.M., they advanced to the escalade of the city walls, and + proceeded, with again very slight opposition, to the Magazine Hill, on + which they hoisted the British and French flags. They then took Gough + fort with little trouble, and there they were by 3 P.M. established in + Canton. The poor stupid Chinese had placed some guns in position to + resist an attack from the opposite quarter--the quarter, viz. from + which Gough attacked the city; and some people suppose that if we had + advanced from that side we should have met with some resistance. My + own opinion is, that the resistance would have been no great matter in + any case, although, no doubt, if we had made the attempt in summer, + and with sailors only, as some proposed when I came here in July, we + should probably have met with disaster. As it is, my difficulty has + been to enforce the adoption of measures to keep our own people in + order, and to prevent the wretched Cantonese from being plundered and + bullied. This task is the more difficult from the very motley force + with which we have to work, composed, firstly, of French and English; + secondly, of sailors to a great extent--they being very imperfectly + manageable on shore; all, moreover, having, I fear, a very low + standard of morality in regard to stealing from the Chinese. There is + a word called 'loot,' which gives, unfortunately, a venial character + to what would, in common English, be styled robbery.... Add to this, + that there is no flogging in the French army, so that it is impossible + to punish men committing this class of offences.... On the other hand, + these incomprehensible Chinese, although they make no defence, do not + come forward to capitulate; and I am in mortal terror lest the French + Admiral, who is in the way of looking at these matters in a purely + professional light, should succeed in inducing our chiefs to engage + again in offensive operations, which would lead to an unnecessary + destruction of life and property. I proposed to Gros that we should + land on the first day of the year, and march up to Magazine Hill. He + consented, and the chiefs agreed, so we landed about 1 P.M. at a point + on the river bank immediately below the south-east angle of the city + wall, which is now our line of communication between the river and + Magazine Hill. As we landed, all the vessels in the river hoisted + English and French flags, and fired salutes. We walked up to the hill + along the top of the wall, which is a good wide road, and which was + all lined with troops and sailors, who presented arms and cheered as + we passed. We reached the summit at about three. The British quarter, + which is a sort of temple, stands on the highest point, the hill + falling pretty precipitously from it on all sides. The view is one of + the most extensive I ever saw. Towards the east and north barren hills + of considerable height, and much of the character of those we see from + Hong-kong. On the west, level lands cultivated in rice and otherwise. + Towards the south, the town lying still as a city of the dead. The + silence was quite painful, especially when we returned about + nightfall: but it is partly owing to the narrowness of the streets, + which prevents one from seeing the circulation of population which may + be going on within. We remained at the top of the hill till about + half-past five, during which time we blew up the Blue Jacket Fort and + Gough Fort, and got back to our ships about 8 P.M., having spent a + very memorable first of January, and made a very interesting + expedition; although I could not help feeling melancholy when I + thought that we were so ruthlessly destroying the prestige of a place + which had been, for so many centuries, intact and undefiled by the + stranger, and exercising our valour against so contemptible a foe. + + _January 4th._--I have not given you as full a description as I ought + to have done of the views and ceremony of Friday, because I saw 'Our + own Correspondent' there, and I think I can count on that being well + done in the _Times_.... This day is a pour of rain, rather unusual for + the season.... Some of the Chinese authorities are beginning to show a + desire to treat, and some of the inhabitants are presenting petitions + to us to protect them against robbers, native and foreign. + +[Sidenote: Capture of Yeh.] + + _January 6th_.--Yesterday was a great day. The chiefs made a move + which was very judicious, I think, and which answered remarkably well. + They sent bodies of men at an early hour into the city from different + points, and succeeded in capturing Yeh, the Lieutenant-Governor of the + city, and the Tartar General, &c. This was done without a shot being + fired, and I believe the troops behaved very well, abstaining from + _loot_, &c. Altogether the thing was a complete success, and I give + them great credit for it. Yeh has been carried on board the + 'Inflexible' steamer as a prisoner of war. He is an enormous man. I + can hardly speak to his appearance, as I only saw him for a moment as + he passed me in a chair on his way to his vessel. Morrison, who has + taken a sketch of him, speaks favourably of him; but it is the fashion + to abuse even his looks. The Lieutenant-General has been allowed to + depart, but the Lieutenant-Governor and Tartar General are still in + custody at head-quarters. At my suggestion a proposal was made to the + Lieutenant-Governor to-day to continue to govern the city under us; + but the stolidity of the Chinese is so great that there is no saying + what he may do. We have given him till to-morrow to determine whether + he will accept. My whole efforts have been directed to preserve the + Cantonese from the evils of a military occupation; but their stupid + apathetic arrogance makes it almost impossible to effect this object. + Yeh's tone when he was taken was to be rather bumptious. The Admiral + asked him about an old man of the name of Cooper, who was kidnapped. + At first he pretended that he knew nothing about him. When pressed he + said, 'Oh! he was a prisoner of war. I took him when I drove you away + from the city last winter. I took a great deal of trouble with him and + the other European prisoners, but I could not keep them alive. They + all died, and if you like I'll show you where I had them buried.' + Morrison says that when he saw him on board the 'Inflexible,' he was + very civil and _piano_. He takes it easy, eats and drinks well, &c. He + said to his captain, that if it was not an indiscreet question, he + would be glad to know whether it was likely that we should kill him. + The captain had no difficulty in re-assuring him on that point. + + _January 8th_.--We had rather an important day's work yesterday. The + Lieutenant-Governor showed some symptoms of a willingness to govern on + our conditions. This gives some chance of our getting out of the + difficulties of our situation. You may imagine what it is to undertake + to govern some millions of people (the province contains upwards of + 20,000,000), when we have _in all_ two or three people who understand + the language! I never had so difficult a matter to arrange.... Each + man has his own way of seeing things, and the real difficulties of the + question being enormous, and the mysteries of the Chinese character + almost unfathomable,... the problem is well nigh insoluble. However + yesterday we seemed to make some progress towards an understanding. We + walked up to the front along the wall as usual, and very hot it was; + but we returned through the town itself with the General and Admiral + and a large escort. I rode on a pony. It was a strange and sad sight. + The wretched-looking single-storied houses on either side of the + narrow streets almost all shut up, only a few people making their + appearance, and these for the most part wan and haggard, and here and + there places which the fire from our ships had destroyed, all + presented a very melancholy spectacle; and one could hardly help + asking one's self, with some disgust, whether it was worth while to + make all the row which we have been making, for the sake of getting + into this miserable place. However, I presume that the better part of + the population have either fled or hid themselves. I daresay if they + had returned, and the shops had been opened, the aspect of the town + would have been different. + +[Sidenote: Establishment of a joint tribunal.] + + _January 9th._--Yesterday I went up again to the front without Gros, + and pressed matters forward towards a solution. The result was, that + my plan of getting the Governor of the province to consent to return + to his Yamun and resume his functions, a board of our officers, + supported by a large body of troops, being appointed to inhabit his + Yamun with him, and to aid him in the maintenance of order, + prevailed.... To-day we went, Gros and I, in great procession to the + Governor's Yamun, to reinstate him in his office on the above + conditions. We were carried in chairs through the town, attended by a + large escort. The city seemed fuller of people than on the occasion of + my former visit, and they looked more cheerful. + + _January 10th._--By a ludicrous mistake, no orders had been given to + release the Governor and Tartar General, so that, after waiting for + them for an hour, we heard that the sentry would not let them leave + the room in which they were confined. The consequence was that it was + getting late, and as I wished to get my escort out of the streets + before it was dark, we were obliged to hurry through the ceremony a + little. We began with a kind of squabble about seats; but after that + was over, I addressed the Governor in a pretty arrogant tone. I did so + out of kindness, as I now know what fools they are, and what + calamities they bring upon themselves, or rather on the wretched + people, by their pride and trickery. Gros followed, in a few words + endorsing what I had said. The Governor answered very satisfactorily. + I then rose, saying that we must depart, and that we wished him and + the Tartar General all sorts of felicity. They were good-natured- + looking men, the General being of great size. They conducted us to the + front door, where we ought to have found our chairs; but they had + disappeared, to the infinite wrath of Mr. Parkes.... I say the front + door; but in fact the house consisted of a series of one-storied + pavilions, placed one behind the other, and connected by a covered way + with trellis-work panels running through a sort of garden. We got at + last into the chairs, and hastened off to the city wall, which we + reached just as it was getting dark, having thus terminated about the + strangest day which has yet occurred in Chinese history,--the Governor + of this arrogant city of Canton accepting office at the hand of two + barbarian chiefs! + + _Wednesday, January 13th._--You get the least agreeable picture of the + concerns in which I am engaged; because, as I write this record from + day to day, all my anxieties and their causes are narrated. On the + whole I think the last fortnight has been a very successful one. I + walked through the city to-day with the Admiral and an escort, and saw + evident signs of improvement in the streets. The people seemed to be + resuming their avocations, and the shops to be re-opening. My + 'Tribunal' is working well. In short, I hope that the evils incident + to the capture of a city, and especially of a Chinese city, have been + in this instance very much mitigated. The season is very changing. + Three nights ago the thermometer did not fall below 72°, and last + night it fell to 40°. There is a cold wind; and it was necessary to + walk briskly to-day to keep one's-self warm. + +[Sidenote: Exodus.] + + _January 16th._--Though I was able to send off the last despatches + with something of a satisfactory report, we are by no means, I fear, + yet out of the wood. I took a long walk in the city of Canton + yesterday. I visited the West Gate, where I found a stream of people + moving outwards, and was told by the officer that this goes on from + morning to night. They say, when asked, that they are going out of + town to celebrate the New Year, but my belief is that they are flying + from us. The streets were full, and the people civil. Quantities of + eating stalls, but a large proportion of the shops still shut. As we + got near the wall in our own occupation, some people ran up to us + complaining that they had been robbed. We went into the houses and saw + clearly enough the signs of devastation. I have no doubt, from the + description, that the culprits were French sailors. If this goes on + one fortnight after we have captured the town, when is it to stop?... + It is very difficult to remedy.... Nothing could, I believe, be worse + than our own sailors, but they are now nearly all on board ship, and + we have the resource of the _Cat_.... All this is very sad, but I am + not yet quite at the end of my tether. If things do not mend within a + few days I shall startle my colleagues by proposing to abandon the + town altogether, giving reasons for it which will enable me to state + on paper all these points. No human power shall induce me to accept + the office of oppressor of the feeble. + +[Sidenote: A sober population.] +[Sidenote: Maintenance of order.] + + _January 20th._--I hinted at my ideas as to the evacuation of the + city, and it has had an excellent effect.... There is a notable + progress towards quiet in the city. Still, I fear the tide of + emigration is going on. Parkes is exerting himself with considerable + effect, and he is really very clever. There were a great many more + shops open in the streets yesterday than I had seen before.... What a + thing it is to have to deal with a sober population! I have wandered + about the streets of Canton for some seven or eight days since the + capture, and I have not seen one drunken man. In any Christian town we + should have had numbers of rows by this time arising out of + drunkenness, however cowed the population might have been. The + Tribunal convicted a Chinaman the other day for selling 'samshoo' to + the soldiers. I requested Parkes to hand him over to the Governor + Pehkwei for punishment. This was done, and the arrangement answered + admirably. The Governor was pleased, he presented himself before the + Chinese as the executor of our judgments, and at the same time we, to + a certain extent, seemed to be conceding to the Chinese the principle + of exterritoriality which we assert as against them.... I have no + 'responsible ministers' here, though the presence of a colleague, and, + since military operations began, the position of the naval and + military Commanders-in-Chief, have required me to act with some + caution, in order to make the wheels of the machine work smoothly and + keep on the rails. For this reason it was that I suggested a few days + ago the plan of evacuation. The maintenance of order in a city under + martial law was, I felt, an affair rather for the Commander-in-Chief + than for me, therefore I was in a false position when I meddled with + it directly. But the question of remaining in the city or not was a + political one. By letting it be known that I had there my lines of + Torres Vedras, upon which I should fall back if necessary, I obtained + the influence I required for insuring, as far as possible, the + adoption of satisfactory arrangements within the city. I must add that + this evacuation plan was not intended by me to be a mere threat. I + have it clearly matured in my mind as a thing feasible, and which + would be under certain circumstances an advisable plan to adopt. In + taking Canton we had, as I understand it, two objects in view: the one + to prove that we could take it; the other to have in our hands + something to give up when we come to terms with the Emperor,--'a + material guarantee.' I believe that the capture of the city, followed + by the capture of Yeh, has settled the former point. Indeed, from all + that I hear, I infer that the capture of Yeh has had more effect on + the Chinese mind than the capture of the city. I believe, therefore, + that we might abandon the city without losing much if anything on this + head. No doubt we should lose on the second head; we should not have + Canton to give up when a treaty was concluded, if we had given it up + already. Even then however we might, by retaining the island of Honan, + the forts, &c., do a good deal towards providing a substitute; so that + you see my threat was made _bonā fide_. I certainly should have + preferred the loss to which I have referred, to the continuance of a + state of things in which the Allied troops were plundering the + inhabitants. + + _January 24th._--Baron Gros and I were conversing together yesterday + on affairs in this quarter, and among other things he told me that we + were both much reproached for our laxity, and that I was more blamed + on that account than he. I said to him: 'I can praise you on many + accounts, my dear Baron, but I cannot compliment you on being a + greater brute than I am.' + +Whatever was the feeling of the British residents, and whatever excuses may +be made for it, the consistent humanity shown both in the taking and in the +occupation of the city did not fail to strike Mr. Reed, the Plenipotentiary +of the United States, who wrote to Lord Elgin: 'I cannot omit this +opportunity of most sincerely congratulating you on the success at Canton, +the great success of a bloodless victory, the merit of which, I am sure, is +mainly due to your Lordship's gentle and discreet counsels. My countrymen +will, I am sure, appreciate it.' 'This,' observes Lord Elgin, from the +representative of the United States, is gratifying both personally and +politically.' + + _January 28th._--I am glad to say that this mail conveys, on the + whole, a satisfactory report of the progress of affairs, though this + letter puts you in possession of all the ebbs and flows which have + taken place during the fortnight. I send a leaf of geranium, which I + culled in the garden of the Tartar general. + +[Sidenote: Canton prisons.] + + _January 31st._--I visited yesterday two of the Canton prisons, and + witnessed there some sights of horror beyond what I could have + pictured to myself. Many of the inmates were so reduced by disease and + starvation, that their limbs were not as thick as my wrist. One man + who was in this condition was in the receptacle for untried prisoners, + and said he had been there seven years. In one of the courts which we + entered, there was a cell closed in by a double row of upright posts, + which is the common style of gate at Canton, and I was attracted to it + by the groans of its inmates. I desired it to be opened, and such a + spectacle as it presented! The prisoners were covered with sores, + produced by severe beatings; one was already dead, and the rats,--but + I cannot go further in description. The others could hardly crawl, + they were so emaciated, and my conviction is that they were shut in + there to die. The prison authorities stated that they had escaped at + the time of the bombardment for which they had been punished as we + saw. If the statement was true, they must have been systematically + starved since their recapture. Our pretext for visiting the prisons + was to discover whether any Europeans, or persons who had been in the + service of, or had had relations with Europeans, were confined in + them. We took out some who professed to belong to the latter classes. + I went a step further, by taking out a poor boy of fifteen, whom we + found in chains, but so weak that when we took them off he was unable + to stand. I told Mr. Parkes to take him to Pehkwei from me, as a + sample of the manner in which his prisons are managed. + + _February 2nd._--Pehkwei was very indignant at our visit to his + prisons, and hinted that he would make away with himself, in a letter + which he wrote to me on the subject. However, he was obliged to admit + that some of the things we found were very bad, and quite against the + Chinese law. On reviewing the whole I must admit, that, except in the + case of the one cell that I have described, it was rather neglect, + want of food, medical care, cleanliness, &c., than positive cruelty, + of which one found evidence in the prisons. + + * * * * * + +[Sidenote: Move northwards.] + +Canton the impregnable had been taken, and was in the military occupation +of the allied forces; Yeh, the Terror of Barbarians, was a captive beyond +the seas; so completely was all resistance crushed, that it was found +possible to raise the blockade of the Canton River, and to let trade return +to its usual channels. Still nothing was achieved so long as the Emperor +remained aloof, and could represent the affair as a local disturbance not +affecting the imperial power. To any permanent settlement it was essential +that he should be a party; the next step, therefore, was to move northwards +to Shanghae, and there open direct negotiations with the Court of Pekin; +and, for the success of these negotiations, it was obviously of great +importance that the envoys of England and France should have the co- +operation of the representatives of Russia and the United States. + + _February 4th._--Still no letters. To-morrow, Frederick is to go to + Macao, to take to Messrs. Reed and Putiatine copies of all my + diplomatic correspondence with Yeh, &c., and an invitation to each + that he will join us in an attempt to settle matters by negotiation at + Shanghae. It is the commencement of the third act in this Chinese + affair. + + _February 6th._--I have a letter from Mr. Reed, saying that he is + going to the North this day, so that perhaps Frederick will not find + him. This would be a great disappointment. + + _Sunday, February 7th._--A month without news is very long to wait. + Perhaps time passes a little more quickly than when one was dawdling + and doing nothing at Hong-Kong; but still this life is tiresome + enough. I do not suppose that there ever was a town of the same + extent, or a population of the same number, more utterly uninteresting + than the town and population of Canton--low houses, narrow streets, + temples containing some hideous idols, which are not apparently in the + least venerated by their own worshippers. The only other resource is + the curiosity shops, and, as you know, I have not the genius for + making collections. + + _February 9th._--Things have taken a better turn. F. by steaming at + night from Macao to Hong-Kong caught Reed about an hour before that + fixed for his departure for the North. He was delighted with my + communication, and has written undertaking to co-operate cordially + with us. This is, I think, a very great diplomatic triumph, because it + not only smooths the way for future proceedings, but it greatly + relieves our anxiety about Canton, as the Americans are the only + people who would be likely to give us trouble during the military + occupation. + + _February 10th._--We have got Putiatine's letter for Pekin. It is very + good; perhaps better than any of the lot.... However, the _entente_ is + now established. My mind, too, is a good deal relieved to-day by + seeing the wretched junks, which have been shut up so long by the + blockade, with their sails set, gliding down the river. I sent Mr. + Wade to visit Yeh yesterday, to see how he took the notion of being + sent out of the country to Calcutta or elsewhere. He adhered to his + policy of indifference, real or affected, I cannot tell which. I + suppose it is a point of pride with him never to complain. + +[Sidenote: Adieu to Canton.] + + _H.M.S. 'Furious.'--February 20th._--I am now off from Canton, never I + hope to see it again. Two months I have been there--engaged in this + painful service--checking, as I have best been able to do, the + disposition to maltreat this unfortunate people.... On the whole I + think I have been successful. There never was a Chinese town which + suffered so little by the occupation of a hostile force; and + considering the difficulties which our alliance with the French + (though I have had all support from Gros, in so far as he can give it) + has occasioned, it is a very signal success. The good people at Hong- + Kong, &c., do not know whether to be incredulous or disgusted at this + policy.... I am told a parcel of ridiculous stories about arming of + Braves, &c. I heard that in the western suburb the people 'looked ill- + natured,' so I have been the greater part of my two last days in that + suburb, looking in vain into faces to discover these menacing + indications. Yesterday I walked through very out-of-the-way streets + and crowded thoroughfares with Wade and two sailors, through thousands + and thousands, without a symptom of disrespect.... I know that our + people for a long time used to insist on every Chinaman they met + taking his hat off. Of course it rather astonished a respectable + Chinese shopkeeper to be poked in the ribs by a sturdy sailor or + soldier, and told, in bad Chinese or in pantomime, to take off his + hat, which is a thing they never do, and which is not with them even a + mark of respect. I only mention this as an instance of the follies + which people commit when they know nothing of the manners of those + with whom they have to deal.... We are steaming down to Hong-Kong on a + beautiful fresh morning. I feel as if I was a step on my way home. + +At Hong-Kong he remained nearly a fortnight, that his ship might be fitted +to go to the North: his letter for Pekin being sent on, in the meantime, to +Shanghae, by the hands of his secretary, Mr. Oliphant.[1] + + _February 26th._--To-morrow this letter goes, and still no mail from + England. I think of starting in a few days, and calling at the other + ports--Foochow, Amoy, and Ningpo. I have a line from Oliphant, who + took up my letter to Shanghae, and made a quick though rough passage. + We shall be a good deal longer on the way, and my captain advises me + to be off, to anticipate the equinox. I have just written a despatch + to Lord Clarendon, to tell him that perhaps I may go direct from + Shanghae to Japan, and so home. It is almost too good a prospect to be + realised. + +[Sidenote: Home news.] + + _February 27th_.--I had Reed to dine with me yesterday. He is off this + morning to Manila, _en route_ for Shanghae. The Russian returns on + Monday, and we are going to Shanghae by the same route most + fraternally.... Your accounts of the boys make me feel as if I had + been an age away from home. God grant that I may get through this + business soon, and return to find you all flourishing! + + _March 1st_.--I received your letters yesterday.... How I wish that I + had joined that merry dance on Christmas Day at Dunmore, and seen B. + and R. performing their reel steps, and F.[2] snapping his fingers! + You knew now how differently my New Year was passed--traversing that + vast city of the dead--meditating over that 28th December which Herod + had already hallowed.... These letters are my conscience and memory, + the only record I keep of passing emotions and events.... Depend upon + it the true doctrine is one I have before propounded to you: Do + nothing with which your own conscience can reproach you; _nothing_ in + its largest sense; _nothing_, including _omission_ as well as + _commission_; not nothing only in the meaning of having done no ill, + but nothing also in the meaning of having omitted no opportunity of + doing good. You are then _well with yourself_. If it is worth while to + be well _with others_--SUCCEED. + +[Sidenote: Swatow.] + + _H.M.S. 'Furious,' Swatow.--March 5th_.--I am again on the wide + ocean, though for the moment at anchor.... The settlement here is + against treaty. It consists mainly of agents of the two great opium- + houses, Dent and Jardine, with their hangers-on. This, with a + considerable business in the coolie trade--which consists in + kidnapping wretched coolies, putting them on board ships where all the + horrors of the slave-trade are reproduced, and sending them on + specious promises to such places as Cuba--is the chief business of the + 'foreign' merchants at Swatow. Swatow itself is a small town some + miles up the river. I can only distinguish it by the great fleet of + junks lying off it. The place where the foreigners live is a little + island, barren, but nicely situated at the mouth of the river. A + number of Chinese are resorting to it, and putting up rather good + houses for Chinese. The population has a better appearance than the + Cantonese. The men powerful and frank-looking, and some of the women + not quite hideous. Our people get on very well with the natives here. + They have no consuls or special protection; so they act, I presume, + with moderation, and matters go on quite smoothly. I went into the + house of one of the 'Shroffs' (bankers or money-dealers) connected + with Jardine's house, and I found the gentleman indulging in his + opium-pipe. He gave us some delicious tea.... The Shroffs here are + three brothers. They came from Canton, their father remained behind. + The mandarins wanting money to carry on the war with us, called upon + him to pay 12,000 taels about 4,000_l_. They used him as the screw to + get this sum from his sons who were in foreign employ. Though the old + man had resolved to leave his home and his patch of ground rather than + pay, his sons provided the money and sent him back. Such cases are + constantly occurring here, and they show bow strong the family + affections are in China. + +[Sidenote: Rough justice.] + + Another case was mentioned to me yesterday, which illustrates the very + roundabout way in which justice is arrived at among us all here. The + coolies in a French coolie ship rose. The master and mate jumped + overboard, and the coolies ran the ship on shore, where the crew had + their clothes, &c., taken from them, but were otherwise well treated. + On this a French man-of-war comes, proceeds to Swatow, which is fifty + miles from the scene of the occurrence, and informs the people that + they will bombard the place immediately unless 6,000 dollars are paid. + They got the money, but the mandarins at once squeezed it out of these + same Shroffs, saying, that as they brought the barbarians to the spot, + they must pay for the damages they inflicted. Meanwhile, the + 'foreigners' have it, I apprehend, much their own way. They are + masters of the situation, pay no duties except tonnage dues, which are + paid by them at about one-third of the amount paid by native vessels + of the same burthen! + +[Sidenote: Mr. Burns.] + + Hearing that Mr. Burns, a missionary, whose case is narrated in the + series of 'insults by the Chinese authorities' submitted to Parliament + (he having been in fact very kindly treated, as he himself + acknowledges), was at the island, I invited him to breakfast. I found + him a very interesting person, really an enthusiastic missionary, and + kindly in his feelings towards the Chinese. He wears the Chinese + attire, not as a disguise, but to prevent crowds being attracted by + his appearance. He does not boast of much success in converting, but + the Chinese are very willing to listen to him and to take books. They + approve of all books that inculcate virtue, morality, &c., but they + have no taste for the distinctive doctrines of Christianity. As Yeh + said, when a Bible was presented to him from the Bishop:--'I know that + book quite well, a very good book. It teaches men to be virtuous, like + the Buddhistic books;' and then turning very politely to his captain, + 'Will you be good enough to take care of this book till I want it.' + + The country in this neighbourhood is very lawless. Burns, a few days + before he was arrested, slept with his two companions, two native + Christians, in a large village. During the night the house he was in + was broken into, and all they had stolen. Nothing remained but a few + of their books, which they carried tied to sticks over their + shoulders. A peasant came up to him and said, 'I see you are not + accustomed to carry loads,' and took his burden and carried it for him + six miles, asking for nothing in return. Other natives bought the + books (they had previously given them gratuitously), and thus they got + money enough to go on with. When they got into this principal town, + and were arrested by the police, the authorities seemed rather to + regret it. They underwent some interrogatories which Burns seems to + have turned into a sort of sermon, for he went at length into + Christian teaching, and the judges listened most complacently. They + confined them in prison, but did everything they could to make Burns + himself comfortable. His companions were not so well treated. He + joined them at one time at his own request, under circumstances + curiously illustrative of Chinese manners. A subordinate of the gaoler + with whom he was lodged died from swallowing opium. The gaoler was at + once held responsible, and his house was mobbed. On which Mr. Burns, + not knowing the cause of the disturbance, asked to rejoin his + companions. He found them shut up in a very loathsome cell, with + several other prisoners; a place something like my Canton prisons; but + he said they did very well while there, for they were able to preach + to the other prisoners. At one of the interrogatories, one of his + companions, the more zealous of the two, on being asked why he had + brought a foreigner to the place, answered that it was because he was + a Christian, and that their books said, 'It is better to die with the + wise than to live with fools.' This sentiment was not considered + complimentary by the mandarins, who immediately ordered him to be + beaten, upon which he got ten blows on each side of his face with an + instrument like the sole of a shoe. Mr. B. told this story, but added + that he believed the beating had been determined on before, for his + other companion, who was the more worldly of the two, and who had + probably found his way to the heart of the gaoler, was told that he + too would be beaten that day, but that the blows would be laid on by a + friendly hand, and that if he kept his cheek loose, he would not feel + them much. + +[Sidenote: Amoy.] + + _March 8th._--We are entering Foochow; a most beautiful day; the sea + smooth as glass. We left Amoy last night. I went to church in the + forenoon at the Consulate. An American missionary preached. There are + several missionaries at Amoy. They have, as they say, about 300 + converts. The foreigners and natives get on very well there. The town + is a poor enough place, and the island seems rocky and barren. How it + can sustain the great population which inhabits the villages that + cover it is a mystery. + + _March 14th._--A vessel from Shanghae brought me this morning a letter + from Oliphant, which shows that he has got well through the business + which I entrusted to him.[3] He went with my letter for the Prime + Minister of the Emperor to a city named Soochow, which is not open to + foreigners, and which is moreover the seat of beauty and fashion in + the empire, and he seems to have been well received. This is a good + sign. An edict has moreover been issued by the Emperor degrading Yeh, + and moderate in its tone as regards foreigners. All this looks as if + there would be at Pekin a disposition to settle matters. God grant + that it may be so, that I may get home, and not be required to do + farther violence to these poor people. + +[Sidenote: Foochow.] + +The scenery of Foochow and its neighbourhood struck him as singularly +beautiful. Even in an official despatch we find him writing of it as +follows:-- + + With the exception perhaps of Chusan, I have as yet seen no place in + China which, in point of beauty of scenery, rivals Foochow. The Min + river passes to the sea between two mountain ranges, which, wherever + the torrents have not washed away every particle of earth from the + surface, are cultivated by the industrious Chinese in terraces to + their very summits. These mountain ranges close in upon its banks + during the last part of its course: at one time confining it to a + comparatively narrow channel, and at another suffering it to expand + into a lake; but in the vicinity of the Pagoda Island they separate, + leaving between them the plain on which Foochow stands. This plain is + diversified by hill and dale, and comprises the Island of Nantai, + which is the site of the foreign settlement. At the season of my + visit, both hills and plain were chiefly covered with wheat; but I was + informed that the soil is induced, by irrigation and manure applied + liberally, to yield in many cases, besides the wheat crop, two rice + crops during the year. We walked with perfect freedom, both about the + town and into the surrounding country. Nothing could be more courteous + than the people of the villages, or more quaint than the landscape, + consisting mainly of hillocks dotted with horseshoe graves, and + monuments to the honour of virtuous maidens and faithful widows, + surrounded by patches of wheat and vegetables. Kensal Green or Pčre la + Chaise, cultivated as kitchen gardens, would not inaptly represent the + general character of the rural districts of China which I have + visited. + +In some respects, however, the impression was not so satisfactory. In his +journal he says:-- + + The people whom we met in our peregrinations were perfectly civil. The + Consul, too, and Europeans were civil likewise. They were willing to + give me information. I do not know that I carried much away with me, + except the general impression, that our trade is carried on on + principles which are dishonest as regards the Chinese, and + demoralising to our own people. + +[Sidenote: American missionaries.] + + At Foochow, I saw one of the American missionaries, a very worthy man + I should think, but not of the stamp of Mr. Burns. He had been about + eight years at Foochow, and he computed the converts made by himself + and his brother missionaries at fifteen. He said that they were + particular as to the conduct of their converts; but I cannot affirm + that he satisfied me that they accepted in any very earnest way the + peculiar doctrines of Christianity. However, I daresay that these + missionaries do good, for the Chinese are not fanatics, and it must do + them a benefit to see among them some foreigners who are not engaged + exclusively in money-making. + +[Sidenote: Chinhae.] + + _March 16th._--We are at anchor off Chinhae at the mouth of the river + which leads to Ningpo. We have just returned from a walk on shore. We + passed through a small walled town, and climbed up a hill to a temple + on the summit, from which we had a magnificent prospect. On the east + and north, the sea studded with the islands of the Chusan group; on + the west, a rich plain, through which the river meanders on its way + from Ningpo; on the north, a succession of mountain ranges. We were + accompanied by some curious but good-natured Chinamen, who seemed + anxious to give us information. A very dirty lad, without a tail, + proved to be the priest. After looking about us for some time, we + entered the building; which contained a sort of central shrine, in + which were some gilt figures of large size, besides rows of smaller + gilt figures round the walls. I observed a number of slips of paper + with Chinese characters upon them; and being told that they were used + for divination purposes, I asked how it was done: upon which one of + the Chinamen took from before the shrine a thing like a match-holder, + full of bits of stick like matches, and kneeling down on a hassock, + began to shake this case till one of the bits of stick fell out. He + picked it up, and finding a single notch upon it, selected from the + slips of paper which I had noticed the one which had a corresponding + mark. We carried it away, and I intend to get Mr. Wade to translate it + that I may send it to you. The other Chinamen present seemed very much + amused at what was going on. They do not appear to have a particle of + reverence for their religion, and yet they spend a good deal of money + on their temples. + + Wade's teacher (so the Chinaman who aids him in the work of + interpretation is styled) has told him that the lot which fell to me + at the Buddhist temple is the No. 1 lot, the most fortunate of all. + Their system of divination is rather complicated, but, as I understand + it, it appears to be that Noah, or some one who lived about his time, + discovered eight symbols on the back of a tortoise. These, multiplied + into themselves, make sixty-four, which constituted the Book of Fate. + It appears that my lot is the first of the eight, and therefore the + best that can be got! + +[Sidenote: Ningpo.] + + _Ningpo.--March 18th._--We arrived here yesterday, and I have been + walking both days about the town with Mr. Meadows, the author, who is + vice-consul here. I am disappointed with the city, of which I had + heard a great deal. But the people are even more amiable than at any + other place I have visited. Oliphant has rejoined us in high spirits, + after his visit to Soochow. I cross-examined a Church of England + clergyman about his converts. When pressed, he could only name one who + seemed to be conscious of the want which we believe to be supplied by + the Atonement. About 100, however, including children, attend churches + in Ningpo, of whom thirty have been baptized. + +Ningpo was one of the places which had been treated with more than ordinary +severity in the last war. It was also one of the places in which the +natives showed the most friendly disposition towards foreigners. To the +resident traders the inference was obvious: the severity was the cause of +the friendly disposition, and it had only to be applied elsewhere to +produce the like results. With evident satisfaction Lord Elgin sets +himself, in an official despatch, to refute this reasoning. After observing +that the natives showed rather an exaggeration than a defect of the desire +to live peaceably with foreigners, he proceeds:-- + + The state of Ningpo in this respect furnishes their favourite and, + perhaps, most plausible argument, to that class of persons who + advocate what is styled a vigorous policy in China; in other words, a + policy which consists in resorting to the most violent measures of + coercion and repression on the slenderest provocations. They say, + 'Remember what happened at Ningpo during the last war, and observe the + consideration and respect which is evinced towards you there. Treat + other towns in China likewise, and the result will be the same.' I + question the soundness of this inference. Ningpo is situated on the + south-eastern verge of the mighty valley of the Yang-tze-kiang, which + is inhabited by a population the most inoffensive, perhaps, both by + disposition and habit, of any on the surface of the earth. Their + amenity towards the foreigner is due, I apprehend, to temperament, as + much, at least, as to the recollection of the violence which they may + have sustained at his hands. + + I have made it a point, whenever I have met missionaries or others who + have penetrated into the interior from Ningpo and Shanghae, to ask + them what treatment they experienced on those expeditions, and the + answer has almost invariably been that, at points remote from those to + which foreigners have access, there was no diminution, but on the + contrary rather an enhancement, of the courtesy exhibited towards them + by the natives. + +[Sidenote: Missionary schools.] + + _H.M.S. 'Furious.'--March 20th._--Yesterday, I called on a clergyman + to see Miss Aldersey,--a remarkable lady, who came out here + immediately after the last war, and has been devoting herself and her + fortune to the education and Christianisation of the Chinese at + Ningpo. She seems a nice person, but I could not get as much + conversation with her as I wished, because the Bishop, &c., were + present all the time. She has to pay the girls a trifle, as an + equivalent for what their labour is worth, for coming to her school, + or to board them and keep them, as it is not at all in the ideas of + the Chinese that women should be educated. She does not seem to have + got the _entrée_ into Chinese houses of the richer class. Mrs. Russell + (wife of the English clergyman), who speaks the language, has obtained + it a little. I cannot make out that, when she visits them, they ever + talk of anything except where she got her dress, &c.; but on great + occasions, when they assemble for ceremonies in the temples, they seem + very devout. In private they treat these matters with great + indifference. I had some of the missionaries to dinner. They put the + converts at a larger number than I understood Mr. Russell to do, but + otherwise their report did not differ materially from his. + +[Sidenote: Chusan.] +[Sidenote: French missionary.] + + _Chusan.--March 21st._--This is a most charming island. How any + people, in their senses, could have preferred Hong-Kong to it, seems + incredible. The people too, that is to say, the lower orders, seem + really to like us. We walked through the town of Tinghae, and asked at + the shop of a seller of perfumed sticks for the 'Mosquito tobacco,' + but in vain. We then passed through the further gate of the city into + the country beyond, and seeing something like a chapel, made towards + it. A man, dressed as a Chinaman, came out to meet us. He addressed us + in French, and proved to be a Roman Catholic priest. He was very + civil, and asked us into his house, where he gave us some tea, grown + on his own farm. He has been here two years quite alone, and he was + ten years before in the province of Kiangsł. He says that he has some + 200 converts. Some twenty boys, deserted children, he brings up, and + works on his farm. I saw them, and I must say I never beheld a more + happy and well-conditioned set of boys. In the town was an + establishment for younger children, chiefly girls, under the charge of + a Chinese female convert. After he had given us tea, the missionary + accompanied us in our walk. He first took us to a sort of cottage- + villa, belonging to one of the rich inhabitants, consisting of about a + couple of acres of ground, covered by kiosks and grottos and dwarf- + trees, and ups and downs and zigzags,--all in the most approved + Chinese fashion. From thence we clambered up a mountain of, I should + think, some 1,200 feet in height, from which we had a very extensive + view, and beheld ranges of hills, separated by cosy valleys, on one + side; on the other, the walled city of Tinghae, surrounded by rice- + fields; beyond, the sea studded with islands of the Chusan group. It + was a beautiful view, and we returned to the ship very much pleased + with our scramble. + +[Sidenote: Scenery.] + + _March 22nd._--I have just returned from a walk to the top of a hill, + on the opposite side of the flat on which the town is situated from + that which we mounted yesterday. The day is charming, clear, with a + fanning, bracing air. We had a finer view almost than yesterday. The + same character of scenery all round the island. Spacious flats on the + sea-board under irrigation; about one-half of the fields covered (now) + with water, and the other half in crop, chiefly beans, wheat, and + rape, which, with its yellow flower, gives warmth to the colouring of + the landscape; these flats, fringed by hills of a goodly height--say + from 600 to 1,200 feet,--which cluster together as they recede from + the sea-board, compressing the flats into narrow valleys, and finally + extinguishing them altogether. The hills themselves barren, with + patches here and there of Chinese cultivation and fir plantations, the + first I have seen in China. Turn your eyes to the sea, and you have + before you innumerable islands dotting its surface, the same in + character, though smaller in size, than that on which you are + standing. I have seldom seen a more delightful spot. In going on our + walk, we passed by the burying-ground of the British who died while we + occupied the island, and we did something to put order among their + neglected graves. On our return, we passed by a cottage where an old + lady was seated at her spinning-wheel. I entered. She received us most + courteously, placed chairs for us, and immediately set to work to + prepare tea. When she found that one of the party was a doctor, a son + (grown up) was produced who was suffering from ague. We brought him on + board, and gave him some quinine. He showed us the medicine he was + taking. It appeared to be a sort of mash of bits of bamboo and all + sorts of vegetable ingredients. The doctor who tried it said it had no + taste. I should mention that at the landing-place we met some of the + French, missionary's boys, who brought me a present of eggs and fowls + and salad from the farm, in return for a dollar which I gave them + yesterday to buy cakes withal. + +[Sidenote: Potou.] +[Sidenote: Bonzes.] + + _March 23rd._--We set off this morning to visit Potou.[4] After + lauding on the beach, we proceeded along a spacious paved path to a + monastery, in a very picturesque spot under the grey granite hills. We + entered the buildings, which were like all other Buddhistic temples + --the same images, &c.--and were soon surrounded by crowds of the most + filthy and miserable-looking bonzes, some clad in grey and some in + yellow. All were very civil, however, and on the invitation of the + superior--who had a much more intelligent look than the rest--we went + into an apartment at the side of the temple and had some tea. After a + short rest we proceeded on our way, and mounted a hill about 1,500 + feet in height, passing by some more temples on the way. I never saw + human beings apparently in a lower condition than these bonzes, though + some of the temples were under repair, and on the whole tolerably + cared for. The view from the top of the hill was magnificent, and + there was glorious music here and there, from the sea rolling in upon + the sandy beach. We met some women (not young ones) going up the hill + in chairs to worship at the temples, and found, in some, individuals + at their devotions. In one there was a monk, hidden behind a great + drum, repeating in a plaintive tone, over and over again, the name of + Buddha, 'ameta fo,' or something like that sound. I observed some with + lumps on the forehead, evidently produced by knocking it against the + ground. The utter want of respect of these people for their temples, + coupled with this asceticism and apparent self-sacrifice in their + religion, is a combination which I cannot at present understand. It + has one bad effect, that in the plundering expeditions which we + Christians dignify with the name of war in these countries, idols are + ripped up in the hope of finding treasure in them, temple ornaments + seized, and in short no sort of consideration is shown for the + religious feelings of the natives. + +The following notice of the same sacred island occurs in one of his +despatches:-- + + I trust that I may be permitted to offer one remark in reference to + Potou, an islet adjoining Chusan, which I touched at on my way from + the latter place to Chapoo. Little information, of course, was to be + gathered there on questions directly affecting trade or politics, for + it is a holy spot, exclusively appropriated to temples in tinsel and + bonzes in rags; but it was impossible to wander over it as I did, + visiting with entire impunity its most sacred recesses, without being + forcibly reminded of the fact that one, at least, of the obstacles to + intercourse between nations, which operates most powerfully in many + parts, especially of the East, can hardly be said to exist in China. + The Buddhistic faith does not seem to excite in the popular mind any + bigoted antipathy to the professors of other creeds. The owner of the + humblest dwelling almost invariably offers to the foreigner who enters + it the hospitable tea-cup, without any apparent apprehension that his + guest, by using, will defile it; and priests and worshippers attach no + idea of profanation to the presence of the stranger in the joss-house. + This is a fact, as I humbly conceive, not without its significance, + when we come to consider what prospect there may be of our being able + to extend and multiply relations of commerce and amity with this + industrious portion of the human race. + +The private journal proceeds:-- + + _March 24th._--We are gliding through a perfectly smooth sea, with + islands on both sides of us, on a beautifully calm and clear day, + warmer than of late, but still tart enough to feel healthy. We passed + a fleet of some hundreds of junks, proceeding northward under convoy + of some lorchas of the 'Arrow' class, carrying flags which they + probably have no right to. These lorchas exact a sort of black mail + from the junks, and plunder them whenever it is more profitable to do + so than to protect them. They often have Europeans on board. Poor Yeh + has suffered severely for our sins in respect to this description of + craft. We are on our way to Chapoo now, a port not opened to trade, + but one which I am ordered by the Government to induce the Chinese to + open. As it is very little out of the way to Shanghae, I wish to look + at it in passing. + +[Sidenote: Chapoo.] + + _March 25th._--We reached Chapoo at about 5 P.M. I did not land, but + some of the party did, and mounted a hill from whence they looked down + upon a walled town of no great size, and a plain, perfectly flat, + stretching for any number of miles beyond it. The people, as usual, + were civil, and made no difficulties, although we have no right to + land there. The bay in which we anchored is open, and not in any + particular way interesting. At about three this morning we started, + and have been favoured with as good a day as yesterday. We have had + nothing of the bold coasts of previous days, and passed occasionally + islands flatter than those seen before. We are now in the mouth of the + Yang-tze-kiang, with a perfectly flat and low shore on one side, and + an equally flat one just discoverable with the aid of the telescope on + the other. A good many junks are sailing about us, their dark sails + filled with a lively breeze. Before us is a large man-of-war, which I + am just told is the American 'Minnesota.' So our cruise is coming to + an end, which I regret, as it has been a very pleasant break, and at + least for the time has kept me out of reach of the bothers of my + mission. We have reason too to be most thankful for the weather with + which we have been favoured, and if Mr. Reed is before me he cannot + complain, as I am here on the very day on which I said I should reach + Shanghae. This is a very strange coast. The sea seems to be filling up + with the deposits of the rivers. We have an island (inhabited) beside + us, which did not exist a few years ago. We have not during all + yesterday and to-day had ever more than eight fathoms of water. + +[Sidenote: Shanghae.] + +Shanghae had been named as the rendezvous for the Allied Powers. There, as +he had written to the Emperor's Prime Minister, 'the Plenipotentiaries of +England and France would be prepared to enter into negotiations for the +settlement of all differences existing between their respective Governments +and that of China with any Plenipotentiary, duly accredited by the Emperor, +who might present himself at that port before the end of the month of +March.' There he still fondly hoped to find his Hercules' Pillar. 'If I can +only conclude a treaty at Shanghae,' so he wrote when starting from Canton, +'and hasten home afterwards!' + +The place was well chosen for the purpose; not only as the most northerly +of the Treaty ports, and therefore nearest to the capital, but also as the +most flourishing stronghold of European influence and civilisation then +existing in China. 'I was struck,' wrote Lord Elgin in one of his +despatches, 'by the thoroughly European appearance of the place; the +foreign settlement, with its goodly array of foreign vessels, occupying the +foreground of the picture; the junks and native town lying up the river, +and dimly perceptible among the shadows of the background; spacious houses, +always well, and often sumptuously, furnished; Europeans, ladies and +gentlemen, strolling along the quays; English policemen habited as the +London police; and a climate very much resembling that which I had +experienced in London exactly twelve months before, created illusions which +were of course very promptly dissipated.' + +[Sidenote: Message from Pekin.] + +Dissipated too was the hope in which he had indulged, of a speedy +termination to his labours; for he was met by a _message_ from the Prime +Minister, that 'no Imperial Commissioner ever conducted business at +Shanghae; that a new Commissioner had been sent to Canton to replace Yeh; +and that it behoved the English Minister to wait in Canton, and there make +his arrangements.' This, of course, was not to be thought of; and nothing +remained but to move onwards towards Pekin, and apply some more direct +pressure to the Emperor and his capital. + + _March 29th.--Shanghae._--Here I am in the Consul's house, a very + spacious mansion. The climate, character of the rooms, &c., all make + me feel in Europe again. I reached this harbour on the 26th, but only + landed to-day. Mr. Reed and Count Putiatine arrived before me, but + Baron Gros has not yet made his appearance. The Prime Minister of the + Emperor says that he cannot write to me himself, but sends me a + message through the Governor-General of the province to say that a + Commissioner has been sent to Canton by the Emperor to replace Yeh, + and that I must go there and settle matters with him. This will never + do, so I must move on to the mouth of the Peiho. I am only waiting for + Gros and the Admiral before I start. The Shanghae merchants presented + an address to me to-day, and as I was obliged to say something in + reply, I thought that I might as well take advantage of the + opportunity to let the Chinese (who are sure to get a translation of + my answer) know, that there is no chance of my going back to Canton. I + also endeavoured to give the British manufacturers a hint that they + must exert themselves and not trust to cannon if they intend to get a + market in China. + +The views to which he here refers were expressed in his reply in the +following forcible language:-- + +[Sidenote: Reply to merchants' address.] + + In my communication with the functionaries of the Chinese Government, + I have been guided by two simple rules of action: I have never + preferred a demand which I did not believe to be both moderate and + just, and from a demand so preferred I have never receded. These + principles dictated the policy which resulted in the capture and + occupation of Canton. The same principles will be followed by me, with + the same determination, to their results, if it should be necessary to + repeat the experiment in the vicinity of the capital of the Emperor of + China. + + The expectations held out to British manufacturers at the close of the + last war between Great Britain and China, when they were told 'that a + new world was opened to their trade so 'vast that all the mills in + Lancashire could not make stocking-stuff sufficient for one of its + provinces,' have not been realised; and I am of opinion that when + force and diplomacy shall have done all that they can legitimately + effect, the work which has to be accomplished in China will be but at + its commencement. + + When the barriers which prevent free access to the interior of the + country shall have been removed, the Christian civilisation of the + West will find itself face to face, not with barbarism, but with an + ancient civilisation in many respects effete and imperfect, but in + others not without claims on our sympathy and respect. In the rivalry + which will then ensue, Christian civilisation will have to win its way + among a sceptical and ingenious people, by making it manifest that a + faith which reaches to Heaven furnishes better guarantees for public + and private morality than one which does not rise above the earth. + + At the same time the machina-facturing West will be in presence of a + population the most universally and laboriously manufacturing of any + on the earth. It can achieve victories in the contest in which it will + have to engage only by proving that physical knowledge and mechanical + skill, applied to the arts of production, are more than a match for + the most persevering efforts of unscientific industry. + +The journal proceeds as follows, under date of the 29th of March:-- + + I shall be a little curious to see my next letters. The truth is, that + the whole world just now are raving mad with a passion for killing and + slaying, and it is difficult for a person in his sober senses like + myself to keep his own among them. However I shall be glad to see what + Parliament says about Canton. + +[Sidenote: Baths for the million.] +[Sidenote: Malevolence towards Chinese.] + + _March 30th._--Baron Gros arrived to-day. I forgot to mention that I + visited the town of Shanghae yesterday, and among other things went + into a bathing establishment, where coolies were getting steamed + rather than bathed at rather less than a penny a head, which penny + includes, moreover, a cup of tea. So that these despised Chinamen have + bathing-houses for the million. With us they are a recent invention: + they have had them, I believe, for centuries. I am told that they are + much used by the labouring class. I was struck by an instance of the + malevolence towards the Chinese, which I met with to-day. Baron Gros + told me that a boat with some unarmed French officers and seamen got + adrift at a place called the Cape of Good Hope, as he was coming up + from Hong-Kong. They found themselves off an island, on the shore of + which a crowd of armed Chinese collected. Their situation was + disagreeable enough. Next day, however, the body of the Chinese + dispersed, and a few who remained came forward in the kindest manner + offering them food, &c. They stated that they came down in arms to + defend themselves, fearing that they were pirates, but that as they + were peaceful people they were glad to serve them. I have heard the + first part of this story from two other quarters, _but the latter part + was in both cases omitted._ + +[Sidenote: Burial practices.] + + _April 3rd._--I took another walk yesterday into the country, and saw + a kind of tower where dead children, whom the parents are too poor to + bury, are deposited. It is a kind of pigeonhouse about twenty feet + high, and the babies are dropped through the pigeon-holes. After that + I walked into a spacious building where coffins containing dead bodies + are stored, awaiting a lucky day for the burial, or for some other + reason. The coffins are so substantial and the place so well + ventilated that there was nothing at all disagreeable in it. There is + something touching in the familiarity with which the Chinese treat the + dead. + +[Sidenote: Roman Catholic mission.] + + _Shanghae.--Easter Sunday._--I have been at church.... In the + afternoon I walked to the Roman Catholic cathedral, which is about + three miles from the Consulate. I found a really handsome, or at any + rate spacious, building, well decorated. The priests were very civil. + They count 80,000 converts (a considerable portion, I take it, + descendants of the Christian converts made by the missionaries ages + ago) in this province. It is impossible to help contrasting their + proceedings with those of the Protestants. They come out here to pass + the whole of their lives in evangelising the heathen, never think of + home, live on the same fare and dress in the same attire as the + natives. The Protestants (generally) hardly leave the ports, where + they have excellent houses, wives, families, go home whenever self or + wife is unwell, &c. I passed an American missionary's house yesterday. + It was a great square building, situated in a garden, and at the + entrance gate there was a modest barn-like edifice, large enough to + hold about twenty sitters, which on inquiry I found to be the church. + These people have excellent situations, good salaries, so much for + every child, allowances for sickness, &c. They make hardly any + converts, but then they console themselves by saying, that the Roman + Catholics who make all these sacrifices do it from a bad motive, teach + idolatry, &c. I cannot say, but I must admit that the priests whom I + met to-day talked like very sensible men, and that the appearance of + the young Chinamen (_séminaristes_) whom I saw was most satisfactory. + They had an intelligent, cheerful look, greatly superior to that of + the Roman Catholic seminarists generally in Europe. The priests bear + testimony to their aptitude in learning, their docility and good + conduct. They have an organ in the cathedral, the pipes of which are + all made of bamboo. It seems to have an excellent tone. + +[Sidenote: and college.] + + _April 7th._--I went on Monday to visit a college which the priests + have about six miles off, with about seventy scholars. It appeared to + be in good order. I walked back with a priest who had been in Canada + in our time. He was talkative, and gave me a good deal of information + about the Jesuits. It came on to rain very hard as we returned, but we + found our letters from home to reward us on our arrival.... No doubt, + as you say, one cannot help sometimes regretting that one is mixed up + with so bad a business as this in China, but then in some respects it + is a great opportunity for doing good, or at least for mitigating + evil. + +[Sidenote: American missionary.] + + I had a visit to-day from Dr. B., who is, I believe, the most eminent + of the American missionaries in China. He began by expressing his + gratitude to me for the merciful way in which matters had been + conducted at Canton, adding that they were _bad_ people, that they + insulted foreigners. He had lived among them fifteen years, and had + never been insulted when alone. He always went about without even a + stick, and they knew that he did not wish to injure them, &c. I then + asked him whether there was not some inconsistency in what he had said + about their treatment of himself and the epithet 'bad' which he had + applied to them. He said that perhaps the word was too strong, that he + was much attached to the Chinese, but that certain classes at Canton + were no doubt very hostile to foreigners, and that the chastisement + they had received was quite necessary. I really believe that what Dr. + B. said is pretty nearly the truth of the case, and it is satisfactory + to me that the fact that I laboured to spare the people should be + known, known not only by those who approve, but by those who abhor + clemency. + +From the foregoing and similar extracts, it will be seen how much interest +he took in the labours of the missionaries, and at the same time with what +breadth and calmness of view he handled a subject peculiarly liable to +exaggeration on one side or the other. During his stay at Shanghae, it was +brought before him officially in the shape of an address from the +Protestant missionaries of the port, praying him, in the first place, to +obtain a separate decree of toleration in favour of Protestantism, distinct +from that which the French had already obtained for the 'Religion of the +Lord of Heaven;' and, in the second place, to procure for them greater +liberty of travelling and preaching in all parts of China. His reply +contained words of grave warning, which have a special interest when read +by the light of recent events. After saying that 'it certainly appeared to +him to be reasonable and proper that the professors of different Christian +denominations should be placed in China on a footing of equality,' he +proceeded as follows:-- + +[Sidenote: Reply to address of Protestant missionaries.] + + I should be wanting in candour, however, if I were not to state that, + in my opinion, the demands which you prefer involve, in some of their + details and consequences, questions of considerable nicety. + + Christian nations claim for their subjects or citizens, who sojourn in + the East under heathen Governments, privileges of exterritoriality. + They are bound, therefore, when they seek to extend their rights of + residence and occupation, to take care that those exceptional + privileges be not abused, to the prejudice of the countries conceding + them. + + I cannot say that I think that the Christian nations who have + established a footing in China, under the sanction of treaty + stipulations obtained by others, or in virtue of agreements made + directly by the Chinese Governments with themselves, have in all cases + duly recognised this obligation. + + Unless I am greatly misinformed, many vile and reckless men, protected + by the privileges to which I have referred, and still more by the + terror which British prowess has inspired, are now infesting the + coasts of China. It may be that for the moment they are able, in too + many cases, to perpetrate the worst crimes with impunity; but they + bring discredit on the Christian name; inspire hatred of the foreigner + where no such hatred exists; and, as some recent instances prove, + teach occasionally to the natives a lesson of vengeance, which, when + once learnt, may not always be applied with discrimination. + + But if the extension of the privileges of foreigners in China involves + considerations of nicety, still more delicate are the questions which + arise when it is proposed to confer by treaty on foreign Powers the + right to interfere on behalf of natives who embrace their religion. It + is most right and fitting that Chinamen espousing Christianity should + not be persecuted. It is most wrong and most prejudicial to the real + interests of the Faith that they should be tempted to put on a + hypocritical profession in order to secure thereby the advantages of + abnormal protection. + + +[1] Mr. Oliphant's 'Narrative' contains an interesting account of + the places which he visited in the execution of this mission. + +[2] Bruce, Robert, and Frederick, his three sons. + +[3] See his 'Narrative,' vol. i. c. xi. + +[4] A sacred island, in the 'sea of water-lilies.' + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +FIRST MISSION TO CHINA. TIENTSIN. + +ADVANCE TO THE PEIHO--TAKING OF THE FORTS--THE PEIHO RIVER-- +TIENTSIN--NEGOTIATIONS--THE TREATY--THE RIGHT OF SENDING A MINISTER TO +PEKIN--RETURN SOUTHWARD--SAILS FOR JAPAN. + + +The establishment of the principle of direct communication with the +Imperial Government at the capital had always been regarded as one of the +most important objects of Lord Elgin's mission. When, therefore, in reply +to his letter addressed to the Prime Minister, there came an answer from a +provincial officer, he returned it at once, and wrote again to the Prime +Minister, pointing out that, by refusing to correspond with him directly, +the Minister had broken the existing treaty, by which it was agreed that +'Her Britannic Majesty's Chief High Officer shall correspond with the +Chinese High Officers, both at the capital and in the provinces, under the +term "communication;"' and announcing that he should proceed at once to the +North, in order that he might place himself in more immediate communication +with the High. Officers of the Imperial Government at the capital. +Accordingly, he arranged with Baron Gros that they should meet in the Gulf +of Pecheli, at the mouth of the Peiho, backed by their respective fleets, +and with the moral support of the presence of the Russian and American +Plenipotentiaries. + +In carrying out these plans everything depended, in his judgment, on acting +promptly; and he was therefore most desirous that the supporting force +should collect at once at the appointed spot, and that it should include a +considerable number of gunboats of light draught, capable of passing over +the mud-banks which form a bar at the mouth of the Peiho river. In this, +however, he was disappointed, and many weeks elapsed before any vigorous +measures could be taken. The delay, as may be supposed, caused him much +annoyance and anxiety at the time; and he especially regretted it +afterwards, because it prevented him from personally visiting Pekin, as he +might have done at this time under circumstances peculiarly favourable; and +thus left the delicate question of access to the capital to be settled by +his successor, with no such advantage.[1] + +[Sidenote: Advance to the Peiho.] + + _H.M.S. 'Furious,' at sea.--April 11th_.--Here we are, gliding through + the smoothest possible sea, with a gentle wind, and this time + favourable, which relieves us of all the smoke and ashes of the + funnel,--an advantage for our eyes as well as conducive to our + comfort. We are in the midst of the Yellow Sea, going about eight + knots, dragging a gunboat astern to save her coal. This is the only + gunboat I have got. I trust, both on private and public grounds, that + we may succeed, because otherwise the consummation might be put off + for a year, or at least till the autumn, and God knows what might + happen in the interval. The Russian Plenipotentiary, with his own + small vessel--dragging behind him, however, a junk well laden with + coals and provisions--sailed the day before me. I followed on the 10th + (yesterday). The French and American are to follow. It is amusing to + see how we play our parts. Putiatine and I are always together, + visiting every port, looking into everything with our own eyes. Our + colleagues, with their big ships, arrive sooner or later at the great + places of rendezvous. + +[Sidenote: Aground.] + + _April 13th, Nine P.M._--We had an adventure this afternoon. I was on + the paddle-box bridge watching, as we passed between the town of Tung- + Chow Foo (a long wall, as it seemed, stretching for about four miles, + with a temple at the nearest end) and the island of Meantau, when I + felt a shock,--and, behold! we were aground. Our gunboat, which we + towed, not being able to check its speed at a moment's notice, ran + foul of us, and we both suffered a little in the scuffle. We got off + in about two hours. On the whole, I am rather glad that we have a + gunboat with us, for if anything serious did happen, it would be + rather awkward, under existing circumstances, to be cast on the coast + of China. It is as well to have two strings to one's bow. + + _April 14th._--This morning it was thick and pretty rough. It is now + (4 P.M.) very bright and comparatively smooth. We have seen no land + to-day, nor, indeed, anything but sea and a few junks. Shall we meet + any vessels at the rendezvous? A few hours will tell. + +[Sidenote: The rendezvous.] + + _April 15th._--We saw, at about 5 P.M. yesterday, Russian at anchor, + and went towards her, but were afterwards obliged to remove to some + distance, as we had not water enough where she is. While we were going + to our berth, the 'Pique' came in sight. So here we are--'Pique' + 'Furious' and 'Slaney' (gunboat), in an open sea, land not even + risible. Captain Osborn started off this morning, in the gunboat, to + sound and find out what chance we have of getting over the bar at the + mouth of the Peiho. Putiatine came on board this morning. He has sent + to the shore a note announcing his arrival. I am not disposed to do + anything of the kind. The best plan, as it appears to me, is to move + steadily up the river as soon as we can get ever the bar, and let the + Chinese stop us if they dare. Putiatine says that he will follow me, + if I pass without any resistance being offered, but that he must not + go first, as his Government forbids him to provoke hostilities. This + division of labour suits me very well. + + _April 19th._--I have nothing to write about. You may imagine what it + is to be at anchor in this gulf with nothing to do.... If I had had my + gunboats, I might have been up the Peiho ere this. I might perhaps + have brought the Emperor to his senses.... Meanwhile Reed is arrived. + Gros is last, but he is bringing his Admiral and force with him. + + _April 21st._--Gros arrived last evening. He is very well disposed, and + ready to act with me. The French Admiral may be expected any day. We + are going to make a communication to Pekin to invite a Plenipotentiary + to meet us here, as we cannot go up to Tientsin. + +About a week afterwards the bar was crossed; but it was not until three +more weeks had passed that the forts at the mouth of the river were taken, +in order to secure the passage of the Envoys up to Tientsin. + +[Sidenote: Taking of the forts.] + + _May 21st._--I have spent during the last three weeks the worst time I + have passed since 1849, and really I have not been capable of writing. + The forts were taken yesterday. The Chinese had had several weeks to + prepare, and their moral was greatly raised by our hesitations and + delays. The poor fellows even stood at their guns and fired away + pretty steadily. But as they hardly ever hit, it is of very little + consequence how much they fire. As soon as our men landed they + abandoned the forts and ran off in all directions. We have hardly had + any loss, I believe; but the French, who blundered a good deal with + their gunboats, and then contrived to get blown up by setting fire to + a powder magazine, have suffered pretty severely. I fancy that we have + got almost all the artillery which the Chinese Empire possesses in + this quarter.... This affair of yesterday, in a strategical point of + view was a much more creditable affair than the taking of Canton. Our + gunboats and men appear to have done well, and though they were + opposed to poor troops, still they were troops, and not crowds of + women and children, who were the victims of the bombardment at Canton. + + _May 22nd._--Would that you had been a true prophet! Yet there is + something of inspiration in your writing on the 1st of March: 'I was + fancying you even now, perhaps, ascending the Peiho with a train of + gunboats!' + + _May 23rd._--These wretched Chinese are for the most part unarmed. + When they are armed, they have no notion of directing their firearms. + They are timorous, and without either tactics or discipline. I will + venture to say that twenty-four determined men, with revolvers and a + sufficient number of cartridges, might walk through China from one end + to another. + + _May 25th._--No news since I began this letter, except a vague report + that the Admirals are moving up the river slowly, meeting with no + resistance, rather a friendly reception, from the people. I am + surprised that we have not yet heard anything from Pekin. I hope the + Emperor will not fly to Tartary, because that would be a new + perplexity. I am not quite in such bad spirits as last week, because + at least now there is some chance of our getting this miserable war + finished, and thus of my obtaining my liberty again.... We ought to + have a mail from England any day.... Changes of Government have this + inconvenience, that of course the new-comers cannot possibly take time + to read over previous correspondence, so that they must be but + partially informed on many points,... but no doubt at this distance it + is practically impossible for Government to give instructions, and all + the responsibility must rest on the agent on the spot. At this moment, + when I am moving up to Pekin, I am receiving the despatches of the + Government commenting upon the Canton proceedings, and asking me: What + do you intend to do next? + + _May 27th._--I have been pacing the deck looking at the dancing waves + sparkling under a bright full moon. It is the third time, I think, + that I have seen it since I have been in this gulf. I had a message + last night late from the Admiral, stating that he is within two miles + of Tientsin! I sent Frederick up that he might see what is going on, + and let me know when I ought to advance. I had also a communication + from the Chinese Plenipotentiaries, but it was not of much importance. + I do not think that these poor, timorous people have any notion of + resisting. I only trust that they may make up their minds to concede + what is requisite at once, and enable us all to have done with it. + + _May 28th._--The last news from Canton shows that the kind of panic + which had been, in my opinion most needlessly, got up, is subsiding, + and the General has sent up a few men--for which I ought to thank him, + as he had only been asked whether he could supply any if wanted. + + _May 29th._--I have a short despatch from the new Government, giving + me latitude to do anything I choose if I will only finish the affair. + Meanwhile Frederick writes from Tientsin to recommend me to proceed + thither, and I intend to be off this afternoon. There appears to be on + the part of the Chinese no attempt at resistance, but on the other + hand no movement to treat. This passivity is, of course, our danger, + and it is one which slowness on our part tends to increase. However, + we must hope for the best. + +[Sidenote: On the Peiho.] +[Sidenote: Tientsin.] + + _Yamun, Tientsin.--May 30th._--Only look at my date, does it not + astonish you? I hardly yet realise to myself where I am. I started at + about 4.30 P.M. yesterday from the 'Furious,' crossed the bar, at the + forts at the entrance of the river, picked up Gros and the French + mission, whose vessel could not get on, and moved on to this place. + The night was lovely--a moon nearly full. The banks, perfectly flat + and treeless at first, became fringed with mud villages, silent as the + grave, and trees standing like spectres over the stream. There we went + ceaselessly on through this silvery silence, panting and breathing + flame. Through the night-watches, when no Chinaman moves, when the + junks cast anchor, we laboured on, cutting ruthlessly and recklessly + through the waters of that glancing and startled river, which, until + within the last few weeks, no stranger keel had ever furrowed! Whose + work are we engaged in, when we burst thus with hideous violence and + brutal energy into these darkest and most mysterious recesses of the + traditions of the past? I wish I could answer that question in a + manner satisfactory to myself. At the same time, there is certainly + not much to regret in the old civilisation which we are thus + scattering to the winds. A dense population, timorous and pauperised, + such would seem to be its chief product. I passed most of the night on + deck, and at about 4 A.M. we reached a point in the centre of the + suburb of Tientsin, at which the Great Canal joins the Tientsin or + Peiho river. There I found the Admirals, Frederick, &c. Frederick had + got this yamun for us, half of which I have had to give to my French + colleague. It consists of a number of detached rooms, scattered about + a garden. I have installed myself in the joss-house, my bedroom being + on one side, and my sitting-room on the other, of the idol's altar. We + have a letter informing us that the Emperor has named two great + Officers of State to come here and treat, and our Admirals are in very + good humour, so that matters look well for the present. + + _June 1st._--I found my joss-house so gloomy and low, that I have + returned to my first quarter in the garden, on a mound overlooking the + river. It consists, of a single room, part of which is screened off by + a curtain for a bedroom. It is hot during the day, but nothing much to + complain of. I took a walk yesterday. The country is quite flat, + cultivated in wheat, millet, &c. Instead of the footpaths of the + southern parts of China, there are roads for carriages, and wheeled + carts dragged by mules in tandem going along them. I have not been in + the town, but some of the party were there this morning, and one had + his pocket picked, which is a proof of civilisation. They say it is a + poor place, the people stupid-looking and curious, but not as yet + unfriendly. + + _June 4th._--I am to have an interview with the Chinese + Plenipotentiaries to-day. I devoutly hope it may lead to a speedy and + satisfactory pacific settlement; but I am sending to Hong-Kong for + troops, in order to be prepared for all eventualities. In sum, my + policy has resulted in this:--I have complete military command of the + capital of China, without having broken off relations with the neutral + Powers, and without having interrupted, for a single day, our trade at + the different ports of the empire. + +[Sidenote: Negotiations.] + + _Tientsin.--June 5th_--After sending off your letter yesterday, I went + to have my first official interview with the Chinese + Plenipotentiaries. I made up my mind, disgusting as the part is to me, + to act the _rōle_ of the 'uncontrollably fierce barbarian,' as we are + designated in some of the confidential reports to the Chinese + Government which have come into our hands. These stupid people, though + they cannot resist, and hardly even make a serious attempt to do so, + never yield anything except under the influence of fear; and it is + necessary therefore to make them feel that one is in earnest, and that + they have nothing for it but to give way. Accordingly I got a guard of + 150 marines and the band of the 'Calcutta,' and set off with all my + suite in chairs, _tambour battant_ for the place of rendezvous. It was + about two-and-a-half miles off, and the heat of the sun very great. + The road carried us through several narrow streets of the suburb, then + across a plain, till we reached a temple at which the + Plenipotentiaries were awaiting us. A dense crowd of Chinese men--I + saw not one woman--lined the route. Curiosity chiefly was depicted on + their countenances; some looked frightened; but I observed no symptoms + of ill-will. At the entrance of the temple were two blind musicians, + playing something like squeaking bagpipes. This was the Chinese band. + We marched in with all our force, which drew up in a sort of court + before an open verandah, where refreshments were set out, and the + dignitaries awaited us. I was received by the Imperial Commissioner, + and conducted to a seat at a small table covered with little plates of + sweetmeats, &c. One of the Chinese Plenipotentiaries sat on either + side of me. It was a very pretty scene, and the place was decorated in + very good taste with flowers, &c. As my neighbours showed no + disposition to talk, I began by asking after their health and that of + the Emperor. They then said that they had received the Emperor's + orders to come down to treat of our affairs. I answered, that although + I was much grieved by the neglect of the Prime Minister to answer the + letters I had addressed to him, yet as they had on their cards stated + that they had 'full powers,' I had consented to have this interview in + order that we might compare our powers, and see whether we could treat + together. I told them that I had brought mine, and I at once exhibited + them, giving them a translation of the documents. They said they had + not powers of the same kind, but a decree of the Emperor appointing + them, and they brought out a letter which was wrapped up in a sheet of + yellow paper. The chief Plenipotentiary rose and raised the paper + reverentially over his head before unfolding it. I thought the terms + of this document rather ambiguous, besides which I was desirous to + produce a certain effect; so when it had been translated to me, I said + that I was not sufficiently satisfied with it to be able to say on the + spot whether I could treat with them or not; that I would, if they + pleased, take a copy of it and consider the matter; but that I would + not enter upon business with them at present. So saying I rose, moved + to the front of the stage, and ordered the escort to move and the + chairs to be brought. This put the poor people into a terrible + fluster. They made great efforts to induce me to sit down again, but I + acted the part of the 'uncontrollably fierce' to perfection, and set + off for my abode. I had hardly reached it when I received two cards + from my poor mandarins, thanking me for having gone so far to meet + them, &c. + + _June 12th._--I have gone through a good deal since we parted. + Certainly I have seen more to disgust me with my fellow-countrymen + than I saw during the whole course of my previous life, since I have + found them in the East among populations too timid to resist and too + ignorant to complain. I have an instinct in me which loves + righteousness and hates iniquity, and all this keeps me in a perpetual + boil. + +[Sidenote: Treaty signed.] + + _June 29th._--I have not written for some days, but they have been + busy ones.... We went on fighting and bullying, and getting the poor + Commissioners to concede one point after another, till Friday the + 25th, when we had reason to believe all was settled, and that the + signature was to take place on the following day.... On Friday + afternoon, however, Baron Gros came to me with a message from the + Russian and American Ministers, to induce me to recede from two of my + demands--1. A resident minister at Pekin; and, 2. Permission to our + people to trade in the interior of China; because, as they said, the + Chinese Plenipotentiaries had told them that they had received a + decree from the Emperor, stating that they should infallibly lose + their heads if they gave way on these points.... The resident minister + at Pekin I consider far the most important matter gained by the + Treaty; the power to trade in the interior hardly less so.... I had at + stake not only these important points in my treaty, for which I had + fought so hard, but I know not what behind. For the Chinese are such + fools, that it was impossible to tell, if we gave way on one point, + whether they would not raise difficulties on every other. I sent for + the Admiral; gave him a hint that there was a great opportunity for + England; that all the Powers were deserting me on a point which they + had _all_, in their original applications to Pekin, demanded, and + which they all intended to claim if I got it; that therefore we had it + in our power to claim our place of priority in the East, by obtaining + this when others would not insist on it? Would he back me?... This was + the forenoon of Saturday, 26th. The Treaty was to be signed in the + evening. I may mention, as a proof of the state of people's minds, + that Admiral Seymour told me that the French Admiral had urged him to + dine with him, assuring him that no Treaty would be signed that day! + Well, I sent Frederick to the Imperial Commissioners, to tell them + that I was indignant beyond all expression at their having attempted + to communicate with me through third parties; that I was ready to sign + at once the Treaty as it stood; but that, if they delayed or + retracted, I should consider negotiations at an end, go to Pekin, and + demand a great deal more, &c.... Frederick executed this most + difficult task admirably, and at 6 P.M. I signed the Treaty of + Tientsin.... I am now anxiously waiting some communication from Pekin. + Till the Emperor accepts the Treaty, I shall hardly feel safe. Please + God he may ratify without delay! I am sure that I express the wish + just as much in the interest of China as in ours. Though I have been + forced to act almost brutally, I am China's friend in all this. + +[Sidenote: Articles of the Treaty.] + +It may be well here to recapitulate the chief articles of the Treaty thus +concluded, which may be briefly summed up as follows:-- + +The Queen of Great Britain to be at liberty, if she see fit, to appoint an +Ambassador, who may reside permanently at Pekin, or may visit it +occasionally, at the option of the British Government; + +Protestants and Roman Catholics to be alike entitled to the protection of +the Chinese authorities; + +British subjects to be at liberty to travel to all parts of the interior, +under passports issued by their Consuls; + +British ships to be at liberty to trade upon the Great River (Yangtze); + +Five additional ports to be opened to trade; + +The Tariff fixed by the Treaty of Nankin to be revised; + +British subjects to have the option of clearing their goods of all transit +duties by payment of a single charge, to be calculated as nearly as +possible at the rate of 2-1/2 per cent. _ad valorem_; + +The character 'I' (Barbarian) to be no longer applied in official documents +to British subjects; + +The Chinese to pay 2,000,000 taels (about 650,000_l._) for losses at +Canton, and an equal sum for the expenses of the war. + +[Sidenote: Reasons for moderation.] +[Sidenote: Right of sending an ambassador,] + +In bringing this Treaty to a conclusion Lord Elgin might have said of +himself as truly as of the brother who had so ably helped him in arranging +its terms, that he 'felt very sensibly the painfulness of the position of a +negotiator, who has to treat with persons who yield nothing to reason and +everything to fear, and who are at the same time profoundly ignorant both +of the subjects under discussion and of their own real interests.' Moreover +he had constantly to recollect that, under the 'most favoured nation' +clause, every concession made to British subjects would be claimed by the +subjects, or persons calling themselves the subjects, of other Powers, by +whom they were only too likely to be employed for the promotion of +rebellion and disorder within the empire, or for the establishment of +privileged smuggling and piracy along its coasts and up its rivers. In all +these circumstances he saw grounds for exercising forbearance and +moderation; and his forbearance and moderation were rewarded by the +readiness with which the Emperor sanctioned the Treaty, and the amicable +manner in which its details were subsequently settled. One exception there +was to this moderation on his part, and to this readiness on theirs; viz. +his insisting, against the earnest remonstrances of the Imperial +Commissioners, backed by the intercession of the Russian and American +envoys, on the right of sending an ambassador to Pekin. But it was an +exception of that kind which is said to prove the rule; for the stipulation +was one which could not lead to abuses, and which would be conducive, as he +believed, in the highest decree to the true interests of both the +contracting parties. He was convinced that so long as the system of +entrusting the conduct of foreign affairs to a Provincial Government +endured, there could be no security for the maintenance of pacific +relations. On the one hand the Provincial Governors were entirely without +any sentiment of nationality, caring for nothing but the interests of their +own provinces: nor were they in a position to exercise any independence of +judgment, their lives and fortunes being absolutely at the disposal of a +jealous Government, so that it was generally their most prudent course to +allow any abuses to pass unnoticed rather than risk their heads by +reporting unwelcome truths. On the other Land the central Government, in +which alone a national feeling and an independent judgment were to be +looked for, was profoundly ignorant on all questions of foreign policy, and +must continue to be so as long as the Department for Foreign Affairs was +established in the provinces. For these reasons he regarded the principle +that a British minister might henceforth reside at Pekin, and hold direct +intercourse with imperial ministers at the capital, as being, of all the +concessions in the Treaty, the one pregnant with the most important +consequences.[2] + +[Sidenote: to be kept in reserve.] + +But, the right once secured, he was very desirous that it should be +exercised with all possible consideration for the long-cherished prejudices +of the Chinese on the subject, who looked forward with the utmost horror to +the invasion of their capital by foreign ministers, with, their wives and +establishments; these latter being, as it appeared, in their eyes more +formidable than the ministers themselves. Accordingly, when the Imperial +Commissioners addressed to him a very temperate and respectful +communication, urging that the exercise of the Treaty-right in question +would be of serious prejudice to China, mainly because, in the present +crisis of her domestic troubles it would tend to cause a loss of respect +for their Government in the minds of her subjects, he gladly forwarded +their memorial to the Government in England, supporting it with the strong +expression of his own opinion, that 'if Her Majesty's Ambassador should be +properly received at Pekin when the ratifications were exchanged next year, +it would be expedient that Her Majesty's Representative in China should be +instructed to choose a place of residence elsewhere than at Pekin, and to +make his visits either periodical, or only as frequent as the exigencies of +the public service might require.' With much shrewdness he pointed out that +the actual presence of a minister hi a place so uncongenial, especially +during the winter months, when the thermometer falls to 40° below zero, +might possibly be to the Mandarin mind less awe-inspiring than the +knowledge of the fact that he had the power to take up his abode there +whenever the conduct of the Chinese Government gave occasion; and that thus +the policy which he recommended would 'leave in the hands of Her Majesty's +Government, to be wielded at its will, a moral lever of the most powerful +description to secure the faithful observance of the Treaty in all time to +come.' + +[Sidenote: Return southward.] + + _At Sea, Gulf of Pecheli.--July 5th_.--At last I am actually off--on + my way home? May I hope that it is so? I got on Sunday the Emperor's + assent to the Treaty, in the form in which I required it; sent + immediately down to stop the troops, and set off myself on Tuesday at + noon for the Gulf. We sailed yesterday afternoon, with the intention, + if possible, of seeing the great Wall of China on our way to Shanghae, + but we have not been very successful, and have now put about, and are + moving southwards.... Frederick is going home with the Treaty, and I + proceed _via_ Japan.... + + _July 14th._--Frederick embarks to-night, and sails to-morrow morning + at four. I shall not know all that I lose, publicly and privately, by + his departure, till he is gone.... + + _Shanghae, Sunday, July 18th._--I have just returned from church. Such + an ordeal I never went through. If a benevolent lady, sitting behind + me, had not taken compassion on me, and handed me a fan, I think I + should have fainted.... Everyone says that the heat here surpasses + that felt anywhere else. They also affirm that this is an exceptional + season. + + _July 19th._--Writing has been an almost impossible task during these + few last days. The only thing I have been able to do has been to find + a doorway, or some other place, through which a draught was making its + way, and to sit there reading.... In sending Frederick away, I have + cut off my right arm, but I think, on the whole, it was better that he + should take the Treaty home,... and of course he is better able than + anyone else to explain what has been the real state of affairs + here.... It is impossible to acknowledge too strongly the obligation I + am under to him for the way in which he has helped me in my + difficulties. + +[Sidenote: Yeh] + + _July 21st._--As for Yeh, I cannot say very much for him; but the + account given of him by the Captain of the 'Inflexible,' who took him + to Calcutta, differs as widely as possible from that of the _Times'_ + Correspondent. He was very courteous and considerate, civil to + everybody, and giving no trouble. I suppose that there is no doubt of + the fact that he executed a vast number of rebels, and I, certainly, + who disapprove of all that sort of thing, am not going to defend that + proceeding. But it is fair to say that rebels are parricides by + Chinese law, and that, in so far as we can judge, nothing could have + been more brutal or more objectless than this Chinese rebellion. They + systematically murdered all--men, women, and children--of the dominant + race, and their supporters, on whom they could lay their hands. + Certain Americans and Europeans took them up at first because they + introduced a parody of some Christian doctrines into their + manifestoes. But these gentlemen are now, I think, heartily ashamed of + the sympathy which they gave them. + + _July 26th._--I heard yesterday a good piece of news. The Emperor has + named my friends, the Imperial Commissioners, to come down here to + settle the tariff, &c. This, I think, proves that the Emperor has made + up his mind to accept the Treaty and carry it out. I hope also that it + will enable me to settle the Canton affair. + +A few days later, finding that some weeks must elapse before the Imperial +Commissioners could arrive, he sailed for Nagasaki, in order to turn the +interval to account by endeavouring to negotiate a treaty with the Japanese +Government in accordance with the instructions which he had received when +leaving England. + + +[1] Those who remember the somewhat angry discussion which, arose + afterwards about this delay, its causes and its consequences, may be + struck with the fact that the subject is scarcely alluded to in any of + the extracts here given. The omission is intentional: Lord Elgin's + friends having no desire to rate up an extinct controversy which he + would have been the last to wish to see revived, and respecting which, + they have nothing to add to--as they have nothing to withdraw from-- + what he himself stated in the House of Lords on February 21, 1860. + +[2] Another article of the Treaty, though of less importance in + itself, has been brought by recent events into so much prominence that + it may be desirable to give in full the views of its author respecting + it. In his despatch of July 12, having mentioned, as one of the + principal commercial advantages obtained by British subjects, the + settlement of the vexed question of the transit duties, he proceeds:-- + + This subject presented considerable difficulty. As duties of octroi + are levied universally in China, on native as well as foreign + products, and as canals and roads are kept up at the expense of the + Government, it seemed to be unreasonable to require that articles, + whether of foreign or native production, by the simple process of + passing into the hands of foreigners, should become entitled to the + use of roads and canals toll-free, and should, moreover, be + relieved altogether from charges to which they would be liable if + the property of natives. On the other hand, experience had taught + us the inconvenience of leaving the amount of duties payable under + the head of transit-duties altogether undetermined. By requiring + the rates of transit-duty to be published at each port; and by + acquiring for the British subject the right to commute the said + duties for a payment of 2-1/2 per cent. on the value of his goods + (or rather, to speak more correctly, for the payment of a specific + duty calculated at that rate), I hope that I have provided for the + latter as effectual a guarantee against undue exactions on this head + as can be obtained without an entire subversion, of the financial + system of China. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +FIRST MISSION TO CHINA. JAPAN. + +EMBARK FOR JAPAN--COAST VIEWS--SIMODA--OFF YEDDO--YEDDO--CONFERENCES--A +COUNTRY RIDE--PEACE AND PLENTY--FEUDAL SYSTEM--A TEMPLE--A +JUGGLER--SIGNING THE TREATY--ITS TERMS--RETROSPECT. + + +[Sidenote: Embark for Japan.] + +'On the last day of July, 1858,' writes Mr. Oliphant, we embarked on board +the "Furious," delighted, under any circumstances, to escape from the +summer heats of Shanghae, were it only for a few weeks; but our +gratification increased by the anticipation of visiting scenes which had +ever been veiled in the mystery of a jealous and rigid seclusion.'... There +was a charm also in the very indefiniteness and uncertainty of the objects +of the expedition. 'I do not exactly know,' wrote Lord Elgin, 'what I shall +do when I get to Nagasaki; but, at any rate, I shall ascertain what my +chances are of making a satisfactory treaty with Japan.' + +The 'Furious' was accompanied by the 'Retribution' and by the 'Lee' +gunboat; and it was arranged that the Admiral should join them at Nagasaki. + + _Nagasaki.--August 3rd._--We have had beautiful weather, and have + reached this point,--a quiet, small-looking town, fringing the bottom + of a bay, which is itself the close of a channel passing between + ranges of high volcanic hills, rugged and bold, but luxuriant with + vegetation and trees, and cultivated in terraces up to their summits. + I have seen nothing so beautiful in point of scenery for many a long + day. No sort of difficulty has been made to our progress up to the + town. The only symptom of objection I observed was an official in a + boat, who waved a fan, and when he saw we took no notice, sat down + again and went on with a book which he seemed to be reading. On both + sides of the channel, however, there is a very formidable display of + cannons and works of defence, which I apprehend would not be very + formidable in action. I have heard little in the way of news yet, but + I am disposed to believe that nothing can be accomplished here, and + that if anything is to be done we must go on to Yeddo. It is still + hot, but the air, which comes down from these lofty hills, is, I + think, fresher than that which passes over the boundless level in the + vicinity of Shanghae. + + _August 4th_.--I have just had a visit from the Vice-Governor of + Nagasaki. One of his own suite did the interpretation. These are the + nicest people possible. None of the stiffness and bigotry of the + Chinese. I gave them luncheon, and it was wonderful how nicely they + managed with knives and forks and all other strange implements. The + Admiral arrived this forenoon. He now finds that his instructions + direct him to send the 'Emperor' yacht (which is to be a present) to + Yeddo. I shall take advantage of this and go to Yeddo myself at once. + I may do something, or find out what I can do. + + _August 5th.--Four P.M._--The heat yesterday, and for the two nights + at Nagasaki, was very great. It must be a charming place when the + temperature is low enough to admit of walks into the country. As it is + we have just passed into the sea, through what Captain Osborn calls a + succession of Mount Edgecumbes. I went ashore yesterday and this + morning, chiefly to make purchases. Things here are really beautiful + and cheap. The town is wonderfully clean after China. Not a beggar to + be seen. The people clean too; for one of the commonest sights is to + see a lady in the front of her house, or in the front-room, wide open + to the street, sitting in a tub washing herself. I never saw a place + where the cleanliness of the fair sex was established on such + unimpeachable ocular evidence. + +[Sidenote: Gales.] + + _August 6th.--Four P.M._--At anchor off the southernmost point of + Japan. It has been blowing hard all day, and our captain proposed, + that instead of rounding this point and facing the sea and wind, + against which we should not be able to make any way, we should creep + in under it and anchor. We intend to remain till the gale abates. + Nothing can be finer than the coast. We have passed to-day some very + high hills, one especially on an island to the right, and a conical- + shaped one on the left, on the Japan mainland. I see little sign of + population on this coast off which we are anchored: only one little + fishing village. There were a good many junks yesterday. It is very + hot though, and I find it difficult to sit at my table and write. + + _August 7th.--Three P.M._--Still at anchor in the same spot. The storm + has not abated, and the wind is dead against us. My time is so short + that I cannot well afford to lose any. + + _August 10th.--Ten A.M._--I wonder if I shall be able to write a few + lines legibly. There is still a good deal of motion, but a cool + breeze, which is such a relief after the sweltering six weeks we have + spent. Ahead of us is a great conical-shaped mountain, the sacred + mountain of Fusiama (etymologically 'the matchless mountain'), and + somewhere nearer on the long range of bold coast which we are + approaching, we expect to find Simoda. But I must tell you of our two + past days--days of suffering. At about twelve during the night of the + 7th, the wind shifted and began to blow into our anchorage, so as to + make it unsafe to stay there, and to promise us a fair wind if we + proceeded on our way; so off we started. We have had our fair wind, + but a great deal of it; and as the 'Furious' is both a bad sailer and + a good roller, we have passed a very wretched time,--every hole + through which air could come closed. However, we have made good + progress and burnt little coal, which is good for the public interest. + We see now in the distance two sails, which we suppose may be our + consorts, the 'Emperor' and 'Retribution.' We have travelled some 1000 + miles since we left Shanghae, besides spending two days at Nagasaki. + +[Sidenote: Coast view.] + + _Same day.--Noon_.--It is a magnificent prospect which we have from + the paddle-box. Immediately before us a bold junk, its single large + sail set, and scudding before the breeze. Beyond, a white cloud, + slight at the base, and swelling into the shape of a balloon as it + rises. We have discovered that it rests on a mountain dimly visible in + the distance, and which we recognise as the volcanic island of Oosima. + Towards the right the wide sea dotted with two or three rocky islets. + On the left of the volcano island a point of land rising into a bold + and rocky coast, along which the eye is carried till it encounters a + mighty bank of white clouds piled up one upon another, out of which + rises clear and blue, with a white streak upon the side which seems to + tell of perpetual snow, the cone-shaped top of Fusiama. Passing on the + eye from this magnificent object to the left still farther, the rocky + coast is followed till it loses itself in the distance. What is almost + more charming than the scene is the fresh breeze which is carrying off + the accumulated fever of weeks. + +[Sidenote: Simoda.] + + _August 12th._--At sea again. (Grouse day. I am following different + game.) We dropped anchor in the harbour of Simoda on the 10th at about + 3 P.M. I went off immediately to see the American Consul-General, Mr. + Harris, the only foreigner resident at Simoda. I found him living in + what had been a temple, but what in point of fact makes a very nice + cottage, overlooking the bay. As soon as we anchored we began to feel + the heat, though not so great as at Shanghae. I found that the Consul + had contrived to make a pretty good treaty with Japan, evidently under + the influence of the _contrecoup_ of our proceedings in China. He had + had an interview with the Emperor, but it transpired that he had a + letter of credence, which I have not, and that Putiatine, not having + one, is not permitted to go to Yeddo. I also learnt that there is no + way of communicating with the Japanese officials except through the + Dutch language. Being without a Dutch interpreter, and without letters + of credence, my case looked bad enough. However, I made great friends + with the American, and the result is that he has lent me his own + interpreter, who is now beside me translating into Dutch a letter from + me to the Foreign Minister of the Japanese Emperor. You see how I was + situated. The problem I had to solve was:--How to make a treaty + without _time_ (for I cannot stay here above a few days), + _interpreter_, or _credentials_ !! When I say credentials, I do not + mean _full powers_. _These_ I have, but prestige is everything in the + East, and I should not like to be prevented from seeing the Emperor, + now that the American has been received. We shall see how we can get + out of all this. + +The lack of credentials was practically supplied by the steam-yacht +'Emperor,' which he had to present to the Tycoon as a gift from her +Majesty; and the duties of interpreter were discharged for him throughout +in the most efficient manner by the gentleman above referred to, Mr. +Heusken, the American Secretary, whom he found 'not only competent for his +special work, but also in the highest degree intelligent and obliging.' + +[Sidenote: Amiability.] +[Sidenote: Cleanliness.] +[Sidenote: Temples.] + + _Same date._--Simoda is a pretty place, lying on flat ground at the + head of a short bay, with rocky volcanic-looking hills, covered with + fine trees and intersected by valleys all around. The people seem the + most amiable on earth. Crime and pauperism seem little known. All + anxious to do kindnesses to strangers, and steadily refusing pay. + There are innumerable officials with their double-swords, but they + appear to be on the most easy terms with the people. To judge from the + amount of clothing worn by both sexes, it does not seem likely that + there will be any great demand for Manchester cotton goods. I cannot + say what it may be in winter, but in summer they seem to place a very + filial reliance on nature. They are the cleanest people too. The + floors of their houses are covered with mats which are stuffed + beneath, and which serve for beds, floors, tables, &c. It is proper to + take off the shoes or sandals on entering the houses or temples. I + looked into one or two bathing-houses, which are most unlike those I + saw at Shanghae;--an inner room which is a kind of steam-bath, and an + outer room where the process of drying goes on. The difference in + China is, that it is only the men that clean themselves there, whereas + the rights of the fair sex on this point are fully recognised in + Japan, and in order that there may be no inequality in the way they + are exercised, all bathe together. I visited some temples. Though + Buddhistic, they had not the hideous figures which are seen in the + Chinese temples. They were generally prettily situated near the foot + of the rocky and wood-covered cliffs, with flights of steps running up + to shrines among the rocks. They were surrounded by numerous monuments + to the departed, consisting generally of little pilasters, squared on + the sides, and bearing inscriptions, surrounded by a coping or ball. + On the pedestal, &c., in front of the pilaster, generally, were one or + two branches of what looked like myrtle stuck into pieces of bamboo + which serve for flower-pots. These monuments, crowded together around + the temples and overshadowed by the lofty trees, had a very graceful + effect. + + We have just committed an act of vigour. In place of going into the + harbour of Kanagawa where Count Putiatine is at anchor, I have + determined to proceed to a point several miles higher up nearer to + Yeddo. We completely foil by our audacity all the poor Japanese + officials. I have said nothing of the bazaar of Simoda, where there + were a great many pretty things, of which I bought some, nor of a + visit which the Governor paid to me. He was a very jolly fellow, liked + his luncheon and a joke. He made the conventional protests against my + going on, &c., but when he saw it was of no use, he dropped the + subject. The Japanese are a most curious contrast to the Chinese, so + anxious to learn, and so _prévenants_. God grant that in opening their + country to the West, we may not be bringing upon them misery and ruin. + +[Sidenote: Off Yeddo.] +[Sidenote: Sanctity of custom.] + + _Off Yeddo.--August 14th._--We moved yesterday to within about one + mile of the shore off the suburb of Yeddo. The shore is flat, and the + buildings of the town, interspersed with trees and enclosures, seem to + stretch to a great distance along the crescent-shaped bay. Immediately + in front of the town and opposite to us are five large batteries. Four + Japanese men-of-war built on European models are anchored beside us. + Three princes came off to see me yesterday. They were exceedingly + civil, but very anxious to get me to go back to Kanagawa, a port about + ten miles down the bay, from which they said they would convey me by + land to Yeddo. Of course I would not agree to this. They were very + much puzzled (and no wonder) by my two names. I complimented the + prince on the beautiful Fusiama, calling it a high mountain. 'Oh!' he + said at once, 'I have seen a scale of mountains, and I know that there + are many much higher than Fusiama.' There were persons in the suite + taking down in shorthand every word that passed in conversation, and I + thought I saw in one of their note-books a sketch of my face. No doubt + these were spies also, to watch and report on the proceedings of the + officials, for that seems to be the great means of government in + Japan. Still there is no appearance of oppression or fear anywhere. It + seems to be a matter of course that every man should fill the place + and perform the function which custom and law prescribe, and that he + should be denounced if he fail to do so. The Emperor is never allowed + to leave the precincts of his palace, and everybody, high and low, is + under a rigid rule of _convenances_, which does not seem to be felt to + be burdensome. I am afraid they are not much disposed to do things in + a hurry, and that I must discover some means of hastening them, if I + am to get my treaty before returning to Shanghae. + +[Sidenote: Hereditary princes.] + + _August 16th._--Princes, five in number, arrived on board yesterday at + about 3 P.M. Among them was the Lord High Admiral, a very intelligent + well-bred man. It was agreed that I was to land to-day, and some + discussion took place as to the house I was to inhabit. They said that + they could give me the choice of two, but that they recommended the + one farthest from the palace as being in best repair. I chose the one + nearest the palace, because one is always obliged to be on one's guard + against slights, but it has ruined so much to-day that I have sent to + say that I will not land till to-morrow, and to inquire where I can + really be best lodged. I have handed to the authorities a draft of my + treaty. The chief interpreter, by name Moriama (the 'wooded + mountain'), a very acute and smooth-spoken gentleman, who told one of + my party yesterday that the princes who have come off to me are Free + Traders, and that this is the spirit of the Government, but that some + of the hereditary princes are very much opposed to intercourse with + foreigners, and that some little time ago it was apprehended that they + would raise a rebellion against the Government, in consequence of the + concessions it is making. The official princes are named by the + Emperor for life, but the hereditary ones are great feudal chiefs + owing rather a qualified allegiance to the Emperor. Moriama pretended + that he and his friends had seen the arrival of our ship with + pleasure, but of course one never knows whether to believe a word they + say. + +[Sidenote: Yeddo.] +[Sidenote: The 'Castle.'] + + _Yeddo.--August 18th, Seven A.M._--Here I am installed in a building + which forms the dependence of a temple. It consists of some small + rooms forming two sides of a square, with a verandah running in front + of them. From the verandah you step into a garden not very well kept, + with a pond and trees, and some appearance of care in laying it out. + In the centre is the temple, with a back-door opening into the garden. + I entered it yesterday, and found a 'buddha' coming out of the lotus, + looking very freshly gilt and well cared for. There were in the temple + two or three priests, who seem to live there; at any rate, one was + asleep on the matting, which, as I told you, is in Japanese houses + laid on the top of a bed of straw. They are charmingly soft and clean, + as all shoes are put off on entering. The natives use neither tables, + chairs, nor beds. They lie, sit, and feed on this matting. They have + made considerable exertions, however, to fit up our houses on European + principles. We landed yesterday at noon. The day was fine, and the + procession of boats imposing. An immense crowd of good-natured, + curious people lined both sides of the streets along which we passed. + The streets are wide and handsome. We were preceded and accompanied by + officers to keep off the crowd, but a blow with a fan was the heaviest + penalty that I saw inflicted on anyone breaking the line. At every + fifty yards, or so, the street was crossed by large gates, which were + closed as soon as our procession passed through, which prevented a + rush after us. On arriving, as I had nothing else to do, I proposed a + ride through the town, to the considerable consternation of our + attendants. We set off on saddles made of hard and rather sharp bits + of wood, stirrups which I can't undertake to describe, and our knees + in our mouths. However, we made our way to the quarter of the Palace + or Castle. As we approached it, we passed through streets inhabited by + princes. I did not enter any of their houses, but they seem to be + constructed somewhat on the principle of the _entre cour et jardin_ + houses in parts of Paris. On the street front the offices, + substantially built, and often with very handsome gateways. The + 'Castle' is surrounded by three concentric enclosures, consisting of + walls and moats. They are at a considerable distance from each other, + and the Emperor resides in the innermost enclosure, from which he + never goes out. The intervals between the enclosures are filled up + with handsome houses, &c. We passed over the first moat, and rode up + to the second. When we came up to the second we discovered a spectacle + which was really very grand. The moat was some forty or fifty yards + wide; beyond it a high bank of grass nicely kept, with trees rather + like yews every here and there dropped upon it. The crest of the bank + seemed to be crowned by a temple, surrounded by trees. The stone wall + was on a grand scale, and well finished. In short, the whole thing + would have been considered magnificent anywhere. After China, where + everything is _mesquin_, and apparently _en decadence_, it produces a + great effect. I did not see a single beggar in the streets; and as in + this ride of yesterday we took our own way, without giving any notice, + we must have seen the streets in their usual guise. + + My poor, dear friends, the Japanese, object to everything and always + give way.[1] It is a bad plan, because it forces one to be very + peremptory and overbearing. Nothing can be milder than their + objections, but they lose time. I have told them that I must see the + Foreign Minister to-day, and that I must have another house, as the + situation of this one is not sufficiently aristocratic. I do not know, + however, whether I shall press the latter point, as it will put myself + to much inconvenience. + + _August 19th._--In the evening, I visited the Foreign Minister, or + rather, the two Foreign Ministers (I believe there are three, but one + is unwell). I took my whole staff, but only my secretary and + interpreter remained in the room when we came to talk of business. + There has been a change of Government, and the present Foreign + Secretaries seem stupid enough. The Government seems to be a sort of + oligarchy in the hands of the hereditary princes. Count Putiatine, who + has just been with me, tells me that he does not consider the + officers, with whom we are negotiating, princes at all. They have the + title of _Kami_, but it is not hereditary, and they are altogether + inferior to the others. Both have the title of _Kami_, but the + hereditary princes are also called _Daimios_. + +[Sidenote: Conference.] +[Sidenote: A country ride.] + + _August 21st._--On the 19th, the Plenipotentiaries appointed to treat + with me came. They are six in number. We exchanged our full powers, + and I made some difficulty about theirs, but was satisfied by their + explanations. After the _séance_, I went out riding through the + streets. I had not given notice, and we went through a densely peopled + quarter, which gave me an opportunity of seeing something of the + popular feeling. We were followed by immense crowds, among whom some + boys took to hooting, and by degrees to throwing stones. This got + rather disagreeable, so at length we took to stopping at the gates, + turning right about, and facing the mob with our horses, until the + gates were shut. It proves to me, however, that it is not prudent to + go about without a good Japanese escort. Yesterday we had a most + charming expedition into the country. We started at about 11 A.M., + rode first to the road I have already described, and which runs along + the moat of the second enclosure of the Emperor's domain. We passed + alongside of this enclosure. The effect of the domain within, with its + dropping trees (not yews, I see, but pines of some sort, many of them + with spreading branches like cedars), being somewhat that of a + magnificent English park. This, mind you, in the centre of a city of + two or three millions of inhabitants. + + _Sunday, August 22nd._--We then passed through the gate of the + outermost enclosure on the opposite side, and entered some crowded + streets beyond, through which we made our way, passing on our right + the palace of the greatest of the hereditary princes, really an + imposing mass of building. Beyond, we got into the country, consisting + at first of a sort of long street of quaint cottages with thatched or + tiled roofs, embosomed in gardens, and interspersed with avenues + conducting to temples. Further on were cultivated fields, with + luxuriant crops of great variety: rice, sweet potato, egg-plant, peas, + millet, yams, taro, melons, &c. &c. At last, we reached a place of + refreshment, consisting of a number of kiosques, on the bank of a + stream, with a waterfall hard by, and gardens with rock-work (not + _mesquin,_ as in China, but really pretty and in good taste) opposite. + Here we had luncheon. Fruits, and a kind of Julienne soup; not bad, + but rather _maigre,_ served to us by charming young ladies, who + presented on their knees the trays with the little dishes upon them. + The repast finished, we set out on our return (for we had overshot our + mark), and visited the gardens, which were the object of our + expedition. They had the appearance of nursery gardens, with rows of + pots containing dwarf-trees and all manner of quaint products; all + this, moreover, in a prettily _accidenté_ country, abounding in forest + trees and luxuriant undergrowth. We got back at about 7 P.M., having + met with no mishap. + +[Sidenote: Peace and plenty.] +[Sidenote: Good temper.] + + On the whole, I consider it the most interesting expedition I ever + made. The total absence of anything like want among the people; their + joyous, though polite and respectful demeanour; the combination of + that sort of neatness and finish which we attain in England By the + expenditure of great wealth, with tropical luxuriance, made me feel + that at last I had found something which entirely surpassed all the + expectations I had formed. And I am bound to say, that the social and + moral condition of Japan has astonished me quite as much as its + material beauty. Every man, from the Emperor (who never leaves his + palace) to the humblest labourer, lives under a rigid rule, prescribed + by law and custom combined; and the Government, through its numerous + agents, among whom are hosts of spies, or more properly inspectors + (for there is no secresy or concealment about this proceeding), + exercises a close surveillance over the acts of each individual; but, + in so far as one can judge, this system is not felt to be burdensome + by any. All seem to think it the most natural thing in the world that + they should move in the orbit in which they are placed. The agents of + authority wear their two swords; but, as they never use them except + for the purpose of ripping themselves up, the privilege does not seem + to be felt to be invidious. My interpreter, a Dutchman, lent to me by + the United States Consul-General, has been two years in the country, + and he assures me that he never saw a Japanese in a passion, and never + saw a parent beat a child. An inexhaustible fund of good temper seems + to prevail in the community. Whenever in our discussions on business + we get on rough ground, I always find that a joke brings us at once + upon the level again. Yesterday, at a formal audience with the Foreign + Ministers (to settle about the handing over of the yacht), they began + to propose that, in addition to the Commissioners, I should allow some + other officers (probably spies or inspectors) to be present at our + discussions on the clauses of the Treaty. After treating this + seriously for some moments, without settling it to their satisfaction, + I at once carried the day, by saying laughingly, that as they were six + to one already, they ought not to desire to have more chances in their + favour. This provoked a counterlaugh and a compliment, and no more was + said about the spies. When the Commissioners came yesterday afternoon + to go through the clauses of the Treaty with me, I was much pleased + with the manner in which they took to their work, raising questions + and objections in a most business-like manner, but without the + slightest appearance of captiousness or a desire to make difficulties. + Their interpreter, Moriama, is a very good Dutch scholar, and, of + course, being a remarkably shrewd gentleman withal, has a leading part + in the proceedings; but all seem to take an intelligent share. + +[Sidenote: Temples.] + + I went into the temple of which this building forms a part, this + morning. Two priests came up to me, knelt down, and laid before me two + pages of paper, holding out to me at the some time the painting-brush + and Indian inkstand, which is the inseparable companion of every + Japanese, and making signs which I interpreted into a request that I + would write down my name. I sat down on the floor, and complied with + their request, which seemed to please them. The priests appear by no + means so wretched here as in China, and the temples are in much better + case. I have not, however, seen many of them. + +[Sidenote: Political condition.] + + It is difficult, of course, to speak positively of the political + condition of a country of which one knows so little; but there seems + to be a kind of feudal system in vigour here. The hereditary princes + (Daimios), some 360 in number (I doubt much their being all equally + powerful), exercise extensive jurisdiction in their respective + domains. A Dutch officer, who visited one of these domains in a + Japanese man-of-war, found that the chieftain would not allow even the + officers of the Japanese Emperor to land on his territory. The only + control which the Emperor exerts over them is derived from his + requiring all their wives and families to live at Yeddo permanently. + The Daimios themselves spend half the year in Yeddo, and the other + half at their country places. The Supreme Council of State appears to + be in a great measure named by the Daimios, and the recent change of + Government is supposed to have been a triumph of the protectionist or + anti-foreign party. There is no luxury or extravagance in any class. + No jewels or gold ornaments even at Court; but the nobles have + handsome palaces, and large bodies of retainers. A perfectly paternal + government; a perfectly filial people; a community entirely self- + supporting; peace within and without; no want; no ill-will between + classes. This is what I find in Japan in the year 1858, after one + hundred years' exclusion of foreign trade and foreigners. Twenty years + hence, what will be the contrast? + + _August 27th._--Here I am at sea again. It is 9 P.M. I have just been + on deck. A lovely moon, nearly full, gliding through cloudless blue, + spangled here and there with bright twinkling stars. I begin to feel + as if at last I was really on my way home. Both my treaties are made, + and I am steering westwards! Is it so or am I to meet some great + disappointment when I reach China? I feel a sort of terror when I + contemplate my return to that place. My trip to Japan has been a green + spot in the desert of my mission to the East. + +[Sidenote: A temple.] +[Sidenote: A juggler.] + + But I must tell you how I have been spending my days since the 22nd, + when I last added a word to this letter. On the afternoon of that day, + I had a long sitting with the Japanese Plenipotentiaries, and we went + over the clauses of the Treaty which we had not reached on the + previous day. On the 23rd they returned, and we agreed finally on all + the articles. It was also settled that the signature should take place + on the 26th (the very day two months after the signature of the Treaty + of Tientsin), and that the delivery of the yacht should take place on + the same day; the Japanese agreeing to salute the British flag with + twenty-one guns from their batteries--a proceeding unheard of in + Japan. On the 24th, we took a ride into the country, in the opposite + direction to our former ride. We passed through a long suburb on the + shore of the sea, and eventually emerged into a rural district, rich + and neat as that we had formerly visited; but as the country was flat, + it was hardly so interesting. The object of our visit was a temple, + far the finest I have seen either in China or Japan. We had some + luncheon in a tea-house, and got back at about 7 P.M. On the 25th, we + went to another temple, through the most crowded part of the city + (where we were stoned before). We were followed by large multitudes, + but nothing disagreeable took place. At the temple we found a scene + somewhat resembling Greenwich Fair. Immense numbers of people amusing + themselves in all sorts of ways. Stalls covered with toys and other + wares; kiosques for tea; show places, &c. &c. Life seems an affair of + enjoyment in Japan. We made some purchases, and got home by about 5 + P.M., in order to receive a party. I had invited the Imperial + Commissioners to dine with me, and requested that they would send a + juggler to perform before dinner. They tried to fight shy after having + accepted, I suppose because they considered it _infra dig._ to attend + at the performance of the juggler; but they came at last, and enjoyed + the dinner part of the affair thoroughly. The juggler was good, but + one particular feat was beyond praise. He twisted a bit of paper into + the shape of a butterfly, and kept it hovering and fluttering, + lighting here or there, on a fan which he held in his other hand, on a + bunch of flowers, &c.,--all by the action on the air, produced by a + fan which he held in the right hand. At one time he started two + butterflies, and kept them both on the wing. It was the most graceful + trick I ever saw, and entirely an affair of skill, not trick. The + juggler was succeeded by the dinner, which I wound up by giving sundry + toasts, with all the honours, to the great amusement of my + Commissioners. Thursday morning was occupied in paying bills, which + was a most difficult matter, as the Government will not allow the + people to take money in the shops, and the complication of accounts + was very great. The accuracy of the Japanese in these matters is, + however, very great. + +[Sidenote: Signing the Treaty] + + At 1 P.M. the Commissioners came to sign the Treaty. We have agreed to + make the Dutch copy the _original,_ as it is the language both parties + understand. The Dutch copy, written by their man Moriama, was so + beautifully written, that I have kept it to send to England. After the + signature, I lunched on a dinner sent me by the Emperor; not so bad, + after all. About 3 P.M. I set off to go on board the 'Emperor' yacht, + which I reached at about 5; immediately after which the Japanese fort + saluted the British flag with twenty-one guns (ten-inch guns); as good + a salute as I ever heard, an exact interval of ten seconds between + each gun. The Japanese flag was then hoisted on the 'Emperor,' and + saluted by the 'Retribution' and 'Furious' with twenty-one guns each. + We ended the day with a collation on board the 'Retribution,' and trip + in the 'Emperor;' and as I was pacing the deck of the 'Furious,' + before retiring to rest, after my labours were over, to my great + surprise I observed that the forts were illuminated! Imagine our + daring exploit of breaking through every _consigne,_ and coming up to + Yeddo, having ended in an illumination of the forts in our honour! At + 4 A.M. this morning we weighed anchor, and are now some 140 miles on + our way to Shanghae. + +[Sidenote: Articles of the Treaty.] + +The principal advantages secured to England by this Treaty, so amicably and +rapidly settled, were the following:-- + +Power to appoint a Diplomatic Agent to reside at Yeddo, and Consuls at the +open ports; + +Ample recognition of Consular jurisdiction and of the immunities of +exterritoriality; + +The opening to British subjects, at specified periods, of several of the +most important ports and cities of Japan; + +Power to land and store supplies for the use of the British navy at +Kanagawa, Hakodadi, and Nagasaki, without payment of duty; + +Power to British subjects to buy from and sell to Japanese subjects +directly, without the intervention of the Japanese authorities; + +Foreign coin to pass for corresponding weights of Japanese coin of the same +description; + +Abolition of tonnage and transit dues; + +Reduction of duties on exports from 35 per cent. to a general rate of 5 per +cent. _ad valorem_. + +The concessions obtained from the Japanese by the Treaty of Yeddo were not, +in some important particulars, so considerable as those which had been made +by China in the Treaty of Tientsin. It was, however, a material advance on +all previous treaties with Japan, and it opened the door to the gradual +establishment of relations of commerce and amity between the people of the +West and that of Japan, which might become, as Lord Elgin hoped and +believed, of the most cordial and intimate character, 'if the former did +not, by injudicious and aggressive acts, rouse against themselves the fears +and hostility of the natives.' + +[Sidenote: Retrospect.] + + _August 30th.--Eleven A.M._--We are again plunging into the China Sea, + and quitting the only place which I have left with any feeling of + regret since I reached this abominable East,--abominable, not so much + in itself, as because it is strewed all over with the records of our + violence and fraud, and disregard of right. The exceeding beauty + external of Japan, and its singular moral and social picturesqueness, + cannot but leave a pleasing impression on the mind. One feels as if + the position of a Daimio in Japan might not be a bad one, with two or + three millions of vassals; submissive, but not servile, because there + is no contradiction between their sense of fitness and their position. + + +[1] Not so, however, in the actual work of negotiating. In a despatch of + later date he writes: 'I was much struck by the business-like manner + in which they did their work; making very shrewd observations, and + putting very pertinent questions, but by no means in a captious or + cavilling spirit. Of course their criticisms were sometimes the result + of imperfect acquaintance with foreign affairs, and it was + occasionally necessary to remove their scruples by alterations in the + text which were not improvements; but on the whole, I am bound to say + that I never treated with persons who seemed to me, within the limits + of their knowledge, to be more reasonable.'--See also _infra_, p. 270. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +FIRST MISSION TO CHINA. THE YANGTZE KIANG. + +DELAYS--SUBTERFUGES DEFEATED BY FIRMNESS--REVISED TARIFF--OPIUM TRADE--UP +THE YANGTZE KIANG--SILVER ISLAND--NANKIN--REBEL WARFARE--THE HEN-BARRIER-- +UNKNOWN WATERS--DIFFICULT NAVIGATION--HANKOW--THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL--RETURN-- +TAKING TO THE GUNBOATS--NGANCHING--NANKIN--RETROSPECT--MORE DELAYS-- +TROUBLES AT CANTON--RETURN TO HONG-KONG. MISSION COMPLETED--HOMEWARD +VOYAGE. + + +[Sidenote: Delays.] + +Arriving at Shanghae on the 2nd of September, Lord Elgin found that the +Imperial Commissioners whom he came to meet had not yet appeared, and were +not expected for four or five weeks. All this time, therefore, he was +obliged to remain idle at Shanghae, hearing from time to time news from +Canton which made his presence there desirable, but unable to proceed +thither till the arrangements respecting the Treaty were completed. + + _Shanghae.--Sunday, September 5th._--I wish to be off for England: but + I dread leaving my mission unfinished.... I feel, therefore, that I am + doomed to a month or six weeks more of China. + + _September 6th._--It is very weary work staying here really doing for + the moment little. But what is to be done? It will not do to swallow + the cow and worry at the tail. I have been looking over the files of + newspapers, and those of Hong-Kong teem with abuse;--this, + notwithstanding the fact that I have made a Treaty which exceeds + everything the most imaginative ever hoped for. The truth is, they do + not really like the opening of China. They fear that their monopoly + will be interfered with. + + _September 11th._--I am amused with the confident way in which the + ladies here talk of going home after five years with fortunes made. + They live in the greatest luxury,--in a tolerable climate, and think + it very hard if they are not rich enough to retire in five years.... I + do not know of any business in any part of the world that yields + returns like this. No wonder they dislike the opening of China, which + may interfere with them. + +[Sidenote: Arrival of Commissioners.] + +It was not till the 4th of October that the arrival was announced of the +Imperial Commissioners, including among their number his old friends +Kweiliang and Hwashana. While they were on the road, circumstances had come +to Lord Elgin's knowledge which gave him reason to fear that they might be +disposed to call in question some of the privileges conceded under the +Treaty, and that they might found on the still unsettled state of affairs +in the South a hope of succeeding in this attempt. He thought it better to +dispel all such illusions at once, by taking a high and peremptory tone +upon the latter subject. Accordingly, when his formal complaint against +Hwang, the Governor-General of the Two Kiang, for keeping up hostilities in +spite of the Treaty, was met by a promise to stop this for the future by +proclamation, he refused to accept this promise, and demanded the removal +of Hwang and the suppression of a Committee which had been formed for the +enrolment of volunteers; intimating at the same time, through a private +channel, that unless he obtained full satisfaction on the Canton question, +it was by no means improbable that he might return to Tientsin, and from +that point, or at Pekin itself, require the Emperor to keep his +engagements. This had the desired effect. The Commissioners at once +undertook, not only to issue a pacific proclamation couched in becoming +terms, but also to memorialise the Emperor for the recall of the Governor- +General, and the withdrawal of all powers from the Committee of Braves. It +may be added, that the immediate success which attended the proclamation +afforded striking confirmation of what Lord Elgin had always said, that the +best way of suppressing provincial disturbances was by bringing pressure to +bear on the Imperial power. + +[Sidenote: Subterfuges,] +[Sidenote: defeated by firmness.] + + _Shanghae.--Sunday, October 10th._--We have not done much yet, which + is the cause of my having written less than usual during the last few + days. I have reason to suspect that the Commissioners came here with + some hope that they might make difficulties about 'some of the + concessions obtained in the Treaty, with a kind of notion perhaps that + they might continue to bully us at Canton. If I had departed, I think + it probable enough that everything would have been thrown into + confusion, and the grand result of proving that my Treaty was waste + paper might have been attained. I have thought it necessary to take + steps to stop this sort of thing at once, so I have sent some very + peremptory letters to the Commissioners about Canton, refusing to have + anything to say to them till I am satisfied on this point, &c. I have + also, through a secret channel, had the hint conveyed to them, that if + they do not give me full satisfaction at once I am capable of going + off to Tientsin again,--a move which would no doubt cost their heads + to both Kweiliang and Hwashana. I have already extorted from them a + proclamation announcing the Treaty, and I have now demanded that they + shall remove the Governor-General of the Canton provinces from office, + and suppress the War Committee of the gentry. + + _October 16th._--Yes, the report of the conclusion of a Treaty which + was conveyed so rapidly overland to St. Petersburg was true, and yet I + am not on my way home!... Do not think that I am indifferent to this + delay. It is however, for the moment, inevitable. Everything would + have been lost if I had left China. The violence and ill-will which + exist in Hong-Kong are something ludicrous.... As it is, matters are + going on very fairly with the Imperial Commissioners, and I expect an + official visit from them this day at noon. The English mail arrived + yesterday.... The visit of the Commissioners went off very well. I + think that they have accepted the situation, and intend to make the + best of it. + + _October 19th_.--Yesterday I returned the visit of the Commissioners, + going in state, with a guard, &c., into the city. We had a Chinese + repast--birds'-nest soup, sharks' fins, &c. I tried to put them at + their ease, after our disagreeable encounters at Tientsin. They seemed + disposed to be conversable and friendly. The Governor-General of this + province, who is one of them, is considered a very clever man, and he + appears to have rather a notion of taking a go-ahead policy with + foreigners. + +[Sidenote: The tariff.] + +The chief matter that remained to be arranged was the settlement of certain +trade-regulations, supplemental to the Treaty, involving a complete +revision of the tariff. + +[Sidenote: The opium trade.] + +A tariff is not usually a matter of general interest; but this tariff is of +more than mere commercial importance, as having for the first time +regulated, and therefore legalised, the trade in opium.[1] Hitherto this +article had been mentioned in no treaty, but had been left to the operation +of the Chinese municipal law, which prohibited it altogether. But the +Chinese would have it; there was no lack of foreign traders, chiefly +British and American, ready to run the risk of smuggling it for the sake of +the large profits to be made upon it; and the custom-house officials, both +natives and foreign inspectors, hardly even kept up the farce of pretending +to ignore the fact. At one port, indeed, the authorities exacted from the +opium traders a sort of hush-money, equivalent to a tax about 6 per cent. +_ad valorem_. It might well be said that 'the evils of this illegal, +connived at, and corrupting traffic could hardly be overstated; that it was +degrading alike to the producer, the importer, the official, whether +foreign or Chinese, and the purchaser.' + +To remedy these evils two courses were open. One was effective prohibition, +with the assistance of the Foreign Powers; but this, the Chinese +Commissioners admitted, was practically hopeless, mainly owing to the +inveterate appetite of their people for the drug. The other remained: +regulation and restriction, by the imposition of as high a duty as could be +maintained without giving a stimulus to smuggling. It was not without much +consideration that Lord Elgin adopted the latter alternative; and it was a +great satisfaction to him that his views on this subject were ultimately +shared by Mr. Reed, the Envoy of the United States, who had come to the +country with the intention of supporting the opposite opinion. + +In the course of the conferences on these points, which were carried on in +the most friendly spirit, Lord Elgin induced the Commissioners to make a +separate agreement that he should be permitted, irrespectively of the +conditions imposed by the Treaty, to make an expedition up the great river +Yangtze Kiang; a permission of which he gladly availed himself, not only +for the sake of exploring a new and most interesting country, but even more +with the view of marking how entirely and cordially his Treaty was +accepted. + + _Shanghae.--November 2nd._--You will, I am sure, see how necessary it + has been for me to protract my stay to this time. The systematic + endeavour to make it appear that my work was a failure could be + counteracted only by my own presence. The papers, &c., from England + are complimentary enough about the Treaty, but some of the accounts + which have gone home are somewhat exaggerated, and perhaps there will + be a reaction.... More particularly, I find a hope expressed that we + have plundered the wretched Chinese to a greater extent than is the + case.... Meanwhile, I have achieved one object, which will be, I + think, the crowning act of my mission. I have arranged with the + Imperial Commissioners that I am to proceed up the river Yangtze. The + Treaty only provides that it shall be open when the Rebels have left + it. I daresay this will give rise to comments. If so, I shall have + anticipated them, by going up the river myself. I shall take with me + my own squadron (what I had in Japan). The weather is beautiful; quite + cool enough for comfort. We shall visit a region which has never been + seen, except by a stray missionary. I shall lose by this move some + three weeks, but I do not think they will be really lost, because it + will give so very complete a demonstration of the acceptance of the + Treaty by the Chinese authorities, that even Hong-Kong will be + silenced. + + _November 6th._--I hoped to have started to-day, but am obliged to + put off till Monday, as the tariff is not yet ready for signature. I + grieve over every day lost, which protracts our separation. I see that + in the very flattering article of the _Times_ of September 7th, which + you quote, it is implied that when I signed the Treaty, I had done my + work, and that the responsibility of seeing that it was carried out + rests with others. If this be true--and you will no doubt think so--I + might have returned at once, at least after Japan. But is it true? + Could I, in fairness to my country, or, in what I trust you believe + comes second in the rank of motives with me, to my own reputation, + leave the work which I had undertaken unfinished?... Besides, I own + that I have a conscientious feeling on the subject. I am sure that in + our relations with these Chinese we have acted scandalously, and I + would not have been a party to the measures of violence which have + taken place, if I had not believed that I could work out of them some + good for them. Could I leave this, the really noblest part of my task, + to be worked out by others? Anyone could have obtained the Treaty of + Tientsin. What was really meritorious was, that it should have been + obtained at so small a cost of human suffering. But this is also what + discredits it in the eyes of _many_, of _almost all_ here. If we had + carried on war for some years; if we had carried misery and desolation + all over the Empire; it would have been thought quite natural that the + Emperor should have been reduced to accept the terms imposed upon him + at Tientsin. But to do all this by means of a demonstration at + Tientsin! The announcement was received with a yell of derision by + connoisseurs and baffled speculators in tea. And indeed there was some + ground for scepticism. It would have been very easy to manage matters + here, so as to bring into question all the privileges which we had + acquired by that Treaty. Even then we should have gained a great deal + by it; because when we came to assert those rights by force, we should + have had a good, instead of a bad _casus belli_. But I was desirous, + if possible, to avoid the necessity for further recurrence to force; + and it required some skill to do this. This has been my motive for + protracting my stay. + +[Sidenote: The tariff signed.] + + _H.M.S. 'Furious.'--November 8th_.--I write a line to tell you that I + got over the signature of my tariff, &c., very satisfactorily this + morning, and set off in peace with all men, including Chinese + Plenipotentiaries, and colleagues European and American, on my way up + the Yangtze Kiang. We are penetrating into unknown regions, but I + trust shortly to be able to report to you my return, and all the + novelties I shall have seen. + +[Sidenote: Afloat on the Yangtze Kiang.] + + This morning at ten, I went to a temple which lies exactly between the + foreign settlement and the Chinese town of Shanghae, to meet there the + Imperial Commissioners, and to sign the tariff. We took with us the + photographs which Jocelyn had done for them, and which we had framed. + They were greatly delighted, and altogether my poor friends seemed in + better spirits than I had before seen them in. We passed from + photography to the electric telegraph, and I represented to them the + great advantage which the Emperor would derive from it in so extensive + an empire as China; how it would make him present in all the + provinces, &c. They seemed to enter into the subject. The conference + lasted rather more than an hour. After it, I returned to the + consulate, taking a tender adieu of Gros By the way. I embarked at 1, + and got under weigh at 2 P.M.... The tide was very strong against us, + so we have not made much way, but we are really in the Yangtze river. + We have moored between two flats with trees upon them; the mainland on + the left, and an island (Bush Island), recently formed from the mud of + the river, on the right. Though the earth has been uninteresting, it + has not been so with the sky, for the dark shades of night, which have + been gathering and thickening on the right have been confronted on + the left by the brightest imaginable star, and the thinnest possible + crescent moon, both resting on a couch of deep and gradually deepening + crimson. I have been pacing the bridge between the paddle-boxes, + contemplating this scene, until we dropped our anchor, and I came down + to tell you of this my first experience of the Yangtze. And what will + the sum of those experiences be? We are going into an unknown region, + along a river which, beyond Nankin, has not been navigated by + Europeans. We are to make our way through the lines of those strange + beings the Chinese Rebels. We are to penetrate beyond them to cities, + of the magnitude and population of which fabulous stories are told; + among people who have never seen Western men; who have probably heard + the wildest reports of us; to whom we shall assuredly be stranger than + they can possibly be to us. What will the result be? Will it be a + great disappointment, or will its interest equal the expectations it + raises? Probably before this letter is despatched to you, it will + contain an answer more or less explicit to these questions. + + _Sunday, November 14th.--Six P.M._--We have just dropped anchor, some + eighty miles from Woosung. I wish that you had been with me on this + evening's trip. You would have enjoyed it. During the earlier part of + the afternoon we were going on merrily together. The two gunboats + ahead, the 'Furious' and 'Retribution' abreast, sometimes one, + sometimes the other, taking the lead. After awhile we (the 'Furious') + put out our strength, and left gunboats and all behind. When the sun + had passed the meridian, the masts and sails were a protection from + his rays, and as he continued to drop towards the water right ahead of + us, he strewed our path, first with glittering silver spangles, then + with roses, then with violets, through all of which we sped + ruthlessly. The banks still flat, until the last part of the trip, + when we approached some hills on the left, not very lofty, but clearly + defined, and with a kind of dreamy softness about them, which reminded + one of Egypt. Altogether, it was impossible to have had anything more + charming in the way of yachting; the waters a perfect calm, or hardly + crisped by the breeze that played on their surface. We rather wish for + more wind, as the 'Cruiser' cannot keep up without a little help of + that kind. + +[Sidenote: Aground.] +[Sidenote: Silver Island.] + + _November 16th.--Noon_.--A bad business. We were running through a + narrow channel which separates Silver Island from the mainland, in + very deep water, when all of a sudden we were brought up short, and + the ship rolled two or three times right and left, in a way which + reminded me of a roll which we had in the 'Ava' immediately after + starting from Calcutta. On that occasion we saw beside us the tops of + the masts of a ship, and were told it had struck on the same sand- + bank, and gone down about an hour before. Our obstacle on this + occasion is a rock; a very small one, for we have deep water all + around us. However, here we are. I hope our ship will not suffer from + the strain. It is curious that in this narrow pass, where fifty ships + went through and returned in 1842, this rock should exist and never + have been discovered. _Six P.M._--The sun has just set among a crowd + of mountains which bound the horizon ahead of us, and in such a blaze + of fiery light that earth and sky in his neighbourhood have been all + too glorious to look upon. Standing out in advance on the edge of this + sea of molten gold, is a solitary rock, about a quarter of the size of + the Bass, which goes by the name of Golden Island, and serves as the + pedestal of a tall pagoda. I never saw a more beautiful scene, or a + more magnificent sunset; but alas! we see it under rather melancholy + circumstances, for after six hours of trying in all sorts of ways to + get off, we are as fast aground as ever. We are now lightening the + ship. Silver Island is a kind of sacred island like Potou, but very + much smaller.[2] I went ashore, and walked over it with a bonze, who + conversed with Lay. He told us that the people in the neighbourhood + are very poor, and will be glad that foreigners should come and trade + with them. The bonzes here are much like their brethren of Potou, the + most wretched-looking of human beings. Our friend told us that they + have no books or occupation of any kind. Four times a day they go + through their prayers. He had twelve bald spots on his head, which, + were the record of so many vows he had taken to abstain from so many + vices, which he enumerated. I gave them five dollars when I left the + island, which seemed to astonish them greatly. I asked him what would + happen if he broke his vows. He said that he would be beaten and sent + away. If he kept them he hoped to become in time a Buddha. + + _November 17th.--Six P.M._--After taking 150 tons out of the ship, + we have just made an attempt to get her off--in vain. The glorious sun + has again set, holding out to us the same attractions in the west as + yesterday, in vain! Here we remain, as motionless as the rock on which + we are perched. I have not been quite idle, however. I landed about + noon on the shore opposite Silver Island, and walked about three miles + to the town of Chin-kiang. It was taken by us in the last war, and + sadly maltreated, but since then it has been captured by the Rebels + and re-captured by the Imperialists. I could hardly have imagined such + a scene of desolation. I do not think there is a house that is not a + ruin. I believe the population used to be about 300,000, but now I + suppose it cannot exceed a few hundreds. The people are really, I + believe, glad to see us. They hope we may give them free trade and + protection from the Rebels. A commodore and post-captain in the + Chinese navy came off to us this afternoon. They were very civil, + offering to do anything for us they could. They tell us we can go in + this ship to Hankow and the Poyang Lake. We have found another rock + beside us, and only think that this should not have been known by our + Navy! + +[Sidenote: Afloat again.] + + _November 18th.--Eight P.M._--At about 6 P.M. I was crossing on a + plank over a gully, on my return from an expedition to Golden Island, + when three rounds of cheers from the 'Furious,' about a mile off, + struck my ear. Three rounds of cheers, followed by as many from the + other ships. She was off the rock! Some 250 tons were taken out, and + when the tide rose she came off--nothing the worse! and our time has + not been quite lost, for this is an interesting place, if only because + of the insight which it gives into the proceedings of the Rebels. + Golden Island is about five miles from here. It was a famous Buddhist + sanctuary, and contained their most valuable library. Its temples are + now a ruin. + + _November 20th.--Noon._--Yesterday I took a long walk, not marked by + any noteworthy incidents. We went into some of the cottages of the + small farmers. In one we found some men smoking opium. They said that + they smoked about 80 cash (fourpence) worth a day: that their wages + when they worked for hire were 120 cash (sixpence). The opium was + foreign (Indian): the native was not good. I asked how they could + provide for their wives and families if they spent so much on opium. + They said they had land, generally from two to three acres apiece. + They paid about a tenth of the produce as a tax. They were very good- + humoured, and delighted to talk to Wade and Lay. They appear to + welcome us more here than in other places I have visited in China. + +[Sidenote: Fired on from Nankin.] + + _Eight P.M._--We have been under fire. The orders given on our + approach to Nankin were, that the 'Lee' should go in advance; that if + fired on, she should hoist a flag of truce; if the flag of truce was + fired on, she was not to return the fire until ordered to do so. It + was a lovely evening, and the sun was sinking rapidly as we approached + Nankin, the 'Lee' about a mile in advance. I was watching her, and saw + her pass the greater part of the batteries in front of the town. I was + just making up my mind that all was to go off quietly, when a puff of + smoke appeared from a fort, followed by the booming of a cannon. The + 'Lee' on this hoisted her white flag in vain; seven more shots were + fired from the forts at her before she returned them. Then, to be + sure, we began all along the line, all the forts firing at us as we + came within their range. I was on the paddlebox-bridge till a shot + passed very nearly over our heads, and Captain Osborn advised me to go + down. We were struck seven times; one of the balls making its way into + my cabin. In our ship nobody was hit; but there was one killed and two + badly wounded in the 'Retribution.' We have passed the town; but I + quite agree with the naval authorities, that we cannot leave the + matter as it now stands. If we were to do so, the Chinese would + certainly say they had had the best of it, and on our return we might + be still more seriously attacked. It is determined, therefore, that + to-morrow we shall set to work and demolish some of the forts that + have insulted us. I hope the Rebels will make some communication, and + enable us to explain that we mean them no harm; but it is impossible + to anticipate what these stupid Chinamen will do. + +[Sidenote: Retribution.] + + _November 21st.--Eleven A.M._--We had about an hour and a half of it + this morning. We began at 6 A.M. at the nearest fort, and went on to + two or three others. We pounded them pretty severely, and very few + shots were fired in return. They seemed to have exhausted themselves + in last night's attack. As soon as my naval chiefs thought that we had + done enough for our honour, I begged them to go on, as I did not want + to have to hand over the town to the Imperialists, who are hemming it + round on every side. I am sorry that we should have been forced to do + what we have done; but I do not think we could have acted with greater + circumspection.... A set of Imperialist junks set to work to fire at + the town as we were leaving off, throwing their shot from a most + wonderfully safe distance. + +[Sidenote: Apologies.] + + _November 22nd._--Last night a letter came off from our 'humble + younger brother' (the Rebel chief), praying us to join them in + annihilating the 'demons' (Imperialists). I sent them in reply a sort + of proclamation which I had prepared in the morning, intimating that + we had come up the river pacifically; had punished the Nankin forts + for having insulted us, from which persons repeating the experiment + would learn what they had to expect. Later at night a present of + twelve fowls and two pieces of red bunting came to the river bank, + from some villagers, I believe. When Captain Ward was on shore + surveying, two Chinamen came to him, stating that an express had come + from Nankin to say that the attack on us was a mistake, and we were + taken for Imperialists, &c. &c. I hope, therefore, that we shall have + no more trouble of this description. + +[Sidenote: Woohoo.] + + _November 23rd.--Six P.M._--Arrived off Woohoo at about 3 P.M. We + passed the town, and anchored just above it. It is in the hands of the + Rebels, but no hostility was shown to us. Wade has been on shore to + communicate with the chiefs, who are very civil, but apparently a low + set of Cantonese. The place where he landed is a kind of entrenched + camp; the town about three miles distant. An Imperialist fleet is + moored a few miles up the river. I sent Lay to communicate with the + commanding officer, and he recommends the 'Retribution' to go a little + farther on to a place in the possession of the Imperialists. + +[Sidenote: Rebel warfare.] + + _November 24th.--Ten A.M._--We set off this morning at about 6 A.M. In + passing the fleet we begged from the commander the loan of a pilot. He + proves to be a Cantonese, so that the active spirits on both sides + seem to come from that quarter. We asked him why the Imperialists do + not take Woohoo. He says they have no guns of a sufficient size to do + anything against the forts, but that about twice a month they have a + fight on shore. They cut off the heads of Rebels, and _vice versā_, + when they catch each other, which does not seem to happen very often. + The war, in short, seems to be carried on in a very soft manner, but + it must do a great deal of mischief to the country. While I was + dressing I was called out of my cabin to see a fight going on, on the + right bank of the river. The Rebels occupied some hills, where they + were waving flags gallantly, and the Imperialists were below them in a + plain. We saw only two or three cannon shots fired while we passed. As + things are carried on, one does not see why this war should not last + for ever. My friends, the Commissioners, seem to have acted in good + faith towards me, for the Chinese naval authorities all inform me that + they had been forewarned of our coming, and ordered to treat us with + every courtesy. + +[Sidenote: The Imperial fleet.] + + _November 25th.--Ten A.M._--We have just passed a bit of scenery on + our left, which reminds me of Ardgowan,--a range of lofty hills in the + background, broken up by deep valleys and hillocks covered with trees; + dark-green fir, and hard wood tinted with Canadian autumn colours, + running up towards it from the river. With two or three thousand + acres--what a magnificent situation for a park! There are so many + islets in this river that it is not easy to speak of its breadth, but + its channel still continues deep, and, with occasional exceptions, + navigable without difficulty. _Six P.M._--A very pretty spectacle + closed this day. The sun was dropping into the western waters before + us as we approached a place called Tsong-yang, on the left bank. We + knew it was the station of an Imperial fleet, and as we neared it we + found about thirty or forty warjunks, crowded with men and dressed in + their gaudiest colours. Flags of every variety and shape. On one junk + we counted twenty-one. You cannot imagine a prettier sight. We + anchored, supposing that the authorities might come off to us. As yet, + however, they have shown no disposition to do so. I presume, however, + that the display is a compliment. Figure to yourself the gala I have + described at the mouth of a broad stream running at right angles to + the river Yangtze, and up which the town lies, about two miles off-- + the river, plains, town and all, surrounded by an amphitheatre of + lofty hills--and you will have an idea of the scene in the midst of + which we are anchored, and from which, the golden tints of sunset are + now gradually fading away. + +[Sidenote: Under fire again.] + + _November 26th.--Noon._--We have just had another sample of this very + unedifying Chinese warfare. About an tour ago we came off the city of + Nganching, the capital of the province of Aganhoci--the last station + (so we are assured) in the hands of the Rebels. As we neared a pagoda, + surrounded by a crenelated wall, we were fired upon two or three + times. We thought it necessary to resent this affront by peppering the + place for about ten minutes. We then moved slowly past the town, + unassaulted till we reached the farther corner, when the idiots had + the temerity to fire again. This brought us a second time into action. + It is a sorry business this fighting with the people who are so little + a match; but I do not suppose we did them much harm, and it was, I + presume, necessary to teach them that they had better leave us alone. + Osborn, who was aloft, saw from that point a curious scene. The + Imperialists (probably taking advantage of our vicinity) were + advancing on the town from the land side in skirmishing order, waving + their flags and gambolling as usual. The Pagoda Rebels ran out of it + as soon as we began to fire, and found themselves tumbling into the + arms of the Imperialists. We passed this morning a narrow rocky + passage, otherwise the navigation has been easy. + +[Sidenote: A pilot.] + + _Six P.M._--Anchored off Tunglow, a walled town, nicely situated on + the river. The sun is sinking to his repose through a mist, red and + round, like a great ball of fire. The pilot is the most vivacious + Chinaman I have seen,--inquiring about everything, proposing to go to + England, like a Japanese. It was from the naval commander at Kiewhein + that we got him. Lay was present when the commodore sent for him. He + fell on his knees. The chief informed him that he must go up the river + with us, and pilot us. 'That is a public service,' says the man, 'and + if your Excellency desires it I must go; but I would humbly submit + that I have a mother and sister who must be provided for in my + absence.' 'Certainly,' said the chief. 'Then,' answered our man, 'I am + ready;' and without further a-do he got into the boat with Lay and + came off to us. + + _November 27th.--Eight A.M._--We started well, but there is such a fog + that we are obliged to stop till it clears. Our pilot went ashore last + night at Tunglow, and has returned with the front part of his head + cleanly shaved. I asked him what the people had thought of our + appearance. He answered that they were greatly afraid lest we should + fire upon them, and their hearts at first went pit-a-pat; but when + they heard from him how well we treated him, and that we were no + friends to the Rebels, they said 'Poussa' ('that's Buddha's doing' or + 'thank God'). + +[Sidenote: Sand storm.] + + _November 28th.--Eleven A.M._--The morning began as usual: calm, fair, + and hazy. At about nine it began to blow, and gradually rose to a + gale, causing our river ripple to mimic ocean waves, and the dust and + sand to fly before us in clouds, obscuring earth and sky. About ten we + approached a mountain range, which had been for some time looming on + the horizon. We found we had to pass through a channel of about a + quarter of a mile wide; on our left, a series of barren hills, bold + and majestic-looking in the mist; on the right, a solitary rock, + steep, conical-shaped, and about 300 feet high. On the side of it a + Buddhist temple, perched like a nest. The hills on the left were + crowned by walls and fortifications built some time ago by the Rebels, + and running over them in all manner of zigzag and fantastic + directions. I have seldom seen a more striking bit of scenery. When we + had passed through we found more hills, with intervals of plains, in + one of which lay the district city of Tongtze, enclosed by walls which + run along the top of the hills surrounding it. The inhabitants crowded + to the shore to witness the strange apparition of foreign vessels. + +[Sidenote: The 'Hen Barrier.'] + + I mentioned a rocky passage through which we passed on the morning of + the 26th. Ellis, in his account of Lord Amherst's Embassy, speaks of + it as a place of great difficulty. A series of rocks like stepping- + stones run over a great part, and the passage is obtained by sticking + close to the left bank. Our pilot tells us that it is named the 'Hen + Barrier,' and for the following reason: Once on a time, there dwelt on + the right bank an evil spirit, in the guise of a rock, shaped like a + hen. This evil spirit coveted some of the good land on the opposite + side, and proceeded to cross, blocking up the stream on her way. The + good spirits, in consternation, applied to a bonze, who, after some + reflection, bethought himself of a plan for arresting the mischief. He + set to work to crow like a cock. The hen rock, supposing that it was + the voice of her mate, turned round to look. The spell was instantly + broken. She dropped into the stream, and the natives, indignant at her + misdeeds, proceeded into it and cut off her head! + + I have been skimming over a Chinese book, translated by Stanislas + Julien: the travels of a Buddhist. It is full of legends of the + character of that which I have now narrated. + +[Sidenote: Peasants.] + + _November 29th.--12.30 P.M._--We have been very near the bank this + morning. I see more cattle on the farms than in other parts of China. + They are generally buffaloes, used for agricultural purposes; and when + out at pasture, a little boy is usually perched on the back of each to + keep it from straying. _Six P.M._--I went ashore to pass the time, and + got into conversation with some of the peasants. One man told us that + he had about three acres of land, which yielded him about twenty + piculs (1-1/3 ton) of pulse or grain annually, worth about forty + dollars. His tax amounted to about three-fourths of a dollar. There + was a school in the hamlet. Children attending it paid about two + dollars a year. But many were too poor to send their children to + school. We went into another cottage. It was built of reeds on the + bare ground. In a recess screened off were two young men lying on the + ground, with their lamp between them, smoking opium. + +[Sidenote: Unknown waters.] +[Sidenote: Kew-kiang.] + + _November 30th._--We are now in waters which no Englishman, as far as + is known, has ever seen. Lord Amherst passed into the Poyang Lake + through the channel I described yesterday, and so on to Canton. We are + proceeding up the river Yangtze. Hue came down this route, but by + land. I mentioned the sand-drifts two days ago. Some of the hills here + look like the sand-hills of Egypt, from the layers of sand with which + they are covered. What with inundations in summer and sand-drifts in + winter, this locality must have some drawbacks as a residence. + _Noon._--Anchored again. We have before us in sight the pagoda of Kew- + kiang; one of the principal points which we proposed to reach when we + embarked on this expedition.... We have not much to hope for from our + Chinese pilot. Our several mishaps have disheartened him. He said to- + day with a sigh, when reminded that we had found no passage in the + channel he had specially recommended: 'The ways of waters are like + those of men, one day here, another there, who can tell!'--a promising + frame of mind for one's guide in this intricate navigation! _Five + P.M._--We found a channel in about an hour, and came on swimmingly to + Kew-kiang. From the water it looked imposing enough. An enclosing wall + of about five miles in circuit, and in tolerable condition. I landed + at 3 P.M. What a scene of desolation within the wall! It seems to have + suffered even more than Chin-kiang Foo. A single street running + through a wilderness of weeds and ruins. The people whom we questioned + said the Rebels did it all. The best houses we found were outside the + city in the suburb. We were of course very strange in a town where the + European dress has never been seen, but the people were as usual + perfectly good-natured, delighted to converse with Lay, and highly + edified by his jokes. We did some commissariat business. We had with + us only Mexican dollars, and when we offered them at the first shop + the man said he did not like them as he did not know them. Lay said, + 'Come to the ship and we will give you Sycee instead.' 'See how just + they are,' said a man in the crowd to his neighbour; 'they do not + force their coin upon him.' This kind of ready recognition of moral + worth is quite Chinese, and nothing will convince me that a people who + have this quality so marked are to be managed only by brutality and + violence. + +[Sidenote: Difficult navigation.] +[Sidenote: Highland scenery.] + + _December 1st.--1.30 P.M._--We have just anchored. About an hour ago, + we turned sharply to our left, and found on that hand a series of red + sand-bluffs leading to a range of considerable blue hills which faced + us in the distance; the river, as has been the case since we left the + Rebel country, was covered with small country junks, and here and + there a mandarin one, covered with flags, and with its highly-polished + brass gun in the prow. The scene had become more interesting, but the + navigation more difficult, for the gunboats began hoisting '3' and + '4,' and all manner of ominous numbers. So we had: 'Hands to the port + anchor,' 'slower,' and 'as slow as possible,' 'a turn astern,' and + after a variety of fluctuations, 'drop the anchor.' _Six P.M._--We had + to go a short way back, and to pass, moreover, a very shallow bit of + the river; that done we went on briskly, and bore down upon the + mountain range which we descried in the forenoon. At about four we + came up to it and turned to the right, with the mountains on our left + and the town of Wooseuh on our right, while the setting sun, glowing + as ever, was throwing his parting rays over one of the most beautiful + scenes I ever witnessed. The whole population crowded to the river + bank to see this wonderful apparition of the barbarian fire-ships. The + hills rising from the water had a kind of Loch Katrine look. We have + made some thirty-five miles to-day, but have still, I fear, about 100 + to go. + + _December 2d.--Eleven A.M._--A very prosperous forenoon. Mountains + soon rose to the right, similar to those on the left. We cut our way + through deep calm water, amid these hills of grey rock and fir woods, + for some three hours and might really have imagined ourselves in the + finest loch scenery of the Highlands. Numbers of little boats dotted + the river, and moved off respectfully to the right and left as we + approached. At about ten we passed out of the mountain range, and soon + after neared Chechow, from which the population seemed to be moving, + as we inferred from the numbers of small-footed women hobbling along + the bank with their household effects. We were boarded by a mandarin- + boat, the officer of which informed me that he had been sent by the + Governor-General to pay his respects. He said that the Rebels were at + no great distance, and the people were flying for fear of their + attacking the town. He added, however, that they (the Imperialists) + had a large force of cavalry in the neighbourhood, and that they would + check the exodus of the inhabitants. Between Imperialists and Rebels, + the people must have a nice time of it. His best piece of news was + that we are only about fifty miles from Hankow. I trust that it may be + so, for, despite my love of adventure, I shall be glad when we are + able to turn back and proceed homewards. + +[Sidenote: Popular view of the religion of the Rebels.] + + The reason which the pilot assigns for the destruction of the temples + by the Rebels is the following: 'At present,' says he, 'the rich have + a great advantage over the poor. They can afford to spend a great deal + more in joss-sticks and other offerings, so that, of course, the gods + show them a very undue allowance of favour. The Rebels, who do not + approve of these invidious distinctions, get rid of them by destroying + the temples altogether.' This is evidently a popular version of the + religious character of the Rebel movement. A Buddhist priest, whom I + saw at Kew-kiang, said that the Rebels had destroyed some forty + temples there. 'They do not worship in temples,' he said, 'but they + have a worship of their own.' The room in which Mr. Wade saw the Rebel + chief at Woo-how was said to be their place of worship. It had no + altar, nor anything to distinguish it as such. + + _December 4th.--Six P.M._--Anchored again for the night, not half a + mile farther than yesterday. An island in process of formation, + covered at high water, separates the two anchorages. We had to go + back, &c., and ended the day's work by getting through a very tight + place in a most masterly manner; leadsmen sounding at the bow and + stern, as well as at the two paddles, and the 'Lee' and 'Cruiser' + stationed as pivots at the edges of the shoal. We had to perform a + sort of letter S round them, and we passed by the latter so near, that + we might have shaken hands with the crew. I should be amused with + these triumphs, were it not for the reflection that we have to repeat + them all in returning, with a favouring current, which will make our + task more difficult. + +[Sidenote: Hankow.] + + _December 6th.--Three P.M._--At Hankow; four weeks, almost to a + minute, since we left Shanghae. We have brought this ship to a point + about 600 miles from the sea,--a feat, I should think, unprecedented + for a vessel of this size. We have reached the heart of the commerce + of China. At first sight, I am disappointed in the magnitude of the + place. I am anchored off the mouth of the river Han, which separates + Hankow and Han-yang on the left bank of the Yangtze. On its right bank + is Ouchang Foo. I do not see room for the eight millions of people, at + which rumour puts the population of these three towns. The scene is + very animated. We are surrounded by hundreds of boats, and the banks + are a sea of heads. My gentlemen are gone ashore. I think I shall get + through the streets more conveniently to-morrow morning. + + _December 7th.--Four P.M._--I have just returned from a walk through + Hankow. Like all the places we have visited on this trip, it seems to + have been almost entirely destroyed by the Rebels; but it is + recovering rapidly, and exhibits a great deal of commercial activity. + The streets are wider and shops larger than one generally finds them + in China. When 'foreign' parties landed yesterday, they were a good + deal pestered by officious mandarin followers, who, by way of keeping + order, kept bambooing all the unhappy natives who evinced a desire to + see the foreigners. In order to defeat this plan, which was manifestly + adopted with the view of preventing us from coming in contact with the + people, I landed near Han-yang, on the side of the river Han opposite + to Hankow, and walked in the first instance to the top of a hill where + there is a kind of fortress, from which we had a good view of Ouchang, + Han-yang, and Hankow. The day was rather misty, but we saw enough to + satisfy us that there must have been great exaggeration in previous + reports of the magnitude of these places. Some of the mandarin + satellites tried to accompany us on our walk, but we soon sent them + about their business. After seeing all we wished of the view, we + descended and crossed the river Han in a sampan to Hankow, where we + walked about for some hours, followed by a crowd of perfectly + respectable people. As some hint was conveyed to me implying, that it + was hoped we would not go to Ouchang, I have sent a letter to the + Governor-General of the Two Hoo, who resides there, informing him that + I intend to call upon him to-morrow. I shall go with as large an + escort as I can muster. These Chinamen are such fools that, with all + my desire to befriend them, I find it sometimes difficult to keep + patience with them. They are doing all they can to prevent us from + having any dealings with the people; refusing our dollars, sending us + supplies as presents, &c. I have sent back the presents, stating that + I must have supplies, and that I will pay for them. + + _December 8th.--Eleven A.M._--An officer has been off from the + Governor-General, proposing that my visit should take place to-morrow, + in order that there may be sufficient time for the preparations. He + was very profuse in his protestations of good-will, but as usual there + were a number of little points on which it was necessary to take a + half-bullying tone. 'I could not have a chair with eight bearers; such + a thing had never been seen at Ouchang. There were not thirty chairs + (the number for which we had applied) in the whole place.' 'Lord Elgin + won't land with less, do as you please,' was the answer given. Of + course, the difficulties immediately vanished. Considerable + indignation was expressed at the fact that some of our officers had + been prevented from entering the town of Ouchang yesterday. A hope was + expressed that nobody would land on the Ouchang side to-day; all would + be arranged by to-morrow to our satisfaction, &c. &c. So, after an + interview, in which there was the necessary admixture of the bitter + and the sweet, the officer was sent back to his master. Supplies are + coming off in abundance to the ships. In short, the people are most + desirous to buy and sell, if the authorities will only leave them + alone. _Six P.M._--I have had a long walk on the same side of the + river as yesterday. We first went through the whole depth of Hankow, + on a line parallel with the river Han. We estimated our walk in this + direction at about two miles, but a good deal of it was along a single + street flanked on both sides by ruins. We then embarked in a sanpan + and came down the Han, passing through a multitude of junks of great + variety in shape and cargo. We landed near its mouth on the Han-yang + side, and walked to that town, which is a Foo or prefectoral city, and + walled. It contains the remains of some buildings of pretension, + triumphal arches, &c., which, imply that it must have been a place of + some distinction, but it has been sadly maltreated by the Rebels. + + _December 9th.--Four P.M._--The day is rainy, and the purser complains + of difficulty in making his purchases yesterday, and that coal is not + coming off to us as promised, &c.; so I thought it expedient to do a + little in the bullying line to keep all straight. When the Governor- + General therefore sent off this morning to say that he was ready to + receive me, I despatched Wade and Lay to inform him in reply that the + day was too bad for me to land, and that I had to complain of the + difficulties put in my way about money, &c. He received them in + person, and was very gracious; said that he had been at Canton; that + he understood all about us; that if he had been there, Yeh would never + have behaved as he did; that in former days the Chinese Government had + bullied us; that we had bullied them of late years; that it was much + better that henceforward we should settle matters reasonably; that he + was desirous to show me every attention in his power; that when the + port should be open he would do all he could to promote commerce and + good understanding. In short, he spoke very sensibly. It is + exceedingly probable that if he had not got a little check, he might + have kept us at as great a distance as possible; but, be that as it + may, it is just another proof of how easy it is to manage the Chinese + by a little tact and firmness. We are now loading coal, flour, &c., as + fast as we can take it on board. + +[Sidenote: Visit to Governor-General.] + + _December 10th.--Six P.M._--This day broke fine and clear, so I sent + off to the Governor-General to tell him that if he would receive me I + would visit him at 2 P.M. We went with considerable pomp. A salute + going and returning. A guard of eighty marines and sailors, and a + party of about thirty in chairs. We passed through about a mile of the + town of Ouchang Foo, and were received by the Governor-General and his + suite, dressed in their best. The ceremony was as usual; conversation + and tea in the front room, followed by a more substantial repast in + the second. I have never, however, seen a reception in China so + sumptuous, the authorities so well got up, and the feeding so well + arranged. The Governor-General is a good-looking man, less artificial + in his manner than Chinese authorities usually are. He is a Mantchoo. + It is rather hard to make conversation when one is seated at the top + of a room surrounded by some hundred people, and when, moreover, one + has nothing to say, and that nothing has to be said through an + interpreter. However, the ceremony went off very well. After it, I got + rid of my ribbon and star, and took a stroll _incog._ through Hankow, + where we bought some tea. Ouchang seems a large town with some good + houses and streets, but sadly knocked about by the Rebels. We are + getting all our supplies, &c., on board, and hope to start to-morrow + evening. + +[Sidenote: Return visit.] + + _December 11th.--Six P.M._--This day the Governor-General paid me a + return visit. We received him with all honour; manned yards of all + four ships, and gave him a salute of three guns from each. It has been + a beautiful day, and the scene was a striking one when he came off in + a huge junk like a Roman trireme, towed by six boats, bedizened by any + number of triangular flags of all colours. A line of troops, horse and + foot, lined the beach along which he passed from the gate of the city + to the place of embarkation; quaint enough both in uniform and + armament, but still with something of a pretension to both about them. + I have seen nothing in China with so much display and style about it + as the turn-out of the Governor-General of the Two Hoo, both to-day + and yesterday. We showed him the ship, feasted him, photographed him, + and entertained him one way or another for upwards of three hours. + After he had departed, I landed on the Ouchang side, and walked + through the walled city. Some objection was made to our entering, as + we went through a side instead of the main gate, but we persevered and + carried our point. The city is a fine one, about the size of Canton, + but much in ruins. To-morrow at six, please God, we set forth on our + return. I may mention as an illustration of the state of Ouchang, that + in walking over a hill in the very centre of the walled town, we put + up two brace of pheasants! + +[Sidenote: Retro-sum.] + + _December 12th.--Eleven A.M._--We are on our way back to Shanghae. I + am very glad of it, because we have accomplished all the good we could + possibly expect to effect at Hankow, and I am becoming very tired of + the length of time which our expedition has lasted. It is a feat to + have reached this point with these big ships at this season of the + year, and I think the effect of our visit will be considerable. The + people evidently have no objection to us, and the resistance opposed + by the authorities can always be overcome by tact and firmness. + + _December 13th.--Nine A.M._--At about eight we heaved anchor, having + carefully buoyed this very awkward passage. The current ran about four + miles an hour, and at some points where the leadsmen were calling out + sixteen and seventeen feet, the channel was not much greater than the + width of the ship, and we draw about fifteen and a half feet of water, + so it was a nervous matter to get through. To make the vessel answer + the helm it was necessary to go faster than the current, and difficult + to do this without proceeding at such a rapid rate as would, if we had + chanced to take the ground, have stuck us upon it immovably. We + skirted our several buoys in a most masterly manner, and are now + anchored till they have been picked up.... _Six P.M._--'Where we had + eighteen feet as we came up, we cannot find fourteen now,' are the + ominous words which Captain Osborn has just addressed to me as he + reached the deck from a surveying expedition.... It looks a little + serious, for I fear there is a worse place beyond. + +[Sidenote: Peasantry.] + + _December 14th.--Six P.M._--I went on shore this morning when there + was no prospect of moving.... We took a long walk, conversing with the + peasants who live in a row of cottages with their well-cultivated + lands in front and rear of their dwellings; the lands are generally + their own, and of not more than three or four acres in extent I should + think, but it is difficult to get accurate information from them on + such points. We found one rather superior sort of man, who said he was + a tenant, and that he paid four out of ten parts of the produce of his + farm to the landlord. They gave me the impression of being a well-to- + do peasantry. Afterwards I walked through the country town of Pāho, + which is built of stone, and seemingly prosperous. The Rebels had + destroyed all the temples. + + _December 15th.--Four P.M._--At about one we had passed the village of + Hwang-shih-kiang, and were entering that part of the river I described + as a fine site for a Highland deer forest, when the 'Lee' hoisted the + 'negative' (the signal to stop). She had got on a rock, where, on our + way up, we had found no bottom at ten fathoms. I landed immediately, + and found the people engaged in quarrying and manufacturing lime from + the hills on the right bank. We had a pleasant walk; the day being + beautiful, and the scenery very fine. They sell their lime at about + 17$. per ton (200 cash a picul), and buy the small coal which they + employ in their kilns at about 25$. (300 cash a picul). I wish I could + do as well at Broomhall! + +[Sidenote: Hunting for a channel.] +[Sidenote: Literary degrees.] + + _December 17th.--Ten A.M._--The gunboats are hunting for a channel.... + I am going ashore. On this day last year I embarked on board this ship + for the first time. What an eventful time I have spent since then! + _Four P.M._--I have returned from my walk, but, alas! no good news to + greet me. Only eleven feet of water, where we found seventeen on the + way up.... Our walk was pleasant enough, though it rained part of the + time. Some of the gentlemen shot, for the whole of China is a + preserve, the game hardly being molested by the natives. We went into + the house of a small landowner of some three or four acres; over the + door was a tablet to the honour of a brother who had gained the + highest literary degree, and was therefore eligible for the highest + offices in the State. The owner himself was not so literary, and had + bought the degree of _bachelor_ for 108 taels (about 35_l_.). If he + tried to purchase the degree of _master_ he would have, he said, 1,000 + taels to pay, besides passing through some kind of examination. We + asked him about the Rebels. He said that when they visited the rural + districts, they took whatever they pleased, saying that it belonged to + their Heavenly Father. Before meat they make a prayer to the Heavenly + Father, ending with a vow to destroy the 'demons' (Imperialists). + 'But,' added my informant, 'they are poor creatures, and their + Heavenly Father does not seem to do much for them.' We also visited a + manufactory where they were extracting oil from cotton-seed. + + _December 18th.--Six P.M._--We are to try a channel, such as it is, + to-morrow morning. I landed for a walk. Wade took a gun with him. We + saw quantities of waterfowl of all kinds. The plain on the left bank + of the river is bounded on the other side by a pretty lake. The plain + is subject to inundations, and seems to be covered by a bed of sand of + about five feet in thickness. The people cultivate it by trenching for + the clay beneath, and mixing it with the sand. + + _December 19th.--10.30 A.M._--The 'Cruiser' went through this bad + passage safely. We followed, and are now aground. Anchors are being + laid out in hopes of dragging the ship over. + +[Sidenote: Pressing through the mud.] + + _December 20th.--Eleven A.M._--Our difficulty yesterday was not + unexpected,... but we were compelled to make the attempt. The mud was + very soft, and as we pressed against it, kept breaking away; but the + difficulty was, that as we moved the shoal, the tide was forcing us + towards it, and preventing our getting clear of it. At night we fixed + the ship securely by three anchors, and left it to make its own way, + which it did so effectually, that at 4 A.M. we slipped into deep + water. We did not get off till 10 A.M., and the first thing we had to + do was to turn in a channel which was exactly the length of the ship, + and not a foot more. This very clever feat we performed with the help + of an anchor dropped from the stern, and are now in the main river.... + _Two P.M._--We have anchored below Kew-kiang, at the spot where we + anchored on November 30th. The 'Dove' met us an hour ago with the + ominous signal, 'Afraid there is no passage.' _Six P.M._--Captain + Osborn has returned from an exploration, which will be continued to- + morrow. It would be very sad if the 'Furious' had to be left behind. + Meanwhile I landed and took a walk. It is a pretty country, on the + right bank, consisting of wooded hillocks with patches of cultivated + valley, and sometimes lakes of considerable size. Cosy little hamlets + nestle in most of the valleys; the houses built of sun-dried bricks, + and much more substantial than those we saw yesterday, &c., where the + walls generally were made of matting, probably because of the + inundations. + +[Sidenote: Taking to the gunboats.] + + _December 23rd.--Noon._--At about six Captain Osborn returned from an + exploration of the north channel, which he found rocky, and twelve + feet of water the utmost that could be found. Captain Bythesea was + disposed to try and lighten the 'Cruiser;' but I determined that I + would run no risk of the kind. As yet no harm has happened to any of + our ships, and the delay at this point of some of the squadron for + three months, is more an inconvenience to me than a disadvantage in + any other way. On public grounds it will even be attended with + benefit, as it will insure the Yangtze being kept open; for supplies + will be sent up to them from Shanghae, and they will have an + opportunity of examining the Poyang Lake besides. If any of the + vessels were lost or seriously injured, it would be a very different + matter. I have therefore resolved that we shall all pack into the + 'Lee' (the 'Dove' being crammed already), and with the aid of two + junks for servants and baggage, make our way to the 'Retribution.' We + shall have to pass Nganching, but it is to be hoped that the Rebels + will not repeat the experiment they made when we were on our way up. + _Au reste, Dieu dispose._ + + _December 24th.--Noon._--On board the 'Lee.'_--We have just passed the + shallow behind which we were anchored for three days; but we have + passed it only by leaving our big ships behind us. At 10 A.M. I had + all the ship's company of the 'Furious' on deck, and made a short + farewell speech to them, which was well received by a sympathetic + audience. The whole Mission is on board this gunboat, pretty closely + packed as you may suppose: the servants in a Chinese boat astern, and + the effects in another, astern of the 'Dove.' The 'Dove' leads, and we + follow. It is raining and blowing unpleasantly. I am very sorry to + have left the 'Furious.'... If the Rebels let us pass them unattacked, + it will be well; if they do not, we shall be obliged in self-defence + to force a passage through their lines, in order to carry supplies to + our ships. Either way, the object of opening the Yangtze will be + attained. Yesterday the Prefect of Kew-kiang came on board the + 'Furious.' He was very civil, and undertook to supply Captain Osborn + with all he wanted.... In the little cabin where I am now writing, + five of us are to sleep! + + _Christmas Day._--Many happy returns of it to you and the children!... + It is the second since we parted.... We are now (3 P.M.) approaching + Nganching. I have resolved to communicate with the authorities to + express my indignation at what happened when we passed up the river, + and tell them that if it is repeated I shall be obliged reluctantly to + take the town. This may seem rather audacious language, considering + that my whole force now consists of two gunboats. However, I think it + is the proper tone to take with the Chinese. + +[Sidenote: Ngan-ching.] + + _December 26th.--One P.M._--It grew so dark before we anchored near + Nganching last night, that we abandoned the idea of communicating till + this morning, and found, when day broke, that we were nearer the town + than we had anticipated. It was raining heavily, with a slight + admixture of sleet, and some of the heights in rear of the town were + covered with snow. We heaved anchor at about seven, and dropped it + again at about half a mile from the wall of the city. Wade went off in + a boat. He steered to a point where there was an officer waving a flag + somewhat ominously, and a crowd behind him, generally armed with red + umbrellas. When he got to the shore, he was informed that the officer + was third in command, and a Canton man, as the other chiefs also + appeared to be. He told them that it was our intention to pass up and + down the river; that I had come with a good heart (i.e. without + hostile intentions); that nevertheless we had been scandalously fired + at, &c. &c. They at once, in the manner of Chinamen, confessed their + error, and said that the firing had been a mistake; that it was the + act of some of the local men, who did not know the ships of 'your + great nation:' that it should not happen again, &c. Wade told them + that the same thing had occurred at Nankin, and that we had destroyed + the peccant forts. They answered that they were aware of what had then + happened. He added, that we did not wish to interfere in their + internal disputes, but that they must know, if we were driven to it, + we should find it an easy matter to sweep them out of the city. They + admitted the truth of all he said, offered presents, begged him to go + into the city and see their chief (both which proposals he declined); + in short, they were contrite and humble. On his return to the 'Lee,' + she and her consort lifted their anchors, and we steamed quietly past + the city, under the very walls, and within easy gingall shot, for so + we were compelled to do by the narrowness of the channel. + +[Sidenote: Nankin.] + + _December 29th.--11 A.M._--We are now approaching Nankin. I have sent + Oliphant, Wade, Lay, and a Mr. W. (a missionary) ahead in the 'Dove,' + to land, if possible, at the first fort, with the view of going into + the town and calling on the authorities. The 'Dove' will then proceed + past the other forts to an anchorage on the farther side of the city, + to which point the 'Lee' and 'Retribution' will follow her. My + emissaries will inform the Nankin authorities that I am pleased that + they should have apologised for their scandalous conduct towards us on + our way up; that we have no intention of meddling with them if they + leave us alone; but that we intend to move ships up and down the + river, and that they must not be molested. They have sent me a letter + written on a roll of yellow silk, about three fathoms long. It seems + to be a sort of rhapsody, in verse, with a vast infusion of their + extraordinary theology. It is now snowing heavily, so we cannot see + far ahead. It would, I think, be awkward for me to have any + intercourse with the Rebel chiefs, so I do not, as at present advised, + intend to land. + +[Sidenote: Wildfowl.] + + _December 30th._--About 7 P.M., the 'Dove' rejoined us with the + emissaries. It appears that they had a long way to go on horseback,-- + some seven or eight miles--before they reached the Yamun of the chief, + who received them. They do not seem to have learnt much from him. He + professed to be third in the hierarchy of the Rebel Government of + Nankin, but was a rather commonplace person. He said that our + bombardment had killed three officers and twenty men, and that they + had beheaded the soldiers who fired at us! Arrangements were made for + the free passage of vessels communicating with the 'Furious.' They + describe their ride through Nankin as if it had been one through a + great park,--trees, and the streets wider than usual in China; but no + trade is allowed, and the place seems almost deserted. There was not + quite so much appearance of destruction, but more of desolation, than + in any town previously visited by us. The officer who guided them to + the Yamun asked Wade to take him away with us, and on being told that + was impossible, applied for opium, saying that he smoked himself, and + that about one in three of the force in Nankin did the same. Whether + the original Taiping chief, 'Hung-Seu-Cheun,' is still alive or not, + we have not been able to discover. Some say he remains shut up with + about 300 wives. At any rate he is invisible.... The only thing + remarkable which I have observed to-day is the quantity of wildfowl. I + saw one flock this morning which was several miles long. It literally + darkened the sky. I suppose the cold weather is driving them inwards + from the sea. + +[Sidenote: Aground once more.] + + _December 31st.--Five P.M._--I hardly expected to have to record + another grounding, but so it is. We have been going on gallantly all + day, leaving the other ships some ten miles behind us. We had passed + the Lunshan Hills, off which we spent two days, and from which I sent + you my last letter. We were abreast of Plover Point, when suddenly the + water shoaled so much that we had to drop anchor. Alas! the ebbing + tide was too strong for us, and drove us on a bank, where we are now + sticking. If we get off before morning it will not matter much; but if + the 'Retribution' comes down and finds us here, we shall look + horribly small. + +[Sidenote: Reach Shanghae.] + + _January 1st, 1859._--Many, many returns of the New Year! It is a + beautiful day, and we are just anchoring at Shanghae, at 3 P.M. As + soon as the tide rose (about midnight) it lifted us off our shoal. We + had to go cautiously sometimes to-day; but we have closed this + eventful expedition successfully. + +The general results and chief incidents of the interesting expedition thus +happily completed, were reported to the Government in England in a +despatch, dated January 5th, 1859, from which are taken the following +extracts:-- + +[Sidenote: Difficulty of getting at facts.] + + The knowledge of the Chinese language possessed by Messrs. Wade and + Lay enabled me to enter, without difficulty, into communication with + the inhabitants of the towns and rural districts which we visited. At + various points in our progress we wandered, unarmed and unattended, in + parties of three or four, to a distance of several miles from the + banks of the river, and we never experienced at the hands of the + natives anything but courtesy, mingled with a certain amount of not + very obtrusive curiosity. Notwithstanding, however, these favourable + opportunities, the budget of statistical facts which I was able to + collect was hardly as considerable as I could have desired. Chinamen + of the humbler class are not much addicted to reflection, and when + subjected to cross-examination by persons greedy of information, they + are apt to consider the proceeding a strange one, and to suspect that + it must be prompted by some exceedingly bad motive. Moreover, having + been civilised for many generations, they carry politeness so far, + that in answering a question it is always their chief endeavour to say + what they suppose their questioner will be best pleased to hear. If, + therefore, the knowledge of a fact is to be arrived at, it is, above + all things, necessary that the inquiry bear a tint so neutral that the + person to whom it is addressed shall find it impossible to reflect its + colour in his reply. He will then sometimes, in his confusion, blunder + into a truthful answer, but he does so generally with a bashful air, + indicative of the painful consciousness that he has been reluctantly + violating the rules of good breeding. A search after accurate + statistics, under such conditions, is not unattended with difficulty. + +[Sidenote: Exaggerated reports of population.] + + I am confirmed, by what I have witnessed on this expedition, in the + doubts which I have long entertained as to the accuracy of the popular + estimates of the amount of the town population of China. The cities + which I have visited are, no doubt, suffering at present from the + effects of the rebellion; but I cannot bring myself to believe that, + at the best of times, they can have contained the number of + inhabitants usually imputed to them. M. Hue puts the population of the + three cities of Woo-chang-foo, Han-yang-foo, and Hankow, at + 8,000,000. I doubt much whether it now amounts, in the aggregate, to + 1,000,000; and even when they were flourishing, I cannot conceive + where 3,000,000 of human beings could have been stowed away in them. + +[Sidenote: Rural population.] +[Sidenote: Town population.] + + What 1 have seen leads me to think that the rural population of China + is, generally speaking, well-doing and contented. I worked very hard, + though with only indifferent success, to obtain from them accurate + information respecting the extent of their holdings, the nature of + their tenure, the taxation which they have to pay, and other kindred + matters. I arrived at the conclusion that, for the most part, they + hold their lands, which are of very limited extent, in full property + from the Crown, subject to certain annual charges of no very + exorbitant amount; and that these advantages, improved by assiduous + industry, supply abundantly their simple wants, whether in respect of + food or clothing. In the streets of cities in China some deplorable + objects are to be met with, as must always be the case where mendicity + is a legalised institution; but I am inclined to think that the rigour + with which the duties of relationship are enforced, operates as a + powerful check on pauperism. A few days ago a lady here informed me + that her nurse had bought a little girl from a mother who had a + surplus of this description of commodity on hand. I asked why she had + done so, and was told that the little girl's husband, when she + married, would be bound to support the adopting mother. By the + judicious investment of a dollar in this timely purchase, the worthy + woman thus secured for herself a provision for old age, and a + security, which she probably appreciates yet more highly, for decent + burial when she dies. + +[Sidenote: Manufactures.] + + My general impression is, that British manufacturers will have to + exert themselves to the utmost if they intend to supplant, to any + considerable extent, in the native market, the fabrics produced in + their leisure hours, and at intervals of rest from agricultural + labour, by this industrious, frugal, and sober population. It is a + pleasing but pernicious fallacy to imagine, that the influence of an + intriguing mandarin is to be presumed whenever a buyer shows a + preference for native over foreign calico. + +In returning to Shaughae, Lord Elgin had hoped to find the objects of his +mission so far secured, that there would be nothing to prevent, his sailing +for England at once: but nearly two more months elapsed before he was able +to turn his back on the Celestial Empire. + + _Shanghae.--January 17th._--The 'Furious' and 'Cruiser' arrived here + safely on the 10th.... I have just accomplished the Herculean task of + looking over a two-months' supply of newspapers, and this occupation, + interlarded with a certain number of letters and visits to and from + the Imperial Commissioners, and, to-day, an address from the British + community of Shanghae, has pretty fully occupied my time.[3] The home + mail is due to-day, and 1 am anxiously waiting to learn from it what + the Government intends to do about relieving me.... I trust that your + many disappointments as to my return may have been somewhat relieved + by the conviction that I am following the right course. This opening + up of the East is not a light matter.... The comet was most + magnificent here. Did I ever mention it in my letters? During the + whole period of its visit in this quarter it had night after night a + clear blue cloudless sky, spangled with stars innumerable, to disport + itself in.... Canton is coming round to tranquillity as fast as we + ever had any right to expect; but the absurd thing is that these funny + people at Hong-Kong are beginning to praise me! + +[Sidenote: Troubles at Canton.] + + _January 20th._--I had hardly written the words 'Canton is coming + round to tranquillity.' when I heard that there had been fighting + there again. It is a good thing in my opinion, as it will enable us to + demonstrate our superiority to the Braves, if the General and Admiral + improve the opportunity properly; not by a great deal of slaughter, + that is quite unnecessary, but by promptitude, and striking a blow at + the right moment. The Chinese do not care much about being killed, but + they hate being frightened, and the knowledge of this idiosyncrasy of + theirs is the key of the position. I have just written a letter to my + friends the Imperial Commissioners here, which will, I think, shake + their nerves considerably, and bring them to a manageable frame of + mind. + +In fact, when he found that Governor-General Hwang had not been recalled, +nor the Committee of Gentry suppressed, and that the Canton Braves were +still making war upon our troops, he felt that the Chinese were trying to +evade the performance of their promises, and that there was nothing for it +but to 'appeal again to 'that ignoble passion of fear which was unhappily +the one _primum mobile_ of human action in China.'[4] Accordingly he wrote +to the Imperial Commissioners that, as the Emperor did not carry out what +they undertook, he would have nothing more to say to them on the subject; +that the English soldiers and sailors would take the Braves into their own +hands; and that he or his successor would in a month or two have an +opportunity of ascertaining at Pekin itself whether or not the Emperor was +abetting the persons who were creating disturbances in the South. + +The journal continues, under date of January 20:-- + +[Sidenote: Town of Shanghae.] + + Yesterday I took a walk through the town of Shanghae with a missionary + who is a very good _cicerone_. We went into a good many _ateliers_ of + silversmiths, ribbon-makers, tobacco-manufacturers, carvers in wood, + and the like. The Chinese are skilful manipulators, but they are + singularly uninventive. Nothing can be more rude than their labour- + saving processes. We visited also a foundling establishment. There was + a drawer at the entrance in which the infants are deposited, as is, I + believe, the case at Paris. The children seem tolerably cared for, but + there were not many in the house. The greater portion are given out to + nurse. We went also into a large inn or lodging-house, frequented by a + respectable class of visitors--silk merchants, &c. The rooms seemed + comfortable, quite as good as the accommodation provided for + commercial travellers at an English inn. A good many books seemed to + form part of the luggage of the occupant of each room that we entered. + It is curious that I should have been engaged in so many enterprises + of rather an out-of-the-way character since I have been out here. I + confess that in my own opinion the voyage up the Yangtze is not the + least important one. + + _January 22nd._--Mail arrived. Frederick's appointment[5] is very + satisfactory, and I am sure it is the best the Government could have + made for the public interest. It is a great comfort to me to know that + he will wind up what I cannot finish. + +[Sidenote: Return to Hong-Kong.] + + _Shanghae.--January 25th._--After full consideration I have resolved + to go at once to Hong-Kong, and take the Canton difficulty in hand. A + variety of circumstances lead me to the conclusion that the Court of + Pekin is about to play us false. Ho, the Governor-General of the Two + Kiang; the Tautai of this port; and the Treasurer of the district, all + well-disposed to foreigners, have been gradually removed from the + councils of the Commissioners. Some papers which we have seized also + indicate that the Emperor is by no means reconciled to some of the + most important concessions obtained in the Treaties. This row at + Canton is therefore very opportune. I have taken a high tone, informed + the Commissioners that I am off to the South to punish disturbers of + the peace there, and that when I have taught them to respect treaties, + I (or my successor) will return to settle matters still pending here, + pacifically or otherwise as the Emperor may prefer. It is to be hoped + that this language will bring them to their senses, or rather bring + the Court to its senses, for I do not suppose that the Commissioners + are so much to blame. I had already asked all the society here to a + party this evening, so it will be a farewell entertainment, and I + shall embark as soon as it is over. + +[Sidenote: Pirate-hunting.] + + _At Sea, near Hong-Kong.--Tuesday, February 1st._--Two war-steamers + and a gunboat have just passed us on some expedition after pirates. It + may be all right, but I fear we do some horrible injustices in this + pirate-hunting. The system of giving our sailors a direct interest in + captures is certainly a barbarous one, and the parent of much evil; + though perhaps it may be difficult to devise a remedy. The result, + however, is, that not only are seizures often made which ought not to + be made at all, but also duties are neglected which do not bring grist + to the mill. B. once said to me, in talking of the difficulty of + exercising a police over even English vessels which carry coolies to + foreign ports:--'Men-of-war have orders to seize vessels breaking the + law; but as they are not prizes, and the captain if he seizes them + wrongfully is liable to an action for damages, how can you expect them + to act?' + +[Sidenote: March into the interior.] + + _February 11th._--I ought to tell you that on the 8th, a body of + troops about 1,000 strong started on an expedition into the interior, + which was to take three days. I accompanied or rather preceded them on + the first day's march, about twelve miles from Canton. We rode through + a very pretty country, passing by the village of Sheksing, where there + was a fight a fortnight ago. The people were very respectful, and + apparently not alarmed by our visit. At the place where the troops + were to encamp for the night, a cattle fair was in progress, and our + arrival did not seem to interrupt the proceedings. + + _February 13th._--The military expedition into the country was + entirely successful. The troops were received everywhere as friends. + Considering what has been of yore the state of feeling in this + province towards us, I think this almost the most remarkable thing + which has happened since I came here. Would it have happened if I had + given way to those who wished me to carry fire and sword through all + the country villages? Or if I had gone home, and left the winding-up + of these affairs in the hands of others?... I say all this because I + am anxious that you should appreciate the motives which have made me + prolong my stay in this quarter. + +On the 15th he started, intending to join General Straubenzee in an +expedition up the West River; but finding that his presence would be of no +use, and might be an embarrassment, he resolved instead to spend the time +in visiting the port of Hainan, the southernmost port opened by the new +Treaty. Unfortunately, when he arrived off Hainan, a wind blowing on shore, +and very imperfect charts, prevented his entering the port; but on his way +he had an opportunity of revisiting one of the few places on the coast +possessing any historical interest, namely Macao, the residence of Camoėns; +and also of touching at St. John, the scene of the labours and death of +Francis Xavier. + +[Sidenote: Macao.] + + _February 11th._--We reached Macao yesterday morning. I visited the + garden of Camoėns, and wandered among the narrow up-and-down streets, + which with the churches and convents, and air of quiet _vétusté_, + remind one of a town on the continent of Europe. + +[Sidenote: St. John.] + + _February 20th.--Sunday._--We have just anchored in a quiet harbour, + on the island of St. John, or Sancian, as Huc calls it; the first + place in China where the Portuguese settled. Here, too, St. Francis + Xavier died. I should land and look at his tomb if I thought it was in + this part of the island, but it is late (5 P.M.), and a long way to + pull. + +On returning to Hong-Kong he found that his letter to the Chinese +Government had had the effect which he desired and anticipated. + +[Sidenote: Mission completed.] + + _Hong-Kong.--February 23rd._--I have good news from the North. As I + was walking on the deck this morning at 8 A.M., Mr. Lay suddenly made + his appearance. He had come by the mail-packet from Shanghae, with a + letter from the Imperial Commissioners, announcing that the seal of + Imperial Commission had been taken from Hwang, the Governor-General of + this province, and given to Ho, the Governor-General of the provinces + in which Shanghae is situated. Lay further states that his friend the + Tautai informed him that they are prepared to receive the new + Ambassador peacefully at Pekin, when he goes to exchange + ratifications. If so, I think that I shall be able to return with the + conviction that the objects of my mission have been accomplished. + +The details of his Treaty having been now definitively arranged, Canton +pacified, and its neighbourhood overawed by the peaceful progress through +it of a military expedition, there remained nothing to detain him in the +East.[6] + +[Sidenote: Homeward bound.] +[Sidenote: Hong-Kong factory.] + + _Canton River.--March 3rd._--I am really and truly off on my way to + England, though I can hardly believe that it is so. The last mail + brought me not a word either from Frederick or about his plans; only, + what was very satisfactory, the approval of the Government of my + arrangement respecting the residence of the British Minister in China. + I have, however, determined to start, and to take my chance of meeting + him somewhere _en route_. Unless I were to go back to Shanghae, I + could not do much more here now; and if I put off, I shall have the + monsoon against me, and great heat in the Red Sea. Having resolved on + this course, I invited the Hong-Kong merchants to come up with me to + Canton, to look at the several factory sites. In their usual way they + have been dictating the choice of a site to me, abusing me for not + fixing upon it; and I found out that very few of them had even taken + the trouble of looking at the ground. In short I found that, in my + short visits, I had seen a great deal more of the sites than they had + done, who live constantly on the spot, and are personally interested + in the matter. I started from Hong-Kong yesterday morning, and to-day + I went over the ground with them. The rain poured, and I got a good + wetting.... As I was starting from the town in a gunboat to rejoin my + ship, I met the military and naval expedition, which has been absent + for more than two weeks, returning. I had not time to communicate with + the officers, but they seemed in good spirits. It is a curious wind-up + of this most eventful mission, that as I am starting from China, I + should meet an Anglo-French force returning from a pacific invasion + into the very heart of the province of Kwan-tung!--the _pépiničre_ of + the Canton Braves, of whom we have heard so much. + + _March 4th.--Eleven A.M._--I have been calculating that if Frederick + does not leave England till the mail of the 25th of February, I may, + by pushing on, catch him at Galle. This would be a great point. I must + push on and take my chance. + +[Sidenote: Pulo Sapata.] + + _March 8th._--We are passing Pulo Sapata, a bald, solitary rock, + standing in the midst of the China Sea, the resort of seafowl, as is + indicated by its guano-like appearance. There it stands day after day, + and year after year, affronting the scorching beams of this tropical + sun. All ships pass by it between Singapore and China. So I am looking + at it for the fourth time--the last time, we may hope. We have made + fully 200 miles a day--a great deal for this ship. + + _March 10th._--We are now very near the Line, and the breeze has + nearly failed us; so you may imagine we are not very cool, but we hope + to reach Singapore to-morrow. These Tropics are very charming when + they do not broil one; and I passed a pleasant hour last night on the + top of the paddle-box, with a balmy air floating over my face from the + one side, a crescent moon playing hide-and-seek behind a cloud on the + other, and right above me a legion of bright stars, shining through + the atmosphere as if they could pierce one with their glance. + + _March 11th._--We have passed the Horsburgh lighthouse, and entered + the Straits. Wooded banks on either side, diversified by hillocks, and + a ship or two, give some animation to the scene. It is very hot, and I + have been on the paddle-box getting what air I can, and watching a + black wall of cloud covered with fleecy masses, which rests on the + bank to our right, and seems half inclined to sweep over us with one + of those refreshing pelts of which we had a succession last night. It + is this habit of showers which renders the vicinity of the Line more + bearable than the summer heat of other parts within the Tropics. + However, the cloud sticks to the shore, so I have come down to write + this line to you. + +[Sidenote: Singapore.] + + _Singapore.--Sunday, March 13th, Seven A.M._--This place looks + wonderfully green and luxuriant after China. The variety of costumes + and colours too, Malay, Indian, Chinese, &c., and the pretty villas + perched on each hillock among flowering trees, give it a festival air. + Heavy showers of rain also keep the temperature down.... 3.30 P.M.--I + went to church and embarked immediately after; and here we are, about + ten miles from Singapore, going well through a calm sea, with a slight + breeze rather against us. Twenty months ago I left this place at about + the same hour with poor Peel for Calcutta. + + _March 21st.--Six A.M._--I have been an hour on deck watching the + great bright stars eclipse themselves, and the sun break through the + clouds right astern of us. It is a lovely day, and we are a little + bent over by a breeze from the shore of Ceylon, along which we are now + running. _Noon._--Just anchored at Galle, after a run of about 270 + miles in twenty-four hours.... We are surrounded by curious boats + about two feet wide, prevented from capsizing by _outriggers_--beams + of wood _floating_ on the water on one side of them, and attached to + them by poles of about eight feet in length. I believe these boats are + wonderfully fast and safe. + +[Sidenote: Ceylon.] + + _Colombo.--Sunday, March 27th._--We came yesterday to this place. A + drive of seventy-two miles through an almost uninterrupted grove of + cocoa-nut trees, interspersed with bread-fruit, jack-fruit, and other + foliage, with occasional gleams of the _Gloriosa superba_. The music + of the ocean waves hissing and thundering on the shore accompanied us + all our journey. The road was good and the coach tolerable, so it was + pleasant enough. To-day the heat is very great; hardly bearable at + church. All Sir H. Ward's family are on the hill--Newra Elyia--some + 6,000 feet above the sea; this being the hottest season in Ceylon. My + writing is not very good, for I cannot sit still for the heat. I am + walking about the room in very light attire, taking up my pen from + time to time to indite a few words. + + _H.M.S. 'Furious.'--At Sea, April 9th._--Will this letter be delivered + to you by the post or by the writer in person? _Chi sa?_... You will + like to have a complete record of my experiences during my long + absence. I am now again at sea, and I cannot say how this fact + rejoices me. I was tired of Ceylon; and my longing to get home + increases as the prospect of my doing so becomes more real. I was ill, + too, at Ceylon. The heat was very great; and I was, I fear, somewhat + imprudent. On the day after I despatched my last letter to you from + Colombo, I started for Kandy, a pretty little countrytown seated in + the centre of a circle of hills. I reached it at 5 P.M., time enough + to walk about the very beautiful grounds of the 'Pavilion,' the + Governor's residence. Next day, after seeing the shrine which contains + the famous tooth of Buddha, I set off for the mountains, and reached a + coffee estate of Baron Delmar's at about 6 P.M. We found ourselves in + a fine cool climate, at about 3,000 feet above the sea. That night, + however, I felt a shiver as I went to bed. I had a bad headache next + morning, and when I arrived at Newra Elyia, the famous sanatarium, + 6,000 feet above the sea, I was obliged to go to bed, and send for the + doctor. I could not remain quiet, however, as the packet from England + might be at Galle on the 3rd; so I had to hurry down on Friday from + the mountain to Kandy and Colombo, where I arrived on Saturday evening + more dead than alive. Sir H. Ward's doctor declared me to be labouring + under an attack of jungle fever.... I sent for the 'Furious,' which + conveyed me from Colombo to Galle on Monday the 4th. Frederick did not + arrive till the 6th; so all ended well. It was an unspeakable comfort + to me to meet Frederick at last We had a day to talk over our affairs, + as he did not proceed till the afternoon of the 7th.... I am pleased + with Ceylon, notwithstanding my mishaps. For a tropical climate it is + healthy and bearable; but we happened to be there at the very hottest + season. At Newra Elyia it is really cold, and, at the height of the + coffee estates, very tolerable to vegetate in. + +The rapid homeward journey along a beaten route offered little of interest +to write about, especially as he was likely to be the bearer of his own +letter. On the 19th of May he reported to the Foreign Office his arrival in +London. + +[1] The text of the Article respecting opium is as follows:--'Opium will + henceforth, pay thirty taels per picul import duty. The importer will + sell it only at the port. It will be carried into the interior by + Chinese only, and only as Chinese property; the Foreign trader will + not be allowed to accompany it. The provisions of Article IX. of the + Treaty of Tientsin, by which British subjects are authorised to + proceed into the interior with passports to trade, will not extend to + it, nor will those of Article XXVIII. of the same Treaty, by which the + transit-dues are regulated; the transit-dues on it will be arranged as + the Chinese Government see fit; nor, in future revisions of the + Tariff, is the rule of revision to be applied to opium as to other + goods.' + +[2] In an official despatch he describes it as 'a solitary rock of about + 300 feet in height, picturesquely clothed with natural timber and + ruined temples, around which are to be seen, at all hours of the day, + groups of bonzes, in their grey and yellow robes, devoutly lounging, + and conscientiously devoting themselves to the duty of doing + absolutely nothing.' + +[3] His reply to the Merchants' address contained the following passage: + 'Allow me to express the satisfaction which it gives me to find that + you specify the benefits that are likely to accrue to the inhabitants + of these countries themselves, as among the most important of the + results to be expected from our recent treaties with China and Japan. + On this head we have no doubt incurred very weighty responsibilities. + Uninvited, and by methods not always of the gentlest, we have broken + down the barriers behind which these ancient nations sought to conceal + from the world without the mysteries, perhaps also, in the case of + China at least, the raps and rottenness of their waning civilisations. + Neither our own consciences nor the judgment of mankind will acquit us + if, when we are asked to what use we have turned our opportunities, we + can only say that we have filled our pockets from among the ruins + which we have found or made.' + +[4] Despatch of Jan. 22, 1859. + +[5] As Minister at the Court of Pekin. + +[6] In a parting letter he pointed out to the Admiral how desirable it was + that the ambassador who went to Pekin to exchange the ratifications of + the Treaty should be supported by an imposing force, and suggested + that with this view a sufficient fleet of gunboats should be + concentrated at once at Shanghae. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +SECOND MISSION TO CHINA. OUTWARD. + +LORD ELGIN IN ENGLAND--ORIGIN OF SECOND MISSION TO CHINA--GLOOMY PROSPECTS +--EGYPT--THE PYRAMIDS--THE SPHINX--PASSENGERS HOMEWARD BOUND--CEYLON-- +SHIPWRECK--PENANG--SINGAPORE--SHANGHAE--MEETING WITH MR. BRUCE--TALIEN-- +WHAN--SIR HOPE GRANT--PLANS FOR LANDING. + + +[Sidenote: Lord Elgin in England.] + +When Lord Elgin returned, in 1854, from the Government of Canada, there +were comparatively few persons in England who knew or cared anything about +the great work which he had done in the colony. But his brilliant successes +in the East attracted public interest, and gave currency to his reputation; +and when he returned from China in the spring of 1859 he was received with +every honour. Two great parliamentary chiefs, Lord Derby and Lord Grey, +from opposite sides of the House of Lords, contended for the credit of +having first introduced him into public life. Lord Palmerston, who was at +the time engaged in forming a new Administration, again offered him a place +in it, and he accepted the office of Postmaster-General. The students of +Glasgow paid him the compliment of electing him as their Lord Rector; and +the merchants of London showed their sense of what he had done for their +commerce, first by the enthusiastic reception which they gave him at a +dinner at the Mansion House, and afterwards by conferring upon him the +freedom of their city. + +Lord Elgin was not one of those men, if any such there be, who are +indifferent to the appreciation of their fellows. He could, indeed, in a +mock-cynical humour, write of what a man must do 'if he thinks it worth +while to stand well with others:'[1] but in himself there was nothing of +the cynic, and to stand well with others was to his genial nature a source +of genuine and undisguised gratification. It was well said of him +afterwards in reference to the honours paid to him at this period, that +while he did not require the stimulus of praise, or even sympathy, to keep +him to his work, but would have worked on for life, whether appreciated or +overlooked, still 'he whose sympathies were always ready and warm enjoyed +himself being understood and valued; and that welcome in the City was very +cheering to him after his long experience of English indifference about +Canada and what he had done there.' + +He was not destined, however, to enjoy for long either the tranquil +dignities of his new position or the comfortable sense of a work +accomplished and completed. Fresh troubles broke out in the East; and, on +the 26th of April, 1860, within less than a year after his arrival in +England, he was again crossing the Channel on his way back to China. + +[Sidenote: Origin of Second Mission to China.] + +The Chinese Government, tractable enough under the present influence of a +bold and determined spirit, had returned to its old ways when that pressure +was removed. It had been agreed that the Treaty of Tien-tsin should be +formally ratified within the year, that is, before the 26th of June, 1859; +and, when the time approached, Mr. Bruce was commissioned to proceed to +Pekin for the purpose of exchanging the ratifications. On arriving, +however, at the mouth of the Peiho, he found the Taku forts, which guard +the mouth of the river, fortified against him; and when the men-of-war +which accompanied him went forward to remove the barriers that had been +laid across the river, they were fired upon from the forts. As no such +resistance had been expected, no provision had been made for overcoming it; +and Mr. Bruce had no choice but to return to Shanghae, and report to the +Government at home what had occurred. + +For some time it seems to have been hoped that the Emperor of China, when +fully informed of the misconduct of his officers in firing upon British +ships without notice, would have been ready to make the proper _amende_; +but when this hope was dispelled, it became clear that such an outrage must +be summarily dealt with. A large force, both naval and military, was +ordered from England and India to the China seas, to co-operate there with +forces sent by the French, who felt themselves scarcely less aggrieved than +the English by the repudiation of the common Treaty. + +For the command of this expedition there was one man whom all parties alike +regarded as marked out at once by character and ability, and by previous +experience. On the 17th of April, 1860, Lord Russell, who was then Foreign +Secretary, wrote officially to Lord Elgin that 'Her Majesty, resolved to +employ every means calculated to establish peace with the Emperor of China, +had determined to call upon him again to give his valuable services to +promote this important object, and had signified her intention of +appointing him to proceed to China as her Ambassador Extraordinary to deal +with these matters.' His instructions were necessarily of the vaguest. +After touching upon some of the awkward contingencies that might arise, +Lord Russell proceeded: 'In these circumstances your 'Lordship and your +enlightened colleague, Baron Gros, will be required to exercise those +personal qualities of firmness and discretion which have induced Her +Majesty and her Ally to place their confidence in you and the French +Plenipotentiary.' The only conditions named as indispensable were, (1) an +apology for the attack on the Allied forces at the Peiho; (2) the +ratification and execution of the Treaty of Tientsin; (3) the payment of an +indemnity to the Allies for the expenses of naval and military +preparations. + +To be called away from the happy home which he so rarely enjoyed and +enlightened, and to be sent out again to the ends of the world on such a +service, was no light sacrifice even to his patriotic spirit; and the +feeling of this was perhaps aggravated by the half-hope cherished during +the first few weeks, that any day he might be met by tidings that the +Chinese had made the required concessions, and that the affair was settled. +The following extracts from his Journal reflect something of this. + +[Sidenote: Gloomy prospects.] + + _Sunday, April 29th.--Off Sardinia._--So much for my chronicle; but I + write it with a certain feeling of repugnance and self-reproach. It + was very well on the occasion of my first voyage, when I wished to + share with you whatever charm the novelty of the scenes through which + I was passing might supply to mitigate the pain of our separation. But + this time there is no such pretext for the record of our daily + progress. I am going through scenes which I have visited before, on an + errand of which the issue is almost more than doubtful. When I see my + friend Gros I feel myself doubly guilty, in having consented to + undertake this task, and thus compelled him to make the same + sacrifice. And Frederick--what will he think of my coming out? It is a + dark sky all around. There is only one bright side to the picture. It + is very unlikely that my absence can be of long duration. If such + ideas were to prevail in England as those which are embodied in an + article on China, which is to appear in the forthcoming _Blackwood_, I + might be detained long enough in that quarter; but these are not the + views of the public or the statesmen of England. What is desired is a + speedy settlement, on reasonable terms--as good terms as possible; but + let the settlement be speedy. This, I think, is the fixed idea of all. + Gros tells me that when he took leave the Emperor grasped both his + hands, thanked him with effusion, and said that not one man in fifty + would make such a sacrifice as he (Gros) was doing. + + _Monday, 30th._--I do not know whether I shall do much more to this + letter before I reach Malta, for we are both rolling and pitching, + which is not favourable to writing, the climate has now changed. It is + very near perfection in point of temperature. If we could only keep it + so all the way! We expect to reach Malta this evening, and remain + about four hours. Where are you now?... Have you returned to your + desolate home? I think I see B. looking up to you with his thoughtful + eyes, and dear little L. putting pointed questions, and, in her arch + way, saying such kind and tender words!... You must continue to write, + as you did last time, all you are doing and thinking, that I may + reproduce, as faithfully as I can, the life which you are living. I do + the same by you, though it is with a more leaden pen than formerly.... + Poor Gros has retired to his cabin in order to take a horizontal + position. Many of my companions are in the same way. + +[Sidenote: Old letters.] + + _May 3rd._--Are you still shivering in the cold, while I am gliding + through the calm sea under an awning, and going against a breeze + sufficiently light to do no more than fan us pleasantly? If it would + never go beyond this, there is certainly something very delightful in + such a climate; the clear atmosphere, bright stars, light nights, and + soft air; and to be wafted along through all this, as we now are, at + the rate of some twelve miles an hour, with so little motion that we + hardly know that we are making progress. It will be a different story, + I fear, when we get into the Red Sea, where we may expect a wind + behind us, and around us the hot air of the Desert!... I have been + employing myself for a good part of to-day in a sad work. I took with + me a number of letters of very old date, and have been looking over + them, and tearing up a great part of them, and throwing them + overboard. I thought it would be an occupation suited to this heavy + tropical sea-life. I shall be sorry when it is over, as it is also + soothing, and brings back many pleasing memories which had nearly + faded away. Some few I keep, because they are landmarks of my past + life. + +[Sidenote: The Pyramids.] +[Sidenote: The Sphinx.] + + _Steamer 'Simla.'--May 9th._--I had only a few moments to write before + we left Suez, and my writing, such as it was, I performed under + difficulties, as the bustle of passengers finding their cabins, and + conveying to them their luggage, or such portions of it as they could + rescue from its descent into the hold, was going on all around me. I + had, therefore, only time to tell you that our visit to the Pyramids + has been a success. It was one of the greatest which I ever achieved + in that line. It came about in this way. When Baron Gros and I, + accompanied by _Betts Bey_, the chief director of the railway, were + journeying in our pachalic state-carriage from Alexandria to Cairo, a + question arose as to how we were to spend the few hours which we + should have to remain at the latter place. I expressed a desire to see + the Pyramids, as I had witnessed all the other lions of Cairo. But + Betts Bey observed, that to go there during the day, at this season of + the year, was a service of considerable danger, the risk of sunstroke + being more than usually great. We were, in fact, traversing Egypt + during the period (of about six weeks' duration) when the wind from + the south blows, and the only air one receives is like the blast of a + furnace heavily charged with sand. He added, however, that it was not + impossible to go to the Pyramids at night, remain there till dawn, see + the sunrise from the summit, and return before the great heats of the + day. When I found myself at Cairo, I proposed to my _entourage_ that + we should undertake this expedition. My proposal was eagerly accepted, + especially by 'Our own Correspondent,' Mr. Bowlby, who is a remarkably + agreeable person, and has become very much one of our party. It was + arranged that we should dine at the _table d'hote_ at 7 P.M., start at + 9, in carriages to the crossing of the Nile (about four miles), and on + donkeys from Gieja (about six miles). The Pasha's state-coach came to + the door at the appointed hour; we started, our own party, Mr. Bowlby, + Captain F., and M. de B., Gros' secretary. Gros himself, having twice + seen the Pyramids, declined going with us. The moon was very nearly + full, and but for the honour of the thing we might have dispensed with + the torch-bearers, who ran before the carriage and preceded the + donkeys, after we adopted that humbler mode of locomotion. Our row + across the river to the chant of the boatmen invoking the aid of a + sainted dervish, and our ride through the fertile borders of the Nile, + covered with crops and palm-trees, were very lovely, and, after about + an hour and a half from Cairo, we emerged upon the Desert. The + Pyramids seemed then almost within reach of our outstretched arms, but + lo! they were in fact some four miles distant. We kept moving on at a + sort of ambling walk; and the first sign of our near approach was the + appearance of a crowd of Arabs who poured out of a village to offer us + their aid in various ways. We had been told before we started, that a + party who had visited the Pyramids the night before had been a good + deal victimised by these Arabs, who, alas! in these degenerate days, + have no other mode of indulging their predatory propensities than by + exacting the greatest possible amount of 'backshish' from travellers + who visit the Pyramids. We pushed on over the heaps of sand and + _débris_, or probably covered-up tombs, which surround the base of the + Pyramids, when we suddenly came in face of the most remarkable object + on which my eye ever lighted. Somehow or other I had not thought of + the Sphinx till I saw her before me. There she was in all her imposing + magnitude, crouched on the margin of the Desert, looking over the + fertile valley of the Nile, and her gaze fixed on the East as if in + earnest expectation of the sun-rising. And such a gaze! The mystical + light and deep shadows cast by the moon, gave to it an intensity which + I cannot attempt to describe. To me it seemed a look, earnest, + searching, but unsatisfied. For a long time I remained transfixed, + endeavouring to read the meaning conveyed by this wonderful eye; but I + was struck after a while by what seemed a contradiction in the + expression of the eye and of the mouth. There was a singular + gentleness and hopefulness in the lines of the mouth, which appeared + to be in contrast with the anxious eye. Mr. Bowlby, who was a very + _sympathique_ inquirer into the significancy of this wonderful + monument, agreed with me in thinking that the upper part of the face + spoke of the intellect striving, and striving vainly, to solve the + mystery--(What mystery? the mystery, shall we say, of God's universe + or of man's destiny?)--while the lower indicated a moral conviction + that all must be well, and that this truth would in good time be made + manifest. + + We could hardly tear ourselves away from this fascinating spectacle to + draw nearer to the Great Pyramid, which stood beside us, its outline + sharply traced in the clear atmosphere. We walked round and round it, + thinking of the strange men whose ambition to secure immortality for + themselves had expressed itself in this giant creation. The enormous + blocks of granite brought from one knows not where, built up one knows + not how; the form selected solely for the purpose of defying the + assaults of time; the contrast between the conception embodied in + these constructions and the talk of the frivolous race by whom we were + surrounded, and who seemed capable of no thought beyond a desire for + daily 'backshish,'--all this seen and felt under the influence of the + dim moonlight was very striking and impressive. We spent some time in + moving from place to place along the shadow cast by the Pyramid upon + the sand, and observing the effect produced by bringing the moon + sometimes to its apex and sometimes to other points on its outline. I + felt no disposition to exchange for sleep the state of dreamy half- + consciousness in which I was wandering about; but at length I lay down + on the shingly sands, with a block of granite for a pillow, and passed + an hour or two, sometimes dozing, sometimes wakeful, till one of our + attendants informed me that the sun would shortly rise, and that it + was time to commence to ascend the Pyramid, if we intended to witness + from its summit his first appearance. We had intended to spend the + night in the tombs, but it was so hot that we were only too glad to + select the spot in which we could get the greatest amount of air. A + very soft and gentle breeze, wafted across the Desert from an unknown + distance, fanned me as I slept. The ascent was, I confess, a much more + formidable undertaking than I had anticipated; and our French friend + gave in after attempting a few steps. The last words which had passed + between him and me before we retired to rest, were interchanged as we + were standing in front of the Sphinx, and were characteristic: _Ah! + que c'est drōle!_ was the reassuring exclamation which fell from his + lips while we were there transfixed and awestruck. As far as the + ascent of the Pyramid was concerned, I am not sure but that I was + sometimes tempted to follow his example, when I found how great was + the effort required to mount up, in the hot air, the huge blocks of + granite, and the unpleasantness of feeling every now and then with + what facility one might topple downwards. This sensation was most + disagreeably felt when, as generally happened at any very critical + place, my Arab friends, who were helping me up, began to talk of + 'backshish,' and to insinuate that a small amount given at once, and + before the ascent was completed, would be particularly acceptable. + However, after a while the summit was reached. I am not sure that it + repaid the trouble; at any rate, I do not think I should ever wish to + make the ascent again. We had a horizon all around tinted very much + like Turner's early pictures, and becoming brighter and more + variegated as the dawn advanced, until it melted into day. Behind, and + on two sides of us, was the barren and treeless Desert, stretching out + as far as the eye could reach. Before us, the fertile valley of the + Nile; the river meandering through it, and, in the distance, Cairo, + with its mosques and minarets, the highest, the Citadel Mosque, + standing out boldly upon the horizon. It was a fine view, and had a + character of its own, but still it was not in kind very different from + other views which I have seen from elevated points in a flat country. + It does not stand forth among my recollections as a spectacle unique, + and never to be forgotten, as that of the night before does. Very soon + after the sun rose the heat became painful on our elevated seat, and + we hastened to descend-an operation somewhat difficult, but not so + serious as the ascent had been. We mounted our donkeys, and after + paying a farewell visit to the Sphinx, we returned to Cairo as we had + come, all agreeing that our expedition was one of the most agreeable + and interesting we had ever made. I confess that it was with something + of fear and trembling that I returned to the Sphinx that morning. I + feared that the impressions which I had received the night before + might be effaced by the light of day. But it was not so. The lines + were fainter, and less deeply marked, but I found, or thought I found, + the same meaning in them still. + +[Sidenote: Passengers homeward bound.] + + _May 10th._--We are now passing some islands, nearly opposite to Mocha: + to morrow at an early hour we shall probably reach Aden. Shall we find + any Chinese news there? And if we do, what will be its character? We + have not yet heard a syllable to induce us to think that matters will + be settled without a conflict, but then we have seen nothing official. + We met, at the station-house on the Nile, between Alexandria and + Cairo, the passengers by the last Calcutta mail-steamer. There were + some from China among them, but I could gather from them nothing of + any interest. It was a curious scene, by the way, that meeting: 260 + first-class passengers, including children, pale and languid-looking, + thrown into a great barn-like refectory, in which were already + assembled our voyage companions (we ourselves had a separate room), + jovial-looking, and with roses in their cheeks, which they are + doubtless hastening to offer at the shrine of the sun. These two + opposing currents, bearing such legible records of the climes from + which they severally came, met for a moment on the banks of the Nile, + time enough to interchange a few hasty words, and then rushed on in + opposite directions. As I am not like the Englishman in 'Eothen,' who + passes his countryman in the Desert without accosting him, I had as + much talk as I could with all the persons coming from China whom I + could find, though, as I said, without obtaining any information of + value. + +[Sidenote: Perim.] + + _May 11th.--Seven A.M._--Before I retired last night, I saw, through + the starlight (we have little moon now) Perim. On the right is an + excellent safe channel, eleven miles wide; so that it will be + impossible to command the entrance of the Red Sea from Perim. There is + a good anchorage on this side, so says our captain; but of course we + could not see it. I am sorry we passed it so late, as I should have + liked Gros to have seen it, in order that he might calm the + susceptibilities of his Government in respect to its formidable + character. I enclose a little bit of a plant which I gathered on my + return from the Pyramids. The botanist on board says it is a species + of camomile. It is a commonplace plant, with a little blue flower, but + I took a fancy to it, because it had the pluck to venture farther into + the Desert, and to approach nearer the Pyramids than any other which I + saw. + +[Sidenote: Aden.] + + _On Shore at Aden.--Noon._--I am at the house of Captain Playfair, who + represents the Resident during his absence. A very pleasant breeze is + blowing through the wall of reeds or bamboo, which encloses the + verandah in which I am writing. I am most agreeably disappointed by + the temperature; and, strange to say, both Captain P. and his wife do + not complain of Aden! So it is with all who live here. And yet, when + one looks at the place, dry as a heap of ashes, glared upon by a + tropical sun, without a single blade of grass to repose the eye, or a + drop of moisture from above to cool the air, save only about once in + two years, when the sluices of Heaven are opened, and the torrents + come down with a fury unexampled elsewhere, one feels at first + inclined to doubt whether it can be possible for human beings to live + here. I suppose that it is the reaction, produced by finding that it + is not quite so bad as it appears, that reconciles people to their + lot, and makes them so contented. We have got some scraps of China + news; and what there is, seems to be pacific. + +[Sidenote: Books.] + + _At Sea.--May 15th._--If we go on to China, if we take the matter in + hand, then I think, _coūte que coūte_, we must finish it, and finish + it thoroughly. I do not believe that it will take us long to do so; + but the indispensable is, that it should be done. This is my judgment + on the matter, and I tell it to you as it presents itself to my own + mind; but how much wiser is Gros, who does not peer into the dim + future, but awaits calmly the dispersion of the mists which surround + it!... He has been reading the book on Buddhism (St. Hilaire's), which + I got on your recommendation, and have lent him. I have myself read + Thiers; the _Idylls_ over again; some other poems of Tennyson's, &c. + &c. The first of these is very interesting. The passion of the French + nation for the name of Napoleon seems more and more wonderful when one + peruses the record of the frightful sufferings which he brought upon + them; and yet, at the time when his reign was drawing to its close, + the disgust occasioned by his tyranny seemed to be the ruling + sentiment with all classes. As to the _Idylls,_ on a second perusal I + like 'Enid' better than on the first; 'Vivien' better; 'Elaine' less; + and 'Guinevere' still best of all. Nothing in the volume can approach + the last interview between Arthur and the Queen. + + _May_ 19_th._--We are to reach Galle to-morrow or next day.... I think + of you and the dear small ones, to whom I feel myself drawn more + closely than ever; for, in spite of my preoccupations, I became better + acquainted with them during my last eleven months at home, than ever + before-dear B.'s full and thoughtful eye; L.'s engaging and loving + ways. Oh that I could be at home and at peace to enjoy all this! + +[Sidenote: Ceylon.] + + _Ceylon, May_ 21_st._--Last night was black and stormy, and when I came + on deck this morning, I was told that we did not know exactly where we + were; that we had turned our ship's head homewards, and were searching + for Ceylon. We found it after a while, and landed in a pelt of rain at + about noon.... On landing, I asked eagerly for China news. Hardly any + to be obtained; little more than vague surmises. Nothing to justify + an arrest of our movements, so we must go on. I do not know how it is, + but I feel sadder and more depressed than I have felt before. I cannot + but contrast my position when in this house a year ago with my present + position. Then I was returning to you, looking forward to your dear + welcome, complete success having crowned my mission to China, I am now + going from you on this difficult and unwelcome errand.... I feel as if + I knew every stone of the place where I passed so many weary hours, + waiting for Frederick, with a fever on me, or coming on. Gros is in + the next room bargaining for rubies and sapphires; but I do not feel + disposed to indulge in such extravagances.... The steamer in which we + are to proceed to-morrow looks very small, with diminutive portholes. + We shall be a large party, and, I fear, very closely packed. + +[Sidenote: Russell on the Indian Mutiny.] + + _May 22nd._--Have you read Russell's book on the Indian Mutiny? I have + done so, and I recommend it to you. It has made me very sad; but it + only confirms what I believed before respecting the scandalous + treatment which the natives receive at our hands in India. I am glad + that he has had courage to speak out as he does on this point. Can I + do anything to prevent England from calling down on herself God's + curse for brutalities committed on another feeble Oriental race? Or + are all my exertions to result only in the extension of the area over + which Englishmen are to exhibit how hollow and superficial are both + their civilisation and their Christianity?... The tone of the two or + three men connected with mercantile houses in China whom I find on + board is all for blood and massacre on a great scale, I hope they will + be disappointed; but it is not a cheering or hopeful prospect, look at + it from what side one may. + +[Sidenote: Shipwreck.] + + _Galle, May 23rd_.--L'homme propose, mais.... I ended my letter + yesterday by telling you that I was about to embark for Singapore amid + torrents of rain and growlings of thunder; but I little thought what + was to follow on this inauspicious embarkation. We got on board the + Peninsular and Oriental steamer 'Malabar' with some difficulty, there + was so much sea where the vessel was lying; and I was rather disgusted + to find, when I mounted the deck, that some of the cargo or baggage + had not yet arrived, and that we were not ready for a start. I was + already half wet through, and there was nothing for it but to sit + still on a bench under a dripping awning. About twenty minutes after I + had established myself in this position, the wind suddenly shifted, + and burst upon us with great fury from the north-east. The monsoon, + now due, comes from the south-west, and therefore a gale from the + north-east was unexpected, though I must say that, as we were being + assailed by constant thunderstorms, we had no right, in my opinion, to + consider ourselves secure on any side against the assaults of the + wind. Be this however as it may, the gale was so violent that I + observed to some one near me that it reminded me of a typhoon. I had + hardly made this remark, when a severe shock, accompanied by a grating + sound, conveyed to me the disagreeable information that the stern of + the vessel was on the rocks. Whether we tad two anchors out or one; + whether our cables were _hove taut_ or not; whether we had thirty + fathoms out or only fifteen, are points still in dispute; but at any + rate we had no steam; so, after we once were on the rock, we had for + some time no means of getting off it. During this period the thumping + and grating continued. It seemed, moreover, once or twice, to be + probable that we should run foul of a ship moored near us. However, + after a while, the engines began to work, and then symptoms of a panic + manifested themselves. The passengers came running up to me, saying + that the captain was evidently going to sea, that there were merchant + captains and others on board who declared that the certain destruction + of the ship and all on board would be the consequence, and begging me + to interfere to save the lives of all, my own included. At first I + declined to do anything,--told them that I had no intention of taking + the command of the ship, and recommended them in that respect to + follow my example. At last, however, as they became importunate, I + sent Crealock[2] to the captain, with my compliments, to ask him + whether we were going to sea. The answer was not encouraging, and went + a small way towards raising the spirits of my nervous friends around + me. 'Going to sea,' said the captain, 'why, we are going to the + bottom.' The fact is that we were at the time when that reply was + given going pretty rapidly to the bottom. The water was rising fast in + the after-part of the ship, and to this providential circumstance I + ascribe our safety. The captain started with the hope that he would be + able to pump into his boilers all the water made by the leak. If he + had succeeded, the chances are that by this time the whole concern + would have been deposited somewhere in the bed of the ocean. The leak + was, however, too much for him, and he had nothing for it but to run + over to the opposite side of the anchorage, where there is a sandy + bay, and there to beach his ship. We performed this operation + successfully, though at times it seemed probable that the water would + gain upon us so quickly as to stop the working of the engines before + we reached our destination. If this had happened we should have + drifted on some of the rocks with which the harbour abounds. When we + had got the stern of the vessel into the sand we discovered that we + had not accomplished much, for the said sand being very loose, almost + of the character of quicksand, and the sea running high, the stern + kept sinking almost as rapidly as when it had nothing but water below + it. The cabins were already full of water, and the object was to land + the passengers. As usual, there was the greatest difficulty in + launching any of the ship's boats, and none of the vessels in the + harbour, except one Frenchman (and one English I have since heard, but + its boat was swamped, and therefore I did not see it), saw fit to send + a boat to our assistance. In order to prevent too great a rush to the + boats, I thought it expedient to announce that the women must go + first, and that, for my own part, I intended to leave the ship + last.[3] This I was enabled to do without unnecessary parade, as the + first boat lowered was offered to me,--and no doubt the announcement + had some effect in keeping things quiet and obviating the risk of + swamping the boats, which was the only danger we had then to + apprehend. Such were our adventures of yesterday afternoon. I had a + presentiment that something would happen at Galle, though I could + hardly have anticipated that I should be wrecked, and wrecked within + the harbour!... _Five P.M._--I have just been on the beach looking at + our wreck. The stern, and up to the funnel is now all under water. A. + jury of 'experts' have sat on the case, and their decision is, that + nothing can be done to recover what is in the after part of the vessel + (passenger's luggage and specie) until the next monsoon sets in--some + five or six months hence! A wardrobe which has spent that period of + time under the sea will be a curiosity! + +This untoward accident detained him for a fort-night at Galle, occupied in +superintending and pressing on the operation of fishing up what could be +saved from the wreck. By the aid of divers, his 'Full Powers' and his +decorations were recovered, together with most of his wearing apparel; but +his 'letter of credence' was gone, and he had to telegraph to the Foreign +Office for a duplicate. + +[Sidenote: News from China.] + +In the meantime the lingering hope which he had cherished of an immediate +return to England was dispelled by accounts from China, which made it clear +that he must proceed thither and go through with the expedition. + + _May 28th.--Seven A.M._--This will be a sad letter to you, and I write + it with a heavy heart, though we have much to be thankful for in the + issue of this adventure.... I trust that Providence reserves for us a + time of real quiet and enjoyment. I go to China with the + determination, God willing! to bring matters there to a speedy + settlement. I think that this is as indispensable for the public as + for my own private interest. Gros is of the same opinion. I still + hope, therefore, that with the change of the monsoon we may be wending + our way homewards. + +[Sidenote: Missionary station.] + + _June 3rd._--Nothing has occurred to mark the lapse of time except a + visit we paid two days ago to a place called Ballagam, some ten miles + from here. It is a missionary station, built by the money of the + Church Missionary Society, or by funds raised through the Society. It + is situated on rising ground, and consists of an excellent bungalow + for the missionary, a church, and a school. A good part of the + building is upon an artificial terrace supported by masonry, and must + have cost a great deal of money. It appears that at one time, while + the work was going on, and cash was abundant, the congregation of so- + called Christians numbered some 400. It is now reduced to thirty + adults and about fifty children. The European missionary has left the + place, and it is in the hands of a native missionary. It gave me a + lively idea of the way in which good people in England are done out of + their money for such schemes. + + _June 4th._--This morning I was awakened by the appearance of Loch in + my room, carrying a bag with letters from England. I jumped up and + opened yours, ended on the 10th of May. Your letter is a great + compensation for our shipwreck and delay, and it is at once a strange + coincidence and contrast to what happened on the last occasion. Then + your first letters to me were shipwrecked, and delayed a month in + reaching me. This time I have been shipwrecked myself almost in the + same place, and I have got your dear letter a month sooner than I had + anticipated. How differently do events turn out from our + expectations!... I suppose we shall get off to-morrow, though the + steamer for China is not yet arrived.... I have saved a considerable + portion of my effects, some a good deal damaged. But some of my staff + have lost much more, as they travel with a greater quantity of + clothing, &c., than I do. + +At last, on the 5th of June, they were able to leave +Ceylon; and they reached Penang, after a rough passage, +on the 11th. + +[Sidenote: Penang.] + + _Steamer 'Pekin,' Straits of Malacca.--June 12th._--You may perhaps + remember that, when I first visited Penang in 1857, the Chinese + established there mustered in force to do me honour. There was a + sketch in the 'Illustrated News,' which portrayed our landing. No + similar demonstration took place on this occasion; whether this was + the result of accident or design, I cannot tell.... I have every + inducement to labour to bring my work to a close; to reach sooner that + peaceful home-life towards which I am always aspiring.... I think that + I have a duty to perform out here; but as to any advantage which will + accrue to myself from its performance, I am, I confess, very little + hopeful.... It is terrible to think how long I may have to wait for my + next letters. If we go on to the North at once, we shall be always + increasing the distance that separates us. It is wearisome, too, + passing over ground which I have travelled twice before. No interest + of novelty to relieve the mind. Penang and Ceylon are very lovely, but + one cares little, I think, for revisiting scenes which owe all their + charm to the beauties of external nature. It is different when such + beauties are the setting, in which are deposited historical + associations, and the memories of great deeds or events. I do not feel + the slightest desire to see again any even of the most lovely of the + scenes I have witnessed in this part of the world. Indeed, so tired am + I of this route, that I sometimes feel tempted to try to return by way + of the Pacific, if I could do so without much loss of time.... This is + only a passing idea, however, and not likely to be realised. + +[Sidenote: Singapore.] + + _June 13th.--Singapore._--We arrived at about noon. I find a new + governor, Colonel Cavanagh.... I am to take up my abode at the + Government House. Not much news from China, but a letter from Hope + Grant, asking me to order to China a Sikh regiment, which has been + stopped here by Canning's orders, and I think I shall take the + responsibility of reversing C.'s order, with which the men were very + much disgusted. + +The next day he was afloat again, on his way to Hong-Kong. + + _June 14th._--When you receive this, you will be thinking of dear + Bruce's school plans. Would that I could share your thoughts and + anxieties!... I have been reading a rather curious book--the 'Life of + Perthes,' a Hamburg bookseller. It reveals something of the working of + the inner life of Germany during the time of the first Napoleonic + Empire. It might interest you. + +[Sidenote: Books.] + + _June 17th_.--Another Sunday. How many since we parted? I cannot count + them. It seems to me as if a good many years had elapsed since that + sad evening at Dover. But here I am going on farther and farther from + home! We hope to reach Hong-Kong on Thursday next; but that is not the + end of my voyage, though it is the beginning of my work. I am still + comparatively idle, ransacking the captain's cabin for books. The last + I have read is Kingsley's 'Two Years Ago.' I do not wonder that you + ladies like Kingsley, for he makes all his women guardian angels. + + _June 19th_.--I have read Trench's 'Lectures on English' since + yesterday. I think you know them, but I had not done more than glance + at them before. They open up a curious field of research if one had + time enough to enter upon it. The monotony of our life is not broken + by many incidents. Tennyson's poem of the 'Lotus-Eaters' suits us + well, as we move noiselessly through this polished sea, on which the + great eye of the sun is glaring down from above. We passed a ship + yesterday with all sails set. This was an event; to-day a butterfly + made its appearance. In two days I may be forming decisions on which + the well-being of thousands of our fellow-creatures may be contingent. + + _June 20th_.--Still it is sad, sometimes almost overwhelming, to think + of the many causes of anxiety from which you may be suffering, of + which for months I can have no knowledge, and with which these letters + when you receive them may seem to have no sympathy.... I can only pray + that you may have in your troubles a protection and a guidance more + effectual than any which I could afford when I was with you.... As to + my own particular interests, I mean those connected with my mission, I + can hardly form any conjectures.... I am glad that the time for work + is arriving, though I cannot but feel a little nervous anxiety until I + know what I shall learn at Hong-Kong respecting our prospects with the + Chinese, &c. &c. + +Arrived at Hong-Kong on the following day, he found letters from his +brother Frederick--'generous and magnanimous as ever'--giving him some hope +of there being an opening for diplomacy, and a chance of settling matters +speedily. In this hope he pressed on to Shanghae, whither the naval and +military authorities with whom he was to act had preceded him. + + _Steamship 'Ferooz.'--At Sea.--June 27th_.--We are rolling a great + deal and very uncomfortably,--a more disagreeable passage than I made + last time in the month of March. So much for all the talk about the + monsoon.... Writing is no easy matter; and I shall probably also have + little time after reaching Shanghae to-morrow, as the mail is likely + to leave on Saturday next, and I may have despatches to send which + will occupy my time.... I cannot go much farther, for already I am + separated from you by nearly one-half of the globe. I sometimes think + of how I am to return for a change,--by the Pacific, by Siberia. It + would be rather a temptation to take this overland route. Thurlow,[4] + it appears, has already written to St. Petersburg to ask leave for + himself and Crealock to return through Russia. Alas! these are castles + in the air, very well to indulge in before we reach Shanghae and the + stern realities of the mission. + +[Sidenote: Shanghae.] + +At Shanghae he had the happiness of meeting his brother, and the benefit of +hearing from his own lips a full account of the past, and discussing with +him their common plans for the future. The noble qualities of that brother, +shining out the more brightly in adverse circumstances, filled him with +admiration which his affectionate nature delighted to express. + +[Sidenote: Mr. Bruce.] + + _Shanghae.--June 30th._--Frederick is a noble-hearted man; perhaps the + noblest I have ever met with in my experience of my fellows.... He has + had a most difficult task here to perform, and to the best of my + judgment has performed it with great ability. + + _Shanghae, July 1st._--Frederick, partly from generosity of + character, and partly from sympathy with the Admiral and admiration of + his valour, abstained from stating in his own justification all the + circumstances of the unfortunate affair at the Peiho last year. + Moreover, Frederick's policy at the mouth of the Peiho was one which + required success to justify it in the eyes of persons at a distance. + After the failure, no matter by whose fault, he could not have escaped + invidious criticism, however clear might have been his demonstration + that for that failure he was not directly or indirectly responsible. + Therefore I think it probable that the result will prove that, in + following the dictates of his own generous nature, he adopted the + course which in the long-run will be found to have been the wisest.... + I do not like to speak too confidently of the future. Of course their + victory of last year has increased the self-confidence of the Chinese + Government, and rendered it more arrogant in its tone. Nevertheless, I + am of opinion that the result will prove that I estimated correctly + their power of resistance; that we have spent in our armaments against + them three times as much as was necessary; and that, if we have + difficulties to encounter, they are likely to be due not to the + strength of the enemy, but to the cumbrous preparations of ourselves + and allies, and the loss of time and hazards of climate, and other + embarrassments which we are creating for ourselves. My last remark to + Lord Palmerston was, that I would rather march on Pekin with 5,000 men + than with 25,000. + + _On board the 'Ferooz.'--July 5th_.--Four P.M._--We have passed out + of the Shanghae river into the Yangtze-kiang. It is delightfully cool, + and the wind which is now against us will be with us when we get out + to sea, and direct our course to the North. ... Frederick's conduct + has won for him, and most justly, general admiration. A hint was given + to me before I started, that an ambassador would meet me at the mouth + of the Peiho as soon as I arrived. If a proceeding of this nature on + the part of the Court of Pekin precedes our capture of the forts, it + will be a great embarrassment to me. The poor old 'Furious' was lying + at anchor at Shanghae. To see her brought back many feelings of 'auld + lang syne.' Shanghae altogether excited in my mind a good deal of a + home feeling. It was the place at which, during my first mission, I + tad enjoyed most repose. ... Frederick remains there until I have + completed my work in the North, and I think he is right in doing so, + although I should have been glad of his company and assistance. + + _July 6th._--It does not do to be sanguine in this world, still I have + cause to hope that our business in the North will be speedily settled, + if we can only get the French to begin at once. What I have to + consider is how best to prevent my mission from impairing in any + degree Frederick's authority and prestige. As regards his own + countrymen there is little danger of this result; he already stands so + high in their esteem. With the Chinese there may be more fear of this + result; but it is so much in accordance with their notions that an + elder brother should take the part which I am now doing, that I do not + think the risk is great, and were it so, even, I should find some + means of counteracting the evil. + +[Sidenote: Talie-Whan] + +The place appointed for the assembling of the English forces was the bay of +Talien-Whan, near the southern extremity of a promontory named Regent's +Sword, which, running down from the north into the Yellow Sea, cuts off on +its western side a large gulf, of which the northern part is known by the +name of Leao-Tong, the southern by the name of Pecheli. The _rendezvous_ of +the French was at Chefoo, about eighty miles south of Talien-Whan, on the +opposite side of the strait which forms the entrance of the large gulf +already mentioned. Both places are about 200 miles distant from the mouth +of the Peiho, which is at the western extremity of the gulf. + +It was on the 9th of July that Lord Elgin reached the shores where lay +already congregated the formidable force, for the employment of which, as +the secular arm of his diplomacy, he was henceforth to be responsible. + + _July 9th.--Eight A.M._--It is a calm sea and scorching sun, very hot, + and it looks hotter still in that bay, protected by bare rocky + promontories and islets, and backed by hills, within which we discover + a fleet at anchor. What will this day bring forth? How much we are in + the hand of Providence 'rough-hew our ends as we may!' In little more + than an hour we shall probably be at our journey's close for the time. + +[Sidenote: Country-people.] + + I have just heard a story of the poor country-people here. A few days + ago, a party of drunken sailors went to a village, got into a row, and + killed a man by mistake. On the day following, three officers went to + the village armed with revolvers. The villagers surrounded them, took + from them the revolvers (whether the officers fired or not is + disputed), and then conducted them, without doing them any injury, to + their boat. An officer, with an interpreter, was then sent to the + village to ask for the revolvers. They were at once given up, the + villagers stating that they had no wish to take them, but that as one + of their number had been shot already, they objected to people coming + to them with arms. + + _July 10th_.--What will the House of Commons say when the bill which + has to be paid for this war is presented? The expense is enormous: in + my opinion, utterly disproportionate to the objects to be effected. + The Admiral is doing things excellently well, if money be no object. + + _July 12th_.-We are in a delightful climate. Troops and all in good + health. I shall not, however, dilate on these points, because I am + sure you will read all about it in the _Times_. 'Our Own + Correspondent' is in the next cabin to me, completing his letter. I + leave it to him to tell all the agreeable and amusing things that are + occurring around us. My letters to you are nothing but the record of + incidents that happen to affect me at the time; trifling things + sometimes; sometimes things that irritate; things that pass often and + leave no impression, as clouds reflected on a lake. + +[Sidenote: Cavalry camp.] +[Sidenote: Sir Hope Grant.] + + _Talien-Whan Bay.--July 14th_.--Yesterday, at an early hour, the + French Admiral and General arrived. It was agreed that they should go + over to the cavalry camp on the other side of the bay, some ten miles + off, and that I should accompany them. No doubt you will see in the + _Times_ a full account of all that took place on the occasion. Nothing + could be more perfect than the condition of the force, both men and + horses. The picturesqueness of the scene; the pleasant bay, with its + sandy margin and background of bleak hills, seamed by the lines of the + cavalry tents; the troops drawn up in the foreground in all their + variety of colour and costume, from the two squadrons of H.M.'s + Dragoon Guards on the right to the two squadrons of Fane's light-blue + Sikh Irregulars on the left; the experiments with the Armstrong + guns--from one of which a shell was fired which went over the hills + and vanished into space, no one knows whither--will all be described + by a more graphic pen than mine. The weather was excellent. Enough + covering over the sky to prevent the rays of the sun from striking us + too fiercely, and yet no rain. The proceedings of the day terminated + by some _tours de force_ of the Sikh cavalry and their officers; + wrenching tent-pegs from the ground with their lances, and cutting + oranges with their sabres when at full gallop. Everything went to + confirm the favourable opinion of the state of the army here which I + expressed in my last letter. Hope Grant seems very much liked. It can + hardly be otherwise, for there is a quiet simplicity and kindliness + about his manner which, in a man so highly placed, must be most + winning. I am particularly struck by the grin of delight with which + the men of a regiment of Sikhs (infantry) who were with him at + Lucknow, greet him whenever they meet him. I observed on this to him, + and he said: 'Oh, we were always good friends. I used to visit them + when they were sick, poor fellows. They are in many ways different + from the Mohammedans. Their wives used to come in numbers, and walk + over the house where Lady Grant and I lived.' The contrast with what I + saw when I was in China before, in regard to the treatment of the + natives, is most remarkable. There seems to be really no plundering or + bullying. In so far as I can see, we have here at present a truly + model army and navy: not however, I fear, a cheap one. + + The Admiral told me last night he had written to the Admiralty to say + that, looking to the future, he believed there were two distinct + operations by which the Pekin Government could be coerced,--either by + a military force on a large scale such as this, or by a blockade of + the Gulf of Pecheli, undertaken early in the year, &c. I was glad to + hear him say this, because I recommended the latter course immediately + after we heard of the Peiho disaster, with a view to save all this + expenditure; and I still think that if the measures which I advised + had been adopted, including the sending up to the north of China two + or three regiments (enough, with the assistance of the fleet, to take + the Taku Forts), much of this outlay might have been spared. + + _Sunday, July 15th._--I have been on board the Admiral's ship for + church. Afterwards I had some talk with him in regard to future + proceedings. ... The problem we have to solve here is a very difficult + one; for while we are up here for the purpose of bringing pressure to + bear on the Emperor, as a means of placing our relations with China on + a proper footing, we have news from the South which looks as if the + Government of the Empire was about to pass out of his feeble hands + into those of the Rebels, who have upon us the claim that they profess + a kind of Christianity. + +[Sidenote: A birthday.] + + _July 20th._[5]--I know that you will not forget this day, though it + can only remind you of the declining years and frequent wanderings of + one who ought to be your constant protector, and always at your side. + It is very sad that we should pass it apart, but I can say something + comforting upon it. The Admiral and General came here yesterday, and + agreed with the French authorities that the two fleets are to start + for the _rendezvous_ on the 26th. Ignatieff, the Russian, who made his + appearance here to-day, said, 'After your force lands, I give you six + days to finish everything.' If he says what he thinks, it is a + promising view of things. Six days before we start, six days to land + the troops, and six days to finish the war! Eighteen days from this, + and we may be talking of peace. Alas! what resemblance will the facts + bear to these anticipations? + +[Sidenote: Chefoo.] +[Sidenote: Plans for landing.] + + _Talien-Whan.--July 21st._--Now for a word about Chefoo. I had agreed + to dine with the General, Montauban, on the night of my arrival, so, + after visiting Gros, I went to his headquarters. I found him in a very + well-built, commodious Chinese house. I must tell you that, as we were + entering the bay, we descried a steamer a-head of us, and it turned + out to be a vessel sent by the French to examine the spot (south of + the Peiho Forts), which had been selected for the place of their + debarkation when the attack comes off. On the evening of our dinner, + the General did not enter into particulars, but gave me to understand + that the result of the exploration had been very unsatisfactory, and + that his scheme for landing was altogether upset. I heard this with + considerable dismay, as I feared that it might be employed as a reason + for delay. Before we parted that night, I agreed to land next morning, + to see his artillery, &c. He read me the unfavourable report of his + exploring party, which was headed by Colonel Schmid, a great friend of + the Emperor's, and the best man (so they say) they have got here. He + contends that all along the line of coast there is a band of hard + sand, at a considerable distance from low-water mark; that the water + upon it is very shallow; and that, beyond, there is an interval of + soft mud, over which cannon, &c., could not be carried. The French are + no doubt very much behind us in their preparations, but then it is + fair to say that they have not spent a tenth part of the money, and + with their small resources they have done a good deal. It was + wonderful how their little wild Japanese ponies had been trained in a + few days to draw their guns. After the review we took a ride to the + top of a hill, from whence we had a very fine prospect. It is a much + more fertile district than this, beautifully cultivated, and the + houses better than I have seen anywhere else in China. The people + seemed very comfortable, and their relations with the French are + satisfactory, as we may infer from the abundant supplies brought to + market. On the following morning the English Admiral and General + arrived. They had their interview with the French authorities, and + settled that on the 26th the fleets should sail from Talien-Whan and + Chefoo respectively to the _rendezvous_, somewhere opposite Taku. From + that point the Admirals and Generals are to proceed on a further + exploration, and to effect a disembarkation on the earliest possible + day. So the matter stands for the present. The state of Europe is very + awkward, and an additional reason for finishing this affair.[6] For if + Russia and France unite against us, not only will they have a pretty + large force here, but they will get news _viā_ Russia sooner than we + do, which may be inconvenient. + + _July 22nd, Sunday._--The thirteenth since we parted. It seems like as + many months or years. Some one said to-day at breakfast that it is the + last quiet one we are likely to have for a while. In one sense I hope + this may turn out to be true.... To-morrow our cavalry and artillery + are to be embarked. This takes place on the other side of this bay, + and I intend to go over to see the operation. + + _July 26th.--Noon._--I am now starting (having witnessed the departure + of the fleet) for the scene of action in the Gulf of Pecheli. The + sight of this forenoon has been a very striking one, just enough + breeze to enable the vessels to spread their sails. We have about 180 + miles to go to the point of _rendezvous_.... Meanwhile, one has as + usual one's crop of small troubles. The servants threatened to strike + yesterday, but they were soon brought to reason. + +[Sidenote: The _rendezvous_.] +[Sidenote: Jesuit letters.] + + _July 27th.--Ten A.M._--We have reached our destination after a most + smooth passage, during which we have followed close in the wake of the + Admiral.... I am reading the 'Lettres édifiantes et curieuses,' which + are the reports of the Jesuit missionaries who were established in + China at the commencement of the last century. They are very + interesting, and the writers seem to have been good and zealous + people. At the same time one cannot help being struck by their + puerility on many points. The doctrine of baptismal regeneration + pushed to its extreme logical conclusions, as it is by them, leads to + rather strange practical consequences. Starting from the principle + that all unbaptized children are certainly eternally lost, and all + baptized (if they die immediately) as certainly saved, they naturally + infer that they do more for the kingdom of heaven by baptizing dying + children than by any other work of conversion in which they can be + engaged. The sums which they expend in sending people about the + streets, to administer this sacrament to all the moribund children + they can find; the arts which they employ to perform this office + secretly on children in this state whom they are asked to treat + medically; and the glee with which they record the success of their + tricks, are certainly remarkable. From some passages I infer that, in + the Roman Catholic view of the case, the rite of baptism may be + administered even by an unbeliever. + +[Sidenote: The Pey-tang.] + + _Two P.M._--Hope Grant has teen on board. He tells me that the mouth + of the Pey-tang is not staked, and that the 'Actaeon's' boat went + three miles up the river. This river is seven or eight miles from the + Peiho, and the Chinese have had a year to prepare to resist us. It + appears that there is nothing to prevent the gunboats from going up + that river. + + _July 28th--Eleven A.M._--The earlier part of last night was very hot, + ... and I got feverish and could not sleep. Towards morning the good + luck of the leaders in this expedition came again into play; a breeze + sprang up from the right quarter, so that the whole of the sailing + ships have been helped marvellously on their way. When I went on deck + the whole line of the French fleet--it consists almost exclusively of + steamers--was coming gallantly on, Gros at the head. He is quite + cutting me out this time. The farther distance was filled by our + sailing transports scudding before the wind. They have been filing + past us ever since, dropping into their places, which are rather + difficult to find, as the Admiral has changed all his dispositions + since his arrival here. The captain of the 'Actaeon' dined here + yesterday. He told me he had gone a mile or two up the Pey-tang river, + been allowed to land, seen the fort, which is quite open behind, and + contains about a hundred men. Thirty thousand English (fleet and army) + and ten thousand French ought to be a match for so far-sighted an + enemy. However, I suppose we must not crow till we see what the Tartar + warriors are. _Three P.M._--The French Admiral has just been here. He + tells me that we are to move from the anchorage to a place nearer Pey- + tang on Monday, and that on Tuesday a _reconnaissance_ in force is to + be made on that place, with the intention, I presume, of taking it. + + +[1] Vide _supra_, p. 226. + +[2] Colonel Crealock, military secretary to the Embassy. + +[3] 'The absence of any panic was very creditable to the passengers. It, + however, was mainly due to the conduct of the two Ambassadors, who, + during the whole time, remained quietly seated on the poop conversing + together, as if no danger 'impended.'--_Personal Narrative of + Occurrences during Lord Elgin's Second Embassy to China_, by H.B. Loch + Private Secretary. + +[4] The Honourable T.J. Hovell Thurlow, attaché to the Embassy. + +[5] His birthday. + +[6] The reference apparently is to the uneasiness produced in Europe by the + annexation of Savoy to France. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +SECOND MISSION TO CHINA. PEKIN. + +THE LANDING--CHINESE OVERTURES--TAKING OF THE FORTS--THE PEN TIENTSIN-- +NEGOTIATIONS BROKEN OFF--NEW PLENIPOTENTIARIES--AGREEMENT MADE--AGREEMENT +BROKEN--TREACHEROUS SEIZURE OF MR. PARKES AND OTHERS--ADVANCE ON PEKIN- +-RETURN OF SOME OF THE CAPTIVES--FATE OF THE REST--BURNING OF THE SUMMER +PALACE--CONVENTION SIGNED--FUNERAL OF THE MURDERED CAPTIVES--IMPERIAL +PALACE--PRINCE KUNG--ARRIVAL OF MR. BRUCE--RESULTS OF THE MISSION. + + +[Sidenote: The landing.] + +On the 1st of August the landing of the allied troops was effected in +perfect order, without the slightest opposition on the part of the +inhabitants, at the point already mentioned, viz. near the little town of +Pey-tang which is situated at the mouth of a river of the same name, about +eight miles north of the mouth of the Peiho. What Lord Elgin saw of the +operations is described in the following letter:-- + + _August 2nd._--There have been a few days' interval since I wrote, and + I now date from Pey-tang, and from the General's ship the 'Granada,' a + Peninsular and Oriental steamer; for I owe it to him that I am here. I + need hardly tell you the events that have occurred--public events I + mean--since the 28th, as they will all be recorded by 'Our Own.' We + moved on the 29th to a different anchorage, some five miles nearer + Pey-tang. ... All the evidence was to the effect that the Pey-tang + Forts were undefended, at least that there were no barricades in the + river, and therefore that the best way of taking them would be to pass + them in the gunboats as we did the Peiho Forts in 1858, and as we also + passed Nankin that year ... but it was resolved that we should land a + quantity of men in the mud about a mile and a half below them. This + was to have taken place on the 30th, and those of my gentlemen who + intended to leave me, as better fun was to be found elsewhere, kept up + a tremendous bustle and noise from about 4 A.M. However, at about 6, + they were informed that the orders for landing were countermanded, on + the plea that there was too much sea to admit of the horses being + transferred from the vessels to the gunboats. Next day, the 31st, it + was raining, and the sea seemed rougher in the morning. However, at + about 9, the gunboats began to move. The General had agreed that I + should have his ship, and that I should move either over the bar or as + near to it as I could manage. ... I anchored the 'Granada' outside the + bar, and as I did not choose to lose the sight of the landing, I got + into my row-boat ... going at last on board the 'Coromandel,' the + Admiral's ship. The landing went on merrily enough. It was a lovely, + rather calm evening. We were within a long-range shot of the Forts; + and if shot or shell had dropped among the boats and men who were + huddled up on the edge of the mud-bank, it would have been + inconvenient. Our enemy, however, had no notion of doing anything so + ungenerous; so the landing went on uninterruptedly, the French + carrying almost all they wanted on their backs, our men employing + coolies, &c., for that purpose. We saw nothing of the enemy except the + movements of a few Tartar horsemen out of and into the town, galloping + along the narrow causeway on which our troops were to march. At + midnight eight gunboats--six English and two French--steamed past the + Forts. It was a moment of some excitement, because we did not know + whether or not they would be fired at. However, nothing of the kind + took place; and, about an hour after they had started, three rockets + that soared and burst over the village intimated that they had reached + the place appointed to them. Having witnessed this part of the + proceedings I lay down on the deck with my great-coat over me; but not + for long, for at half-past two, Captain Dew (my old friend)[1] arrived + with the announcement that, having been on an errand to the lines of + the troops, he had met a party of French soldiers who were obliging + some Chinese to carry a wooden gun which they had captured in the + fort, declaring that they had entered it, found it deserted, and + possessed of no defences but two wooden guns. It turned out that they + had not entered first, but that an English party, headed by Mr. + Parkes, had preceded them. This rather promised to diminish the + interest of the attack on the forts which had been fixed for half-past + four in the morning. But there was another fort on the opposite side + of the river, perhaps there might be some resistance there. Alas! vain + hope. Three shots were fired at it from the gunboats which had passed + through during the night, and some twenty labourers walked out of it + to seek a more secure field for their industry in some neighbouring + village. Afterwards our troops went in and found it empty as the + other; so ended the capture of Pey-tang. + + We came over the bar in the evening, and I went to see Hope Grant at + the captured fort, where he has fixed his abode. While there we + discovered a strongish body of Tartar cavalry, at a distance of about + four miles along the causeway which leads from this to Tientsin and + Taku. I urged the General to send out a party to see what these gentry + were doing, lest they should be breaking up the causeway, or doing any + other mischief; and I heard from him this morning that he had arranged + with General Montauban to do so, and that a party of 2,000 men started + on that errand early. The Tartars seem to be in greater force than was + supposed. The officer in command (rightly or wrongly, I know not + which) resolved to consider the expedition merely a reconnaissance, + and to retire after staying on the ground a short time. Of course the + Tartars will consider this a victory, and will he elated by it; but + perhaps this is a good thing, as it may induce them to face us on the + open. The ground on which they were found is firm and fit for cavalry, + and is about four miles from the Peiho Forts. This is a very nasty + place. The country around is all under water, and it is impossible to + get through it except by moving along the one or two causeways that + intersect it. The military are, therefore, glad to find sound footing + at no great distance. + +[Sidenote: Chinese overtures.] + +Up to this time no communication of any kind had passed between the Special +Ambassadors and any Chinese officials. An _ultimatum_ had been presented by +Mr. Bruce in March, demanding an apology for the attack on our ships of +war, the immediate ratification of the Treaty, and prompt payment of the +indemnity of 4,000,000 taels, as therein stipulated. As these demands had +been formally refused by the Chinese Government, there was no room for +diplomacy. Even the bare announcement of his arrival Lord Elgin feared they +might interpret as an invitation to treat, and use as an excuse for +dilatory and evasive negotiations. The justice of this view was proved by +what took place on the 5th of August. Having occasion to station one of his +ships near the shore for the purpose of getting water, the Admiral sent a +flag of truce to warn some Tartar troops posted near the spot, that 'his +ship had not gone there with the view of making an attack, but that it +would fire on the Tartars if they approached too near it.' The Governor- +General at once took advantage of the opening this gave him. Affecting to +believe that the flag of truce came from Lord Elgin, he addressed to him a +despatch full of professions of amity, and saying that he 'had received +instructions to discuss and dispose of all questions with the British +Minister,' but containing no mention of the _ultimatum_. To this and +numerous similar missives, which came for a time in rapid succession, Lord +Elgin had but one reply--that he could discuss nothing until the demands +already made had been satisfied. + + _August 9th._--My diplomacy began yesterday, for I received in the + morning a communication from the Governor-General of the province, not + frankly conceding our demands, but making tolerably plausible + proposals for the sake of occasioning delay. I have refused to stay + the march of the military on such overtures; but the great slowness of + our operations is likely to lead me into diplomatic difficulties. The + Chinese authorities, if they become frightened, are clever enough to + advance propositions which it may be impossible to accede to without + compromising the main objects of this costly expedition, and by + refusing which I shall, nevertheless, expose myself to great + animadversion. There was a reconnaissance again this morning, and I + hope from the report of Crealock (who accompanied it, and who is doing + very well) that the enemy will prove quite as little formidable as I + have always expected. The serious advance was positively to have taken + place to-morrow, but I almost fear there will be another delay. I am + anxious to conclude peace as soon as possible after the capture of the + Peiho Forts, because, from what I have seen of the conduct of the + French here, I am sure that they will commit all manner of atrocities, + and make foreigners detested in every town and village they enter. Of + course their presence makes it very difficult to maintain discipline + among our own people. + +[Sidenote: Taking of the forts.] + +The 'serious advance' took place on the 12th, and was completely +successful. On that day the Allies took possession of the little town of +Sinho: two days later they occupied Tangkow. The forts, however, which +guarded the entrance of the Peiho--the Taku Forts, from which the British +forces had been so disastrously repulsed the year before--remained untaken. +Opinions were divided as to the plan of operations. The French were for +attacking first the great fortifications on the right or southern bank of +the river; but Sir Robert Napier urged that the real key to the enemy's +position was the most northerly of the forts, on the left or northern bank. +Happily his counsels prevailed. On the 21st this fort was taken by assault, +with but little loss of life; and the soundness of the judgment which +selected the point of attack was proved by the immediate surrender of all +the remaining defensible positions on both sides of the river. + +During the greater part of this time Lord Elgin was on board the 'Granada,' +moored off Pey-tang, suffering all the anxieties of an active spirit +condemned to inactivity in the midst of action: responsible generally for +the fate of the expedition, yet without power to control any detail of its +operations; fretting especially at the delays which are, perhaps, +necessarily incident to a divided and subdivided command. Writing after the +surrender of the Taku Forts he said:-- + + I have torn up the earlier part of this letter, because it is needless + to place on record the anxieties I felt at that time. To revert to the + portion of my history which was included in the part of my letter that + I have destroyed, I must tell you that it was on the 12th that the + troops first moved out of Pey-tang. I saw them defile past, and in the + afternoon rode out to the camp, but was turned back by a large body of + Tartar cavalry, who menaced my flank, and as some of my people had + just discovered, in the apartment of the Tartar General at Sinho, a + letter stating that they were determined to capture the 'big barbarian + himself' this time, I thought it better to retrace my steps. The + second action took place on the 14th, and on the 15th I rode out to + see the General, and had a conference with him. On the 17th I went to + the gulf to see Gros. I have had dozens of letters from the Chinese + authorities, and I have answered some of them, not in a way to give + them much pleasure. All these details were given at full length in my + annihilated letter, but already they seem out of date. + + _Tangkow.--August 23rd._--Grant has been marvellously favoured by the + weather, for the rain, which arrests all movements here, stopped the + day before he moved out of Pey-tang, and began again about an hour + after he had taken the Taku Fort, which led to the surrender of the + whole. I must also say that the result entirely justified the + selection which he made of his point of attack, and, as this was + against the written opinion of the French General, it is a feather in + Grant's cap. The Chinese are just the same as they were when I knew + them formerly. They fired the cannons with quite as little accuracy, + but there was one point of difference in their proceedings. On + previous occasions we have always found their forts open on one side; + so that, when they were turned, the troops left them and escaped. In + this instance they were enclosed with ditches, palisades, stakes, &c., + so that the poor fellows had nothing for it but to remain in them till + they were pushed out by bayonets. Almost all our casualties occurred + during the escalade. I went through the hospitals yesterday, and found + very few who had been struck by round shot. A very small portion of + the force was engaged, so that my opinion of its unnecessary magnitude + is not shaken. I need not describe the action for you, as you will no + doubt see elsewhere a detailed account of it. My own personal history + will not be indifferent to you. I left the 'Granada' at about 5.30 + P.M. on the 20th (Monday). Found some dinner and a tent at the camp at + Sinho. Started next morning at about 5.30 A.M.; rode into Tangkow, + where I now am, and mounted to the top of the Head-quarters' House, + whence I had a very good view of the operations. I was dislodged after + a while, because a battery opened fire at about fifteen hundred yards + from us, and some of the balls fell so near, that we began to think + they were perhaps firing at me. On being dislodged from my Belvidere, + I took some breakfast to console myself; and soon after, seeing the + British flag on the fort which we had been attacking, I rode over to + it. We met a good many of our own wounded, and all round the fort were + numbers of the poor Chinamen, staked and massacred in all sorts of + ways. I found the two Generals there, and soon after the Admiral came + up from his ship under a flag of truce. Two letters came to me from + the Chinese; but, true to my policy of letting the fighting men have + all the prestige of taking the Forts, I would not have anything to say + to them. The messengers were told that they must give up the forts to + the Commanders-in-Chief before I would listen to them; and that, in + the meantime, the army would proceed with its operations. They moved + on accordingly, and I returned to my post of observation at Tangkow. I + had hardly reached it when the rain began, and in about an hour the + roads had become absolutely impassable for artillery, and nearly so + for everything else. The troops met with no resistance at the second + fort, and the indefatigable Parkes having gone over to the unfortunate + Governor-General, extorted from him a surrender of the whole, which he + brought to the Commanders-in-Chief on the morning of the 22nd, having, + I believe, dictated its terms. Of course, Grant's triumph is complete, + and deservedly so. ... The system of our army involves such an + enormous transportation of provisions, &c., that we make, however, but + slow progress. I have, therefore, urged the Admiral, who has got + through the barriers at the mouth of the Peiho (and who is not + unwilling to go ahead), to proceed up the river with his gunboats: if + he meets with any obstructions which are serious, he can stop his + progress, and await the arrival of troops. If he meets none, he will + soon reach Tientsin. + + _August 24th._--This morning, at about four, Grant awoke me with a + letter from the Admiral, saying that he had experienced in going up + the river exactly what we did in 1858--the poor people coming down in + crowds to offer submission and provisions, and no opposition of any + kind. He wrote from ten miles below Tientsin, which place he was going + to occupy with his small gunboat force. The General has agreed to + despatch a body of infantry in gunboats, and to make his cavalry march + by land; and I am only awaiting the return of the Admiral to move on. + So all is going on well. Grant has also agreed to send a regiment to + Shanghae in case there should be trouble there. ... It really looks + now as if my absence would not be protracted much beyond the time we + used to speak of before I started. ... At the same time, I do not like + to be too confident. + +[Sidenote: The Peiho.] + + _August 25th.--Noon._--High and dry at about fifteen miles below + Tientsin. This must remind you of some of my letters from the Yangtze, + two years ago. We started this morning at 6.30 in the 'Granada:' the + General and I, with both our staffs. We had gone on famously to this + point, scraping through the mud occasionally with success. In rounding + a corner, however, at which a French gunboat had already stuck before + us, we have run upon a bank. It is very strange to me to be going up + the Peiho river again. The fertility of the plain through which it + runs strikes me more than it did formerly. The harvest is at hand, and + the crops clothe it luxuriantly. The poor people in the villages do + not appear to fear us much. We treated them well before, and they + expect similar treatment again. The Admiral did his work of occupying + Tientsin well.... He has great qualities. + +[Sidenote: Tientsin.] + + _Tientsin.--Sunday, August 26th._--We reached this place about + midnight. It was about the most nervous operation at which I ever + assisted, going round the sharp turns with this long ship by + moonlight. I had a moment of painful _saisissement_ when I felt almost + certain that we should run into my dear colleague Gros, who had + grounded in a little gunboat at one of the worst bends of the river. + We only saved him by dropping an anchor from the stern, and going + backwards full speed. The Yangtze was bad enough, but we never used to + go on at night, and there was no danger of collisions. This ship looks + also as if she would go head over heels much more easily than the + 'Furious.' I am waiting for Parkes and the General before I decide as + to landing, &c. Is it not strange to be here? Immediately ahead of us + is the yamun where Gros and I spent the eventful weeks in 1858, which + preceded the signature of the treaties of Tientsin! _Two P.M._--We are + to have the yamun in which Reed and Putiatine were lodged in 1858; a + much better quarter than our old one; and the General, Gros, and I are + all to lodge in it together. + +[Sidenote: Chinese yamun.] + + _Tientsin.--August 27th._--I had a very bad headache after I had sent + off the mail yesterday. ... Our ship had, moreover, got aground, and + was lying over so much on one side that it seemed possible that she + might topple over altogether. Under these circumstances, and having + the prospect of a very noisy night on board, I determined to land and + sleep in my yamun. The portion of it dedicated to me consists of a + regular Chinese garden, with rockwork and bridges, and ponds full of + lotus leaves, and flowerpots of all dimensions with shrubs and flowers + in them, surrounded on two sides by wooden buildings, containing rooms + with carved woodwork and other Chinese neatnesses. It is the only + house of a Chinese gentleman I have ever inhabited, for when I was + here before I dwelt in a temple. The mosquitoes were a little + troublesome at first, but I got my net up, and slept tolerably, better + than I should have done here; for the iron ships get so heated by the + sun during the day that they are never cool, however fresh the night + air may be. + +[Sidenote: Negotiations.] + + _August 29th._--I intended to have told you that I was sending a stiff + letter to my old friend Kweiliang; but, in fact, it has taken some + time and consultation with Gros to settle its terms, and it is only + now being translated. Yesterday afternoon the long-expected mail + arrived. ... Shall I really eat my Christmas dinner with you? Really + many things are more improbable than that. I hoped at one time that + this letter might be despatched from Pekin; but as we have to meet + Commissioners here, and to make a kind of supplementary treaty before + proceeding thither, it is doubtful whether we shall accomplish this. I + am not sure that I like my present domicile as well as I did my + domicile here in 1858, because, although it is a great deal more + _orné_, it is proportionably hotter, being surrounded by walls which + we cannot see over. It is a great place, with an infinite number of + courts and rooms of all sizes. I should think several families must + live in it, unless the establishment of a Chinese gentleman is very + large indeed. If Kweiliang and Co. come into our terms, my present + intention is to send at once to Frederick officially, and request him + to come on to Pekin. ... He has been having some very troublesome work + at Shanghae with the Rebels; indeed, there is at present work enough + for both of us in China. + + _September 1st._--Kweiliang arrived last night, and sent me a hint + that he intended to call on me to-day. I sent one in return, to say + that I would not see him until he had answered my letter. I fear a + little more bullying will be necessary before we bring this stupid + Government up to the mark. Both yesterday and to-day I took a ride in + the morning with Grant. I rode a horse of his, a very nice one. The + sun becomes powerful very early, but it is a charming climate now. The + abundance of all things wonderful: beef and mutton at about threepence + a pound; peaches, grapes, and all sorts of vegetables in plenty; ice + in profusion. I daresay, however, that in six weeks' time it may be + very cold. + +At one moment, on the 2nd of September, it really seemed as if the object +of the mission was achieved; for the Imperial Commissioners--one of whom +was the same Kweiliang who had conducted the negotiations in 1858--in a +formal despatch gave a positive assurance that the Treaty of Tientsin +should be faithfully observed, and that all the demands hitherto made +should be conceded in full. A draft of convention was accordingly prepared +on this basis; but, when it came to the point, Kweiliang and his colleagues +declared that they had no authority to sign it without referring to Pekin; +and it became obvious that he either did not possess, or did not at that +moment wish it to be supposed that he possessed, powers equal to those +which he held in 1858, although his previous language had been calculated +to convey the opposite impression. + +[Sidenote: Broken off.] + +Here was clearly a deliberate design to create delay, with the view of +dragging on negotiations into the winter. It was indispensable, Lord Elgin +thought, to check this policy by an act of vigour; and accordingly, with +the concurrence of Baron Gros, he intimated to the Imperial Commissioners +that, in consequence of the want of good faith exhibited by them in +assuming the title of Plenipotentiaries when they could not exercise the +authority which it implied, and of the delays which the alleged necessity +of constant reference to Pekin would occasion, he had determined to proceed +at once to Tung-chow, in the immediate neighbourhood of the capital, and to +enter into no further negotiations with them until he should have reached +that place. + + _September 8th._--I am at war again! My idiotical Chinamen have taken + to playing tricks, which give me an excellent excuse for carrying the + army on to Pekin. It would be a long affair to tell you all the ins + and outs, but I am sure from what has come to pass during the last few + days, that we must get nearer Pekin before the Government there comes + to its senses. The blockheads have gone on negotiating with me just + long enough to enable Grant to bring all his army up to this point. + Here we are, then, with our base established in the heart of the + country, in a capital climate, with abundance around us, our army in + excellent health, and these stupid people give me a snub, which + obliges me to break with them. No one knows whether our progress is to + be a fight or an ovation, for in this country nothing can be foreseen. + I think it better that the olive-branch should advance with the sword. + I am afraid that this change in the programme--a hostile instead of a + peaceful march on Pekin--will keep me longer here, because I cannot + send for Frederick till peace is made; and I cannot, I suppose, leave + Pekin till he arrives there. + + _Sunday, September 9th._--Kweiliang and Co. wanted very much to call + on me yesterday, but I would not receive them. The junior + Commissioner, who was at Canton with Parkes, and knows him well, told + him that, in fact, the people here had been urging them to make an + effort to prevent war, saying: 'If we were sure that the foreigners + would have the best of it, we should not care; but if they are worsted + they will fall back on us, and wreak their vengeance upon us.' This + does not seem a very formidable state of mind as far as we are + concerned. We have behaved well to the people, except at Peytang and + Sinho, and the consequence is that we can move through the country + with comparative ease. If the people tried to cut off our baggage, and + refused us supplies, we should find it very difficult to get on. ... + _Noon_.--I have just returned from a service on board the 'Granada,' + where the clergyman administered the sacrament to a small + congregation. At four we march to the wars; but as I go to bear the + olive, it is not so bad a Sunday's work. You may very likely hear + through Siberia of the result of our march before you receive this + letter announcing that it is to take place. I shall not, therefore, + speculate upon it. + + _Yang-tsun, about twenty miles above Tientsin.--September 10th.--Two + P.M._--This morning we started at about five, and reached this + encampment soon after seven. A very nice ride, cool, and through a + succession of crops of millet; a stiff, reedy stem, some twelve or + fourteen feet high, with a tuft on the top, is the physiognomy of the + millet stalk. It would puzzle the Tartar cavalry to charge us through + this crop. As it is, we have seen no enemy; and Mr. Parkes has induced + the inhabitants to sell us a good many sheep and oxen. Our tents were + not pitched till near noon; so I sat during most of the forenoon under + the shade of a hedge. There has been thunder since, and a considerable + fall of rain. I hope it will not make the roads impassable; but if it + fills the river a little it will do us good, for we may then use it + for the transport of our supplies, and it is now too low. We do not + know much what is ahead of us, but we hear of Tartar troops farther + on; and at Tung-chow it is said that a large army is collected under + Sang-ko-lin-sin himself (their great general). I am now enjoying the + life of a camp; writing to you seated on my portmanteau, with my desk + on my only chair. It is perhaps better than my hothouse at Tientsin. + +[Sidenote: New Plenipotentiaries.] + + _September 11th.-Six A.M._--Parkes and Wade have just been in my tent + with a letter from two new Plenipotentiaries--really some of the + highest personages in the empire--stating that they are under orders + to come to Tientsin to settle everything, and deprecating a forward + movement.[2] I shall of course stick by my programme, and decline to + have anything to say to them till I reach Tung-chow. Of course this + proceeding on their part augurs well for peace. It poured all last + evening, and the General determined not to march this morning; but as + it is fine now, I think we may start at noon, and make out our + allotted march. It is cooler this morning, and I think it not + improbable that the thunder of yesterday may close the hot season. + However, the sun is coming out in his strength, so one cannot say what + the day may bring forth. _Ten_ A.M.--All our cart-drivers, with their + animals, disappeared during last night, leaving the carts behind them. + Probably they got a hint from the Chinese authorities. I am sorry for + it, for if we begin to resort to measures of violence to supply + ourselves, we may entirely alter the footing on which we have hitherto + stood with the people. We are putting all our surplus goods into + junks, in order to reduce our baggage. + +[Sidenote: Chinese gentleman-farmer.] + + _Nan-tsai-tsun.--September 12th._--Where will this letter be sent + from? It is begun at a small town on the close of our march of to-day, + which ought to have been our march of yesterday. It was a very mild + one--about eight miles--through a nice country, more wooded than + former marches, and with bright sunshine, and a fresh, almost frosty + air. The sunshine we had not at first, for we started before the sun + had appeared on the horizon. Instead of trusting to our tents, we have + this day taken up our abode in the house of a Chinese gentleman- + farmer, the owner of about 1,000 acres. It is nearly as large as the + house I occupied at Tientsin; at least it has nearly as many courts. + The gentleman has a good library, in which I have established myself; + and he seems, poor man, very anxious to accommodate us, though his + appearance is not that of a man entirely at his ease. As I was + starting this morning I got a second letter from the new + Plenipotentiaries, rather more defiant in its tone, and saying that + there are troops at our next station, with whom we shall come into + collision, if we advance with an army. Parkes is gone on with an + escort, and we shall soon know from him what the state of the case + really is. + +[Sidenote: Ho-see-woo.] +[Sidenote: Monastery.] + + _Ho-see-woo.--September 14th._--We had a charming march to this place + yesterday morning. The country much more beautiful than before, and + hills in the distance. All around us the most luxuriant crops, and + hamlets embosomed in clumps of willows. The temperature was delicious; + almost too cold at starting, but, later, a fresh breeze in our faces + gave the requisite coolness and no more. Our march was about twelve + miles, and on reaching its close I was conducted to a temple where I + now am. It is a monastery, with very nice apartments, and quantities + of stabling, grain, agricultural implements, &c., all indicative of a + very prosperous community. I have seen no _bonzerie_ on anything like + so comfortable a scale. I had a second letter from my Commissioners in + the evening of the last day on which I wrote a page of this journal, + more humble in its tone then the preceding one, and as my General was + getting uneasy about his supplies, &c., I thought it necessary to make + a kind of proposition for an arrangement. ... Our soldiers do so + little for themselves, and their necessities are so great, that we + move but slowly. Our present party consists of about 1,500 fighting + men; but we count about 4,000 mouths, and all must have abundantly of + the best. The French (I admit that they take more out of the country, + and sometimes perhaps by rougher methods) carry on their backs several + days' provisions. They work in all sorts of ways for the army. The + contrast is, I must say, very striking. ... I therefore thought it + better to send Wade and Parkes to the new Imperial Commissioners, to + see whether they intended to resist or not, and to make a proposal to + test this. They set out last night, and I have just heard from them, + that, as they did not find the Commissioners at the place they + expected (Matow), they are gone on to Tung-chow, the place where I + intend to sign the Convention. Parkes is one of the most remarkable + men I ever met; for energy, courage, and ability combined, I do not + know where I could find his match; and this, joined to a facility of + speaking Chinese, which he shares only with Lay, makes him at present + _the_ man of the situation. + +[Sidenote: Terms agreed to.] + +After eight hours' discussion the Chinese Commissioners conceded every +point; agreeing among other things that the army should advance to a place +called Five-li Point, within six miles of Tung-chow, and there remain while +the Ambassador proceeded with an escort of 1,000 men to Pekin. In the high +character and standing of the two Commissioners, one the Minister of War, +the other a Prince of the Blood Imperial, and in their repeated assurances +that 'what they signed was as though the Emperor signed it,' and that 'no +comparison could be drawn between the authority vested in them and that +held' by previous Commissioners, there appeared to be everything necessary +to justify the belief that their word might be trusted. Unhappily the +confidence which the Allies were thus led to repose in them was destined to +be deceived; not however, so far as appears, owing to bad faith on their +part, but owing to the fact that their pacific influence at court was +overborne on this occasion by that of the war party, headed by the +Commander-in-Chief, Sang-ko-lin-sin.[3] + +On the return of the two secretaries from the conference, Lord Elgin at +once acquainted Baron Gros and Sir Hope Grant with its results; and it was +agreed that the Commanders-in-Chief should move forward on Monday the 17th +from Ho-se-woo to the place already mentioned, Five-li Point, which they +expected to reach in two days' march; and that, at the same time, or rather +before the departure of the army, Mr. Parkes and some members of the +Ambassador's suite should proceed to Tung-chow to prepare for his +reception, and to procure means of transport, accompanied by an officer of +the Quarter-master General's Department, and another of the Commissariat, +and escorted by a small body of troops.[4] + + _Sunday, September 16th_.--We have had service in my temple. The + General and Staff attended. ... Wade and Parkes did good work at Tung- + chow. It is arranged now that the General and bulk of the force + proceed to-morrow on their way to the point at which (if the Chinese + Plenipotentiaries come in to all our terms) we are to stay the + progress of the main body, going on from that point with an escort of + 1,000 men. This place is about five miles from Tung-chow, and twenty + from Pekin; and so I hope to effect my pacific entry into Pekin. ... + This place has been, I am sorry to say, much maltreated, for the + people ran away, and when that takes place, it is impossible to + prevent plundering. The present plan is, that I remain here till the + army has taken up its new position, and all is arranged for my + reception at Pekin and Tung-chow, when I shall move on. Gros is here. + He has just been with me, and is in a great state because our + soldiers, in their zeal to drive away all Chinese robbers, have driven + away all his coolies. + + _September 17th_.--I rode out very early this morning to see my + General before he started, and to give him a hint about the _looting_, + which has been bad here. He disapproves of it as much as I do. ... + Parkes went off again this morning to Tung-chow, with another missive + from me to my Prince (the new Plenipotentiary), rather stiff and + plain-spoken; and Loch is gone with him to get carts, &c., as I have + no means of conveying my goods and chattels. I shall probably hear to- + morrow whether there is any hitch; but even if all be right, I hardly + expect to get on before Thursday, for want of transport. + +[Sidenote: Agreement broken.] + + _September 18th.--Noon._--There is firing in front of us; and I have a + letter from Parkes from Tung-chow, stating that the Prince and his + colleagues made great difficulties about an _audience_ with the + Emperor. If I was sure that Parkes and Co. were well out of Tung-chow, + and that we should push on well, I should not regret the firing. + _Five P.M._--M. de Bastard, Gros' secretary, has just returned from + Tung-chow. He reports that the Tartars this morning were in possession + of the ground on which, according to the understanding entered into + with the Prince and Co., we were to have encamped. He had to ride + through their army, to his no small alarm; but he met Parkes (who + knows not what fear is) riding back to Tung-chow to tell the Prince, + &c., of the position of the Tartar army, and that they should be held + responsible for the consequences. Loch was with the General. I wonder + he is not come to inform me of what has happened. + +[Sidenote: Treacherous seizure of Mr. Parkes and others.] + +At the time when these words were written, nearly the whole of the party +which had ridden forth the morning before, 'in high spirits at the prospect +of an early and successful termination of the war,' had been treacherously +seized by the soldiers of Sang-ko-lin-sin, and Mr. Parkes and Mr. Loch were +being violently hurried off, with their hands tied behind their backs, in a +rude springless cart, over a badly-paved road, to the prisons of Pekin. The +details of their capture and imprisonment, together with such particulars +as could afterwards be ascertained of their companions' fate, may be read +in the very interesting narrative of one of the victims.[5] We can here +touch only upon those points in which their story is mixed up with public +events. + +[Sidenote: Cause of the change.] + +As to the origin and cause of the renewal of hostilities, it is impossible +to speak with certainty; nor is it probable that we shall ever arrive at a +better opinion on the subject, than that which was formed by Lord Elgin on +the spot. In his report to the Government he wrote:-- + + To hazard conjectures as to the motives by which Chinese functionaries + are actuated is not a very safe undertaking; and it is very possible + that further information may modify the views which I now entertain on + this point. I am, however, disposed at present to doubt there having + been a deliberate intention of treachery on the part of Prince Tsai + and his colleague; but I apprehend that the General-in-Chief, Sang-ko- + lin-sin, thought that they had compromised his military position by + allowing our army to establish itself so near his lines at Chang-kia- + wan. He sought to counteract the evil effect of this by making a great + swagger of parade and preparation to resist when the Allied armies + approached the camping-ground allotted to them. Several of our people, + Colonel Walker, with his escort, my private Secretary, Mr. Loch, Baron + Gros' Secretary of Embassy, Comte de Bastard, and others, passed + through the Tartar army during the course of the morning on their way + from Tung-chow without encountering any rudeness or ill-treatment + whatsoever. At about a quarter to ten, however, a French Commissariat + officer was assaulted by some Tartar soldiers under circumstances + which are not very clearly ascertained; and this incident gave rise to + an engagement, which soon became general. On the whole, I come to the + conclusion that, in the proceedings of the Chinese Plenipotentiaries + and Commander-in-Chief in this instance, there was that mixture of + stupidity, want of straightforwardness, suspicion, and bluster, which + characterises so generally the conduct of affairs in this country; but + I cannot believe that, after the experience which Sang-ko-lin-sin had + already had of our superiority in the field, either he or his civil + colleagues could have intended to bring on a conflict in which, as the + event has proved, he was so sure to be worsted. + +[Sidenote: Firm measures.] + +Late on the night of the 18th, Lord Elgin received at the same time the +report of a successful engagement, and the intelligence of the capture of +his friends. From this moment he felt that, until the prisoners were given +up, there could be no further negotiation. A notification was at once +issued, that 'all English and French subjects were required to return to +the head-quarters of their respective armies; and that if any impediment +was put in the way of their return, the city of Pekin would forthwith be +attacked and taken.' Even when offers came that they should be restored on +condition of his withdrawing his troops, he refused to listen to such +terms; convinced that any sign of yielding on his part would be as +dangerous to their safety as it would be fatal to all hope of success in +the objects of his mission.[6] + + _September 23rd_.--I have had a very busy time since I last wrote in + this journal. I have, moreover, been separated from it, and from all + my effects. On the 21st we had another battle with the Tartars. I + accompanied the army, and saw it all. Considering that the Tartars are + so wretchedly armed and led, they did pretty well. We are now about + six miles from Pekin, but I believe the Generals will not move for a + week. We learn that Parkes and his companions, viz. Loch, De Norman, + Bowlby, Captain Brabazon, Lieutenant Anderson, nineteen Sikhs, and one + of the Dragoon Guards, are in Pekin, but we have had no communication + with them yet. + +[Sidenote: Pali-chiao] + + _Pali-chiao.--September 27th_.--I closed my last letter somewhat in + haste, for I had been separated for three days from it and my desk, + and when we met again, I was busy with my despatches, &c. The arrest + of Parkes and the others is a very disagreeable incident, and we do + not yet know what it may lead to. I sent word yesterday to the + Emperor's brother, who is now named to treat with me, that unless they + are returned to the camp within three days' time, and a pledge is + given that the Convention I drew up at Tientsin is signed, Pekin will + be assaulted. We are anxious, until we receive an answer to this + _ultimatum_. It was a reply to a letter from the Prince to me, in + which he coolly stated that the prisoners should be returned when our + army and fleet had retired from the country. ... Meantime we have an + army in excellent health, abundantly supplied, and which, in five + actions with the enemy, has lost some twenty killed! ... I think I + told you at the close of my last letter, that at midnight on the 18th + I received a note in pencil from the General, telling me what had led + to the conflict of that day. At 3.30 A.M. I sent an answer by + Crealock, and at five set off with an escort of thirty Irregulars, to + ride about twenty miles to the General's camp. + + We then agreed that the Commanders-in-Chief should send a notification + to the chief mandarin of Tung-chow, to the effect that, unless our + countrymen were forthwith restored, Pekin would be assaulted. No + notice was taken of this. So on the 21st we advanced, and attacked a + large body of Tartars, encamped between Tung-chow and Pekin. I + accompanied the infantry and artillery during the day's proceedings. + We encamped after the battle, where we now are, among some trees. We + sleep in tents, but we have a house where we mess. I am living with + the General, as my establishment has not yet been brought up from Ho- + see-woo. I rode over yesterday to see the Russian Minister, who, with + his sixteen Cossacks, is occupying the village, or rather town, of + Chin-kia-wan, which was taken after the affair of the 18th. It is a + sad scene of desolation. General Ignatieff was very obliging and + friendly, as I have indeed found him to be throughout. He and I + entirely agree as to how the Chinese should be fought. ... I may be + very near the close of this China business, or I may be at the + commencement of a new series of difficulties. All is very uncertain at + present. ... The climate is pleasant here, were it not for the + quantity of dust, which is overwhelming. We have abundance of grapes, + and some other good fruit. + + _September 29th._--At midnight of the 27th I was roused by Wade, who + brought me a letter from Prince Kung (the Emperor's brother), a good + deal milder than the last, but still implying that Parkes, &c., were + not to be returned until the treaty, &c., was signed. The comparative + mildness of the tone of this communication was clearly attributable to + the firmness of my last letter, and I therefore induced those with + whom I act to agree to nay adhering to it in my reply. I accordingly + wrote to say that the army would advance unless the prisoners should + return in the course of to-day; but that I do not intend to add to the + Convention which I have already furnished to the Chinese + Plenipotentiaries, and that I will sign that at once, and close the + war, if they choose. I hardly expect to see our friends to-day. The + Generals will not advance to-morrow, but they say they will on Monday. + Meanwhile it is raining; a sort of English rain, not tropical; and if + we have not too much of it, it will do good. + + _October 1st._--Yesterday morning came another letter, proposing that + the army should retire to Chin-kia-wan, and that then the treaty + should be signed and the prisoners restored. This was clearly + inadmissible, as the Chinese would infer from it that whenever they + had a difficulty with us they had only to kidnap some of our people to + bring us to terms. So we have again handed the matter over to the + Generals, from whose hands indeed it would not now have been taken if + they had not urged me to make this last overture to Prince Kung. I do + not know when they will advance. + + _October 3rd_.--We have moved about two miles, and are now lodged in a + mosque--a nice building, a good deal ornamented--which is for the + nonce turned to profane uses. The army was to have advanced to attack + Sang-ko-lin-sin's force to-morrow, but now I am told the French are + not ready. ... These delays give the Chinese fresh heart, and they are + beginning to send people to fire on our convoys, &c., coming up from + Tientsin. ... There was a letter sent to me yesterday by Prince Kung, + signed by Loch and Parkes. Loch managed in his signature to convey to + us in Hindostanee that the letter was written under compulsion. As it + was in Chinese the information was hardly necessary. It said that + _they two_ were well treated, complimented Prince Kung, and asked for + some clothes. We have heard nothing about the others who are missing. + +[Sidenote: Advance on Pekin.] + + _October 5th._--We left our mosque this morning at about seven. The + whole army was drawn up in contiguous columns of regiments, and had a + good appearance. The cavalry on the right, then the artillery, and + then the infantry. The French were on our left. In this way we + advanced about four miles, when we reached a place from which we saw + one of the gates of Pekin at about a mile and a half distance. We met + with no enemy, but we heard of him about three miles farther on. + However, the French declined to go any farther; so here we remain for + the night, and we have got into a joss-house, which is lucky, for we + have no tents with us--only a very light kit and three days' + provisions for each person. We hear that the Emperor has left for + Tartary, which is very probable. We might have stopped him if we had + marched on immediately after the 21st ultimo; but that was, in the + judgment of the Generals, impossible. + +[Sidenote: Suburbs.] + + _October 6th.--Five P.M._--We are lodged in a _Lamaserie_ in the + north-west suburb of Pekin. Our move began at seven. We streamed along + narrow roads in a long line. I got a scolding from the General for + outflanking the skirmishers, which I did to get out of the dust. At + about nine we reached a brick-kiln, from whence we had a view of + Pekin, and of a mound, behind which, as we were assured, Sang-ko-lin- + sin and his army were encamped. We halted for some time and then + advanced; we on the right, the French on the left, towards these + supposed camps. The French were to attack in front, we were to take + the enemy in flank. I was with the second division of our force. When + we arrived abreast of the entrenchment we could see nothing of an + enemy. After a while I rode to the top of the mound at the corner of + the entrenchment, and found the French General and Staff. The Tartars + had all decamped the night before. I then rejoined our army and + advanced with it to this point. With the exception of a few shots + exchanged with a picket of the enemy, we know of no fighting which has + taken place to-day; but, strange to say, our cavalry which went off + far to the right in the morning has not been heard of yet, and we + cannot discover what has become of the French. It is a nice country, + covered with clumps of trees and suburban villas. The temperature of + the air is cool, but the sun was very hot all day. + +[Sidenote: The Summer Palace.] + + _Sunday, October 7th._--We hear this morning that the French and our + cavalry have captured the Summer Palace of the Emperor. All the big- + wigs have fled, nothing remains but a portion of the household. We are + told that the _prisoners_ are all in Pekin. ... _Five P.M._--I have + just returned from the Summer Palace. It is really a fine thing, like + an English park--numberless buildings with handsome rooms, and filled + with Chinese _curios_, and handsome clocks, bronzes, &c. But, alas! + such a scene of desolation. The French General came up full of + protestations. He had prevented _looting_ in order that all the + plunder might be divided between the armies, &c. &c. There was not a + room that I saw in which half the things had not been taken away or + broken to pieces. I tried to get a regiment of ours sent to guard the + place, and then sell the things by auction; but it is difficult to get + things done by system in such a case, so some officers are left who + are to fill two or three carts with treasures which are to be sold.... + Plundering and devastating a place like this is bad enough, but what + is much worse is the waste and breakage. Out of 1,000,000 _l_. worth + of property, I daresay 50,000 _l_. will not be realised. French + soldiers were destroying in every way the most beautiful silks, + breaking the jade ornaments and porcelain, &c. War is a hateful + business. The more one sees of it, the more one detests it. + +[Sidenote: Return of some of the captives.] + +Pressed thus closely up to the walls of the capital, the Chinese +Regent--for the Emperor had retired to Tartary, 'being obliged by law to +hunt in the autumn'--yielded at last to save the storming of the city. In +the afternoon of the 8th of October the English and French prisoners +detained in Pekin, numbering eight in all, were sent into the camp.[7] + + _October 9th._--Yesterday at 4 P.M., Parkes, Loch, and one of Fane's + Irregulars arrived. With them were four French soldiers and M. + d'Escayrac (the head of a scientific commission). The hands and wrists + of the latter were in a sad condition, they had been so hurt by the + cords tied round them. Bowlby, De Norman, and the rest, do not seem to + be in Pekin as we had hoped. Parkes and Loch were very badly treated + for the first ten days; since then, conciliation has been the order of + the day, and, I have no doubt, because I stood firm. If I had wavered, + they would have been lost; because the Chinese, finding they had a + lever with which they could move us, would have used their advantage + unsparingly. Parkes and Loch have behaved very well under + circumstances of great danger. The narrative of their adventures is + very interesting, but I cannot attempt to give it in this letter. They + seem to be in good health notwithstanding the hardships they have gone + through. + +In a public despatch of the same date, announcing the restoration of the +captives, he wrote:- + + To no one of their numerous friends is the return of these gentlemen a + matter of more heartfelt gratification than it is to me. Since the + period of their arrest, I have been compelled, by a sense of duty, to + turn a deaf ear to every overture for their restoration which has + involved the slightest retrograde movement of our army, or the + abandonment of any demands previously preferred by me against the + Chinese Government. I have felt that any such concession on my part + would have established a most fatal precedent, because it would have + led the Chinese to suppose that by kidnapping Englishmen they might + effect objects which they are unable to achieve by fair fighting or + diplomacy. I confess that I have been moreover, throughout, of + opinion, that in adopting this uncompromising tone, and boldly setting + the national above the personal interest, I was in point of fact best + consulting the welfare of our friends who were in durance. But it was + not to be expected that all persons would view in the same light a + question of policy so obscure; and apart from the warm personal + interest which I feel in their safety, your Lordship can well + understand that it relieves me from a great load of anxiety to learn + from the result that the course which I have followed was not ill- + calculated to promote it.[8] + +Later in the same despatch he expressed himself anxiously yet hopefully +about the captives who were still missing:-- + + It is a matter of great concern to me, that we know as yet nothing + certain respecting the fate of Mr. Bruce's Attaché, Mr. de Norman, Mr. + Bowlby, the special correspondent of the _Times_, and the nineteen + troopers (consisting of eighteen Sikhs and one Dragoon) who formed the + escort, and were under the command of Lieutenant Anderson, of Fane's + Irregular Horse. This portion of the party became separated from + Messrs. Parkes and Loch, when the latter, at the commencement of the + conflict of the 18th ultimo, were taken up to Sang-ko-lin-sin, for the + ostensible object of obtaining a safe-conduct from him. Since that + time we have heard nothing authentic about them, but we are assured + that, though they are not now in Pekin, they will soon be restored to + us. + +[Sidenote: Fate of the rest.] + +Unhappily the hopes thus raised were not destined to be realised. On the +12th of October nine more prisoners were returned to the camp--eight +troopers of Fane's Irregular Horse and one French soldier; but the evidence +given by them left no doubt that two at least of the remainder, Lieutenant +Anderson and Mr. De Norman had perished, having sunk under circumstances of +much suffering from the consequences of the maltreatment to which they were +subjected. 'I was not personally acquainted' wrote Lord Elgin, 'with +Lieutenant Anderson, but he is spoken of by all who knew him as an +excellent officer. Mr. De Norman was a young man of remarkable promise. +With considerable abilities, great assiduity, singular steadiness of +character, and courage of no mean order, he had every promise of achieving +eminence in his profession. We all mourn most bitterly his untimely +end.'[9] + +There were others whose fate remained at that time unknown; among them Mr. +Bowlby, the correspondent of the _Times_, whose corpse was afterwards +recovered and recognised. The warmth of regard which Lord Elgin had learnt +to feel for him, is shown in many passages of his journal. Officially he +wrote, 'I deplore his loss, not only because he was a highly-accomplished +and well-informed gentleman, but also because, from the conscientious and +liberal spirit in which he addressed himself to the investigation of the +singularly complicated problems presented by the moral, social, political, +and commercial condition of China, I had conceived the hope that he would +be the means of diffusing sound information on many points on which it is +most important for the national interests that the British public should be +correctly informed.'[10] + +The journal, during these anxious and troubled days, is naturally +imperfect. One brief entry sums up his feeling on the main subject. + + _Camp near Pekin.--October 14th_.--We have dreadful news respecting + the fate of some of our captured friends. It is an atrocious crime, + and, not for vengeance, but for future security, ought to be severely + dealt with. + +[Sidenote: Burning of the Summer Palace.] + +The form which the retribution took is well known. The Palace of Yuen-ming- +yuen, the Summer-palace of the Emperor, the glory and boast of the Chinese +Empire, was levelled with the ground. + +The reasons which led Lord Elgin to decide upon this act are fully stated +in a despatch dated the 25th of October. After dwelling on the necessity of +inflicting some punishment at once severe and swift, that should leave +Pekin untouched (for he had engaged not to harm the city) and should fall +specially on the Emperor, who was personally responsible for the crimes +that had been committed, he goes on to discuss the different courses that +were open to him. He might inflict a fine; but it could not be exacted +except by appropriating a further portion of the Chinese revenue, already +seriously trenched upon by our previous demands. Or he might require the +surrender of the individuals guilty of violating the flag of truce: but if +he named no one, some miserable subordinates would be given up; if he +specified the real culprit, Sang-ko-lin-sin, the demand would infallibly be +refused and could not be enforced. Dismissing these alternatives he +proceeds:-- + + Having, to the best of my judgment, examined the question in all its + bearings, I came to the conclusion that the destruction of Yuen-ming- + yuen was the least objectionable of the several courses open to me, + unless I could have reconciled it to my sense of duty to suffer the + crime which had been committed to pass practically unavenged. I had + reason, moreover, to believe that it was an act which was calculated + to produce a greater effect in China, and on the Emperor, than persons + who look on from a distance may suppose. + + It was the Emperor's favourite residence, and its destruction could + not fail to be a blow to his pride as well as to his feelings. To this + place he brought our hapless countrymen, in order that they might + undergo their severest tortures within its precincts. Here have been + found the horses and accoutrements of the troopers seized, the + decorations torn from the breast of a gallant French officer, and + other effects belonging to the prisoners. As almost all the valuables + had already been taken from the palace, the army would go there, not + to pillage, but to mark, by a solemn act of retribution, the horror + and indignation with which we were inspired by the perpetration of a + great crime. The punishment was one which would fall, not on the + people, who may be comparatively innocent, but exclusively on the + Emperor, whose direct personal responsibility for the crime committed + is established, not only by the treatment of the prisoners at Yuen- + ming-yuen, but also by the edict, in which he offered a pecuniary + reward for the heads of the foreigners, adding, that he was ready to + expend all his treasure in these wages of assassination. + +On Thursday, the 18th of October, the extensive buildings of the palace +were given to the flames; and during the whole of the 19th they were still +burning. 'The clouds of smoke,' says Mr. Loch, 'driven by the wind, hung +like a vast black pall over Pekin;' well calculated to enforce with their +lurid gloom the lesson conveyed to the citizens in a proclamation which +Lord Elgin had caused to be affixed in Chinese to all the buildings and +walls in the neighbourhood, to the effect 'that no individual, however +exalted, could escape from the responsibility and punishment which must +always follow the commission of acts of treachery and deceit; and that +Yuen-ming-yuen was burnt as a punishment inflicted on the Emperor for the +violation of his word, and the act of treachery to a flag of truce.' + +[Sidenote: Convention signed.] + +Five days later, on the 24th of October, the Convention, which had been the +subject of so much dispute, was finally signed, and Lord Elgin exchanged +with the Emperor's brother the ratifications of the Treaty of Tientsin. + + _Camp near Pekin.--October 26th._--This will be one of the shortest + letters which you have received from me since we parted, and yet + perhaps it will not be the one which you will welcome the least, + because it will convey to you the news that I have signed my treaty, + and that the specific object for which I came out is therefore + accomplished. I have not written my daily journal lately, because it + would have been filled with my difficulties. ... However, I have + succeeded at last in a sort of way. Loch is going home with the + treaty, and will make a point of seeing you, and giving you all our + news. ... I cannot decide as to my own return until I see Frederick. + ... The deaths of poor Bowlby and the others who were with him were + very sad! Loch's escape was most providential. With 5,000 men led on + without delay, as ought to be done in China, nothing of this kind + would have occurred. I told Palmerston so before I started; but the + delays incident to conveying so large an army as ours without risking + anything, have nearly made the whole thing break down. + + _October 27th.--Nine A.M._--Loch tells me he must be off, so I must + end my brief epistle. I take up my abode in Pekin to-day, in the + palace of the Prince of I., who played me false at Tung-chow. + + _Pekin, Prince of I.'s Palace.--October 30th._--I have been in bed for + two days with an attack of influenza, but I am better to-day, though + not by way of going out. Here we (the General and I) are occupying a + great enclosure containing a series of one-storied wooden buildings + with covered passages and verandahs. There is a good deal of + aristocratic seclusion about the place, as it is surrounded by walls, + and entirely cut off from the world without; but there is little + appearance of luxury and comfort about it. It rained yesterday and the + day before, and I had considerable difficulty in reading in my bed, as + my paper windows, which keep out the cold pretty well, keep out also a + good deal of light. They are not transparent, so the view through them + is not lively. To-day there is a beautiful sunshine, and I have been + walking about a little in the court before my room door. The present + arrangement is that we remain here till the 8th. I had some difficulty + in obtaining this; but it is of great importance that, before the army + goes, I should get a decree from the Emperor sanctioning the + publication of the Treaty all over the empire. ... The French General + will not, however, consent to remain. + +[Sidenote: Funeral of the murdered captives.] + + _October 31st._--Another fine day, but I have not left the house, + partly from consideration for the remains of my cold, and partly + because I have had letters to finish. I have had visits from both my + colleagues, Gros and Ignatieff. The latter and I are always very good + friends. Perhaps he takes advantage of my simplicity; but at any rate + we always seem to agree remarkably. He is wide awake to the Jesuit + intrigues here. By the way, I should mention that the French had a + wonderful funeral on Sunday, in honour of the murdered captives. I + could not attend, being in bed at the time. Several speeches in bad + taste were delivered, and a remarkable series of performances took + place. Among other things, each soldier (this is, I believe, the + French practice on such occasions) fired his musket _into_ the grave, + so that the coffins were covered with cartridges. The Chinese say that + it was because they were not sure whether the occupants were really + dead. On the day following, they inaugurated the old Jesuit cathedral, + which they have recovered from the Chinese Government; and the bishop + who preached, in order to make amends for the omission of all + reference to us at the ceremony of the funeral, complimented Queen + Victoria and her _digne représentant_ for having come to China to set + up the Roman Catholic cathedral in Pekin. This reflection will comfort + ----[11] when he comes to vote next year the balance of the + £10,000,000 spent. I have no news of Frederick yet; so I am no further + advanced with my own plans than I was when Loch left me. + +[Sidenote: Imperial Palace.] +[Sidenote: Visit from Kung.] + + _Pekin.--November 2nd._--Yesterday, after the mail had left, I mounted + on horseback, and with an escort, and Parkes and Crealock, proceeded + to the Imperial City, within which is the Imperial Palace. We obtained + access to two enclosures, forming part of the Imperial Palace + appendages: both elevated places, the one ascended by a pathway in + regular Chinese rockwork on a large scale, and really striking in its + way; and the other being a well-wooded park-like eminence, crowned by + temples with images of Buddha. The view from both was magnificent. + Pekin is so full of trees, and the houses are so low, that it hardly + had the effect of looking down on a great city. Here and there temples + or high gateways rose above the trees, but the general impression was + rather that of a rich plain densely peopled. In the distance the view + was bounded by a lofty chain of mountains, snow-capped. From the + park-like eminence we looked down upon the Imperial Palace--a large + enclosure crowded with yellow-roofed buildings, generally low, and a + few trees dotted among them. It is difficult to imagine how the + unfortunates shut up there can ever have any exercise. I don't wonder + that the Emperor preferred Yuen-ming-yuen. The yellow roofs, + interspersed here and there with very deep blue ones, had, however, a + very brilliant effect in the sunshine. After enjoying these views I + went to the Russian Minister's, and found him installed in a house got + up _ą l'Européenne_, and looking very comfortable, with his national + stoves. He showed me his chapel also. This morning I got a letter from + Gros telling me that, in opposition to my advice, he had been to see + Prince Kung. I told him he ought to let the Prince come to him first; + but the Jesuits think that they can curry favour with the Chinese by + making him _condescend_. They are quite wrong, as I am sure the result + will prove. The Prince came to see me to-day before returning Gros' + visit, which goes for something in this land of ceremony. I received + the Prince with all honour, and had a good deal of talk with him + through the interpreters, in a style which reminded me of the dialogue + at the commencement of 'Eothen.' I have, I believe, secured the edict + for which we have been waiting; so I have done everything except see + the Emperor, which I am not likely to do, as he is at Jehol. We ended + by photographing the Prince, a proceeding which I do not think he much + liked. + +[Sidenote: Return visit.] + + _November 7th._--There has not been much to report since the 2nd. I + returned Kung's visit the next day, and we had a more _coulant_ + conversation than I have before had with any Chinese authority. It is + something to get at men who are so high placed that they are not + afraid--or at any rate are less afraid--of being denounced if they + listen to foreigners. I dined the night before with the Russian + Minister, who was very hospitable. On Sunday I went to see two temples + in the Chinese city, the one being that to which the Emperor goes four + times a year to offer sacrifices to Heaven, the other the Temple of + Agriculture. + +[Sidenote: Arrival of Mr. Bruce.] +[Sidenote: Interview with Prince Kung.] + + _November 10th._--I had got so far when a note from Frederick reached + me, saying that he had started at 1 A.M. on the 6th from Tientsin to + ride to Pekin, and had been obliged, by fatigue, to rest at Ho-see- + woo. We were to have left Pekin on the 8th, so I was obliged to send + to beg one day's respite from the General. It was impossible to make + Frederick start back to Tientsin on the very day following his + arrival. At about noon he reached Pekin. It was a great relief to me, + because I had been choosing a house for him, and there were other + matters concerning which it was most important that he should be + consulted. I found him very well disposed to stay on at Pekin, but on + finding that both Gros and Ignatieff were opposed to leaving their + legations there for the moment, we both agreed that it would be better + to act as they had resolved to do. I therefore wrote to Prince Kung + acknowledging the good faith which he had shown about the Emperor's + edict and the publication of the treaty (both of which things have + been done in the most complete manner), and adding that the English + army would, in accordance with the terms of the convention, retire at + once from Pekin. I went on to inform him that I proposed to call on + him to take leave, and at the same time to introduce to him Mr. Bruce, + who had just arrived at Pekin. We proceeded, accordingly, to his + palace, at 4 P.M. on the 8th, with an imposing military escort. After + we had conversed some time together, I told Parkes to explain to the + Prince that in England the individual who represents the sovereign, + whatever his personal rank, always takes precedence of all others; + that, as my task in China was completed, Mr. Bruce would henceforward + occupy that position, and that, therefore, with the Prince's + permission, I would give up to him the seat of honour on which I was + placed and take his seat instead. I then rose and changed seats with + Frederick. This little bit of acting answered very well. It put + Frederick into direct relations with the Prince, and did away with the + impression (if it existed) of my having superior rank to him. The + Prince was civil, and said, rather neatly, that he hoped they would + conduct business satisfactorily, not only because he was British + Minister, but brother to Lord Elgin, with whom he had had such + pleasant relations. On the following day (the 9th), before we started, + he came to our abode to return our visit. I made Frederick receive + him, telling the interpreters to say that I had no business to speak + of, but that I should come into the room before he left the house to + take leave of him. The consequence was that Frederick had a long and, + to all appearance, satisfactory conversation with him. + +[Sidenote: Leaves Pekin.] + + After this we set out for Tung-chow. We had to wait there all night, + as our boats were not ready, and we are now (_10th November, noon_) + gliding down the river, each in a _chop_ boat (a little boat with a + very convenient cabin, in which one can sleep, read, write, &c.), on a + lovely autumn day, low temperature, and bright sunshine. I think that + this wind-up at Pekin was very promising. It is probable that there + may be some reaction when the Emperor and the bad advisers whom he has + about him return, and even Ignatieff did not choose to remain at Pekin + during that moment of reaction. At the same time, it is evident that + Kung, who is his brother, has committed himself to the peace policy, + and that his intercourse with us has been much more satisfactory to + him than he at one time expected. It is probable that the Emperor will + for once hear something of the truth. Kung will claim credit for + having induced us to remove from Pekin to Tientsin, while the fact + that we are still as near as Tientsin will be an _in terrorem_ + argument in support of his policy of conciliation. If Kung weathers + the difficult moment which he will have to traverse when the Emperor + returns, I have hopes that all the benefit which I have expected to + derive from our minister's residence at Pekin will be achieved. Our + _Sinologues_ are fine fellows. It is refreshing to see their spirit + and pluck. Wade, Parkes, and Morrison, all put their services at our + disposal, and offered to remain alone at Pekin. My choice, however, + fell on a younger man, of whom I have a very good opinion, and who has + been with me as assistant-interpreter.[12] I thought it better, for + many reasons, to leave a person who had smaller pretensions than any + of those I have named. The gossip is that the Emperor is occupying his + time at Jehol by marrying a fourth wife (a rather expensive + proceeding) and getting tipsy. I am afraid he is not much worth; + although, if the papers in the vermilion pencil, which we found in the + Summer Palace, are his writing, he is not such a fool as people + suppose. ... Frederick brought with him your letters to September + 10th. I pray that you may now be rejoicing in the belief that Bruce is + getting on well and happily at school. + +[Sidenote: Tientsin.] +[Sidenote: Its climate.] + + _Tientsin.--November 14th._--Here I am again in the house which I + occupied two and a half months ago, and which is by far the nicest + Chinese house I have seen, and its exposure to the sun is now most + agreeable. The climate is at present charming. If nothing else had + been done by these recent proceedings, the fact of placing our troops + and embassy here, instead of in the south of China, would have been + almost worth the trouble. It is also a much drier climate than that of + Shanghae. We have had about seven days of rain in all, since I left + Shanghae in July. Frederick had nineteen days consecutively just + before he left Shanghae. He was not well himself then, but he is all + right now. His ride to Pekin--eighty miles in thirty hours--set him up + again. I found the Admiral very cordial. ... Gros is not yet come, and + I do not like to depart from here without seeing him. + +He was detained at Tientsin for several days, arranging a variety of +matters of detail; and it was not till the morning of the 26th of November +that he found himself once more afloat on the Gulf of Pecheli, on board the +'Ferooz,' homeward bound. + +[Sidenote: Results of the mission.] + +The general results obtained by the mission thus happily terminated cannot +be better summed up than in the words of the despatch in which the Foreign +Minister, Lord J. Russell, conveyed to Lord Elgin Her Majesty's 'full +approbation of his conduct in the various particulars' above described. + +'The convention,' he wrote, 'which you concluded with the Prince of Kung on +the 24th of October is entirely satisfactory to Her Majesty's Government. +It records the reparation made by the Emperor of China for his disregard in +the previous year of his Treaty engagements; it sets Her Majesty's +Government free from an implied engagement not to insist in all particulars +on the fulfilment of those engagements; it imposes upon China a fine, in +the shape of an augmented rate of indemnity; it affords an additional +opening for British trade; it places on a recognised footing the emigration +of Chinese coolies, whose services are so important to Her Majesty's +colonial possessions; it relieves Her Majesty's colony of Hong Kong from a +source of previous annoyance; and it provides for bringing generally to the +knowledge of the Chinese the engagements into which the Emperor has entered +towards Great Britain. + +'These are all solid advantages; and, coupled with the provisions of the +Treaty of Tientsin, they will, it may be hoped, place the relations between +the two countries on a sound footing, and insure the continuance of peace +for a long period to come.' + + +[1] Captain Roderick Dew had been engaged at the capture of Canton in + December, 1857, and also in May, 1858, at the taking of the Taku + forts. + +[2] The new Plenipotentiaries were Tsai, Prince of I., a cousin of the + Emperor, and Muh-yin, President of the Board of War: with whom was + joined Hang-ki, a member of the previous commission. + +[3] 'A prisoner taken on the 21st of September, in the course of + conversation, volunteered the remark that the fighting was all the + doing of Sang-ko-lin-sin, who was as anxious for it as Prince Tsai was + opposed to it. This accords with other reports.'--Mr. Wade's + Memorandum. + +[4] In view of the tragic events which followed, the reflection will + naturally arise that, if this party had not been thus sent forward in + advance of the army, those events would not have occurred. On the + other hand it must be borne in mind, (1) that it was a matter of + necessity that some one should go forward to arrange with the Chinese + authorities as to the place where the Allied armies were to encamp; + (2) that the practice of sending one or other of the Chinese scholars + within the enemy's lines had long been habitual, having been followed, + with the best results, on many occasions, not only in this but in + former expeditions; and that the Chinese, whatever might be their + faults, had never shown any disposition to disregard a flag of truce; + (3) that, accordingly, no one concerned appears to have had any idea + that there was danger to be braved; and that, putting aside Lord + Elgin, Baron Gros, and Sir Hope Grant, the readiness of Mr. Parkes, + not only to go himself--that in one who 'knew not what fear was' + proves nothing--but to take with him several friends who were not + called by duty, shows that, in the judgment of a man of great + shrewdness and unrivalled knowledge of the Chinese character, who was + moreover fully cognisant of all the circumstances, there existed no + ground for apprehension; (4) lastly, that all the evils that followed + were due, so far as it is possible now to judge, to a circumstance + which no one could have foreseen at the time, viz. to a change of + policy and of party within the Chinese Government. + +[5] 'Personal Narrative of Occurrences during Lord Elgin's Second Embassy + to China,' 1860. By Henry Brougham Loch, Private Secretary to the Earl + of Elgin. + +[6] With generous candour, Mr. Loch, in his 'Narrative,' bears testimony + to the correctness of this view. + +[7] The British subjects thus restored were Mr. Parkes, Mr. Loch, and a + trooper of Probyn's Horse; the French subjects were M. l'Escayrac de + Lauture, who was at the head of a scientific mission, and four + soldiers. + +[8] In a subsequent letter, Lord Elgin paid to Mr. Parkes this well-merited + tribute. 'Mr. Parkes' consistent refusal to purchase his own safety by + making any pledges, or even by addressing to me any representations + which might have embarrassed me in the discharge of my duty, is a rare + example of courage and devotion to the public interest; and the course + which he followed in this respect, by leaving my hands free, enabled + me to work out the policy which was best calculated to secure his own + release, as well as the attainment of the national objects entrusted + to my care.' + +[9] The language used by Mr. Bruce, in reporting to the Foreign Office Mr. + De Norman's death, is still more striking; and it has an additional + interest as being eminently characteristic of the writer: 'It has not + been my fortune,' he says, 'to meet with a man whose life was so much + in harmony with the Divine precept, "not slothful in business, serving + the Lord." With a consistency unparalleled in my experience he brought + to bear on the discharge of every duty, and to the investigation of + every subject however minute, the complete and undivided attention of + the sound abilities, the good sense, and the indefatigable industry + with which God had endowed him. A character so morally and + intellectually conscientious, striving to do everything in the most + perfect manner, neglecting no opportunity of acquiring fresh and of + consolidating previous knowledge, promised a career honourable to + himself, and, what he valued far more, advantageous to the public, had + it pleased God to spare him. + + 'Now there remains to those who knew him intimately only this + consoling conviction, that death, however sudden, could not find him + unprepared.' + +[10] The only English prisoner ultimately unaccounted for was Captain + Brabazon, Deputy-Assistant Quarter-Master-General of Artillery, an + officer whose finished talent and skill in drawing had often been of + the greatest service in taking sketches of the country for the + military operations. His body was never found; but it was believed + that he had been beheaded by order of a Chinese General in his + exasperation at a wound received in the action of the 21st of October. + +[11] A well-known Protestant M.P. + +[12] Mr. Adkins. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +SECOND MISSION TO CHINA. HOMEWARD. + +LEAVING THE GULF--DETENTION AT SHANGHAE--KOWLOON--ADIEU TO CHINA--ISLAND OF +LUZON--CHURCHES--GOVERNMENT--MANUFACTURES--GENERAL CONDITION--ISLAND OF +JAVA--BUITENZORG--BANTONG--VOLCANO--SOIRÉES--RETROSPECT--CEYLON--THE +MEDITERRANEAN--ENGLAND--WARM RECEPTION--DUNFERMLINE--ROYAL ACADEMY DINNER-- +MANSION HOUSE DINNER. + + +The first part of the homeward voyage, along coasts already so well known, +offered little to dwell upon except the thankful recollection of what had +been accomplished, and the joyful anticipation of happy meetings to come. +The journal contains the following entries:-- + +[Sidenote: Leaving the Gulf.] + + _'Ferooz,' Gulf of Pecheli.--November 27th._--So far on my way home. I + left Tientsin on the 25th at about 7 A.M. We had to plough our way + through ice until we reached the Taku Forts, at 8.30 P.M. We found the + Admiral in the 'Coromandel.' He was very civil, and would have given + me accommodation for the night; but I had so many people with me, that + I thought it better to push on; so at about midnight we crossed the + bar of the Peiho river. There was so much broken ice on the inner side + of it, that it reminded one of some of the pictures of the arctic + voyages. We forced our vessel through--a little Indian river-boat--and + found on the outside enough sea to make us very glad when we reached + the 'Ferooz' at 2.30 A.M. It was about 4 A.M. when I was able to lie + down to rest. Since then we have been waiting for Parkes, who stayed + at Tientsin for a letter from Pekin about the opening of the Yangtze + river, which I am anxious to take with me to Shanghae. ... Yesterday + was a lovely day; a bright sun, and the air frosty enough to stimulate + one to walk briskly. This morning there was a strong gale from the + north-west, but it subsided after midday. I had a very satisfactory + time at Tientsin. We got through a good deal of business; and, what is + most pleasant to me, Frederick seems perfectly satisfied with the + whole affair, and the part I have taken in it. ... The Admiral, who is + very strong in support of me, had given orders that the whole fleet + should be illuminated with blue lights, if I reached the 'Ferooz' at + night. This I did not know, or I should not have chosen so + unseasonable an hour. The consequence was that the illumination was + not complete, but it had a fine effect so far as it went. Scores of + transports have taken their departure, which is a great blessing, for + they have been costing fabulous sums. Too many troops are still left; + but I hope soon to get them reduced. + + _November 28th.--Two P.M._--We are off. All the vessels in the + English fleet here manned yards and saluted as we passed; and, when we + reached the French fleet, all the yards were manned, and the Admiral + saluted. I thought we could not do less than return the latter. It was + all a very fine sight, the day being favourable. Parkes arrived last + night while we were at dinner, but without the letter which he had + waited for. The latter, however, reached me this morning, and is very + satisfactory; so that I shall have accomplished the great object of + opening the Yangtze to trade. + +After a few days of 'lovely weather,' enjoyed to the full in the 'Ferooz'-- +'certainly a most splendid yacht--such a fine deck, and quieter than a +Royal Navy vessel'--he reached Shanghae on the 3rd of December. + +[Sidenote: Shanghae.] + + _Shanghae.--December 4th._--We reached this place at 3 P.M. yesterday. + I have received your letters to October 9th. How I grieve for your + anxiety about Bruce's illness! How glad I am he is near the ----'s. He + could not be watched over by kinder friends. + +Eagerly as he desired to hurry homewards he found it necessary to stay at +Shanghae for some weeks, in order to complete the detailed arrangements for +opening the river Yangtze to British traders, and also to settle the +awkward question of the relations which should subsist between the British +residents, and the Chinese Rebels in their neighbourhood. + + _Shanghae.--December 14th._--I am a good deal puzzled about my + departure. The opening of the Yangtze and the Rebel question are + serious matters, and I do not like to leave them unsettled: on the + other hand, I can hardly, even if I were so inclined, remain here till + they are settled. I think it will end in my staying till the next mail + comes in from the North. + + _Sunday, December 16th.--Eight A.M._--The mornings are lovely here + now; a bright sun, rising about half-past six; and not exactly frost, + but a mere hint of its presence in the air. I take walks, and have + just returned from one; generally the tour of the race ground, which + is the only walk here. While I humbly pace along, the clerks of the + _Hongs_--such of them at least as are careful of their healths, and + moderate in their supper arrangements--flaunt past me on their + chargers. I march on, thinking whether it would not in a new existence + be advisable to begin life as a tea-taster. + + _December 21st._--The wind has changed to the north, and my walk this + morning was a colder one. Yesterday I made a tour of the town of + Shanghae, and find that the French, by way of protecting it, burnt + down about one-half of the suburbs during the summer. They have + destroyed it to a greater extent than we destroyed Canton in 1857 by + our bombardment. 'Save me from my friends,' the poor Chinaman may well + say. The French have some method in their madness, for they want the + ground of the burnt district, and they insist on having it now at the + cost of the land, 'as there are no houses upon it.' At Canton, in the + same way, they have seized land in the most unjustifiable way, to + build churches on. + + _Shanghae.--December 31st._--Yesterday was a torrent of rain, and I + never left the house. As I have a comfortable room, and no great + interruptions, I get through a good deal of my reading. ... There was + a fortnight of the 'Times' to begin with. The Reviews. ... Trollope's + novel of 'Dr. Thorne;' 'Aurora Leigh' (which I admire greatly); then + Sir Robert Wilson's 'Russian Campaign,' which contains some curious + revelations; Darwin's 'Origin of Species,' which is audacious; &c. &c. + In short, you will allow that I have not been quite idle during the + fortnight. + + _January 1st,_ 1861.-This is the first time I sign the new year. May + it bring much happiness to you!... It was introduced here by + dancing. But I was not in a lively humour, and retired as soon as I + could.... No mail yet, and I would start without it, were it not that + I expect three mails by it. + +[Sidenote: Hong-Kong.] + +At length, on the 4th of January, he writes, 'Hurrah! I am off, with a fair +wind.' On the 8th he reached Hong-Kong, where he found little to detain +him; the most important matter being the formal taking possession, in the +Queen's name, of the recently ceded peninsula of Kowloon. + + _Hong-Kong.--January 10th._--I presume, from the apologetic tone of a + speech (very civil in itself) made by Lord J. Russell in the city, and + quoted in the 'Home News,' that I was being well abused in England + when the mail left. It is all miserable enough, but I had rather that + it had blown over before I reach home, as I might seem to reflect on + others if I defended myself, and you say truly that we have had enough + of that kind of thing. + + _January 15th._--I find that the new Factory site [at Canton], about + which I had such a fight with the merchants last time, is a great + success.[1] Its merit is now acknowledged by the blindest. + +In a subsequent letter, referring to the last days of his stay at Hong- +Kong, he wrote:- + +[Sidenote: Kowloon.] + + We had a sort of ceremonial on Saturday the 19th. I went to Kowloon, + and proclaimed formally the annexation of that territory to the + dominions of the Queen. This acquisition, the good site at Canton, and + the opening-up of the North of China and Japan, have added at least + twenty per cent. to the value of European life in China. + +[Sidenote: Adieu to China.] + +On the 21st of January he bade a final adieu to the shores of China, and +directed his course to Manila; desiring to avoid this time the dreary line +to Singapore which he had traversed so often, and attracted also by the new +fields which the Spanish and Dutch colonies offered for his observation. + +[Sidenote: Manila.] + + _At Sea, near Manila.--January 24th._--I wrote a very shabby line to + you as I was leaving Hong-Kong, but it may not perhaps be an unwelcome + one, as it informed you I had started. We have had rough weather, and + I take up my pen to-day for the first time. We are now under the lee + of some of the Philippines, so we get less of the great swell which + has been rolling down from the north-east, and of the gale which blows + during this monsoon down the channel that separates the island of + Formosa from the Philippines as through a funnel. + + _Manila.--January 26th, Eight A.M._--I sent off a few lines to you + yesterday, to tell you of my very inopportune arrival off this town, + at a moment when all the world, functionaries, &c., are on tiptoe + expecting a new Captain-General to make his appearance at any hour. + However, Castilian hospitality is not to be taken in default, and at 4 + P.M. we landed with great ceremony, and after being conducted to the + palace, and exchanging a few glances with the acting Governor, who + cannot speak a word of any language known to me, I was shown a + magnificent suite of apartments destined for me and my following, and + then conveyed for a drive in one of the carriages-and-four (_vide_ Sir + J. Bowring's book), escorted by a guard of lancers. It is very curious + to see a state of things so different from ours. Such a number of + troops; gens-d'armes on horseback; not a person meeting us (the + Governor-General was with me) who did not take off his hat. At dinner + I sat next the Admiral, who also speaks nothing but Spanish; so we + passed our time in looking at each other unutterable things. + +[Sidenote: Churches.] + + _Ten A.M._--I have just got rid of my uniform, in which I thought it + proper to attire myself in order to receive all the officers, naval + and military, who came at nine o'clock to pay their respects. I had + strolled out much earlier _incognito_, and wandered into several + churches. They abound here, as do monks of all orders. The decorations + seemed tinselly enough, but _there_ was the Catholic ritual, with its + sublime suggestions and trivial forms, repeating itself under the + equator in the extreme East, as it repeats itself at Paris or Madrid, + and under Arctic or Antarctic circles. And _here_, as _there_, at + these early morning services, were a few solitary women assisting; + some of them commonplace-looking enough, but others, no doubt, with a + load of troubles to deposit at the altar, or in the ear of the monk in + the box, heavy enough to furnish the burden of many such romances as + those which thrill the public sensibilities in our days. After all, + when the horrors which have brought about the result are past and + forgotten, there _is_ something gained by that truculent Spanish + system which forces the faith upon all who come within its reach. + _Fais-toi chrétienner, ou je t'arrache l'āme_, as Charlemagne (not a + Spaniard, by the way, so there my illustration halts) said to his + heathen enemies. There is something, I say, gained by it when the + origin is forgotten, because the bond of a common creed _does_ do a + little towards drawing these different races together. They are not + separated from each other by that impassable barrier of mutual + contempt, suspicion, and antipathy, which alienates us from the + unhappy natives in those lands where we settle ourselves among + inferior orders of men. An administrative net of a not very flexible + nature encloses all, and keeps each member of the body politic pretty + closely to the post allotted to him; but the belief in a common + humanity, drawn perhaps rather from the traditions of the early, than + from the practice of the modern church, runs like a silken thread + through the iron tissue. One feels a little softened and sublimated + when one passes from Hong-Kong, where the devil is worshipped in his + naked deformity, to this place where he displays at least some of the + feathers which he wore before he fell. So you must pardon me, if my + letter reflects in some measure the phase through which my mind is + passing. + +[Sidenote: State of the Island.] + + I found next me at breakfast the Chief of the _Secrétariat_, an + intelligent man, speaking French. He confirmed a good many of the + impressions which my own observations had led me to form respecting + the state of affairs here. The army is composed of natives; officers + and non-commissioned officers, Spanish. The artillery, or a portion of + it, also Spanish. The native Indians pay a capitation tax of $1 a + head; half-castes double; Chinese $50, $30, or $12. As usual, my poor + Chinamen are hated and squeezed. They are not obliged to become + Catholics, but the native Indian women can/will not marry them + unless they are, and they are not allowed to make public profession of + any other religion.... After breakfast came in an English merchant, + who made the passage from Suez to Singapore with me in 1857. He says + foreigners are very well treated here, but they have some difficulties + about customs duties, which I have asked him to state in writing to + me, that I may say a word about them if occasion offers. The greater + part of the trade here is in English hands. + +[Sidenote: Indian women.] + + To pass from the higher thoughts which suggested themselves when I + visited the churches this morning, I may tell you that I saw some of + the devout Indian women when they left the churches on their return. + They were generally very plain, to say the least of it. Round their + waists and over their under-dress they pass a piece of silk, which is + wrapped tight round the person. The result is as nearly as possible + the opposite to the effect produced by a crinoline. + +[Sidenote: Cigar making.] + + I have returned from a very hot drive to visit a sugar refinery and a + cigar manufactory. I saw little to interest at the former, except the + process of making chocolate by mixing cocoa, cinnamon, and sugar. At + the latter, some 8,000 girls were employed, not very pretty, but + cheerful-looking. A skilful worker can make 200 a day, so that these + young ladies can poison mankind to the tune of 1,600,000 cigars a day. + +[Sidenote: The cathedral.] + + _Sunday, January 27th.--Ten A.M._--In my early morning's walk I again + visited the churches, which were in greater activity than yesterday. + In the cathedral I came in for a sermon which began 'Illustrissimo + Seńor' so I suppose the Archbishop was present, and probably had me in + his eye. I could understand very little, so I did not stay it out. It + was delivered without notes (having evidently been learnt by heart), + in rather a monotonous way; with a sort of little action, all confined + to a slight movement of the hands and flipping of the fingers.... The + Archbishop is, I am told, very bigoted. He did not come to dinner + yesterday (a grand full-dress dinner given in my honour), and some say + it was because of my being a heretic. I take it I was in error + yesterday in speaking of the Spanish system of compelling conformity + of belief as necessarily beginning in harshness. I fancy the monks + have won over the simple Indians here to a great extent by gentle + methods. They protect them, and manage their affairs, and know all + their secrets through the confessional, and amuse them with no end of + feast-days, and gewgaws, and puerile ceremonies. The natives seem to + have a great deal of our dear old French Canadian _habitans_ about + them, only in a more sublime stage of infantine simplicity. + +[Sidenote: A pueblo.] + + _January 28th._--I drove this morning to a village (_pueblo_) about + seven miles off, starting at 5.30. The weather nice and cool. The + country very rich. The cottages of bamboo and leaves, and all raised + on bamboo posts of about ten feet in height, seemed very comfortable. + I never saw a more cheerful-looking rural population. All nicely and + modestly dressed. The women completely emancipated from all eastern + seclusion. I visited in this _pueblo_ another great cigar manufactory; + 8,000 girls employed. I must say that this colony appears to be a + great success, as far as the natives are concerned, and I almost + regret that I am not going to see something more of the interior. + Crealock has been through the barracks, which he says are in admirable + condition. The native soldiers appear to be very well treated. We + dined yesterday with the Admiral. Just before we set out for this + dinner, a procession was announced, and I went to the balcony to see + it. The students of a college, some 350 in number, were escorting + about two spangled and sparkling images of the Virgin, and a variety + of flags. Each carried a lighted torch, and they lined both sides of + the road, the interval between their rows being occupied by the + images, three or four bands of music, the flags, &c. As all the bands + played at once, and as loud as they possibly could, the noise was + tremendous, and the cathedral bell helped, by tolling its deepest + tone as the procession passed. These processions are the great + religious stimulant here, and they form another point of resemblance + with the French part of Canada. + +After little more than three days' stay among the Spaniards of Luzon, he +embarked again on the 29th on board the 'Ferooz,' and passing by Sarawak +and the north-west coast of Borneo, crossed the Line to visit the Dutch +settlement of Java. + +[Sidenote: Crossing the Line.] + + _February 6th_.--A fine morning, and we are going through the Gaspar + Strait in about 2° 30' south, not very far from where Lord Amherst was + wrecked in the 'Alceste.' We anchored again last night, but in a calm. + Yesterday morning Neptune made his appearance, and those of us who had + not passed the Line had to pay the penalty. I compounded for his + claims on me, and the crew had a good lark in shaving with tar and + ducking some other novices. We are now in mid-summer, having passed at + a bound from mid-winter. There is little difference, however, in these + latitudes, between one part of the year and another. The principal + difference consists in the rainy and dry seasons, and as near the Line + as this there is, I suppose, always more or less rain. _Two P.M._--I + went on deck this morning at eight, after writing, to discover why we + were stopping, and I found that a squall had closed in all around us, + and hid the land. It lasted only about an hour, when we set off again, + passing through a great many little islets all covered with trees, so + different from the barren Pulo Sapata and Pulo Condor, which we pass + on the route between Singapore and Hong-Kong! The weather is + delicious, and I am confirmed in my doctrine, that if you are + compelled to be in or in the vicinity of the Tropics, the nearer the + Line the better. You have not the interminably long summer days which + you have at more remote points, and constant showers veil the sun and + cool the air. This makes Singapore comparatively so bearable, and I + suppose Sarawak has some of the same advantages. + +[Sidenote: Java.] +[Sidenote: Residence of the Governor-General.] + + _Java.--February 8th. Three P.M._--Here I am looking out from my + window upon a piece of park-like scenery,--a sheet of water, drooping + trees, and deer feeding among them. The only drawback is that it is + raining, and this is not an unqualified evil, because the rain cools + the air. The place I am at is the residence of the Governor-General of + Java (or of the Indies, I believe his title is), about forty miles + from Batavia, the chief town, at which I landed yesterday, at 5 P.M., + with much honour in the way of salutes, &c. We were conveyed in + carriages-and-six, with an escort, to the Governor's town palace, + which I was told to consider placed at my disposal. It consists + chiefly of a very spacious room on the ground-floor, paved in marble, + and looking very brilliant, lit up with wax candles in chandeliers. + Some of the high officials came to dinner, and we were waited on by + black servants in state liveries and bare feet, who moved noiselessly + over the marble floor. The original town of Batavia is unhealthy for + Europeans, so they live in villas which extend from the town for some + miles, on both sides of the main road into the interior. The villas + looked very nice, and white women seemed to abound in them. It was + hinted to me that the Governor-General would like to see me at his + residence, so I set out for this place at about seven this morning, + performing thirty-six miles in two hours and fifty minutes, in a + comfortable carriage drawn by six ponies, changed every five miles. I + need hardly say that we always went at full gallop. The country was + not very interesting, being chiefly low and rice-bearing, nor did I + see the cheerful firm-looking maidens who struck me so much at Manila. + This island is _exploité_ entirely for the Government and dominant + race, and with no little success, for I am told that the surplus + revenue last year was £6,000,000, £4,000,000 of which were remitted to + Holland. I shall end by thinking that we are the worst colonisers in + the Eastern world, as we neither make ourselves rich, nor the governed + happy. + +[Sidenote: Botanic Garden.] +[Sidenote: Monument to Lady Raffles.] + + _February 9th_.--I took a drive at six this morning, and then a walk + through the botanic garden, which is attached to this house and has a + great reputation. I am no judge, as you know, but everything seems in + beautiful order, and it is of great extent. After a light repast I got + a carriage to take me down to a spacious swimming-bath, paved with + marble and shaded by magnificent trees, in which I felt rather tempted + to spend the day. I should mention that, before dinner yesterday, when + the rain slackened, I went into the garden, and was arrested as I + wandered along the paths musingly, by a monument with an English + inscription. It is to the wife of Sir Stamford Raffles, who died here + in 1814, while the colony was in our hands; died _here_, that is, at + Buitenzorg, for this inscription has taught me the name of the place, + which I had not been able to catch before. I see little of my host. We + dined at half-past six; nobody but his staff and daughter and my + rather numerous following, who are not, I fear, all as well dressed as + he approves of; a short _séance_ after dinner, and then to our private + apartments. Today we met in the same stiff way at twelve, for + breakfast. I have not seen a book or a paper in the house, but that + may be because I am not admitted to the parts of the mansion where + they are to be found. An expedition has been organised for me, and I + start tomorrow morning. It will occupy four days, but it would be + absurd to come to such a place as this, and to leave it without seeing + anything. The Governor-General has spent thirty-one years of his life + here, but for a time (six years) he was colonial minister in Holland. + His daughter's husband was killed by a native running _a'muck_ (this + is a Javanese expression) some years ago. She seems a gentle person, + and has a daughter eight years old. We all speak French, which is an + improvement on my Manila experiences. + +They started at six on the morning of the 10th, in three carriages-and-six, +and slept the first night at a place called Chipana, where they 'were to +have ascended' a mountain 9,000 feet high, but were prevented by the +'rain.' The next day's journey brought them to the high table-land of +Bantong. + +[Sidenote: Bantong.] +[Sidenote: Javanese _soirée_.] + + _February 11th.--Bantong_.--About 120 miles from Batavia, on a plain + about 3,000 feet above the level of the sea. The weather comparatively + cool, though this is the hot season. I have just (10 P.M.) returned + from a Javanese _soirée_. The Regent (a sort of native lord- + lieutenant) invited me to his house to see some dancing. This Regent + is very rich, about £12,000 a year, which he receives from a tithe + paid to him by all producers in his regency. The dancing was performed + by four girls wearing strange helmet-shaped head-dresses, and garments + of a close-fitting stiff character reaching to the ground. They swayed + their bodies to and fro in a melancholy way to a very monotonous + plaintive sort of music, but their chief art consisted in the + wonderful success with which they twisted their arms and fingers. In a + second dance they carried bows and arrows, and went through a kind of + pantomimic fight. After this was over, as I had expressed a wish to + see more of his house, I was taken across a court to another ground- + floor room, and was startled by finding myself suddenly introduced to + _Madame la Régente_, an odd little woman, with a wizened face, and + mouth and teeth blackened by betel nut. I was rather put into a + difficulty in finding conversation for her, for I did not know whether + she would like being complimented on the _ballet_ we had just seen. I + then went to look at the musicians and their instruments, the latter + consisting chiefly of coffee canes struck by a sort of gong-sticks. + The sound at a distance was bell-like and not unpleasing. I was + informed that the Regent had paid £500 for his set of instruments. + After this I returned to my inn in my carriage. How I got to this + place I shall tell later. I must now go to bed, as we start at 5 A.M. + on an expedition to see an active crater. + +[Sidenote: A crater.] + + _February 12th.--Six P.M._--We started nearly as early as was + proposed. Two hours of carriage work along a road made heavy by rain, + and about two hours more of riding up a steep mountain side, covered + with tall trees sinking under a load of creepers and orchideous + plants, not so wild and bold as the mountain scenery of Jamaica, but + with somewhat of the same character. We ascended about 4,300 feet from + our starting-point, so that when we reached our goal we were 6,500 + feet above the sea. Our goal was a covered shed overlooking a crater, + not in a very active state, but puffing sulphurous smoke from numerous + chinks and chasms. Beyond this first crater was a second very similar + to it; and beyond both, far below, the plain of Bantong, where we now + are, lay green and smiling. We could not see a great extent of it, for + the heavy clouds were already mustering for the rain which at this + season falls always in the afternoon. (It is now pouring, with thunder + and lightning.) But the scene was very striking, and the clouds added + to the mystery. We returned through a quinine plantation, which is an + experiment, and promises to be a successful one, and then through a + coffee plantation, different, and much prettier to look at than those + of Ceylon and Jamaica, for here the bushes are allowed to grow to + their full height (about twenty feet), and have a graceful pyramid- + like shape; whereas there they are all pruned down to about five feet + in height. There are also here some large trees left to give shade to + the coffee bushes. I can conceive nothing more lovely than these + plantations must be at the time of flowering. We got back to our hotel + at 2 P.M., since when I have had breakfast, hath, and reading, and am + now preparing for dinner. + +[Sidenote: A second _soirée_.] + + _Ten P.M._--Another Javanese _soirée_. No ladies this time. To begin + with: two kinds of marionettes; the first behind a kind of crape + screen,--strange figures cut very beautifully out of buffalo hide, and + jumping about to a very noisy vocal and instrumental accompaniment. + The second, something like Italian marionettes, worked by a man's + fingers, but without any attempt to conceal the operator. Both sets, I + believe, represented historical subjects. When we had had enough of + these, we went into another room, where were assembled a priest, and a + whole lot of followers from a mosque. The amusement here consisted in + seeing boys from the mosque stick into their cheeks, &c., daggers and + pointed weapons, which the priest blessed, and which were therefore + innocuous; a milder specimen of the supernatural I certainly never + witnessed. All took place at the Regent's palace, from which I have + just returned. His son, a boy of about fourteen, was present to-night + and last night. A rather nice-looking boy. He never came near his + father without crouching on his heels or knees, and putting his hands + up to his face in an attitude of submission, if spoken to by him. + +[Sidenote: Chipana.] + + _February 13th.--Ten P.M.--Chipana_.--(The place we slept at on the + night of the 10th.) On this, as on the former occasion, the population + make a sort of festival of my visit, and turn out to perform dances, + &c. The performances are not so refined as at the Regent's, but they + are more picturesque and lively. The ladies move about in the same + dreamy way about lamps, or rather torches, but here they have partners + to dance with them. The noise is tremendous, and has not yet ceased, + although I have retired, on the understanding that the entertainment + is to come to an end, as we again start to-morrow at 6 A.M. To-night, + all the dancing has been in the open air. It was a wild, barbarous- + looking scene; but I do not know that I should much care to see it + again. We started this morning at six, and travelled, as we have + always done, at full gallop on the level or down hill, and with the + aid of four buffalos in front of our six ponies when we came to mount + steep hills, of which there are many. The roads are excellent. They + are made by forced labour, and, what seems rather hard, the natives + with their carts, &c., are not allowed to use them. I found here a + bath formed by a hot iron or sulphur spring, into which I plunged + before dinner. These Javanese seem the most timorous of mankind. A11, + men and women, crouch on their heels and knees when our carriage + approaches; and they do this, I believe, to all white people, as well + as to their own chiefs. But it is not only this crouching; they have, + moreover (especially the women), a way of turning their heads aside, + as if they were afraid to look at one. The natives of the eastern part + of the island are said not to be so timid. + +Starting from Chipana early on the following morning, they continued their +rapid descent by Buitenzorg to Batavia; and on the 16th embarked again on +board the 'Ferooz,' for Ceylon, where he expected to find an accumulation +of four mails. 'Two months of news!' (he wrote). 'I always feel nervous as +to what so long an interval may bring forth.' + +[Sidenote: Strait of Sunda.] + + '_Ferooz,' at Sea.--February 16th.--One P.M._--We are entering the + Strait of Sunda, which separates Java and Sumatra. When through it we + have a clear sea-way to Galle. _Two_ P.M.--We have just passed the + high land which forms the north-western point of Java, and is called + Cape St. Nicholas. It is beautifully rich-looking; the bright green of + its grass and crops embroidered over by the darker green of the clumps + of trees which are scattered upon it. Farther down to the south, on + the same side, is the flat promontory known as Angen Point. On the + other side we have the coast of Sumatra, wooded and broken, with + mountains in the background, and green islets tossed out from it upon + the ocean, in the foreground; and a sailing ship moving along it in + the same direction with ourselves, her sails flapping idly in the + calm. + + _Sunday, February 24th_.--We have just had service on deck, under a + double awning. A little fanning breeze from the north-east seemed to + say that we are at last getting back into the region of that monsoon + which we left when we went to the south of the Line. I have been some + days without writing, for there has been nothing to tell, and we have + had a good deal of bad weather, rain, and rolling and pitching; but we + must not complain, as it was more convenient to have it here in the + open sea, than if we had encountered it in a narrow passage, such as + we have passed through. We expect to reach Galle in three days, and I + cannot but feel a little nervous as to the news I may find there. We + are in God's hands, and this sort of doubt makes us feel the more that + we are so. + +[Sidenote: Retrospect of Java.] + + Altogether, I was much interested by Java. As I have said, it is ruled + entirely for the interest of the governing race. No attempt is made to + raise the natives. I _believe_ that the missionaries are not allowed + to visit the interior. I asked about schools, and ascertained that in + the province of which the regency of Bantong forms a part, and which + contains some 600,000 inhabitants, there were five; not, I suspect, + much attended. It was clear from the tone of the officials that there + was no wish to educate the natives. There is a kind of forced labour. + They pay a tithe of the produce of their rice-fields; are obliged (in + certain districts) to plant coffee, and to sell the produce at a rate + fixed by the Government; in others, to work on sugar estates, and, in + all, to make roads. Nevertheless, I am not satisfied that they are + unhappy, or that the system can be called a failure. In those + districts which I visited there was no appearance of their being + overworked; and I was assured that, on the sugar estates, the + proprietors have no power of punishing those who do not work; that it + rests with the officials exclusively to do so. The tone of the + officials on the subject is, that no punishment is necessary, because, + although they are so lazy that if they had the choice they would never + do anything, they do not make any difficulty about working when they + are told to do so. Economically it is a success. The fertility of the + island is very great, so that the labour of the natives leaves a large + surplus after their own subsistence is provided for. There are twenty + provinces, in each of which the chief officer is the president--a + Dutchman; but the native chief (Regent) has the more direct relations + with the people, arranges about their labour, &c. The Dutch officials + look after him, and see that he does not abuse his power. + +[Sidenote: Ceylon.] + +Pressing eagerly forward, he reached Ceylon, the scene of so many anxieties +and disasters, on the last day of February. + + _Ceylon, March 2nd._--I found here your letters to January 10th, and + am relieved... Where is our meeting to be?... If I can, I shall take + the route through Trieste and Paris. + +On the 20th he writes from the neighbourhood of Mount Sinai:-- + +[Sidenote: Sinai.] + + _March 20th.--Noon._--We are now in the Gulf of Suez. On the right + side a row of arid mountains with serrated crests, and a margin of + flat dry sand at the base, and behind them what is reputed to be Mount + Sinai. Only a glimpse of the latter can, however, be caught at one + point, where there is a depression in the nearer range. On the left + there are mountains of a similar character, overtopped by one 10,000 + feet high. The sea is deeply blue and the sun scorching, but the air + cool--almost cold. We have had a good deal of wind and sea against us + for the last three days; but we passed the Straits of Jubal early this + morning, and hope to be at Suez during the night. + +On the 24th he was once more enjoying the fresh and invigorating breezes of +Europe:-- + +[Sidenote: The Mediterranean.] + + _Sunday, March 24th.--On board H.M.S. 'Terrible.'_--Here is a change of + scene! The last words of this journal were written in the Gulf of + Suez, on board the 'Ferooz.' I now write from the Mediterranean, off + the island of Candia, whose snow-capped mountains are looking down + upon us; very different from the parched ranges of hills wrapped in + perpetual heat haze, which I described to you four days ago. + +[Sidenote: Greece.] + + _March 26th.--Seven A.M._--I have been about two hours on deck. A + beautiful morning, and smooth sea. On our right the coast of Albania, + hilly and wooded. On our left the land is low, and covered apparently + with olive trees. Before us the southern end of Corfu, which we are + approaching. Farther on, the channel along which we are gliding seems + to be closed in as a lake, the Corfu mountains and those of Greece + overlapping each other. The snow-covered crests of some of the latter + gleam in the sunshine. It is a lovely scene. Yesterday we passed Cape + Matapan, Zante, &c., all on our right; but there was a good deal of + wind and sea, and an unusual amount of motion for the 'Terrible.' + Navarino, too, we passed; but I did not know it at the time. We + propose to call in at Corfu, take in coal, and see what can be seen + during the day. But I hope to be off for Trieste to-morrow morning. + +[Sidenote: Corfu.] + + _March 27th._--We found at Corfu three line-of-battle ships and + Admiral Dacres, who came on board to see me. I landed at 11 A.M., and + went to the Government House, where I found Sir H. Storks. He took me + a drive of about thirteen miles, to the top of a pass in the mountains + called Pantaleone, from which there is a very extensive view. It is a + beautiful island. The day bright and sunny. Nothing can be more + picturesque than the town. The people, too, seem to me very handsome. + I saw this morning the captain of a sloop-of-war who has been visiting + various ports in the Adriatic. He was received at Ancona with a + _furore_ of enthusiasm, and exceedingly well treated at Venice, + Trieste, &c., by the Austrians, who are burning to revenge themselves + on the French, and anxious to ally themselves with us for that + purpose.... We have been steaming through a narrow channel, with the + snow-covered mountains of Albania on our right; but we are now + emerging into the open Adriatic. + +[Sidenote: England.] + +By Trieste and Vienna he travelled rapidly to Paris, where he was met by +Lady Elgin; and on the 11th of April 1861, within a few days of the +anniversary of his departure, he found himself once more on British soil. + +[Sidenote: Warm reception.] +[Sidenote: Dunfermline.] + +The reception which awaited him at home was even warmer than that which he +had met with two years before. What gratified him, perhaps, more than any +of the many similar expressions of good-will was the cordial welcome with +which he was greeted by his old friends and neighbours at Dunfermline: +friends from whom he had been, as he told them, so long an unwilling +absentee. His answer to their address was the simple and natural expression +of this feeling. + + It is pleasant (he said)--perhaps it is one of the sweetest flowers we + cull on the path of this rugged life--to find ourselves among old + friends after a long absence, and to find their hearts beat as true + and warm as ever. I am deeply gratified by the flattering terms in + which my public services have been referred to in this address, but I + am still more gratified by the welcome which you have tendered to me + to-day.... Gentlemen, I have been for many years very much, perhaps + too much of a wanderer, and it has been my fortune to receive from our + countrymen established in different parts of the world tokens of their + regard and consideration. The very last address of felicitation I + received before I landed at Dover the other day was from a body of my + countrymen established in the Philippines--a group of Spanish islands + in the far East, near the equator. But allow me to say that among all + these tokens, those most grateful and agreeable to me are those which + I receive from friends and neighbours at home. And, perhaps, I + appreciate these tokens the more highly, because I am conscious that + the very fact of my having been so much of a wanderer, has prevented + me from acquiring some of those titles to their personal regard which + I might have hoped to establish if I had been constantly resident + among them. + +[Sidenote: Royal Academy dinner.] + +About the same time he was received with marked distinction at the annual +banquet of the Royal Academy in London; and the words which he spoke on +that occasion have more than a mere passing interest, as illustrating the +speaker's frank and straightforward manner of dealing with a question of +great delicacy, and also as containing some striking and suggestive remarks +on certain mental and moral peculiarities of the Chinese people. + + I am especially gratified (he said) by the great and very unexpected + honour which you have done to me in drinking my health, because I + trust that I may infer from it that in your judgment, Sir, and in that + of this company, I am not so incorrigibly barbarous as to be incapable + of feeling the humanising influences which fall upon us from the noble + works of art by which we are surrounded. And, as I have ventured to + approach so nearly to the margin of a burning question, I hope that I + may be allowed to take one step more in the same direction, and to + assure you that no one regretted more sincerely than I did the + destruction of that collection of summer-houses and kiosks, already, + and previously to any act of mine, rifled of their contents, which was + dignified by the title of Summer Palace of the Chinese Emperor. But + when I had satisfied myself that in no other way, except, indeed, by + inflicting on this country and on China the calamity of another year + of war, could I mark the sense which I entertained, which the British + army entertained--and on this point I may appeal to my gallant friend + who is present here this evening, and who conducted that army + triumphantly to Pekin with so much honour to himself and to those + under his command--and which, moreover, I make bold in the presence of + this company to say, the people of this country entertained--of an + atrocious crime, which, if it had passed unpunished, would have placed + in jeopardy the life of every European in China, I felt that the time + had come when I must choose between the indulgence of a not unnatural + sensibility and the performance of a painful duty. The alternative is + not a pleasant one; but I trust that there is no man serving the Crown + in a responsible position who would hesitate when it is presented to + him as to the decision at which he should arrive.[2] And now, Sir, to + pass to another topic, I have been repeatedly asked whether, in my + opinion, the interests of art in this country are likely to be in any + degree promoted by the opening up of China. I must say, in reply, that + I do not think that in matters of art we have much to learn from that + country, but I am not quite prepared to admit that even in this + department we can gain nothing from them. The distinguishing + characteristic of the Chinese mind is this--that at all points of the + circle described by man's intelligence, it seems occasionally to have + caught glimpses of a heaven far beyond the range of its ordinary ken + and vision. It caught a glimpse of the path which leads to military + supremacy when it invented gunpowder, some centuries before the + discovery was made by any other nation. It caught a glimpse of the + path which leads to maritime supremacy when it made, at a period + equally remote, the discovery of the mariner's compass. It caught a + glimpse of the path which leads to literary supremacy when, in the + tenth century, it invented the printing press; and, as my illustrious + friend on my right (Sir E. Landseer) has reminded me, it has caught + from time to time glimpses of the beautiful in colour and design. But + in the hands of the Chinese themselves the invention of gunpowder has + exploded in crackers and harmless fireworks. The mariner's compass has + produced nothing better than the coasting junk. The art of printing + has stagnated in stereotyped editions of _Confucius_, and the most + cynical representations of the grotesque have been the principal + products of Chinese conceptions of the sublime and beautiful. + Nevertheless, I am disposed to believe that under this mass of + abortions and rubbish there lie hidden some sparks of a diviner fire, + which the genius of my countrymen may gather and nurse into a flame. + +[Sidenote: Dinner at the Mansion House.] + +A few days afterwards, at a dinner given at the Mansion House in his +honour, he was again greeted with more than common enthusiasm. In +responding, after giving an account of the objects that had been sought and +the results that had been achieved in the East, he concluded his speech by +impressing on the merchants of England, in words which may be regarded as +his final and farewell utterance on the subject, that with them must now +chiefly lie the responsibility of aiding or retarding the development of +China, and thus of determining the place she shall hold in the commonwealth +of nations. + + My Lord Mayor (be said), I should be very much to blame if, having an + opportunity of addressing an assembly in this place, I omitted to call + attention to the fact that the occasional misconduct of our own + countrymen and other foreigners in China is one of the greatest, + perhaps the very greatest, difficulties with which the Queen's + representatives there have to deal. We send out to that country + honourable merchants and devout missionaries, who scatter benefits in + every part of the land they visit, elevating and raising the standard + of civilisation wherever they go. But sometimes, unfortunately, there + slip out from among us dishonest traders and ruffians who disgrace our + name and set the feelings of the people against us. The public opinion + of England can do much to encourage the one class of persons and + discourage the other. I trust that the moral influence of this great + city will always be exerted in that direction. In addressing the + merchants of Shanghai some three years ago, at the time when I + announced to them that it was my intention to seek a treaty in Pekin + itself if I could not get it before I arrived there, I made this + observation--that when force and diplomacy should have effected in + China all that they could legitimately accomplish, the work which we + had to do in that empire would still be only in its commencement. I + repeat that statement now. My gallant friend who spoke just now has + returned his sword to the scabbard. The diplomatist, as far as treaty- + making is concerned, has placed his pen on the shelf. But the great + task of construction--the task of bringing China, with its extensive + territory, its fertile soil, and its industrious population, as an + active and useful member, into the community of nations, and making it + a fellow-labourer with ourselves in diffusing over the world happiness + and well-being--is one that yet remains to be accomplished. No persons + are more entitled or more fitted to take a part in that work than the + merchants of this great city. I implore them, then, to devote + themselves earnestly to its fulfilment, and from the bottom of my + heart I pray that their endeavours towards that end may be crowned + with success. + + +[1] Vide supra, p. 310. + +[2] It may not be out of place here to quote the words used later + in the evening by Sir Hope Grant, in returning thanks for his own + health: 'With regard (he said) to what Lord Elgin has said about the + destruction of the Summer Palace of the Emperor of China, I must say + that I do candidly think it was a necessary act of retribution for an + abominable murder which had been committed, and the army, as Well as + myself, entirely concurred with him in what he did.' + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +INDIA. + +APPOINTED VICEROY OP INDIA--FOREBODINGS--VOYAGE TO INDIA--INSTALLATION-- +DEATHS OF MR. RITCHIE, LORD CANNING, GENERAL BRUCE--THE HOT SEASON-- +BUSINESS RESUMED--STATE OF THE EMPIRE--LETTERS: THE ARMY; CULTIVATION OP +COTTON; ORIENTALS NOT ALL CHILDREN; MISSIONARIES; RUMOURS OF DISAFFECTION; +ALARMS; MURDER OF A NATIVE; AFGHANISTAN; POLICY OF LORD CANNING; +CONSIDERATION FOR NATIVES. + + +From this time forward the story of Lord Elgin's life is no longer a record +of stirring incidents, of difficulties triumphantly overcome, or novel and +entangled situations successfully mastered. The career indeed is still +arduous, and the toil unremitting, but the course is well-defined. Compared +with the varied conflicts and anxieties of the preceding period, there is +something of the repose of declining day, after the heat and dust of a +brilliant noon; something even, young as he was in years, of the gloom of +approaching night. It seems almost as if a shadow, cast by the coming end, +rested upon his path. + +[Sidenote: Vice-royalty of India.] + +He had not been more than a month at home when the Vice-royalty of India, +about to be vacated by Lord Canning, was offered to him, in the Queen's +name, by Lord Palmerston. The splendid offer of the most magnificent +Governorship in the world was accepted, but not without something of a +vague presentiment that he should never return from it. This feeling was +expressed with his usual frankness and simplicity, when in the course of an +address delivered at Dunfermline, some months before his departure, after +referring to former partings, uniformly followed by happy meetings, he +said:-- + +[Sidenote: Forebodings.] + + But, Gentlemen, I cannot conceal from myself, nor from you, the fact + that the parting which is now about to take place is a far more + serious matter than any of those which have preceded it; and that the + vast amount of labour devolving upon the Governor-General of India, + the insalubrity of the climate, and the advance of years, all tend to + render the prospect of our again meeting more remote and uncertain. + +Independently of any such forebodings, there were sorrows on which it is +hardly necessary to dwell, but which were felt keenly by one so devoted to +'that peaceful home-life towards which he was always aspiring;'[1] the pain +of tearing himself again from the children now growing up to need in an +especial manner a father's presence, and of leaving the mother of these +children, for a time at least, to contend alone with cares and anxieties +from which it would have been his greatest happiness to shield and protect +her. Something, too, there may have been of the depression which breathes +in the poet's complaint, 'the roll of mighty poets is made up'--a feeling +that the work of pacifying and settling India had been so thoroughly +accomplished by Lord Dalhousie and Lord Canning, that the field no longer +contained any laurels to be reaped by their successor. 'I succeed,' he used +to say, 'to a great man and a great war, with a humble task to be humbly +discharged.' + +[Sidenote: Visit to Osborne.] +[Sidenote: Sails for India.] + +But these thoughts and feelings, though they may have dimmed the brightness +of his anticipations, could not for long overcloud that 'unfailing +cheerfulness' which contributed much to make him throughout life so +successful himself, and so helpful to others: still less could they for a +moment check the alacrity with which he set himself to prepare for his new +duties. For some time he remained in London; after which he spent several +pleasant months in Scotland, laying up a store of happy recollections to +which his thoughts in after days often turned. Early in January 1862, +accompanied by Lady Elgin, he went to Osborne on a visit to the Queen; who +even in those early days of widowhood, roused herself to receive the first +Viceroy of India ever appointed by the sole act of the Crown. On the 28th +of the same month he quitted the shores of England; and, after a rapid and +uneventful journey, reached Calcutta on March 12. As Lady Elgin was unable +to accompany him, he resumed the habit of conversing with her, so to speak, +through the medium of a journal; from which some brief extracts are here +given, less for the sake of the few incidents which they record, than for +the glimpses which they give into the mind and heart of the writer:- + +[Sidenote: Man overboard!] + + _H.M.S. 'Banshee.'--Marseilles.--January 31st._--Only think of my + writing again from Marseilles! I was breakfasting yesterday, when + there was a cry of 'A man overboard!' We went on deck. After a while, + the man--who had enormous water-boots on, but who was fortunately a + good swimmer--appeared on the surface, caught hold of a life-preserver + which had been thrown out to him, was picked up by a boat, and hoisted + on board. After a bumper of brandy, he seemed none the worse. But in + the meantime we had sprung our _rudder-head_ (the same sort of + accident as befell the 'Great Eastern'). It must have been bad, or it + could not have gone as it did. The captain said to me: 'We may go on + for a few hours, and see what we can do, and then return if + necessary.' I did not see the fun of this plan, and suggested that we + had better at once find out what was the matter. We returned to port, + and, after a long deliberation, a scheme of patching was resolved + upon.... It is most vexatious to be doing nothing, when my moments + have been of late so precious and so hurried. + + * * * * + + _'Ferooz.'--Gulf of Suez.--February 9th._--When I got on board this + morning my heart smote me a little for having discouraged your coming + out with me, for nothing can be more comfortable than this ship has + been made, with a view to the accommodation of poor Lady Canning and + you. _Eight P.M._--It is very lonely to be spending this Sunday + evening by myself, after the many happy ones I have enjoyed with you + and the children during the past three months; and yet I would not + forego the recollection of those happy days though it deepens the + gloom of the present. Surely, whatever may happen to us all, it is + something gained to have this retrospect in store. + +[Sidenote: Old MSS.] + + _February 12th._--Going on as smoothly as ever.... I have been reading + over some old manuscript books, written from twenty to twenty-five + years ago, and containing a record of my thoughts and doings at that + remote time. It is very interesting and useful to look back. I was + working very hard during those years, searching after truth and right, + with no positive occupation but that of managing the Broomhall + affairs, and riding at a sort of single anchor with politics. Would it + have been better for me if I had had more engrossing positive work? + There is something to be said on both sides in answering that + question. However, these books will not be again read by me, for I + shall consign them to the Red Sea. + + _February 13th._--The breeze is freshening and dead ahead.... I have + been thinking of the past, and remembering that just twenty years ago, + at this same season, I set out on my first visit to the Tropics. What + a strange career it has been! How grateful I should be to Providence + for the protection I have enjoyed! How wild it seems, to be about, at + the close of twenty years, to begin again. + +[Sidenote: A gale.] + + _Sunday, February 16th._--A bad time since I last wrote. We have had a + very strong gale.... There is less motion to-day, probably because we + are under the lee of the Arabian coast. I could not wish that you had + been with me while we were undergoing this misery; and we have made + slow progress, but may reach Aden to-morrow. It has been a sad + time.... I could not read, and have been lying down, thinking over so + many things!... But there may, please God, be a good time beyond. I + have been thinking of the little party in your room on this day, and + endeavouring to join with you all. + +[Sidenote: A moonlight night.] + + _February 19th.--Gulf of Aden.--Seven A.M._--I have just had my first + walk on deck for this day. It is fine, and the head wind keeps up a + cool draught of air for us. The night was pleasant and cool, and I + spent an hour before I went to bed, walking up and down the bridge, + between the paddle-boxes, looking at a great moon, a little past the + full, climbing up the heavens before us, and (as Coleridge says, I + think in the notes to the _Ancient Mariner_, of the stars) entering + unannounced among the groups of stars as a guest certainly expected + --and yet there is a silent joy on her arrival. + + _February 27th.--Near Ceylon._--According to the account of our + captain, who hails from Bombay, the Governor there must be very well + off as regards climate. He has the sea air at Bombay itself; 2,000 + feet of elevation at Poonah; and 5,000 on a mountain accessible in two + days from Bombay. So that his family may always live in a cool + climate, and he can join them when business permits. Perhaps at some + future time the convenience of the situation of Bombay, its greater + vicinity to England, &c., may place the Governor-General there; but + this will not happen in our time. + +[Sidenote: White ants.] + + As I went into my cabin yesterday before dinner, I observed a swarm of + white flies with long wings, by the side of one of my open ports. I + found out that they were white ants which had burst through the wood- + work, and which seem to be provided with wings under such + circumstances, in order that they may migrate. The wood-work inside + near the place from which they burst out, was completely destroyed by + them, and reduced to a pulp. It appears that there are quantities of + these creatures in this ship. It is believed that they are only in the + scantling or upper wood-work. It is to be hoped that this may be so; + for they devour timber with wonderful rapidity, and ships have been + lost by their eating away portions under water. + +[Sidenote: Madras.] + + _March 7th.--Madras._--Reached the anchorage at 4.30 P.M. We soon got + into one of the country boats made for landing in the surf (without + nails, and all the planks sewn together). We were hoisted by the waves + upon the beach, and found there a considerable crowd, with the + Governor, Sir W. Denison; Sir H. Grant, etc., and a guard of honour, + to receive us; Sir W.D. drove me out to this place, Guindy, which is + about eight miles from the town, and consists of a charming airy + house, in a large park. There was a full-dress dinner party and + reception last night.... I have decided to proceed to Calcutta to- + morrow. + + _'Ferooz.'--March 9th.--Sunday._--It was very hot during the service + under the awning. But you and the little ones were remembered on this + sweltering Bengal sea.... My visit to Madras was pleasant, and an + agreeable change.... And I collected there papers and official + documents enough to keep me going till I reach Calcutta. + +[Sidenote: Calcutta.] +[Sidenote: Installation.] + +It was on the evening of March 11th that the 'Ferooz' anchored in 'Diamond +Harbour,' the same anchorage at which, in the 'Shannon,' he had spent the +night of August 8, 1857. The following day he was formally installed as +Viceroy and Governor-General; receiving every kindness from Lord Canning, +whom he describes as not looking so ill as he expected to find him, 'but,' +he adds, 'those about him say he is far from right in health.' Six days +later Lord Canning took his departure, and Lord Elgin was left to enter +upon his new duties. + +[Sidenote: Death of Mr. Ritchie.] + +He had not been a fortnight in office when the uncertainty of life in +Calcutta was brought home to him in a striking and ominous manner by the +sudden death of an esteemed member of his Legislative Council, Mr. Ritchie. +Writing on March 23 to Sir Charles Wood, who was then Secretary of State +for India, he said:-- + + We are truly here in the case of the women grinding at the mill. Who + would have supposed a few days ago that poor Ritchie would have been + the first summoned? About two days before Canning's departure, I asked + him to come and see me; he talked with me for an hour. In the evening + a note was received from his wife to say that they could not dine at + Government House, as he was seriously indisposed. He appears to have + felt the first symptom of his malady while he was sitting with me. + This afternoon I attend his funeral. He is a great loss; he seems to + have been very much liked and esteemed. + +The death of Mr. Ritchie, followed by the appointment of Sir B. Frere to +the Government of Bombay, the promotion of Mr. Beadon to the Lieutenant- +Governorship of Bengal, and the retirement of Mr. Laing owing to ill +health, left only Sir R. Napier remaining of the five members of Council +whom Lord Elgin found in office; and, though the vacant places were soon +afterwards most ably filled, the change of councillors necessarily added to +the labours of a new Governor-General. He did not, however, during the +first comparatively cool months, find the work too much for him. 'On the +contrary,' he wrote, 'time would be heavy on hand if I had not enough to +fill it.' + +[Sidenote: Mode of Life.] + + The days (he wrote to Lady Elgin) are very uniform in their round of + occupations, so I have little to record that is interesting. As long + as one has health, it is easy to do a good deal of work here, because + for twelve hours in the day (from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M.) there is no + inducement to leave the house. I have hitherto had a little exercise + before and after those hours. I rush into the garden when I awake, and + return when the sun appears, glowing and angry, above the horizon. + +In another letter he describes the plan, characteristic of his sociable and +genial temperament, which he adopted in order at once to get through his +work, and to obtain a competent knowledge of persons whose opinions were +worth having. + + I have two or three people to dine with me on every day on which I + have not a great dinner. By this means I get acquainted with + individuals, and if my bees have any honey in them I extract it at the + moment of the day when it is most gushing.[2] It is very convenient, + besides, because it enables me to converse by candlelight with persons + who want to talk to me about their private affairs, instead of wasting + daylight upon them. Unless I get out of sorts, I hope to become + personally acquainted in this way with everyone, whose views may be + useful to me, before I leave Calcutta, even to go to Barrackpore. + +As the season went on, the heat became greater. 'For the last few days,' he +wrote on June 1, 'it has been _very_ hot; quite as hot, they say, as it +ever is. I am longing for the rains, which are to cool us, I am told.' The +rains came, and, so long as they continued to fall, the temperature was +lower: but 'the heavy, dull, damp, calm heat between the falls,' he found +most trying. + +[Sidenote: Death of Lord Canning.] + +On July 6 came a fresh shock to his feelings--a fresh omen of evil to +himself--in a telegraphic report of the death of the friend whose place he +had so recently taken. At first he could hardly bring himself to credit the +news. + + Is it indeed true (he wrote to Lady Elgin)? The last rumour of the + kind was the report of my death, when I was mistaken for Eglinton; but + this time I fear it is only too true! It will add to the alarm which + India inspires. But poor Canning certainly never gave himself a good + chance; at least not during the last year or two of his reign here. He + took no exercise, and not even such relaxation of the mind as was + procurable, though that is not much in the situation of Governor- + General. When I told him that I should ask two or three people to dine + with me daily, in order to get acquainted with all the persons I ought + to know, and to talk matters over with them by candlelight, so as to + save daylight for other work, he said: 'I was always so tired by + dinner-time that I could not speak.' Perhaps he was only referring to + his later experience; but still it was enough to break down any + constitution, to wear oneself out for ever by the same train of + thought, and the same routine of business. I think there was more in + all this than met the eye, for work alone could not have done it. We + shall have no confirmation of this rumour in letters for a fortnight + or more.... Poor Canning! He leaves behind him sincere friends, but no + one who was much dependent on him. + +In another letter he wrote:-- + + So Canning and his wife, as Dalhousie and his, have fallen victims to + India! Both however ruled here in stirring times, and accomplished + great things, playing their lives against a not unworthy stake. I do + not think that their fate is to be deplored. + +A few days later he wrote from Barrackpore, where he had gone to seek the +change of air which his health now began imperatively to require:-- + + This place looks wonderfully green. At the end of the broad walk on + which I am gazing from my window, is Lady Canning's grave; it is not + yet properly finished. Who will attend to it now? Meanwhile, it gives + a melancholy character to the place, for the walk which it closes is + literally the only private walk in the grounds. The flower garden, + park, &c., are all open to the public.... Although Canning did not die + at his post, I thought it right, as his death took place so soon after + his departure from India, to recognise it officially, which I did by a + public notification, and by directing a salute of minute guns to be + fired. + +While still oppressed with these sad thoughts, he received a blow which +went even deeper home, in the intelligence of the death of his brother +Robert, so well-known and so highly valued as Governor of the Prince of +Wales. + +[Sidenote: Death of General Bruce.] + + _Barrackpore.--July 26th._--I went into Calcutta on the morning of the + 23rd, in time to write by the afternoon packet; but I did not write, + for I was met on my arrival by a telegraphic rumour, which quite + overwhelmed me.... I should hardly have allowed myself to believe that + the sad report could be true, had it not been for the account of + Robert's illness, which your last letters had conveyed to me.... Next + day another telegram by the Bombay mail of the July 3rd left no doubt + as to the name.... A week, however, must elapse before letters arrive + with, the intelligence.... I hurried over my business, and came back + here yesterday evening. It is more quiet than Calcutta; and sad, with + its _one_ walk terminating (as I have told you) at Lady Canning's + grave. Poor Robert, how little did I think when we parted that I was + never to see him again! How little at least, that he would be the + defaulter! He has left few equals behind him: so true, so upright, so + steady in his principles, and so winning in his manners. Of late years + we have been much apart, but for very many we were closely together, + and perhaps no two brothers were ever more mutually helpful. Strange, + that with Frederick and me in these regions, he should have been + carried off first, by a malady which belongs to them.[3]... I write at + random and confusedly, for I have nothing to guide me but that one + word. And yet how much in that one word! It tells me that I have lost + a wise counsellor in difficulties; a stanch friend in prosperity and + adversity; one on whom, if anything had befallen myself, I could + always have relied to care for those left behind me. It tells, too, of + the dropping of a link of that family chain which has always been so + strong and unbroken. + +In writing to his second boy he touched the same chords in a different +tone. + + You have lost (he said) a kind and good uncle, and a kind and good + godfather, and you are now the only Robert Bruce in the family. It is + a good name, and you must try and bear it nobly and bravely, as those + who have borne it before you have done. If you look at their lives you + will see that they always considered in the first place what they + ought to do, and only in the second what it might be most pleasant and + agreeable to do. This is the way to steer a straight course through + life, and to meet the close of it, as your dear Uncle did, with a + smile on his lips. + +[Sidenote: The hot season.] + +From this time his journal contains more and more frequent notices of the +oppressive heat of the weather, and its effects upon his own health and +comfort. He remained, however, at his post at Calcutta, with the exception +of a brief stay at a bungalow lent to him by Mr. Beadon at Bhagulpore; his +pleasantest occupation being the arrangement of plans for smoothing the +path of Lady Elgin, who had settled to join him in India. + + _August 2nd._--Yesterday, I received your letter, with all the sad + details.... It was truly a lovely death, in harmony with the life that + preceded it.... It is indeed a heavy blow to all.... This is a sad + letter, but my heart is heavy. It is difficult to make plans, with + such a break-down of human hopes in possession of all my thoughts. + + _Calcutta.--August 8th._--It is now dreadfully hot.... In search of + something to stay my gasping, I mounted on to the roof of the house + this morning, to take my walk there, instead of in my close garden, + where there are low shrubs which give no shade, but exclude the + breeze. I made nothing, however, by my motion, for no air was stirring + even there. I had a solitary and ghastly stroll on the leads, + surrounded by the _adjutants_,--a sort of hideous and filthy vulture. + They do the work of scavengers in Calcutta, and are ready to treat one + as a nuisance, if they had a chance.... There is much sickness here + now. + + _August 9th._--... The 'Ferooz' will not reach Suez till about the + middle of November, so you had better not arrive there till after that + time. You will have the best season for the voyage, and time to rest + here before we go up the country. + + _Calcutta.--August 17th._--... I told you that I was feeling the + weather.... I am going to-morrow for change of air, to a place about + 300 miles from Calcutta, on the railway. It is not cooler, but drier, + and the doctor strongly recommends the change. This is our worst + season, and I suppose we may expect six weeks more of it. If this + change is not enough, I may perhaps try and get a steamer, and go over + to Burmah. But there is some difficulty in this at present. + +[Sidenote: Bhagulpore.] + + _Bhagulpore.--August 19th._--We made out our journey to this place + very well yesterday. The morning was cloudy, with drizzling rain, and + much cooler than usual, and we had the great advantage of little sun + and no dust all day. At the station of Burdwan, the inhabitants of the + station, some of them ladies, met us, and in a very polite manner + presented flowers. We kept our time pretty well in our special train, + and reached our abode at about 7 P.M. The air here is sensibly fresher + than at Calcutta.... The house is a regular bungalow,--a cottage, all + on the ground-floor. It is situated on a mound overlooking the Ganges. + There is no garden about it, but a grass field, with a few trees here + and there. Between the window at which I am writing and the river is + an open shed, in which two elephants are switching their tails, and + knocking about the hay which has been given them for their breakfast. + This is a much more quiet and rural place than any which I have + visited since I have been in India; for Barrackpore is a great + military station, and the park, &c., there are quite public. Here + there are not altogether above five or six European families.... We + have a train twice a day from Calcutta, so I can get my boxes as + regularly as I do there. + +[Sidenote: Monghyr.] + + _Bhagulpore.--August 25th._--On Saturday, we made an expedition to a + place called Monghyr, about forty-five miles from here, where there is + a hot spring, and something like _hills_. (I am told also, that on a + particularly clear day I can see from here the highest mountain in the + world.) We did not leave this till 3 P.M., and were back again by 8 + P.M., having travelled some ninety miles by rail, and driven in + carriages about ten or twelve more,--the fastest thing, I should + think, ever done in India. There has been a good deal of rain, and I + still feel well here, but I suppose on the 29th I must return to the + Calcutta steam-bath. This forenoon I paid a visit to a school, one of + the Government schools. The boys (upwards of 200) are not of the + lowest class. They all read English very well and when asked the + meaning of words, gave synonymes or explanatory phrases with + remarkable readiness. During their early years, I should certainly say + that they are quicker than English children. They fall off when they + get older. + + _August 31st.--Calcutta._--We returned to this place on Thursday. It + is cooler than when I left, but I fear we have not done with the heat + yet. All agree that September is about the worst month in the year + here. + + _Calcutta.--September 8th._--I do not think that Dr. M. is + particularly proud of the way in which I am bearing up against this + oppressive and depressing season.... I wish that we were going to the + Neilgherries instead of to Simla. The climate is, I believe, better, + and the place more agreeable, but it is entirely out of the way of + business for me now, whereas Simla is a natural stage to the most + important part of my government. + + _September 17th._--... I have given up my morning walks. It is now + always sultry before sunrise, and the dullness of pacing up and down my + garden at that hour is intolerable. So I walk till daylight in my + verandah.... + + _September 23rd._--... It seems strange to think that this is one of + the last letters which you will receive from me in England, but yet it + is still a long time before I can hope to see you here. The poor boys! + You will be preparing to part from them, and all will be sad. Give + them my love and blessing. + +[Sidenote: Business revived.] + +In the month of November the sittings of the Legislative Council, which had +been suspended during the hot weather, were resumed, and the monotonous +routine of the autumn was exchanged for more active, though hardly more +laborious, work in maturing legislative measures. As President of this +Council Lord Elgin threw himself with his usual zeal and assiduity into the +discussion of the various administrative questions which demanded solution. + +As the cold weather came on, he suffered much from the transition. Writing +on the 4th of November to Sir C. Wood, he says: 'At the commencement of the +cool season, on which we are now entering, we suffer from all manner of +minor ailments; so I hope you will excuse a short letter.' And again on the +9th: 'I am half blind and rather shaky from fever still, so that again I +shall be brief in my epistle to you.' Soon, however, these ailments +disappeared, and in the cooler temperature he regained to a great extent +his usual health. + +[Sidenote: Arrival of Lady Elgin.] + +A few weeks later the long dreary months of separation from all that he +most loved were happily ended by the arrival of Lady Elgin, who with his +youngest daughter, Lady Louisa Bruce, reached Calcutta on the 8th of +January 1863. + +[Sidenote: State of India.] + +In passing from the personal narrative of these months, to their public +history, it is necessary to bear in mind what was the state of the Indian +Empire at the moment when Lord Elgin undertook its government. + +[Sidenote: Peace.] + + 'India,' to use his own words, 'was at peace; at peace in a sense of + the term more emphatic and comprehensive than it had ever before borne + in India. The occurrences which had taken place during the period of + Lord Dalhousie's government had established the prestige of the + British arms as against external foes. Lord Canning's Vice-royalty had + taught the same lesson to domestic enemies. No military operations of + magnitude were in progress, to call for prompt and vigorous action on + the part of the ruling authority, or to furnish matter for narrations + of thrilling interest. On the contrary, a hearty acquiescence in the + belief that no such opportunities existed, and that it was incumbent + upon him, by all practicable means, to prevent their recurrence, was + the first duty which the situation of affairs prescribed to a new + Governor-General.' + +[Sidenote: Questions to be solved.] + +There were indeed grave questions awaiting solution; questions of great +perplexity and embarrassment, though of a domestic and peaceful character; +some of them the more perplexing because they bore upon 'those jealousies +of race which are the sources of almost all our difficulties in India.' But +as regards such questions his habitual caution, as well as the philosophic +turn of his mind, led him to study very carefully all the conditions of +each problem before attempting to propound any solution of his own; and in +the meantime he felt that his duty was to employ any personal influence +which he could acquire in smoothing the course of such measures as had been +set in operation by the authority of others. 'The first virtue,' he said to +one of his colleagues, 'which you and I have to practise here at present is +Self-denial. We must, for a time at least, walk in paths traced out by +others.' + +But though, for the reasons above stated, it would be a mistake to look in +the records of the time for any great measures, executive or +administrative, on which he had set his mark, his various speeches and +letters, more especially the full and frank communications which he +addressed from time to time to the Secretary of State for India, Sir +Charles Wood, show with what keenness of interest, as well as with what +sagacity, he approached the study of Indian questions. A few extracts from +his correspondence are here given to illustrate this; and as affording some +indication of the unremitting industry with which he laboured at this +period, searching into and maturing his views upon one difficult subject +after another, as well as the whole plan of Indian government. + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Calcutta, April 9th, 1862. + +[Sidenote: The Army.] + + Now for the Army. I must observe, in the first place, that in the + reasoning employed here in favour of the maintenance of a large army, + native and European, there is a good deal that is circular, and + puzzling to a beginner. + + When I ask why so considerable a native army is required, I am told + that the native must bear a certain proportion to the European force; + that Europeans cannot undertake cantonment duties, or, speaking + generally, any of the duties which the military may from time to time + be called to render in support of the civil power, during peace; that + in war, again, they are admirable on the battle-field, but that they + cannot turn their victories to account by following up a discomfited + foe, unless they have the aid of native troops, nor perform many other + services which are not less indispensable than great battles to + success against an enemy who knows the ground and is inured to the + climate. + + This line of argument very naturally raises the question, wherefore + then is the maintenance of so large a European army necessary? + Rebellion has been crushed, and European troops are not suited for the + repression of such local disturbances as occasionally occur. There is + little present prospect of war from without, though Persia is moving + towards Herat, and apparently preparing for Dost Mohammed's death. The + answer which I invariably receive is this--'You cannot tell what will + happen in India. Heretofore you have held the Sikhs in subjection by + the aid of the Sepoys, and the Sepoys by means of the Sikhs. But see + what is happening now. The Sikh soldiers are quartered all over India. + They are fraternising with the natives of the South--adopting their + customs and even their faith. Half the soldiers in a regiment lately + stationed at Benares were converted to Hindooism before they left that + holy place. Beware, or you will shortly have to cope in India with a + hostile combination more formidable than any of those which you have + encountered before.' If you draw from all this the inference that what + you really dread is your native army, you get into the vicious circle + again. + + Do not suppose that I am tempted by these logical paradoxes to run to + hasty conclusions. I am aware that for many reasons we must now + entertain, and probably shall long find it necessary to entertain, a + large army, native and European, in India. Practically, what we have + to do is to endeavour, by a judicious system of recruiting, + organisation, and distribution, to render our army as serviceable and + as little a source of peril as may be. But I do think that they go far + to prove that, notwithstanding our vast physical superiority to + anything which can be brought against us, we should find it a + difficult task to maintain our authority in India by the sword alone; + and that they justify a very jealous scrutiny of all schemes of + expenditure for military objects which render necessary the imposition + or maintenance of taxes which occasion general discontent, or deprive + the Government of the funds requisite for carrying on works of + improvement that have the double advantage of stimulating the growth + of wealth in the country, and increasing the efficiency of the means + of self-defence which we possess. + + * * * * * + + _To a Friend in Scotland, interested in the Cultivation of Cotton._ + + Calcutta, May 21st, 1862. + +[Sidenote: Cultivation of cotton.] + + I beg to assure you that I do not yield to yourself in my desire to + promote the extension of cotton cultivation in India, and, above all, + improvement in the quality of the staple. I consider that the + interests of India are involved in this improvement to a greater + degree even than those of Great Britain; for, no doubt, if the quality + of the Indian product were so far raised as to admit of its competing + on terms approaching to equality with that of America, it would obtain + a permanent footing in the great market to which it has access now + only at moments of extraordinary dearth. + + Moreover, I do not scruple to confess to you that I am not so bigoted + in my adhesion to the dogmas of political economy, as to be unwilling, + at a season of crisis like the present, to entertain proposals for + accelerating this result, merely because they contravene the + principles of that science. On the contrary, I receive thankfully + suggestions for accomplishing an object which I have so much at heart, + more especially when they emanate from persons deeply interested and + thoroughly conversant with the subject, like yourself--even when they + fall within the category of what you style 'extraordinary measures.' + + But you will surely allow that the _onus probandi_ lies very heavily + on a Government which adopts measures of this class; and that if, by + abnormal interference, it checks the natural and healthy operation of + the laws of demand on capitalists and cultivators, it incurs a weighty + responsibility. + + Even as regards the specific recommendation which you have made, and + which has much to justify it in my eyes--because I would go great + lengths in the direction of aiding the Ryots to improve their staple, + if I could see my way to effect this object without doing more harm + than good--I must observe that there are questions which have to be + very gravely and carefully examined before it can be acted upon. + + In the first place, it is right that I should tell you that the + opinion which obtains here respecting the result of recent operations + in Dharwar, in so far as the case furnishes a precedent for the + interference of Government officers in such matters, differs widely + from that entertained by you. + + But, setting this point aside, and assuming for the sake of argument + that the interposition at Dharwar was attended by unmixed benefit to + all concerned, does it follow that corresponding success would + accompany the mission of fifty military officers to the cotton + districts of India for the purpose of inducing the Ryots to substitute + exotic for native cotton in their cultivation? + + In order to do this exotic cotton justice, it must be treated with + some care, especially at the time of its introduction into districts + where it has been previously unknown. Conditions of climate as well as + of soil must be taken into consideration in determining the time and + method of cultivation. The climate of Dharwar, where the monsoons + meet, differs widely from that of many parts of India, where the + seasons are divided between a deluge of rain and a period of baking + heat. Am I likely to find fifty young military officers who would be + competent to advise the Ryots on points of so much delicacy? And if + the Ryots, following their counsels, were disappointed in the + expectations which they had been led to form, what would be the effect + on the prospects of cotton cultivation in India? + + I do not say all this in condemnation of your scheme, but in order to + point out to you how much has to be thought of before it can be acted + upon. + + Meanwhile there are measures for promoting the interests of cotton + cultivation in India, which the Government can adopt without + abandoning its proper sphere of action; not only without danger, but + with a high probability, perhaps I might say a certainty, of benefit + to the great cause which we have in hand. + + We can facilitate the establishment in India of European cultivators + and landholders, who are the natural and legitimate advisers of the + native peasantry on such questions as those to which I have been + referring. + + We can improve communication so as to render the transport of the raw + material to the ports of shipment more cheap and rapid. + + To these and similar measures the attention of the Government of India + is earnestly directed; with every disposition to take such further + means of stimulating production as prudence may justify. + + I have written at some length, but the importance of the subject and + my respect for your opinion are my excuse. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Calcutta, May 9th, 1862. + +[Sidenote: Orientals not satisfied with show of power.] + + I know that it is customary with certain people whose opinions are + entitled to respect, to act on the assumption that all Orientals are + children, amused and gratified by external trappings and ceremonies + and titles, and ready to put up with the loss of real dignity and + power if they are only permitted to enjoy the semblance of it. I am + disposed to question the correctness of this assumption. I believe, on + the contrary, that the Eastern imagination is singularly prone to + invest outward things with a symbolic character; and that relaxations + on points of form are valued by them, chiefly because they are held + necessarily to imply concessions on substantial matters. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Calcutta, June 21st, 1862. + +[Sidenote: Imprudence of a missionary.] + + You may be interested by reading a letter (of which I enclose a copy) + written by the officer commanding the cavalry at Delhi on the subject + of an alleged assault by a native trooper on a missionary. I should + think that the cause of Christian truth and charity would be as well + served by preaching in a church or a building of some sort, as by + holding forth in the streets in a city full of fanatical unbelievers. + If I am told that the Apostles pursued the latter course, I would + observe that they had the authorities as well as the mob against them, + and took not only the thrashings of the latter, but also the judicial + penalties inflicted by the former, like men. It is a very different + matter when you have a powerful Government to fall back upon, and to + quell any riots which you may raise. However, these are burning + questions, and one must handle them cautiously. + + * * * * * + + _To Mr. Edmonstone, Lieut.-Governor of the N.W. Provinces._ + + Calcutta, May 27th, 1862. + +[Sidenote: Rumours of disaffection.] + + I am much obliged to you for your letter of the 19th inst., and I beg + that you will make a habit of writing to me whenever anything occurs + respecting which you may desire to communicate with me confidentially. + + I do not, I confess, attach any great importance to such incidents as + the circulation of the prophecy which you have enclosed to me. It is + quite as probable that it may be the act of some mischievous person + who desires to keep alive excitement in the popular mind, as the + indication of an excitement already existing. + + It must, moreover, be observed that the English press throughout India + has taken advantage of the advance of Sooltan Jan on Furrah to + descant, at great length and with much fervour, on all perils, present + and prospective, to which British rule in India is, or may be, + exposed. That the Mahommedan mind, thus stimulated and encouraged, + should altogether eschew such speculations, could hardly be expected. + + It is impossible, however, to be too vigilant in watching these + manifestations of opinion; and I trust that you will not fail to put + me in possession of all the symptoms of disquietude which may reach + you, however trivial they may seem to be. + + I need hardly point out to you how important it is that your inquiries + should be so conducted as to give no countenance to the impression + that they are prompted by any nervous anxiety, or that we should be + much discomposed even if the 12th Imaum himself were to make his + appearance. + + For my own part, I am firmly resolved to put down with promptitude and + severity any attempt at disturbance which may be made in any part of + India, and I do not care how generally my determination on this point + is known. I shall pursue this policy, not because I fear for the + stability of our empire in the East, but because tranquillity is + essential to the progress of the country, and because lenity to the + guilty originators of such machinations leads invariably to the + severest punishment and suffering of misguided followers. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Calcutta, June 17th, 1862. + +[Sidenote: Groundless alarms at Delhi.] + + The follies which are committed by the military panicmongers in the + North-west are very vexatious, and pregnant with mischief of all + kinds.... I made up my mind yesterday to set off in person and go + straight to Delhi, if the thing goes on. As a rising of troops against + us in places where the Europeans have all the artillery, and at least + equal the native forces in number, is rather too strong a dose even + for the weakest nerves, the stock in trade now is the existence of + designs for the assassination of Europeans.... These topics are + probably the conversation at every mess-table, indulged in before the + native servants, who would be the agents in such plots if they were to + be carried out. It is a remarkable fact that, although secret murder + by poison and otherwise is not unknown among natives between + themselves, as directed against Europeans, it is, I believe, almost + entirely unexampled. It is not impossible, however, that constant + discussions on the subject may familiarise the native mind with the + idea. + + But talking is not all. The commanding officer at Agra has acted on + these suspicions, and, in the face of the native population, taken + extraordinary precautions on the assumption that the wells are + poisoned. We have no report as yet on the subject. All we know is from + the newspapers; but of the fact, I fear, there can be little doubt. If + there be disaffected persons in that locality (and no doubt there are + many such), it will be strange indeed if they do not profit by so + broad a hint. Then again, this panic beginning with the officers + spreads to the men. Some cases of terrorism have occurred at Delhi + which are a disgrace to our race. And of course we know what follows. + Cowardice and cruelty being twins, the man who runs terror-stricken + into his barrack to-night because he mistook the chirp of a cricket + for the click of a pistol, indemnifies himself to-morrow by beating + his bearer to within an inch of his life. + + All this is very bad, and very difficult to control. After the lesson + of 1857 it will not do for me to adopt the happy-go-lucky tone, and to + pooh-pooh what professes to be information. To preach common sense + from a safe distance is equally futile. It therefore occurred to me + that the only thing practically to do, would be to go to the head- + quarters of the panic, surround myself by native troops, and put a + stop to the nonsense by example. + + If I had been anywhere else except in India, I should have acted upon + this determination at once; but here there are such enormous physical + difficulties in the way, that one is obliged to think twice before + setting out on such an expedition. However, I have not abandoned the + intention, and shall certainly carry it out, if this sort of thing + goes on. We cannot afford to have the progress of the country arrested + by such _misčres_. The alarmists succeeded in bringing down the price + of our stocks a few days ago. + + By the bye, last night was fixed upon by my anonymous correspondents + for my own assassination. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Calcutta, June 22nd, 1862. + +[Sidenote: The murder of a native.] + + I have had, this week, a very painful matter to deal with. A man of + the name of Budd, a soldier who had obtained his discharge in order to + accompany an officer of the name of ---- to Australia, killed a native + in the Punjāb some months ago under the following circumstances. He + was desired by ---- to procure a sheep for him. He went to a native, + from whom he appears to have procured sheep before, and took one. The + native protested against his taking this particular sheep, because it + was with lamb, but said he might take any other from the flock. Budd + paid no heed to this remonstrance, put the sheep on the back of + another native, and marched off. The owner followed, complaining and + protesting. On tins Budd first fired two barrels over his head, then + threw stones at him, and finally went into the house, brought out + another gun, fired at him, and killed him on the spot. Besides + imploring that his sheep might be restored to him, it does not appear + that the native did anything at all to provoke this proceeding. + + The perpetrator of this outrage being a European, the case could not + be tried on the spot. It was accordingly transferred to Calcutta; + witnesses, &c., being sent 1,000 miles at the public expense. Before + it came on, however, the counsel for the defence requested a + postponement in order to obtain further evidence. The request was + granted, and the trial deferred till another term. + +[Sidenote: Punished by death.] + + The trial came on a few days ago, and the jury, much to their honour, + found the prisoner guilty. On this an agitation was got up to obtain a + commutation of the sentence of death which had been passed by the + judge. A petition, with a great number of signatures, was presented in + the first instance to the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal; but he was + advised that, the crime having been committed in the Punjab, he had + nothing to do with the case. It was then transmitted to me. There was + quite enough doubt as to my power of acting, to have justified me in + referring the case to the Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjāb. But I + felt that the delay, and, above all, the appearance of a desire to + shrink from the responsibility of passing a decision on the case, + which this step would involve, would be so mischievous, that, having + obtained from the Advocate-General an opinion that I had the requisite + authority, I determined to take the matter into my own hands. The + verdict was clearly borne out by the evidence. The sentence was in + accordance with the law, and the judge, to whom I referred, saw no + reason to question it. The decision of the Governor-General in Council + was, that the law must take its course. + +[Sidenote: Little value put on native life.] + + It is true that this murder was not committed with previous + preparation and deliberation. It had not, therefore, this special + quality of aggravation. But it was marked by an aggravation of its + own, not less culpable, and unfortunately only too frequently + characteristic of the homicides perpetrated by Europeans on natives in + this country. It was committed in wanton recklessness, almost without + provocation, under an impulse which would have been resisted if the + life of the victim had been estimated at the value of that of a dog. + Any action on my part which would have seemed to sanction this + estimate of the value of native life, would have been attended by the + most pernicious consequences. + + It is bad enough as it is. The other day a station-master, somewhere + up country, kicked a native who was, as he says, milking a goat + belonging to the former. The native fell dead, and the local paper, + without a word of commiseration for the victim or his family, + complains of the hardship of compelling the station-master to go to + Calcutta, in this warm weather, to have the case inquired into. Other + instances in which the natives have died from the effect of personal + chastisement administered by Europeans have occurred since I have been + here. + + I have gone at some length into this case, both because you may hear + of it, and also because it exemplifies what is really our greatest + source of embarrassment in this country--the extreme difficulty of + administering equal justice between natives and Europeans. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + July 16th, 1862. + +[Sidenote: Against interference in Afghanistan.] + + I am very much averse to any interference on our part in the quarrel + which is now on foot in Afghanistan; and, indeed, I do not very well + see my way as to how any such interference can be managed without + entailing responsibilities which we may regret at a later period. You + are doubtless aware that we have no agent with the Dost. He + particularly requested that no one should be sent to his court in that + capacity, and we assented to his views on this point. All we know of + what is going on there is derived from the reports of a native vakeel, + who reports more or less faithfully what he hears and sees, but who is + not, and I apprehend, could not be employed to speak on our behalf to + the Ameer. In order, therefore, to communicate with him, we must + either send a special agent, or write. Now it must be observed that in + this affair the Dost has not been the aggressor. The Herat chief + attacked him without any provocation. We offered him no assistance, + made no remonstrance, and left him to take care of himself. He has + asked us for nothing, and we have given him nothing. It is now + proposed that we should inform the Dost that if he goes beyond a + certain point, and Persia comes into the field to support Herat, he + must not expect any assistance from us. If we had an agent there it + would be easy to instruct him to make such an intimation; and if the + Dost were to ask us for any support, an answer which would convey this + hint might be given. But situated as we are, we must move cautiously + in this matter. If the Dost stops on our suggestion, and if (as is + frequently the case with Orientals), the enemy, ascribing his + moderation to weakness, presses him with increased vigour, what are we + to do then? Are we to stand by and laugh at our dupe, telling him that + though our advice got him into the scrape, he must find his own way + out of it? or are we to set to work to check his opponents? and if we + undertake the latter task, how far will it lead us? + + It is quite impossible in these affairs, and with people of this + description, to say what an hour may bring forth. A shower of rain may + convert a victorious army into a baffled one, and an advance into a + retreat. The death of a man of eighty years of age will probably throw + all Afghanistan into confusion, convert friends into foes and _vice + versā_. Instructions framed in Calcutta to meet one set of + circumstances may arrive in Afghanistan when the whole scene has + changed. I own that I am strongly of opinion that our true policy is + to leave these kinds of neighbours as much as possible alone; to mix + ourselves up as little as may be in their miserable intrigues, which + generally entail obligations which bind us and not them, and not + unfrequently lead to most unexpected issues. We should only speak when + we have a case of self-interest so clear that we can speak with + determination, and follow up our talk if necessary with a blow. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + August 9th, 1862. + +[Sidenote: Withdrawal of vakeel.] + + After a good deal of consideration as to how I can, with least risk of + getting this Government into trouble, put a spoke into the Dost's + wheel in his progress towards Herat, I have despatched to Sir R. + Montgomery the telegram of which I enclose a copy. The order sent to + our vakeel, desiring him to leave the Ameer's camp, and return to + India, if the Dost proceeds to extremities against Herat, will + sufficiently show that we discountenance any such proceeding; while at + the same time the measure commits us to nothing, gives the Dost no + such claim upon us as he would naturally have if we tendered advice to + him, and induced him to abandon his own projects in order to follow + it, and leaves us free to shape our policy as the shifting current of + events may prescribe. I pointed out to you in my letter of July 16, + that we are awkwardly situated for interfering with the Ameer. He is + our friend, and we said nothing when he was attacked. He has set to + work to redress his own injuries, asking us for no aid, and paying his + own way. We are quite entitled to say, 'Your hostile advance on Herat + has not our approval, and we must show that you are making it without + our sanction.' This we do in the most emphatic manner, by withdrawing + the only British official who is with him. But I do not like to go + farther in the direction of interference. It is impossible to say how + matters may terminate in Afghanistan. It is possible that the Ameer + may get the whole country into his hands. It is possible that he may + come to an understanding with Sultan Jan, who is his connection by + marriage. It is very desirable that we should be free to accept the + _status in quo_, whatever it may be. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Calcutta, September 9th, 1862. + +[Sidenote: Lord Canning's policy.] + + A doubt naturally suggests itself as to whether the received notion + respecting the relations which Canning sought to establish between the + native chiefs and the British Government in India be altogether + correct, or, (as it perhaps would be more accurate to say) altogether + complete--whether, in short, that portion of it which was a policy of + circumstance has been duly distinguished from that which was a policy + of principle: a doubt by no means unimportant, now that this policy, + whatever it be, is crowned by the double aureole of success and death; + so that while, on the one hand, it is naturally set up as an example + for imitation, on the other, we have not the author to refer to when + difficulties arise respecting its application. + +[Sidenote: (1) Clemency.] + + In approaching the consideration of this very momentous question we + must, in the first place, be careful lest we suffer ourselves to draw + erroneous conclusions from the warm expressions of gratitude and + affection lavished upon Canning by the natives generally. If I were to + venture to compare great things with small, I should say that their + feelings towards him were due to causes somewhat similar to those + which earned for me the good will and confidence of the French + Canadians in Canada. Both he and I adopted on some important points + views more favourable to the subject races than those which had been + entertained by our respective predecessors. So far we established + legitimate and substantial claims on their regard. But it was not so + much the intrinsic merit of those views, still less was it the extent + to which we acted upon them, which won for us the favour of those + races; we owed that mainly to the uncompromising hostility, the bitter + denunciations, and the unmeasured violence which the promulgation of + those views provoked from those who were regarded by them as their + oppressors. I used often to say to my Scotch friends in Lower Canada, + when they were heaping every indignity upon me, and even resorting to + open violence (for there they did not hold their hands off), 'You are + playing my game. I want to win the confidence of the French Canadians; + but I know the nature of that people: they are touchy and suspicious + as races who feel that they are inferior, and believe that they are + oppressed; invariably are. By measures of simple justice towards them + (and beyond that line I do not intend to proceed an inch), I despair + of being able to effect my object; but if you continue for a year to + act as you are now acting, denouncing me as your enemy and their + friend, and proving the sincerity of your belief by outrage and + violence, you will end by convincing them that I am to be trusted, and + I shall win the day.'--The result proved the accuracy of this + prediction. + + The feeling of the natives of India towards Canning was in some + measure due to a similar cause. The clamour for blood and + indiscriminate vengeance which raged around him, and the abuse poured + upon him because he would not listen to it, imparted in their eyes to + acts which carried justice to the verge of severity the grace of + clemency. + +[Sidenote: (2) Consideration for native chiefs.] + + I could give you plenty of proofs of this.... The following sentences + occur in a letter written from Delhi during our recent panic, by an + officer.... 'The native force here is much too small to be a source of + anxiety, and unless they take the initiative it is my opinion that + there can be no important rising. The Mussulmans of Delhi are a + contemptible race. Fanatics are very rare on this side of the Sutlej. + The terrors of that period when every man who had two enemies was sure + to swing are not forgotten. The people declare that the work of Nadir + Shah was as nothing to it. His executions were completed in twelve + hours. But for months after the last fall of Delhi, no one was sure of + his own life or of that of the being dearest to him for an hour.' The + natives not unnaturally looked with gratitude to the man who alone had + the will and power to put an arrest on this course of proceeding, and + to prevent its extension all over the land. No doubt, as I have said, + Canning earned a substantial claim to the gratitude of the native + chiefs by adopting a more liberal and considerate policy towards them + than that pursued by his predecessor. It was perhaps not surprising + that he should have done so. Situated as we are in this country--a + small minority ruling a vast population that differs from us in blood, + civilisation, colour and religion, monopolising in our own territories + all positions of high dignity and emolument, and exercising even over + States ostensibly independent a paramount authority--it is manifest + that the question of how we ought to treat that class of natives who + consider that they have a natural right to be leaders of men and to + occupy the first places in India, must always be one of special + difficulty. If you attempt to crush all superiorities, you unite the + native populations in a homogeneous mass against you. If you foster + pride of rank and position, you encourage pretensions which you cannot + gratify, partly because you dare not abdicate your own functions as a + paramount power, and, partly, because you cannot control the arrogance + of your subjects of the dominant race. Scindiah and Holkar are + faithful to us just in proportion as they are weak, and conscious that + they require our aid to support them against their own subjects or + neighbours: and among the bitterest of our foes during the Mutiny were + natives who had been courted in England.... Canning saw the evils + which the crushing policy of his predecessor was entailing, and he + reversed it. It was a happily timed change of policy. The rebellion + broke out while it was yet recent; and no doubt, the hopes and + gratification inspired by it had their effect in inducing a certain + number of chiefs to pause and to require more conclusive proof that + the British Raj was to kick the beam, before they cast their weight + into the opposite scale of the balance. + + After the rebellion was suppressed, the inducement to persevere in + this line of policy was still more stringent. To grant to native + Potentates who were trembling in their shoes, and ready to receive the + boon on any terms which you might prescribe, the reversion of States + which had become vacant because you had, of your own authority and + mere motion, hanged their chiefs, and declared them to be escheated, + was a wise, a graceful, and under the circumstances a perfectly safe + policy. The same may be said of the measures taken to put the + talookdars of Oude on their legs, and which were preceded by the + confiscation of all their properties. I believe that this policy, like + the policy of Clemency, was sound and right in principle; but in + forming a just estimate of its success and of its applicability to all + seasons and emergencies, it is necessary to take into account the + specialities of the time to which I have referred. + +[Sidenote: (3) Assertion of British sovereignty.] + + What then was the scope and extent of application which Canning in + action was prepared to give to this policy? Here is the important + question, and it is not altogether an easy one to answer. For like + most wise administrators, Canning dealt with the concrete rather than + the abstract, and it would not be difficult to cull from his decisions + sentiments and sentences which seem to clash. When you meet with an + individual ruling which appears not to tally with what you have + assumed to be his general principles, you say it is 'unnatural.' This + is one way out of the difficulty. But is it the right way? My own + opinion is, that Canning never intended to let the chiefs get the bit + into their mouths, or to lose his hold over them. It is true that he + rode them with a loose rein, but the pace was so killing during the + whole of his time, that it took the kick out of them, and a light hand + and silken thread were all that was required. His policy of deference + to the authority of native chiefs was a means to an end, the end being + the establishment of the British Raj in India; and when the means and + the end came into conflict, or seemed likely to do so, the former went + to the wall. Even in the case of the chieftainship of Amjherra, he + looked, as the Yankees say, 'ugly,' when Scindiah, having got what he + wanted, showed a disposition to withhold the grants to loyal + individuals which he had volunteered to make from the revenues of the + chieftainship. It is true that the ostensible ground of Canning's + dissatisfaction was the violation of a promise, but what title had he + to claim this promise, or to exact its fulfilment, if the escheat + belonged as of right to Scindiah? Again, when I came to this country, + I found that he was walking pretty smartly into a parcel of people in + Central India who were getting up a little rebellion on their own + account, a tempest in a teapot, not against us, but against their own + native rulers. In this instance he interfered, no doubt, as head + policeman and conservator of the peace of all India. But observe, if + we lay down the rule that we will scrupulously respect the right of + the chiefs to do wrong, and resolutely suppress all attempts of their + subjects to redress their wrongs by violence, which, in the absence of + help from us, is the only redress open to them, we may find perhaps + that it may carry us somewhat far--possibly to annexation--the very + bugbear from which we are seeking to escape. Holkar, for instance, + unless common fame traduces him, has rather an itching for what Mr. + Laing calls 'hard rupees.' His subjects and dependents have decided, + and not altogether unintelligible, objections to certain methods which + he adopts for indulging this propensity. When they--those of them more + especially who have Treaty claims to our protection, come to us to + complain, and to ask our help--are we to say to them:--'We have too + much respect for Holkar's independence to interfere. Bight or wrong + you had better book up, for we are bound to keep the peace, and we + shall certainly be down upon you if you kick up a row'? In the + anomalous position which we occupy in India, it is surely necessary to + propound with caution doctrines which, logically applied, land us in + such dilemmas. + +[Sidenote: Problems for a time of peace.] + + At a future time, if I live, and remain here, it is possible that I + may take the liberty of submitting to you some views of my own on + these questions. It may perhaps turn out that a time of peace is + better fitted than one of revolution for the discovery of the true + theory according to which our relations with native States ought to be + conducted; or, it may be, for the discovery that no theory can be + framed sufficiently elastic to fit all those relations and the + complications which arise out of them, and that, after all, we must in + a great measure rely on the rule of common sense and of the thumb. + When the circumstances of the time are such that it is deemed right + and proper to abrogate all law, and to establish over the land a reign + of terror and of the sword--to pour out, in deference to the paramount + claims of the safety of the state, public money, whether obtained from + present taxation or the mortgage of posterity, with profusion + absolutely uncontrolled--to decree confiscation on a scale of + unprecedented magnitude; it is obvious that a reputation for clemency, + economy, and respect for the native rights of property, is obtainable + under conditions that are not strictly normal. If you want to + ascertain whether your system will stand in all weathers, you must + test it when the rule of law and order have replaced that of arbitrary + will--when men present themselves, not as the scared recipients of + bounty, but as the assertors of admitted rights. We shall see how far, + in such piping times, it may be possible for the Governor-General to + enforce on the British local authorities the claims of public economy, + without resorting to any interference which can be supposed to + militate against the hypothesis that the said authorities understand a + great deal better than he does what their wants are, and how they + ought to be supplied; or to maintain the peace of India without + questioning the indefeasible title of the native chiefs to do what + they like with their own. + + Meanwhile all I want as regards this matter is, to learn what + Canning's policy really was, and to follow it out faithfully. It is + neither fair to him nor to the cause, that we should misjudge its + character by founding our estimate of it on a partial or incomplete + induction. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Calcutta, December 23rd, 1862. + +[Sidenote: Consideration of the natives.] + + As to consideration of the natives, I can only say that during a + public service of twenty years I have always sided with the weaker + party, and it is so strongly my instinct to do so, that I do not think + the most stringent injunctions would force me into an opposite course + of action. But I am quite sure that it is not true kindness to the + weaker party, to give the stronger an excuse for using to the utmost + the powers of coercion which they possess, by seeming to be unwilling + to listen to any statement of grievances which they may desire to + make, or to suspect their motives when they suggest remedies.... It is + quite possible that such views as you instance may prevail to a + considerable extent with our agitating people; but it is equally + certain that many who join them would indignantly repudiate the + imputation of being actuated by any motives of the kind. My study + always is, to keep those who _profess_ moderate and reasonable views + right, and to prevent them from going over arms and baggage to the + enemy, by taking for granted that they mean what they profess, and, + when they propose objectionable remedies, arguing against them on + their own premises. Some, of course, would rather abandon their sound + premises than their illogical conclusions, when they are driven in + this way to the wall; but a large number come over to the right side + when they find that the consideration of their alleged grievances is + approached without any prepossession against them. Of course, this is + all a matter of tact, and cannot be reduced to any definite formula. + But you speak of our Press as hopeless on some of these subjects. Have + you observed the comparative mildness of its tone lately, + notwithstanding the action of Government in the matter of the Waste + Lands, and Contract Law? Does not that argue a better state of feeling + in the European Community; and do not you think that it is for the + benefit of the Ryots, that their interloping landlords should not be + in a humour to employ vindictively the vast powers which, whether you + disallow Contract Laws or not, they, as proprietors, possess over + them? + + +[1] Vide _supra_, p. 329. + +[2] It was sometimes complained that on these occasions he was so + little communicative: drawing out the opinions of others, without + expressing his own. But it requires very little reflection to see that + this complaint is really a commendation. + +[3] He died in London from the effects of a fever caught in the + East. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +INDIA. + +DUTY OF A GOVERNOR-GENERAL TO VISIT THE PROVINCES--PROGRESS TO THE NORTH- +WEST--BENARES--SPEECH ON THE OPENING OF THE RAILWAY--CAWNPORE--GRAND +DURBAR AT AGRA--DELHI--HURDWAR--ADDRESS TO THE SIKH CHIEFS AT UMBALLA-- +KUSSOWLIE--SIMLA--LETTERS: SUPPLY OF LABOUR; SPECIAL LEGISLATION; +MISSIONARY GATHERING; FINANCE; SEAT OF GOVERNMENT; VALUE OF TRAINING AT +HEAD-QUARTERS; ARISTOCRACIES; AGAINST INTERMEDDLING--THE SITANA FANATICS-- +HIMALAYAS--ROTUNG PASS--TWIG BRIDGE--ILLNESS--DEATH--CHARACTERISTICS-- +BURIAL PLACE. + + +[Sidenote: Duty of a Governor-General to visit the Provinces.] + +At a very early period of his stay in India, Lord Elgin formed the opinion, +which was indeed strongly impressed upon him by Lord Canning, that it was +'of the greatest importance to the public interest that the Governor- +General should see as much as possible of men and things, in all parts of +the vast empire under his control; and that a constant residence in the +narrow atmosphere of Calcutta had a tendency to impair his efficiency.' +Writing to Sir C. Wood on the 17th of September, 1862, he said:-- + + No man can govern India in ordinary times, such as those in which we + are living, if he is to be tied by the leg to Calcutta, and prevented + from visiting other parts of the Empire. Canning, although he lived in + times by no means ordinary, and although he was compelled by + circumstances to be more stationary than he would otherwise have been, + was as clear on this point as anyone. He urged me most strongly to + proceed northwards at the earliest moment at which I could contrive to + do so. When I referred to the difficulty which the assembling of the + Council for legislative purposes might occasion, he assured me that he + had never intended to make himself a slave of the Council; that he had + taken the chair at the commencement of the proceedings, but that he + should certainly have objected to the establishment of the principle + that his presence was indispensable to its deliberations. He was + especially anxious that I should tour, in order that I might satisfy + myself as to how his arrangements affecting natives, &c., worked, + before modifying them in any degree. And, apart from Canning's opinion + altogether, this is a point on which I have had some personal + experience. I have been now steadily in Calcutta for a whole hot + season. No man, I venture to affirm, in the situation I occupy, has + ever been more accessible to those who have anything to say, whether + they be civilians, soldiers, or interlopers. But there is a blot on my + escutcheon which can easily be hit by anyone dissatisfied with a + judgment pronounced in my name. It can always be said: "What does Lord + Elgin know of India? He has never been out of Calcutta. He is + acquainted only with Bengal civilians and other dwellers in (what is + irreverently styled) 'the ditch.'" Indeed, I fear that I am exposed to + the same reproach in your circle. I see no remedy for this evil, if I + am to remain constantly here. + +[Sidenote: Projected tour.] + +Starting from these premises he came to the conclusion, that 'it was better +to organise a tour on a comprehensive scale, even though it involved a long +absence from Calcutta, than to attempt to hurry to distant places and back +again during successive winters.' Accordingly, it was arranged that as soon +as the business of the Legislative Council was concluded, he should start +for the north, and travel by easy stages to Simla, visiting all the places +which he ought to see on his way. After spending the hot weather at the +Hills, he was to proceed early in the next winter to the Punjab, inspecting +it thoroughly, and returning before the summer heats either to Simla again, +or to Calcutta, as public business might determine. For the Session, if so +it might be called, of 1863-4, he was to summon his councillors to meet him +somewhere in the north-west, at some capital city, 'not a purely military +station, but where the Council might obtain some knowledge of local and +native feeling such as did not reach Calcutta.' The spot ultimately fixed +upon was Lahore, the capital of the large and loyal province of that name. +The earlier part of the tour was to be made chiefly by railway, with a +comparatively small retinue; but for the latter part of it he was to be +accompanied by a camp, furnished forth with all the pride, pomp, and +circumstance belonging to the progress of an Eastern Monarch, and necessary +therefore in order to produce the desired effect on the minds of the +natives. + +[Sidenote: Railway to Benares.] + +It was on the 5th of February, 1863, that the Vice-regal party left +Calcutta. They travelled by railway to Benares, which they reached on the +evening of the 6th. The first phenomenon which struck them, as Lord Elgin +afterwards wrote, was the 'very sensible change of climate which began to +make itself felt at some 250 miles from Calcutta.' + + The general character (he said) of the country continued to be as + level as ever; but the air became more bracing, the surface of the + soil more arid, and the vegetation less rank. Hot mid-days, and cold + nights and mornings, are substituted for the moist and comparatively + uniform temperature of Lower Bengal, to a greater and greater degree + with every step that the traveller takes towards the north. + + The railway, with the exception of a portion near Calcutta, is a + single line; but it is perfectly constructed, and with no great regard + to cost. The vagaries of the water-floods, which, during the rainy + season, sometimes pour down in unmanageable force from the Ganges and + sometimes rush towards it from the opposite side of the railway line, + have constituted the great engineering difficulty of the work. Some + very remarkable bridges and other constructions of this class, to + permit the free passage of water under the line, have been built. The + most critical point has been to obtain a secure foundation in the + sandy soil for these erections; and, strange to say, the principle + adopted by our engineers, under the name of the 'Sunken Well' system, + is the same as that followed by the great architects who built the + famous 'Taj' of Agra. It will, it is to be hoped, prove successful; + and these important works will remain an enduring monument of the + benefits conferred on India during the present reign. Nothing that has + been done by the British in India has affected the native mind so + powerfully, and produced so favourable an impression, as these railway + undertakings. + +[Sidenote: Durbar.] + +On the day after his arrival at Benares he held a Durbar--his first truly +Oriental Durbar--which, though not comprising any independent chiefs, was +attended by several native gentlemen of high consideration and large +possessions. In addressing them, he took the opportunity of dwelling upon +the improvement which recent measures had effected in their position, and +the consequent increase of their responsibilities: + + 'It is the desire (he said) of Her Majesty the Queen that the native + gentlemen of India should be represented in the Council of the + Governor-General, in order that when laws are made for India their + opinions, and wishes, and feelings may receive due consideration. It + is my intention and duty to do everything in my power to give effect + to Her Majesty's gracious intention in this respect. Among the rajahs + and gentlemen here to-day are many who have large estates in the + neighbourhood and along the line of railway which we travelled over + yesterday. The value of those estates will be greatly enhanced by the + completion of the important work of which we are about to-day to + celebrate the opening. I need hardly remind them that they will owe + this advantage to the introduction of British engineering skill and + British capital into this country. I trust that the consideration of + this fact, and of similar facts which are of daily occurrence, will + tend to produce a kindly feeling between the races, by showing them to + what an extent they may be mutually useful to each other. Meanwhile, I + hope that the gentlemen whom I am addressing will turn these + advantages to account by doing their utmost to improve their + properties, and to promote the happiness and welfare of their ryots + and dependents.' + +[Sidenote: Railway dinner.] + +In the afternoon of the same day he was present at a dinner given in +celebration of the opening of the railway from Jumalpore to Benares. In the +course of a speech which he made on that occasion, after referring to the +fact that both his predecessors had taken part in similar celebrations, he +said:-- + + In looking over the published report of these proceedings a few days + ago, my attention was arrested by an incident which brought forcibly + home to my mind one painful circumstance in which my position here to- + day contrasts sadly with that which Lord Canning then occupied. At a + stage in the proceedings of the evening, corresponding to that at + which we have now arrived, he departed from the routine prescribed by + the programme, and invited the company to join him in drinking the + health of his noble predecessor, the Marquis of Dalhousie, who had, as + he justly observed, nursed the East Indian Railway in its infancy, and + guided it through its first difficulties. It is not in my power to + make any similar proposal to you now. A mysterious dispensation of + Providence has removed from this world's stage, where they seemed + still destined to play so noble and useful a part, both the proposer + of this toast, and its object. The names of both are written in + brilliant characters on some of the most eventful pages of the history + of India, and both were removed at a time when expectation as to the + services which they might still render to India was at its height. I + shall not now dwell on the great national loss which we have all + sustained in this dispensation; but, perhaps, I may be permitted to + say that to me the loss is not only a public one, but a private and + personal calamity likewise. Both of these distinguished men were my + contemporaries, both, I believe I may without presumption say, my + intimate friends. It is a singular coincidence that three successive + Governors-General of India should have stood towards each other in + this relationship of age and intimacy. One consequence is that the + burden of governing India has devolved upon us respectively at + different periods of our lives. Lord Dalhousie when named to the + Government of India was, I believe, the youngest man who had ever been + appointed to a situation of such high responsibility and trust; Lord + Canning was in the prime of life; and I, if I am not already on the + decline, am at least nearer to the verge of it than either of my + contemporaries who have preceded me. Indeed, when I was leaving + England for India, Lord Ellenborough, who is now, alas! the only + surviving ex-Governor-General of India, said to me, 'You are not a + very old man, but depend upon it, you will find yourself by far the + oldest man in India.' + +Passing from these personal topics, after noticing the good fortune which +had placed the formation of the railway system of India in the hands of a +man who had in a special manner made that subject his own, he proceeded to +speak of the future of Indian Railways, insisting especially on a point +about which he felt very strongly, the necessity of their ceasing to depend +on a Government guarantee, and adding some practical hints for their +development and extension: + +[Sidenote: Future of Indian railways.] + + But, Gentlemen, however interesting it may be to refer to the past and + to dwell upon the present, the most important questions which we have + to answer relate to the future, and the most important of all in my + opinion is this--to what agency are we henceforward to look if we + would desire to extend as widely as possible, to all parts of India, + the benefit of this potent instrument of modern civilisation? I have + no hesitation in affirming at once, in answer to this question, that + we must not look to an indefinite extension of a system of Government + guarantees for the accomplishment of this object. In the first place, + it would be wholly unjustifiable for any one object, however + important, to place such a strain upon our finances as this policy + would involve. In the second place, however justifiable and necessary + a system of Government guarantees may be in certain circumstances, it + is essentially an expensive one, because by securing to shareholders a + minimum rate of interest on their capital it weakens in them the + motives to economy, and because by dividing the responsibility for + expenditure between Government and Railway Officials, it diminishes in + the latter the sense of responsibility. Moreover, the indefinite + extension of a system of Government guarantees is wholly incompatible + with the endeavour to bring private enterprise largely into play for + the execution of these works; while there is an unlimited call for + capital for works enjoying the protection of a Government guarantee, + it is not to be expected that capital will be forthcoming to any + extent for similar works which have not that protection. For the + accomplishment, therefore, of the great object to which I am + referring, we must henceforward, I apprehend, look to private + enterprise; not perhaps to private enterprise wholly unaided by the + State, but at any rate, to private enterprise not protected by + Government guarantee. But if so, what are the conditions which will + entitle railway enterprises of this class to the countenance and + encouragement of the Government? I lay it down as a fundamental + principle, that we ought to look to the eventual establishment of one + uniform railway gauge for the whole of India. The experience of + England is conclusive as to the inconvenience of a double or + conflicting railway gauge. After the expenditure of an untold amount + of money in Parliamentary conflicts, the broad gauge of England has + been compelled to take the narrow gauge on its back, and the whole + capital expended upon the former may be said to have been thrown away. + But what does this resolution in favour of an uniform gauge imply? It + will, I think, be admitted that the main object of an uniform railway + gauge is to enable the several railway lines to exchange their plant + in order to avoid transhipment of freight. But if the plant of the + subsidiary line is to be transported along the main lines, it must be + sufficiently well finished to be fitted to travel in safety at high + speed; and if the plant of the main lines is to travel along the + subsidiary lines, the latter must have rails sufficiently heavy, and + works of construction sufficiently substantial, to support it. + Moreover, where streams or rivers are encountered they must be + bridged. In short, the subsidiary lines must be built in a manner + which would make them nearly as expensive as the main lines; in other + words, railways must not be introduced into any part of India where we + cannot afford to spend from 13,000_l_. to 15,000_l_. a mile upon them. + I am not prepared to accept this conclusion. I have been a good deal + in America, and I know that our practical cousins there do not refuse + to avail themselves of advantages within their reach, by grasping at + those which are beyond it. In 1854, I travelled by railway from New + York to Washington. We had several ferries to cross on the way, but we + found that the railway with the ferries was much better than no + Railway at all. In short, in America where they cannot get a _pucka_ + railway, they take a _kutcha_ one instead. This, I think, is what we + must do in India. There are many districts where railways costing + 3,000_l_. or 4,000_l_. a mile might be introduced with advantage, + although they would not justify an expenditure of from 10,000_l_. to + 15,000_l_. a mile. We have only to be careful that _kutcha_ lines are + not mistaken for _pucka_ ones--that they are not allowed to set up a + rival system as against the main lines, or to occupy ground which + should be appropriated by the latter. + +[Sidenote: Carriage dāk to Allahabad.] + +As the railway from Benares to Allahabad was not yet complete, Lord Elgin +and his suite performed this part of the journey by carriage dāk. They +travelled by night; 'each individual of the party occupying his own +separate carriage, and being conveyed along at a hand gallop by a +succession of single ponies, relayed at stages of four to five miles in +length.' In the letter which describes this, he adds the characteristic +remark: + + 'These ponies do not lead very happy lives, and, here as elsewhere, a + diminution in the sufferings of the brute creation will be one of the + blessings attending the introduction of a railway system.' + +At Allahabad he inspected, among other things, the works which were in +progress for making a railway bridge across the Jumna. + + This is (he wrote) in some respects the most interesting of that class + of engineering operations which has been already mentioned: because + whereas in other cases clay has been found beneath the sand, and the + foundation wells have been sunk into it, no bottom has been discovered + to the sand which constitutes the bed of the Jumna; and the wells in + question are required to stand firm in this most unstable of all + foundations. + +[Sidenote: Cawnpore.] + +From Allahabad Lord Elgin proceeded by railway to Cawnpore; where, on the +11th of February, he took part in the impressive ceremony of the +consecration of the Well, and other spots in its vicinity, containing the +remains of the victims of the dreadful massacres which occurred at that +place in 1857.[1] + +He had intended from this point to visit Lucknow: but finding that time +would allow of his doing this only in a very hasty manner, which he thought +objectionable, he invited some of the principal Talookdars to come over to +see him; which they accordingly did, under the guidance of Mr. Wingfield, +the Chief Commissioner of Oude. + +[Sidenote: Agra.] + +From Cawnpore Lord Elgin journeyed, again by rail, to Agra, the 'key of +Hindostan.' The following description of his arrival there is borrowed from +his private secretary, Mr. Thurlow:[2]-- + + 'Arrived at the railway station, Lord Elgin met with a reception + worthy of the East. The road, thickly lined with native troops, + crossed the Jumna by a bridge of boats, and wound along the river's + bank beneath those lofty sandstone walls; then, mounting a steep hill + and leaving the main entry into Agra Fort upon the right, the Taj + remaining to the left, it led, through miles of garden ground, thickly + studded with suburban villas, to the Viceroy's camp, that occupied + the centre of an extensive plain, where tents were pitched for the + accommodation of the Government of India, and an escort of ten + thousand men. Beyond these were ranked, according to priority of + arrival, the far-spreading noisy camps of those rajas the number of + whose followers was within some bounds; and beyond them again + stretched miles and miles of tents containing thousands upon thousands + of ill-conditioned-looking men from Central India, and the wildest + part of Rajpootana, the followers of such maharajas as Jeypoor, who + marched to meet the Viceroy with an army of thirty thousand strong, + found in horse and foot and guns, ready for the field.' + +The six days spent at Agra Lord Elgin was 'disposed to rank among the most +interesting of his life.' + + Perhaps (he wrote) months of the monotony of a Calcutta existence may + render the mind more sensitive to novelty and beauty; at any rate, the + impressions experienced on visiting Agra at this time have been + singularly vivid and keen. The surpassing beauty of the buildings, + among which the Taj stands pre-eminent; the vast concourse of chiefs + and retainers, combining so many of the attributes of feudal and + chivalrous times with the picturesqueness in attire and gorgeousness + in colouring, which only the East can supply; produced an effect of + fairyland, of which it was difficult to divest oneself in order to + come down to the sterner realities of the present. These realities + consisted mainly in receiving the chiefs at private and public + Durbars, exchanging presents and civilities with them, and returning + their visits. The great Durbar was attended by a larger number of + chiefs than ever before assembled on a similar occasion.' + +[Sidenote: Grand Durbar.] + +The Grand Durbar, or 'Royal Court,' was held on the morning of the 17th of +February: a grander gathering, it was said, than even the great one held by +Lord Canning in 1859. The scene was one of remarkable splendour--a +splendour alien to the simple and unostentatious tastes and habits of the +chief actor in it, but which he knew how to use with effect when taking his +place as Suzerain in an Assembly of Princes. To aid us in conceiving it, we +must have recourse to the picture sketched at the time in one of the Indian +Newspapers. + + 'It is difficult to describe--without seeing it it is impossible to + conceive,--a scene like that presented at a grand Durbar of this kind. + One may imagine any amount of display of jewels, gold and glitter, + gorgeous dresses, splendid uniforms, and handsome faces. You may see + far more beautiful sights in the shape of court grandeur at our + European palaces, at Versailles and St. James's; but nothing that will + give you an idea of an Indian Durbar. The exhibition of costly jewels, + the display of wealth in priceless ornaments and splendid dresses, the + strange mixture of wealth and poverty, the means of accomplishing + magnificence and splendour enjoyed to such profusion, yet rendered + almost void to this end from want of taste! "Barbaric wealth," indeed, + you behold; barbaric from its extent and profusion, and barbaric in + the hideous use made of it. The host of chiefs, who sat on the right + side of the huge Durbar tent, close packed in a semi-circle, and who + rose as one man when the band outside began "God save the Queen," and + the artillery thundered forth the royal salute, were a blaze of + jewels. From underneath head-dresses of every conceivable form and + structure--the golden crown studded with rubies and emeralds, the + queer butterfly-spreading Mahratta cap, the close-fitting Rajpoot + turban, the common _pagree_ of the Mohammedan Chief, ordinary in shape + but made of the richest material--from under each and all there are + peering dark faces, and bright glancing eyes, eager to catch the first + view of the great Lord Paramount of Hindostan. What a multitude of + different expressions one notices while scanning that strange group of + princes of royal descent, whose ancestors held the very thrones they + now hold far back beyond the range of history. The scheming + politician, the low debauchee, the debased sensualist, the chivalrous + soldier, the daring ambitious descendant of a line of royal robbers, + the crafty intriguer, the religious enthusiast, the fanatic and the + sceptic side by side, you can trace in each swarthy face the character + written on its features by the working of the brain within.' + +'In the midst of such a scene, seated on a massive gold throne, with +crimson velvet cushion, two lions of the same precious metal forming the +arms; the whole standing on a square platform raised about ten inches from +the ground, covered with a carpet of gold,' Lord Elgin addressed his +princely audience; his voice 'clear and distinct, so that he could be heard +easily at the further corner of the tent; every word seeming to be weighed +and uttered as if he meant what he said:' + +[Sidenote: Vice-Regal speech.] + + Princes and Chiefs.--In inviting you to meet me here, it was my wish + in the first place to become acquainted with you personally, and also + to convey to you, in obedience to the gracious command which I + received from Her Majesty the Queen, upon my departure from England, + the assurance of the deep interest which Her Majesty takes in the + welfare of the Chiefs of India. I have now to thank you for the + alacrity with which, in compliance with my request, you have, many of + you from considerable distances, assembled at this place. + + Having received, during the course of the last few days, many of the + principal personages among you in private Durbar, where I have had the + opportunity of communicating my views on matters of interest and + importance, I need not detain you on this occasion by many words. + + Before taking leave of you, however, I desire to address to you + collectively a few general remarks upon the present state of affairs + in India, and upon the duties which that state of affairs imposes upon + us all. + + Peace, I need hardly remind you of the fact, now happily prevails + throughout the whole extent of this vast empire; domestic treason has + been crushed; and foreign enemies have been taught to respect the + power of the arms of England. + + The British Government is desirous to take advantage of this + favourable opportunity, not to extend the bounds of its dominions, but + to develop the resources and draw forth the natural wealth of India, + and thus to promote the well-being and happiness both of rulers and of + the people. + + With this view many measures of improvement and progress have already + been introduced, and among them, I may name, as most conspicuous, the + railway and electric telegraph, those great discoveries of this age + which have so largely increased the wealth and power of the mightiest + nations of the West. + + By diffusing education among your vassals and dependents, establishing + schools, promoting the construction of good roads, and suppressing, + with the whole weight of your authority and influence, barbarous + usages and crimes, such as infanticide, suttee, thuggee, and dacoitee, + you may, Princes and Chiefs, effectually second these endeavours of + the British Government, and secure for yourselves and your people a + full share of the benefits which the measures to which I have alluded + are calculated to confer upon you. I have observed with satisfaction + the steps which many of you have already taken in this direction, and + more especially the enlightened policy which has induced some of you + to remove transit and other duties which obstructed the free course of + commerce through your States. + + As representing the Paramount power, it is my duty to keep the peace + in India. For this purpose Her Majesty the Queen has placed at my + disposal a large and gallant army, which, if the necessity should + arise, I shall not hesitate to employ for the repression of disorder + and the punishment of any who may be rash enough to disturb the + general tranquillity. But it is also my duty to extend the hand of + encouragement and friendship to all who labour for the good of India, + and to assure you that the chiefs who make their own dependents + contented and prosperous, establish thereby the strongest claim on the + favour and protection of the British Government. + + I bid you now, Princes and Chiefs, farewell for a time, with the + expression of my earnest hope that, on your return to your homes, + health and happiness may attend you. + +[Sidenote: Muttra.] + +Proceeding northwards from Agra, up the valley of the Jumna, they arrived, +after three days' march, at Muttra. + + The mornings (he wrote) are cool, almost cold; and were it not for + clouds of dust, the marching would be pleasant, although the country + traversed is flat, and not very interesting.... Muttra itself is + interesting from the sanctity which the Hindoos attach to it. Special + blessings are earned by those who bathe in the river here; and the + town is consequently largely resorted to by pilgrims. A great many + fairs are held at Muttra during the year, which enables the Hindoos + who resort thither to combine devotion and business. To ride through + the narrow streets of the sacred town on an elephant, and find oneself + on a level either with the upper stories of the houses which are + frequently decorated with elaborately carved oriel windows, or with + the roofs on which holy monkeys in great numbers are disporting + themselves, is a very curious spectacle. + +[Sidenote: Delhi.] + +On the 23rd of February the camp left Muttra; on the 3rd of March it was +pitched under the walls of Delhi--'unquestionably the place of greatest +interest' visited in this part of the tour. + + The approach to it through ten miles of a desolate-looking campagna, + thickly strewn with funereal monuments reared in honour of the + sovereigns and mighty men of former dynasties, reminded me of Rome. + The city itself bears traces of more recent calamities. The Palace has + been a good deal maltreated, and the Jumma Musjid (Great Mosque), a + magnificent building, has only just been restored to the worshippers. + Beyond the town, and over the place where the camp was pitched, lay + the heights which were occupied by the British troops, and signalised + by so many deeds of valour, during the eventful struggles of 1857. + +[Sidenote: Hurdwar.] + +After resting for two days at Delhi, he pursued his course north-eastward, +through Meerut to Hurdwar, on the Ganges-- + + a sacred place, near the point at which the great Ganges Canal leaves + the river; resorted to by pilgrims, in vast crowds, from the Punjāb, + Rajpootana, and other extensive districts in India. The Sikhs, who are + a reformed Hindoo sect, hold Hurdwar in especial reverence. To this + spot was conveyed, in order that it might here be cast into the sacred + water of the Ganges, what remained, after its cremation, of the body + of the great Sikh Chief, the Maharaja of Puttialla, whom Lord Canning + placed in the Council of the Governor-General. + +In another letter, written from the immediate neighbourhood of this place, +he took a more practical and utilitarian view of its capabilities and +prospects: + + Hurdwar, where I have been spending two days, is a most interesting + place. It is curious to see the old Faith, washing itself in the + sacred waters of the Ganges, and the new Faith, symbolised in the + magnificent works of the Ganges Canal. One regrets that these canals + should be so little used for navigation purposes, or as sources of + mechanical power; but there is some difficulty in combining navigation + with irrigation works. Moreover, in passing through districts which + are dependent on irrigation, one cannot help being deeply impressed + with a sense of the danger which will ensue if canals are entrusted to + private companies, unless they are bound by the most stringent + conditions to keep their works in good order, and to supply water at + reasonable rates. In the absence of such precautions, the population + of whole districts might be, especially in famine years, entirely at + the mercy of those companies. + +[Sidenote: Umballa.] + +From this point the vast camp took a north-westerly direction towards the +military station of Umballa, which was reached on the 27th of March. On the +following day Lord Elgin received in private Durbar a large number of +influential Sikh chiefs, at the head of whom was the young Maharaja of the +neighbouring state of Puttialla, the son and heir of the prince above +mentioned. In addressing these chiefs, he showed his usual tact in adapting +his words to the character and disposition of his hearers:-- + + The Sikhs (he afterwards wrote) are a warlike race, and the knowledge + of this fact gave a colour to the advice tendered to them. It was my + wish to recognise with all due honour their martial qualities, while + seeking to impart a more pacific direction to their energies. The + capture of half the capitals of Europe would not have been, in the + eyes of the Sikh, so great an event, or so signal a proof of British + power, as the capture of Pekin. They are proud of the thought that + some of their race took a part in it; and more inclined than + ever--which is an important matter--to follow the British standard + into foreign lands, if they should be invited to do so. + +He was careful also to make as much as he could of some feeble indications +of a disposition to educate their sons, and even their daughters, which had +been exhibited by the Sirdars in some parts of the Punjab; thinking that +'if an impulse in this direction could be imparted to the ruling classes +among the natives, great results might be anticipated.' + +The text of this address--the last address which he delivered--is as +follows:-- + +[Sidenote: Address to the Sikh chiefs.] + + Colonel Durand,--I beg that you will express to the native gentlemen + who are assembled here my regret that I am unable to address them in + their own language, and inform them that I am charged by Her Majesty + the Queen to convey to them the assurance of Her Majesty's high + appreciation of the loyalty and devotion to Her Majesty's person and + Government which has been exhibited on various occasions by the Sikh + rulers and people. Not many days ago it was my pleasing duty to + determine that the medal granted to Her Majesty's troops who were + engaged at Delhi in 1857, should be conferred on the followers of the + Sikh chiefs who took part in the noble achievements of that period; + and I can personally bear testimony to the good services of the + officers and men of the Sikh regiments who, in 1860, co-operated with + the British troops in placing the British flag on the walls of Pekin, + the capital of the vast empire of China. + + But, in order to be truly great, it is necessary that nations should + excel in the arts of peace as well as in those of war. + + Look to the history of the British nation for an example. Most + assuredly the British people are powerful in war, but their might and + renown are in a great measure due to their proficiency in the works + which make a time of peace fruitful and glorious. + + By their skill in agriculture, they have converted their country into + a garden; by their genius as traders, they have attracted to it a + large share of the wealth of other lands. + + Let us take advantage of this season of tranquillity to confer similar + benefits on the Punjāb. + + The waters which fall on your mountain heights and unite at their base + to form mighty rivers, are a treasure which, duly distributed, will + fertilise your plains and largely augment their productive powers. + With electric telegraphs to facilitate communication, and railways and + canals to render access to the seaports easy and expeditious, we shall + be able to convey the surplus produce of this great country to others + where it is required, and to receive from them their riches in return. + + I rejoice to learn that some of the chiefs in this part of India are + taking an interest in these matters, which are of such vital + importance to the welfare of this country and the prosperity of the + people. It affords me, moreover, sincere gratification to find that, + under the able guidance of the Lieutenant-Governor, the Sikh Sirdars + in certain districts of the Punjāb are giving proof of their + appreciation of the value of education by making provision for the + education of their sons and daughters. + + Be assured that in so doing you are adopting a judicious policy. The + experience of all nations proves that where rulers are well informed + and sagacious, the people are contented and willingly submissive to + authority. Moreover, it is generally found that where mothers are + enlightened, sons are valiant and wise. + + I earnestly exhort you, therefore, to persevere in the course on which + you have entered; and I promise you while you continue in it the + sympathy and support of the British Government. + +At Umballa Lord Elgin left the camp with which he had been travelling, and +struck up, nearly due northwards, into the Hills. The 1st of April found +him at Kussowlie, from which point he visited two places which greatly +interested him--the 'Lawrence Asylum' and the Military Sanitarium at +Dugshai. + +[Sidenote: Lawrence Asylum.] + + The 'Lawrence Asylum' (he wrote) is an institution originally + established and endowed by the late Sir Henry Lawrence, but now + transferred to Government, and maintained on an enlarged scale. It + receives and educates the children of European soldiers, both male and + female; and, considering what they are exposed to while they remain + with the regiments, or are left as orphans, it is an immense boon to + them, physically and morally. I found about 600 children at the + institution; and, so far as I could judge on a transient inspection, + the condition of things generally seemed satisfactory. Looking to the + returns, however, it did not appear that the sanitary state of the + school was quite as good as it might be, considering the fineness of + the climate; and I desired that some inquiries might be made on this + head. It is probable that the children may in many cases bring bad + constitutions with them; but it also appeared that the dormitories + were somewhat crowded, and that the uneven character of the surface + rendered it difficult to provide playgrounds--both of which + circumstances may be unfavourable to the health of the children. + +[Sidenote: Dugshai station.] + + The Military Station of Dugshai is situated on the pinnacle of a + mountain about 7,000 feet high. It looks bare and bleak, from the + total absence of trees; but the 42nd Regiment, now quartered there, + had all the appearance of health, and there were few men in the + hospital. The bad cases were those of men who had contracted at Agra, + when they were stationed in the plains, dysentery and fever of a + serious type, which were constantly recurring. The troops quartered on + these hills not only enjoy a congenial climate, but are also kept out + of the way of much mischief which they encounter on the lowlands. On + the other hand, it appears that they suffer a little from want of + occupation. It is curious to hear that hunting for butterflies is a + favourite pastime of the British soldier at Dugshai. The colonel, + however, informed me that the library and reading-room were much + frequented by the men; he observed also that many of the patches of + flat ground which lie scattered among the precipitous crags on which + the station is perched, had been converted by them into gardens. + +[Sidenote: Simla.] + +On the 4th of April,--Easter Eve--he reached Simla, which was to be his +home for the next five months. His impressions of this 'paradise of Anglo- +Indians' were given shortly afterwards in the following words:-- + + The houses which form the settlement are situated on three or four + heights, which are the crest of a mountain that lies among other + mountains of about the same elevation, scattered around it in groups + and rows, intersected by valleys, and closed in on the north by a + range covered with everlasting snow, and glittering from morning to + evening in the rays of a tropical sun. The hills on which Simla stands + are well clothed by trees, not of great stature generally, though of + much beauty; ilexes of a peculiar kind, deodars, and rhododendrons + being conspicuous among them; but there is little wood on the + surrounding mountains. No doubt the special charms of Simla are + enhanced by this contrast: and perhaps also by the character of the + scenery which the traveller meets on the whole route from Calcutta. + + Nothing can he well imagined more uninteresting. On leaving Lower + Bengal, even the luxuriant tropical vegetation which distinguishes + that part of India disappears,--and the rest of the journey is + performed through a country perfectly flat, and apparently barren; for + notwithstanding occasional groups of trees, and good crops here and + there, the wide-spreading dusty plains give but faint indications of + the fertility which cultivation and irrigation can no doubt evolve + from them. Even when the mountains are approached, and the ascent + commences, the same character of barrenness attaches to the scene, for + their sides are almost bare of trees, and there is little to relieve + them, except the patches of vegetation which lie snugly in the + valleys, or creep in terraces up the slopes. + + No doubt the greater luxuriance in foliage and vegetation which adorns + Simla is in some measure due to the presence of the European visitors + who prevent the trees from being cut, and protect in other ways the + amenity of the place. + + But the climate and soil have also, it may be presumed, a good deal to + do with it. For the trees at Simla are not only more abundant, but + also different from those which are met with on the mountains nearer + to the plains. This probably accounts for what otherwise seems + strange,--namely, that Europeans, wishing to escape from the heat of + the lowlands, should have fixed on a spot among the Hills so distant + from the plains. It is not as inaccessible now as it was in former + days, because a road has been made which is practicable for carts. But + by this road the distance from the foot of the Hills to Simla is + fifty-six miles, and the journey for most people occupies three or + four days; whereas we ascended from the foot of the Hills to + Kussowlie, which is at an elevation nearly as great as that of Simla, + in a little more than two hours. It used to be supposed that mountains + overhanging the lowlands were less healthy than those farther removed + from them, but whether this be the case or not may be doubtful. + However, whatever may have been the reasons for the original selection + of Simla, it certainly has now greater attractions as a residence than + any spot lying between it and the plains. + +In this pleasant retreat, with its 'dry climate, and temperature from 60° +to 70° in the shade,' he resumed with fresh vigour his ordinary official +work; corresponding constantly with the Secretary of State, with the +subordinate Governments, and with the members of his Council, gathering +ever fresh stores of information, and forming ever clearer views of the +problems that lay before him; looking forward to the great meeting to be +held next spring at Lahore, not only as an important experiment, but also +as in a manner the real commencement of his reign. Some extracts from his +letters of this period are subjoined. + + + _To Sir Charles Trevelyan._ + + Camp, Jeyt: February 23, 1863. + +[Sidenote: Supply of labour.] + + No doubt there is a deficiency of labour in some parts of India, and + an excess in others. Moreover, there are moral and physical obstacles + which put difficulties in the way of the transfer of labour from + places where it is redundant to those where it is wanting. But to + affirm generally of a country where labour-saving machines are, in + consequence of the cheapness of labour, as little used as in India, + that there is a 'want of labour' seems to me to be a paradox. + + I will give an example:--If, in America, the climate made it necessary + that every private white soldier should have a punkah pulled over him + day and night, do you think that no agency but that of the human hand, + in its rudest and most direct application, would be employed in this + task? And why is it otherwise in India? Because labour is so cheap + that necessity, the mother of invention, does not stimulate the + ingenuity of man here as it does there. + + Far from deprecating the introduction of capital, I should be + delighted to hear that the amount to be spent in India this year was + to be three times what it promises to be. I do not say to be spent by + Government, for to this there are objections, altogether irrespective + of the question of the amount of labour available. + + The first effect of this enlarged expenditure would no doubt be to + raise the wages of labour. This would be in itself a blessing, for + which I should thank God. + + But its second and more permanent effect would be to increase the + number of the class of skilled labourers, which the patient, sober, + and ingenious population of India is fitted to supply in so great + abundance, if due encouragement be given; and further, to drive + capitalists to the substitution of machinery for brute human labour to + a greater extent than is the practice now. + + The ultimate result would, therefore, be to render the existing + stock of labour doubly productive; the fruits of this increased + productiveness being divided in proportions more or less equitable + between the labourers and capitalists. + + I believe that the Railway expenditure is already exercising a + sensible influence of this salutary character. Bodies of navvies are + becoming attached to the companies, who follow them from place to + place, and render them comparatively independent of the local supply + of labour; and above all, by calling forth native talent in the form + of skilled labour, they are imparting that kind of education which + will, I believe, do more for the elevation of the masses than any + other which we can provide in India. + + * * * * * + + _To H. S. Maine, Esq._ + + Camp, Hodul: February 25, 1863. + +[Sidenote: Special legislation.] + + While I entirely concur in the opinion that the _onus probandi_ rests, + and rests heavily too, on the proposers of exceptional or particular + legislation, an assumption runs through ------'s letter to you which I + am by no means prepared to admit. He assumes that in such matters as + those with which we are now dealing, this _particular legislation_ + must be in the exclusive interest of the landlord, and calculated to + increase in his hand powers which may be abused, and the abuse of + which is restrained by moral influences which operate less strongly + where landlords and tenants are of different races than where they are + homogeneous. He cites, strangely enough, Ireland, where these moral + influences, which are of themselves generally sufficient in England + and Scotland, are supplemented by wholesale evictions on one side and + murders on the other. But the law of landlord and tenant is, I + believe, the same in Ireland as in England, and it is quite possible + that a little _particular_ legislation, which would have given either + of the parties the protection of positive law against injuries which + can now be redressed only by a rude process of reprisals (one outrage + balancing another until the account is squared), might have proved + ultimately a benefit even to the party against which this particular + legislation seemed to be, in the first instance, directed. + + The planters say, we have a grievance attributable to special + circumstances arising out of our relations with our ryots; unless you + give us a special remedy to meet our special grievance, we fall back + on our general powers as landlords. Are we quite sure that in refusing + the special remedy, we are consulting the interest of the weaker + party, viz. the ryot? + + Of course, this is all general. There will remain the questions: Is + there a grievance at all? Is it one which has any claim to a special + remedy? I quite agree that the _onus_ of answering these questions + satisfactorily rests on the advocate of special legislation. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Roorkee: March 19, 1863. + +[Sidenote: Duty of officials in missionary matters.] + + The religious question is, no doubt, a very difficult one; and I am + glad that you approved of the course which I took with reference to + the great missionary gathering at Lahore. I spoke to Sir R. M---- on + the subject when I met him at Delhi. He seemed to think that it had + done more harm than good to the missionary cause, as the presence of + high officials was sure to raise suspicions in the minds of the + natives. I told him that as regarded the acts of officials in such + matters, my opinion was this:--If an official says to me, 'I think + that I may, with perfect propriety, in my character of official, do so + and so, or take such or such a part in furtherance of an object which + I believe to be right,' I am quite ready to meet him on this ground, + and to join issue with him if I differ from him on the particular + point raised. But if he says to me, 'I know that it would be wrong in + me to do this as an official, but I do it in my private character,' I + can have no discussion with him; because I deny that it is possible to + establish any such distinction in the East, and I am inclined to + distrust either the honesty or the intelligence of the man who + proposes to act upon it. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Simla: March 19, 1863. + +[Sidenote: Financial credit.] + + I am as desirous as you can be, perhaps even more desirous, to give no + excuse for the charge of cooking accounts, or making things look + pleasanter than they ought, because I am quite confident, that if we + can keep the peace and show an unimpeachable balance-sheet, we shall + soon have more capital sent to India than we know what to do with. I + could not help giving, a few days ago, a hint concerning my Canadian + experience on this point. When I was appointed to Canada, the first + Canadian official to whom I was introduced was the Finance Minister, + who was walking about the streets of London with £60,000 of Canadian 6 + per cent. debentures in his pocket, which nobody would take. In 1849, + two years later, the Montreal merchants drew up an elaborate address + recommending annexation to the United States, alleging as one of their + principal reasons that so long as they remained colonists, they could + obtain no credit in England for public objects, and citing, in proof + of this allegation, the fact that in the United States several + thousand miles of railway had been constructed, in Canada only thirty + miles. Within three years from the date of this address, we had 2,000 + miles of railway in Canada in course of construction, and our + Government debentures (6 per cent.) were selling in London at 119, + higher than those of the United States Government; in fact, we had + more credit than we could always employ properly. Now, how was this + change effected? Simply by showing a good balance-sheet, an improving + country, and a contented people, and leaving capitalists to draw their + own inferences from these phenomena. I do not despair of seeing a + similar state of things in India; and it was with the view of giving + an impulse in this direction that I stated publicly, at Benares the + other day, that we must look for the further development of our + railway system to _bonā fide_ private enterprise, aided, perhaps, + where circumstances required it, by Government, but not to the + extension of Government guarantees. Unguaranteed companies cannot get + money while guaranteed companies are competing with them as borrowers. + Therefore, if we intend to encourage the former, we must let + capitalists know that a limit will be put on the operations of the + latter. + +[Sidenote: Seat of Government.] + + As to the seat of Government question, I am strongly of opinion that + the proper thing to do at present is to give practical effect to the + provision in the Indian Councils Act, which authorises the Governor- + General to call his Council together in other parts of India besides + Calcutta. This would give to the Supreme Government a more catholic + character than it now possesses, and perhaps in some degree diminish + the jealousy of Calcutta influence which obtains so extensively. + + I do not see my way towards recommending the entire abandonment of + Calcutta. It is an important place, and has certain traditional claims + which it is not quite easy to set aside. Moreover, although the + Calcutta community may have its faults and wayward tendencies, it is + an influential element in our body corporate and politic, and a + Government which knows its duty may effect a great deal of good, and + derive no little benefit, by coming into contact with it For the + present, therefore, I think that Calcutta should continue to be the + headquarters of Government; but that we should meet from time to time + at other places for Legislative purposes, so as to qualify Calcutta + local associations with other local associations. This plan will be + attended of course with some trouble and expense. I intend to make + some inquiries to ascertain what the latter is likely to be. I do not + see why we should not legislate in camp, if there be difficulty in + providing house accommodation.... I should like, if possible, to hit + upon a plan which would give us a sufficient range in choosing and + varying our places of meeting. More on all this hereafter. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Roorkee: March 19, 1863. + +[Sidenote: Value of training at headquarters.] + + I confess I think it very important that the heads of the local + Governments should have had some training at headquarters. It is much + easier for an intelligent officer who has been so trained, to supply a + lack of local knowledge, than for one who has been constantly employed + in a particular province to grasp in a sufficiently comprehensive + spirit the general interests of the Empire, and duly to appreciate the + relative claims of its component parts. Already, among the high + officers in the Provinces, there is a considerable disinclination to + face the climate and labour of Calcutta. Situations in the Provinces, + where the work is lighter, where the summers can be spent on the + Hills, and where the holders are in a much greater degree monarchs of + all they survey, are naturally preferred to the sweltering metropolis. + This preference would be strengthened if it were supposed that this + provincial career was the road to the Lieutenant-Governorship. + Moreover, it is to be remembered that the patronage exercised by these + Lieutenant-Governors is very great indeed. It is important that it + should not fall too absolutely into the hands of the same local + cliques. So much on the abstract question of general _versus_ local + experience. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Simla: May 6, 1863. + + In a general way, I must say that I am inclined to give a preference, + in disposing of these high offices, to persons who have served in the + offices of the Supreme Government or in the Governor-General's + Legislative Council. I would not, of course, exclude men of proved and + eminent qualities because they had been employed only in the Provinces + or minor Presidencies; but my impression is that the work is lighter, + and that reputations are more easily won, in the service of the minor + than in that of the Supreme Government. Moreover, I think it desirable + that the best men should be attracted to the latter service; and I + observe a growing disinclination to abandon good opportunities under + local governments for those which the Supreme Government has to offer. + A local Government, with plenty of hill stations, &c., has many + attractions for persons who can contrive to be on good terms with the + Lieutenant-Governor. I think that something is due to those who face + the climate and the competition of Calcutta; not to mention the fact, + that they have opportunities of becoming conversant with the general + business of the country, beyond those which are enjoyed by persons + whose service has been confined to any one locality. + + I think that the Legislative branch of the Governor-General's Council + should be a channel through which officers of the other Presidencies + may be introduced into the Secretariat and Council at Calcutta. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Simla: May 21, 1863. + +[Sidenote: Aristocracies.] + + I have no objection _primā facie_ to an aristocracy, and I am quite + ready to admit that conflicting claims of proprietorship in the same + lands are an evil; but I also know that, even in our old Christian + Europe, there are not many aristocracies that have had salt enough in + them to prevent them from rotting. And when I consider what Oriental + society is; when I reflect on the frightful corruption, both of mind + and body, to which the inheritors of wealth and station are + exposed--the general absence of motives to call forth good instincts, + or of restraints to keep bad in check--I own that I do not feel quite + sure that, even if we could sweep away all rights of sub-proprietors + or tenants, and substitute for the complications incident to the + present system an uniform land-tenure of great proprietors and tenants + at will, we should be much nearer the millennium than we are now.... + +[Sidenote: Against intermeddling in foreign politics.] + + I am wholly opposed to that prurient intermeddling policy which finds + so much favour with certain classes of Indian officials. It is + constantly thrusting us into equivocal situations, in which our acts + and our professions of respect for the independence of other nations + are in contradiction, and in which our proceedings become tainted with + the double reproach of inconsistency and selfishness. Nothing, in my + opinion, can be more fatal to our prestige and legitimate influence. + My modest ambition for England is, that she should in this Eastern + world establish the reputation of being all-just and all-powerful; + but, to achieve this object, we must cease to attempt to play a great + part in small intrigues, or to dictate in cases where we have not + positive interests which we can avow, or convictions sufficiently + distinct to enable us to speak plainly. We must interfere only where + we can put forward an unimpeachable plea of right or duty; and when we + announce a resolution, our neighbours must understand that it is the + decree of fate. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Trevelyan._ + + Simla: June 17, 1863. + +[Sidenote: Council to meet at Lahore.] + + On the first occasion of transferring the Council from Calcutta to + another place, we ought to select some considerable town--the capital + of a Province or local Government, if possible. What we wish to do is + to give effect to the scheme embodied in the ninth clause of the + Councils Act, and we should do so in such a manner as to carry public + opinion with us. If the plan answers, we may exercise a greater + liberty of choice on future occasions. + + I adhere to the opinion which I first expressed, that, on the whole, + Lahore is the place which unites the greatest number of advantages. It + is the capital of a province which is loyal, which is under the + Government of India, and which, moreover, has a good many special + characteristics of its own, with which it may be well that the Supreme + Legislature should acquaint themselves on the spot. Against these + recommendations is to be set the greater distance from Calcutta, which + does not affect communication by telegraph, and, for more bulky + communications, as compared with Delhi, is only a question of a few + hours. + + I have no wish to legislate at a purely military station; my object is + to select a place of meeting where we may obtain some knowledge of + local and native feeling, which does not reach Calcutta. + + * * * * * + + _To Sir Charles Wood._ + + Simla: August 30, 1863. + + After reaching this place, I soon came to the conclusion that the + reasons for meeting at Lahore were much more forcible than those which + could be advanced in favour of any other place; and circumstances + which have occurred since then have tended strongly to confirm me in + this opinion. Independently of the prestige which attaches to the + province of which it is the capital, and to the Sikh population which + inhabit it, the state of affairs in Afghanistan, and on our frontier, + would render a demonstration which would at once afford evidence of + our military strength and gratify the pride and self-importance of the + Sikh chiefs, at this moment especially opportune. + + I have arranged with the Commander-in-chief to hold his camp of + exercise there; the Lieutenant-Governor is to have a great + Agricultural Exhibition, which I am to open; and if we mean to + establish ourselves for a couple of months there in our legislative + capacity while all this is going on, I think that it will have an + excellent effect both on our own people and on our neighbours. + +[Sidenote: Sitana fanatics.] + +Late in the month of September, during the last days of Lord Elgin's stay +at Simla, occurred the only break in the otherwise peaceful tenor of his +government, in the shape of an outburst of certain Wahabee fanatics +inhabiting a frontier district in the Upper Valley of the Indus. The +outburst is not without historical interest, as connected with similar +disturbances which have assumed more serious proportions; but it is noticed +here chiefly as illustrating the view which Lord Elgin took of the policy +and duty of the British Government in such cases. + +It was not without the greatest reluctance that he was induced to take up +the quarrel at all: for he had the strongest aversion for warlike +operations in the existing state of India, and particularly on the +frontiers of Afghanistan; and he had no small distrust of those military +tendencies and that thirst for opportunities of distinction which are apt +to characterise the ablest Governors of frontier provinces. But he had +prevented a Sitana expedition in the previous year; he was assured that the +recent inroads of the fanatics were the direct consequence of his last +year's supineness; and he was told that if he again held back, the +disturbances would be renewed another year with usury. Moreover, he was +assured that the projected expedition would secure the peace of the +frontier for a long period; and that the operation would be little more +than a military promenade, and would be over before his camp reached +Peshawur. + +It was scarcely possible for a civil Governor to resist such a pressure of +professional opinion; and he consented to take measures of repression. + +Writing to Sir Charles Wood on the subject, he said:-- + + The overt acts charged consist in the return of the fanatics to + Sitana, whence they were driven out by us some years ago; and the + frontier tribes in question are held to be guilty because they have + allowed them to return to this place, although bound by treaty with us + to refuse to admit them.... On a review of all the circumstances, and + looking to the well-known character and designs of the Sitana + fanatics, I came to the conclusion that the interests both of prudence + and humanity would be best consulted by levelling a speedy and + decisive blow at this embryo conspiracy. + +Accordingly it was arranged that the Punjāb Government should at once take +the necessary measures for expelling the fanatics from Judoon, where they +had congregated, and then, if circumstances permitted, proceed to destroy +their place of refuge at Mulka. + +But it is well known that in India, to use Lord Elgin's own expression, +'rising officials are instinctively in favour of a good row.' Some of those +around him were urgent that the expedition should be deferred until the +spring, and should then be organised on a larger scale, and with more +comprehensive objects. Lord Elgin set his face decidedly against this. + + I wish (he wrote) by a sudden and vigorous blow to check this trouble + on our frontier while it is in a nascent condition. The other plan + would give it several months to fester and to extend itself; and, if + there be among the Mohammedan populations in these regions the + disposition to combine against us which is alleged, and which is + indeed the justification of the measure proposed, how far might not + the roots of the conspiracy stretch themselves in that time? The + Afghans in their distracted state might furnish sympathisers; we + should be invited to interfere in their internal affairs, in order to + oppose those among them who were abetting our Mohammedan adversaries; + in short, there is no end to the complications in which this + postponement of active operations might involve us. Everything is more + or less uncertain in such affairs; but in the absence of any very + palpable blunder, what we actually propose to do would appear to be a + pretty safe proceeding. The main purpose is to expel the fanatics from + Judoon; and it is hardly possible that we should fail in this, as they + are within easy reach of us there. The further objects--of punishing + other tribes, and destroying the refuge of the fanatics at Mulka--may + be abandoned if it be deemed advisable, without any loss of prestige, + though of course with some abatement of the completeness of the + movement. I therefore thought it necessary to adhere to my original + resolution. + +[Sidenote: The Himalayas.] + +On the 26th of September Lord Elgin left Simla _en route_ for Sealkote, +where he was to rejoin his camp and proceed with it to Peshawur, the most +distant station on the North-West frontier, before making his way to the +great _rendezvous_ at Lahore. On the way to Sealkote he was to traverse the +upper valleys of the Beas, the Ravee, and the Chenab, and the mountains +that divide them; his main object being to inspect the great tea +plantations, public and private, recently set on foot in those parts, and +to ascertain for himself what facilities or possibilities the country +afforded for commercial intercourse with Ladāk and China. + +For the first week his route lay nearly northwards, through scenes very +similar to those which he had left at Simla. 'We are going through a +beautiful country,' he wrote on the 4th of October, 'and the people seem +cheerful and well-to-do.' Shortly afterwards, having passed over the Sutlej +at Komharsen, he crossed a considerable range of mountains by the Jalouri +Pass, and found himself in the fertile basin of the Beas. Directing his +course still northwards, he followed this river up to its source among the +hills; and thence crossed by the steep and high Rotung Pass from the valley +of the Beas into that of the Chenab--from the rich and smiling country of +Kuloo into a rugged and inhospitable tract called Lahoul. He did not, +however, remain long in these desolate regions; but, after crossing the +Twig Bridge across the Chandra, an affluent of the Chenab, and inspecting a +wooden bridge which had just been constructed to take its place, he +retraced his steps southwards to Sultanpore, on the Beas river. From +thence, on the 18th of October, he wrote as follows to Sir Charles Wood:-- + +[Sidenote: Kuloo.] +[Sidenote: Rotung Pass.] +[Sidenote: Twig Bridge.] + + Thus far our expedition through the mountains has been very pleasant + and interesting. The scenery has been magnificent and the climate + enjoyable, though the changes of temperature have been considerable. + We are now at Sultanpore, in Kuloo, at an elevation of about 4,000 + feet above the sea. But a few days ago we (the men of the party) + scaled the Rotung Pass, which divides Kuloo from Lahoul, and attained + in so doing a height of 13,000 feet, with a temperature low in + proportion. This pass is on the road from these provinces to Ladāk and + China, and I visited, on the other side of it, a new bridge over the + Chandra, which will be a great convenience to traders. Hitherto, if + the traders used mules or other animals of this magnitude, they could + cross the river with them only by making them swim; or, if sheep were + their beasts of burden, by driving them over a twig bridge, through + the meshes of which many fell into the river. I crossed the twig + bridge myself; and I found it about the most difficult job I ever + attempted. The new bridge will be completed in a few weeks. This road, + however, useful though it will doubtless be when improved, leads + through Ladāk, and the merchandise transported along it becomes + subject to the exactions of the ruler of Cashmere. The desideratum + would be a road which would be clear of his territory altogether. + + The people in these regions seem good-humoured and merry-hearted, + producing for themselves all that they want; growing their own food, + making their own clothes; not much given to exchanges, and extremely + averse to labour. I asked a manager of a tea plantation the other day + how he was off for labour. He said that he contrived to induce + labourers to come to his plantation for a few days at a time, chiefly + for the purpose of earning money enough to pay the Government + assessment of their land; but his opinion was that, if there were no + assessment, no labour would be procurable. We have not yet come across + much tea. The plantations we have seen are on a very small scale, and + in a nascent condition; but they are promising. There seems no reason + to doubt that the climate and a certain portion at least of the soil + in this district are suited to the growth of tea. The climate, too, + does very well for the European constitution, though it is hardly as + healthy as I expected to find it. Both natives and Europeans are + subject to fever at certain seasons, especially in the valleys; but I + have no doubt that the latter may do well as employers of labour. This + place (Sultanpore) is only about 4,000 feet above the level of the + sea, and I have little doubt that, were the state of cultivation and + trade to justify the outlay, a cart road might be made to it without + great difficulty from the plain. This would greatly develop both its + natural resources and its capabilities as a commercial route. + + The state of the forests which we have encountered during our route + has also engaged my attention. It is sad to see how they have been + neglected, and how much waste of valuable timber has ensued. The + natives have a practice of girdling fine trees, at a few feet from the + root, in order to strip off as much of the bark as they can + conveniently reach. It is rather a difficult practice to check; but, + if we can manage to draw a line between the woods in which the + villagers have rights and the public forests, we may impose heavy + penalties on the perpetrators of such offences.... The deodar forests + cease at the Rotung Pass. There are no forests of any value in Lahoul + and Spitti--scarcely indeed any wood at all. + + We are now proceeding towards the Kangra Valley, where we expect to + find tea plantations in a more advanced condition. + +[Sidenote: Illness.] + +In this letter, and others of the same date, there is no hint of suffering +or of ill-health; but when they were written he had already received the +stroke which was to lay him in the grave. Before the departure of the next +mail symptoms had appeared of serious disease of the heart, probably long +lurking in his constitution, and now brought out into fatal activity by +fatigue and the keen mountain air; and on the 4th of November, having with +difficulty reached Dhurmsala, a station in the Kangra Valley,[3] he wrote +to Sir Charles Wood in an altered tone, yet still hopeful and cheerful; and +intent to the last in India, as at the first in Jamaica, and afterwards in +Canada and China, on mitigating so far as lay in his power the evils which +man brings on man. + +[Sidenote: Last letter.] + + You will not expect (he wrote, in this his last letter) to hear much + from me by this mail when you hear how I am situated. The Hill + expedition, of which I gave you some of the details in my last, had an + unexpected effect upon me; knocking me down prostrate to begin with, + with some symptoms of an anxious character behind, which require + looking into. The nature and extent of the mischief are not + sufficiently ascertained yet to enable me to say positively whether my + power of doing my duty is likely to be in any degree impaired by what + has happened. But Lady Elgin has brought up from Calcutta the medical + man who attended me there, and he arrived this morning; so that a + consultation will take place without delay. Meanwhile I have got over + the immediate effects sufficiently to enable me to do such business as + comes before me now. No change has taken place in our plans. We move + rather more slowly, and I have given up the idea of going to Peshawur; + but this is rather occasioned by the desire to confer with the Punjāb + Government, while these affairs on the frontier are in progress, than + by my mishap. + + I think that the expedition (against the Sitana fanatics) will be a + success; and I labour incessantly to urge the necessity of confining + its objects to the first intentions. Plausible reasons for enlarging + the scope of such adventures are never wanting; but I shall endeavour + to keep this within its limits. + + Lady Elgin is bearing up courageously, under a great pressure of + labour and anxiety. + +The sad story of what follows cannot be told in other words than those in +which it has already been given to the world, with all the skill of an +artist combined with the tenderness of a brother, and with that fulness of +authentic detail which only one source could supply.[4] + +'Although he had suffered often from the unhealthy and depressing climate +of Calcutta during the summer and autumn of 1862, and thus, to the eyes +that saw him again in 1863, he looked many years older than when he left +England, yet it was not till he entered the Hills that any symptom +manifested itself of the fatal malady that was lurking under his apparently +stout frame and strong constitution. The splendid scenery of those vast +forests and snow-clad mountains inspired him with the liveliest pleasure; +but the highly rarefied atmosphere, which to most residents in India is as +life from the dead, seemed in him to have the exactly reverse effect. + +'It was on the 12th of October that he ascended the Rotung Pass, and on the +13th he crossed the famous Twig Bridge over the river Chandra. It is +remarkable for the rude texture of birch branches of which it is composed, +and which, at this late season, was so rent and shattered by the wear and +tear of the past year as to render the passage of it a matter of great +exertion. Lord Elgin was completely prostrated by the effort, and it may be +said that from the exhaustion consequent on this adventure he never +rallied. But he returned to his camp, and continued his march on horseback, +until, on the 22nd, an alarming attack obliged him to be carried, by slow +stages, to Dhurmsala. There he was joined, on the 4th of November, by his +friend and medical adviser, Dr. Macrae, who had been summoned from +Calcutta, on the first alarming indications of his illness. By this time +the disorder had declared itself in such a form as to cause the most +serious apprehensions to others, as well as to himself the most distressing +sufferings. There had been a momentary rally, during which the fact of his +illness had been communicated to England. But this passed away; and on the +6th of November Dr. Macrae came to the conclusion that the illness was +mortal. This intelligence, which he communicated at once to Lord Elgin, was +received with a calmness and fortitude which never deserted him through all +the scenes which followed. It was impossible not to be struck by the +courage and presence of mind with which, in the presence of a death +unusually terrible, and accompanied by circumstances unusually trying, he +showed, in equal degrees and with the most unvarying constancy, two of the +grandest elements of human character--unselfish resignation of himself to +the will of God, and thoughtful consideration, down to the smallest +particulars, for the interests and feelings of others, both public and +private. + +'When once he had satisfied himself, by minute inquiries from Dr. Macrae, +of the true state of the case, after one deep, earnest, heartfelt regret +that he should thus suddenly be parted from those nearest and dearest, to +whom his life was of such inestimable importance, and that he should be +removed just as he had prepared himself to benefit the people committed to +his charge, he steadily set his face heavenward. He was startled, he was +awed; he felt it "hard, hard, to believe that his life was condemned;" but +there was no looking backward. Of the officers of his staff he took an +affectionate leave on that day. "It is well," he said to one of them, "that +I should die in harness." And thenceforth he saw no one habitually, except +Dr. Macrae, who combined with his medical skill the tenderness and devotion +at once of a friend and of a pastor; his attached secretary, Mr. Thurlow, +who had rendered him the most faithful services, not only through the +period of his Indian Vice-royalty, but during his last mission to China; +and Her who had shared his every thought, and whose courageous spirit now +rose above the weakness of the fragile frame, equal to the greatness of the +calamity, and worthy of him to whom, by night and day, she constantly +ministered. + +'On the following day, the clergyman whom he had ordered to be summoned, +and for whose arrival he waited with much anxiety, reached Dhurmsala, and +administered the Holy Communion to himself and those with him. "We are now +entering on a New Communion," he had said that morning, "the Living and the +Dead," and his spirit then appeared to master pain and weakness, and to +sustain him in a holy calm during the ceremony, and for a few hours +afterwards. "It is a comfort," he whispered, "to have laid aside all the +cares of this world, and put myself in the hands of God;" and he was able +to listen at intervals to favourite passages from the New Testament. That +evening closed in with an aggravation of suffering. It was the evening of +the seventeenth anniversary of his wedding-day. + +'On the following morning, Lady Elgin, with his approval, rode up to the +cemetery at Dhurmsala to select a spot for his grave; and he gently +expressed pleasure when told of the quiet and beautiful aspect of the spot +chosen, with the glorious view of the snowy range towering above, and the +wide prospect of hill and plain below. + +'The days and nights of the fortnight which followed were a painful +alternation of severe suffering and rare intervals of comparative +tranquillity. They were soothed by the never-failing devotion of those that +were always at hand to read to him or to receive his remarks. He often +asked to hear chosen chapters from the Book of Isaiah (as the 40th and +55th), sometimes murmuring over to himself any striking verses that they +contained, and at other times repeating by heart favourite Psalms. At times +he delighted to hear his little girl, who had been the constant companion +of his travels, repeat some of Keble's hymns, especially those on the +festivals of St. John the Evangelist and of the Holy Innocents. + +'Until his strength failed him, he was carried at times into the verandah, +and showed by words and looks his constant admiration at the grand +evidences of God's power and goodness in the magnificence of the scenery +before him; and on one such occasion was delighted with the sublime +description of the wonders of nature in the 38th and 39th chapters of the +Book of Job. + +'At times he was able to enter into conversation and argument on serious +subjects. When, under the pressure of his sufferings, he was one night +entreating to be released--"O that God would in mercy come and take me"-- +Dr. Macrae reminded him of the dread of pain and death which seems to be +expressed in the account of the Agony of Gethsemane, and he appeared to +find much comfort in the thought, repeating once or twice that he had not +seen it in this light before, and several times saying with fervour, "Not +my will, but Thine be done." At other times, he could even be led, by way +of steadying his wandering thoughts amidst the distraction of restlessness, +to fix them on his school and college days, to tell anecdotes of his hard +reading, or to describe the visit to Oxford of his venerable friend Dr. +Chalmers. He dwelt in this way on a sermon of Dr. Chalmers at Glasgow, +which he remembered even in detail, and from which he quoted some eloquent +passages, bringing out the general scope of the sermon, to the effect that, +rather than teach people to hate this bad world, we should teach them to +love and look up to a better one.[5] + +'It will naturally be understood that long converse was nearly impossible. +As occasions rose, a few words were breathed, an appropriate verse quoted, +and a few minutes were all that could be given at any one time to discourse +upon it. It is characteristic of his strong, cheerful faith, even during +those last trying moments, that he on one occasion asked to have the more +supplicatory, penitential Psalms exchanged for those of praise and +thanksgiving, in which he joined, knowing them already by heart; and in the +same strain of calm yet triumphant hope, he whispered to himself on the +night when his alarming state was first made known to him, "Hallelujah; the +Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. We shall all meet again." + +'That thought was raised to its highest pitch by the sight of a portrait of +a beloved son, who had died in England during his absence. It arrived in +the close of those sad days. He recognised it with a burst of tenderness +and delight which at once lifted his mind above the suffering of his mortal +illness. Again and again he desired to see it, and to speak of it, with the +fixed conviction that he and his "angel boy," as he called him, would soon +meet in a better world. "Oh, when shall I be with you?" "You know where he +is; we shall all go to him; he is happy." + +'Every care had been taken for the public interests, and for the interests +of those still nearer and dearer to him. He had laid the most solemn charge +on his faithful secretary to conduct Lady Elgin home on her mournful and +solitary voyage. He had given to Dr. Macrae, with the tenderest marks of +affection, a turquoise ring: "We have had a long struggle together; keep +this in memory of it." He had dictated a telegram to the Queen resigning +his office, with a request that his successor might be immediately +appointed. + +'With this exception, public affairs seem to have faded from his mind. "I +must resign myself to doing no work. I have not sufficient control over my +thoughts. I have washed my hands of it all." But it was remarkable that, as +the end drew nearer, the keen sense of public duty once more flashed up +within him. It was on the 19th that he could not help expressing his wonder +what was meant by his long lingering; and once, half wandering, he +whispered, "If I did not die, I might get to Lahore, and carry out the +original programme." Later on in the day he sent for Mr. Thurlow, and +desired that a message should be sent, through Sir Charles Wood, expressive +of his love and devotion to the Queen, and of his determination to do his +work to the last possible moment. His voice, faint and inaudible at first, +gained strength with the earnestness of the words which came forth as if +direct from his heart, and which, as soon as pronounced, left him prostrate +with the exertion. He begged, at the same time, that his "best blessing" +might be sent to the Secretaries of the Indian Government, and also a +private message to Sir Charles Wood in England. + +'These were his last public acts. A few words and looks of intense +affection for his wife and child were all that escaped him afterwards. One +more night of agonized restlessness, followed by an almost sudden close of +the long struggle, and a few moments of perfect calm, and his spirit was +released. + +'His death was on the 20th of November, and on the 21st he was privately +buried, at his own request, on the spot selected beforehand.' + + * * * * * + +He was cut off, as those felt most keenly who were most capable of judging, +'just at the moment when his best qualities were about to show themselves;' +just when the information and experience which he had accumulated were +beginning to ripen into confidence in his knowledge of the country; and to +the historian his figure must remain as an unfinished _torso_ in the +gallery of our Indian rulers. But those who have read the foregoing pages, +more especially the fragments which they contain of his own words and +writings, will have derived from them some impression of the varied +ability, the steady conscientious industry, the genial temper, the +'combination of fertility of resource with simplicity of aim,' of firmness +with tact, of cautious sagacity with prompt resolution, which might have +found even larger scope in the government of India than in the active and +eventful life which has been described. + +These attributes, however, do not make up the man, such as he lives in the +memory of those who saw him most nearly. Beneath the manifold outward +workings of his strong and capable nature there flowed a 'buried life' of +depth more than proportionate. + +After his death, one who had known him long and intimately, on being asked +what he considered to be the most distinguishing characteristic of his +deceased friend, answered at once, 'Disinterestedness: he seemed utterly +incapable of regarding any subject except with a view to the interests of +his country. And next to that,' he added, 'affectionateness; I never can +forget the grief he showed at the death of his first wife; I thought he +never would have held up his head again.' How this tenderness deepened and +mellowed in the husband and father of later years, some slight indications +may be found in the letters that precede. + +Disinterested devotion to public duty; tender and affectionate sympathies; +a passionate love of justice, showing itself especially in a religious +regard for the rights of the weak; all resting on the foundation of a firm +and loving trust in God; these, far more than his ability or his eloquence, +are the qualities that made him what he was: the qualities, by the exercise +and imitation of which, those who seek to do him honour may best perpetuate +his memory. + +There is one spot from which that memory is not likely soon to pass away: +the spot towards which, in his most distant wanderings, his thoughts turned +with even more than the ordinary longing of a Scotsman for the place of his +birth, and always with the fond hope that he might be permitted-- + + life's long vexation past, + There to return, and die at home at last. + +'Wherever else he was honoured' (to borrow again from the author already +quoted), 'and however few were his visits to his native land, yet Scotland +at least always delighted to claim him as her own. Always his countrymen +were proud to feel that he worthily bore the name most dear to Scottish +hearts. Always his unvarying integrity shone to them with the steady light +of an unchanging beacon above the stormy discords of the Scottish church +and nation. Whenever he returned to his home in Fifeshire, he was welcomed +by all, high and low, as their friend and chief. Here at any rate were +fully known the industry with which he devoted himself to the small details +of local, often trying and troublesome business; the affectionate +confidence with which he took counsel of the fidelity and experience of the +aged friends and servants of his house; the cheerful contentment with which +he was willing to work for their interests and for those of his family, +with the same fairness and patience as he would have given to the most +exciting events or the most critical moments of his public career. There +his children, young as they were, were made familiar with the union of +wisdom and playfulness with which he guided them, and with the simple and +self-denying habits of which he gave them so striking an example. By that +ancestral home, in the vaults of the Abbey Church of Dunfermline, would +have been his natural resting-place. Those vaults had but two years ago +been opened to receive the remains of another of the same house, his +brother, General Bruce, whose lamented death--also in the service of his +Queen and country--followed immediately on his return from the journey in +which he had accompanied the Prince of Wales to the East, and in which he +had caught the fatal malady that brought him to his untimely end.... How +little was it thought by those who stood round the vault at Dunfermline +Abbey, on July 2, 1862, that to those familiar scenes, and to that hallowed +spot, the chief of the race would never return. How mournfully did the +tidings from India reach a third brother in the yet farther East, who felt +that to him was due in great part whatever success he had experienced in +life, even from the time when, during the elder brother's Eton holidays, he +had enjoyed the benefit of his tuition, and who was indulging in dreams +how, on their joint return from exile, with their varied experience of the +East, they might have worked together for some great and useful end.[6] + +'He sleeps far away from his native land, on the heights of Dhurmsala; a +fitting grave, let us rejoice to think, for the Viceroy of India, +overlooking from its lofty height the vast expanse of the hill and plain of +these mighty provinces--a fitting burial beneath the snow-clad Himalaya +range, for one who dwelt with such serene satisfaction on all that was +grand and beautiful in man and nature-- + + Pondering God's mysteries untold, + And, tranquil as the glacier snows, + He by those Indian mountains old + Might well repose. + +'A last home, may we not say, of which the very name, with its double +signification, was worthy of the spirit which there passed away--"the Hall +of Justice, the Place of Rest." Rest, indeed, to him after his long +"laborious days," in that presence which to him was the only complete Rest +--the presence of Eternal Justice.' + + +[1] One of the Indian journals of the day described the ceremony as + follows:--'On Wednesday afternoon, the few Europeans in the station + collected at five o'clock in the Memorial Garden and Monument. None, + who had seen the spot after the subsidence of the Mutiny could + recognise in the well-planned and well-kept garden, with its two + graveyards, and the beautiful central Monument on its grassy mound, + the site of the horrid slaughter-house which then stood in blood- + stained ruin about the well, choked with the victims of the foulest + treachery the world has ever seen.... The ceremonial was as simple as + it well could be, and few ceremonies could be more impressive.... The + Viceroy advanced to the top of the steps of the Memorial, and, through + the Commissioners, formally requested the Bishop to consecrate that + spot, and the adjacent burial-places. The Bishop, taking his place, + then headed a procession of the clergy and the people present, and + proceeded round the two burial-places and the interior of the Memorial + itself, with music playing and soldiers chanting the 49th, 115th, + 139th, and 23rd Psalms. After this, his chaplain read the form of + consecration, which was signed by the Bishop; and, the 90th Psalm + having been sung, he shortly addressed those present in most feeling, + manly, and impressive terms befitting the occasion; and the ceremonial + concluded with prayers read by the chaplain of the station, closing + with the benediction by the Bishop.' The Bishop was the lamented + George Cotton. See his Life, p. 286. + + +[2] _The Company and the Crown._ By the Hon. T. J. Hovell- + Thurlow. + +[3] One of the side valleys which run up northwards from the main + valley of the Beas. + +[4] For permission to use this narrative the Editor has to thank + not only its author, Arthur Stanley, Dean of Westminster (and it is + but a small part of the obligations to him connected with this work), + but also the proprietors of the _North British Review_, in which it + appeared. + +[5] 'The Expulsive Power of a New Affection.'--_Commercial + Discourses_, No. IX. + +[6] That third brother, Sir Frederick Bruce, was laid in that same + vault, when his remains were brought home from Boston, where he was + suddenly cut off in 1867 at his post as Minister to the United States. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Letters and Journals of James, Eighth +Earl of Elgin, by James, Eighth Earl of Elgin + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNALS OF ELGIN *** + +***** This file should be named 10610-8.txt or 10610-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/6/1/10610/ + +Produced by Robert Connal and PG Distributed Proofreaders from images +generously made available by the Canadian Institute for Historical +Microreproductions + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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