CHINESE FORMERLY PUNALUU RESIDENTS MEET FOR REUNION (1929)

Source: The Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Honolulu: Wednesday, January 23, 1929. Page 10.

A reunion in the form of a luau was held by members of the Punaluu Chinese club at PUnaluu, the place of there birth, Sunday, at the old oratorical society hall. About 40 former Punaluu boys with their friends attended the gathering.

Yau Hoon Leong, proprietor of the Oahu Furniture Co., was toastmaster. Among those called upon to speak were Thomas Aana, president of the Punaluu Chinese club; Hung Keau Hee, vice president; James Chun, secretary-treasurer; A.K. Wong, Jason Yuen, Ching Tung Leong, and old resident of the town; Robert Y.K. Ching, Ah Kahn Wong, Henry Ching-shai, Eva Young and Kah Yin Quon.

Others present were Herbert Au,Yau On Leong, Mr. and Mrs. Benson Yuen, Yan Ching Cheng, Mr. and Mrs. C. Y. Quon, Mrs. H.K. Yee, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Lun, Mr. and Mrs. C. Y. Au, Hung Wah Ching, Ah Chang, Ah Ko and Chin Ho.

The luau was prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Lee Lun, Mr. and Mrs. C.Y. Quon and Mr. and Mts. Quon Yan Au.

On the plains of Punaluu was once a flourishing rice colony which boasted the second-largest Chinese community on the island. Only a few Chinese are now left to till the rice fields, while on the other shoreline are found beautiful country homes of city dwellers. 

The Chinese Church (1880)

Source: The Friend (YMCA Supplement). Honolulu: December 1880, Page 95.

The congregation for which the Chinese Church has been erected was organized at the time of the meeting of the Hawaiian Evangelical Alliance two years ago on an application from thirty seven Christian Chinese who presented their dismissory papers, shewing them lo have been members of Congregational or Presbyterian Churches in other countries. Since that time the number of Church members has somewhat increased, and besides a body of between forty and fifty in Honolulu there are a number scattered through the Islands. That they already possess a building like that now so nearly completed is in a great measure due lo the liberality, and zeal in their behalf, of Mr. J. T. Waterhouse, who headed a subscription list with $500, and promised a like sum in addition for every $1,000 the members of the Church raised among themselves. They have zealously helped themselves. They have zealously helped themselves and have consequently found others ready to help them. The lot upon which the new building is erected was purchased for $4,500, and the church itself has cost about $5,700. In order that the property may be legally held by and secured to the congregation in perpetuity for the purposes to which it is about to be consecrated, the congregation has been incorporated. The board of Trustees consists of ten members, half of whom are Chinese. The organization of the Church is complete. They have their own pastor, Mr. Sit Moon, their own deacons and their own confession of Faith which Is based upon that of the Presbyterian Church.— P. C. A.

A Honolulu Chinese Joss House (1880)

A Honolulu Chinese Joss House

The Friend (YMCA Supplement). Honolulu: April, 1880.

As we see hundreds old Chinese thronging our thoroughfares day in and day out, a strange people of whose thoughts and hearts we can judge only by outward actions, having no general medium of speech, we have perhaps accustomed ourselves to think of them only as animated money making machines, forgetting that, belonging to the same great brotherhood of mankind, they necessarily have hearts to love and hate, sorrows, joys, and apprehensions of deity and the hereafter somewhat as we have. 

The reality of this however is brought home to us as we fall in with one of their Joss houses here in Honolulu and find their offering of food on the altar, incense burners and the attendant paraphernalia of such a worship together with an image in the rear frowning over all. There, reaching after the Unknown, they pray for good luck and protection from the ills of flesh and mind. On the opening day of the year, they consult the oracle, who foretells the good or ill that is to befall them in the unfolding year, etc., etc. 

The Chinese Christian Colporteur in addressing these his countrymen can in truth say, Behold, "I shew unto you a more excellent way."

China and India (1846)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: May 2, 1846. 

By the Swallow, Captain Dominis, 56 days from Hong Kong, we have Singapore and China pictures to the date of her sailing. Our readers would be gratified to hear of Mr. Chamberlain’s improved health and that he anticipates returning here in the U.S. Ship Columbus, to arrive here next fall. Foreigners are now permitted to enter Canton, in accordance with the terms of the English Treaty, but the populace are much dissatisfied at the conduct of Keying in the matter, and have threatened to attack the factories. The presence of United States and English men-of-war will tend to prevent any outbreak from the mob.

Sir Charles Francis Forbes, (SW. brig) hence the ride arrived Jan. 10, at Hong Kong. 300 Chinese immigrants had arrived at Singapore and 15,000 more were expected.

Considerable disaffection of the measures of the government exists at Hong Kong and some merchants have threatened to withdraw their establishments. The system of police is a fruitful source of complaint also. 

China (April 4, 1846)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: April 4, 1846. 

Through the politeness of Theodore Schillaber, Esq., who has made the short passage of 39 days from China to this port, in the clipper Audax, we have received our Singapore and Hongkong files of papers, but they Containing nothing of interest this way. The winter had been one of unusual severity in China. Thirteen Chinamen have arrived in the Audax; as they are mechanics, laborers and tradespeople, they will undoubtedly be a profitable acquisition to our population.

—————————————————————————

The last Chinese instalment ($2,000,000) was paid over on 22d January. The U.S. ships Columbus and Vincennes were at Whampoa in January. Commodore Biddle acts as Commissioner until the pleasure of his government is known. 

We are happy to learn that Mr. Chamberlain’s health is improved by his residence in China, and that he proposes returning here either in the Columbus or with Capt. Dominus, in the Swallow, which may be looked for in a month. 

The Edible Birds Nests of China (1841)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, May 22, 1841.

Not only in their ordinary form, or acted upon by the culinary art are the mosses employed as food; but one of the most admired luxuries of the table in China is the edible bird’s nest formed from them. A small swallow, called,  from his peculiar instinct in building this sort of habitation,
hirundo esculenta, makes his nest from several of these species; and amongst others, it is said from the Ceylon moss, in the highest and most inaccessible rocks, in deep, damp caves. 

Crauford tells us that none of those accustomed from childhood to the dangers it offers, can pursue the occupation of contacting these nests, for they are only approachable by a perpendicular descent of many hundred feet, by ladders of bamboo and rattan, over a sea rolling violently against the rocks.

When the mouth of the cave is attained, the perilous task of taking the nests must be performed by torch-light, by penetrating into the recesses of the rocks, where the slightest slip would instantly be fatal to the adventurers, who can see nothing below them but the turbulent surf making its way into the chasms of the rocks. 

The high price given for these delicacies is, however, a sufficient inducement for the gatherers to follow “this dreadful trade.” The nests are formed of a mucilaginous substance; they resemble ill concocted fibrous isinglass, and are described as of a white color, inclining to red; their thickness  little more than that of a silver spoon, and the weight from a quarter to half an ounce. When dry, they are brittle and wrinkled, the size nearly that of a goose’s egg 

The qualities of the nest vary according to the situation and extent of the caves in which they are found, and the time at which they are taken. If procured before the eggs have been laid, the nests are of the best kind. If they contain eggs only, they are still valuable. But if the young are in the nest or have just left it they are nearly worthless, being dark-colored, streaked with blood, and intermixed with feathers and dirt. 

After they are procured, they are separated from feathers and dirt, are carefully dried and packed, and are then fit for market. The best sort are sent to Pekin, for the use of the Emperor. The labor bestowed to render them fit for the table is enormous; every feather, every stick, or impurity of any kind, is carefully removed; and then after undergoing many washings and preparations, they are made into a soft, delicious jelly; they are likewise served up in broths and soups; they have the reputation of being nutritious and highly stimulating. 

The extravagant prices given for these nests by the Chinese, render them a most expensive article of diet.-  The sale has become a monopoly of the government in whose dominions they are found. Meyan, in his voyage round the world, states, that the Japanese had long going ago discovered that these costly birds nests are nothing more than softened seaweed, and that they now prepare the substance itself in an artist-like manner.

Dr. Sigmund, on the Ceylon  Moss. 

American Varieties of the Silk Worm (1841)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, May 8, 1841.

This species has been found to do excellently well on Maui; the interior of the island being sufficiently elevated to afford a temperature which will preserve the eggs from hatching for any length of time, and thus give them a winter, without which thus far, it has been found impossible to make them hatch with any regularity, or in sufficient numbers to make them valuable to the silk growers. As these varieties are so much superior in size and weight to the China, and the mixed breed (a cross between the China and American, from which all the silk raised thus far has been reeled) it is important that they should be preserved, and perhaps a mulberry plantation upon the uplands of Maui would be a profitable concern. -There cannot be a doubt that when suitable sites are selected, silk growing will be an excellent business. 

(Communicated) Public Executions in China (1865)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: May 1, 1865.

The theoretical question whether man has a right to authorize, by legal forms, the extermination of human life, as a means of deterring crime, has long been discussed, and frequently disputed, but experience seems to show that nothing less than death is required to protect society from the assaults of those who are unmindful of the sacredness of human life. At least such is the basis of modern law, among ourselves. 

Among the Chinese, the last resort of the law is far more extended in its operation. Murder, piracy, robbery, brigandage, and some other crimes which need not be mentioned, are all punished by decapitation, while rebellion against the authorities, as being the most atrocious of sins, is expiated by the most revolting tortures imaginable, the details of which are unfit for publication. 

In December, 1864, the great city of Loo-Chow (the Paris of China) was captured by the Imperial troops from the Tai-ping rebels, many of whom were condemned to be decapitated, though owing to the influence of the European mercenary force, the torture was omitted. The writer visited that city on the 18th of that month, when he beheld the execution of sixty miserable wretches, whose crime consisted in differing with the mandarins on the subject of government. The writer having joined several military officers, who were equally curious to witness this display of the law's dread authority, we proceeded in a body to the outskirts of the city, where lay the execution ground, and which we had been told might easily be found, from the circumstance of two towers standing just outside the same, and called "The Twins." 

We soon reached the place, and discovered the execution ground to be simply an immense court-yard, enclosed by a high brick wall, some thousand feet square. We expected to have seen execution-blocks, or at least some preparation already made for the tragedy which was to follow, but the hare ground, four whitewashed walls, and a few Imperial soldiers lounging listlessly about, were all that as yet had appeared on the scene, but we had just arrived in time. 

A long cavalcade of officials and their attendants began to tile into the yard and take their places on and around a low platform at one end, which had at first escaped our attention. The prisoners were then driven in, the whole number, (sixty) being chained together by the necks. Five executioners then came forward, and placing twelve prisoners in a row alternately, on their knees, retired to the platform. The presiding officer then read tho Imperial rescript, or warrant. While this was being done, the closest scrutiny could not discover the slightest concern on the part of the condemned. They did not laugh, but otherwise seemed as indifferent to their awful situation as though it were a matter in which they had not the slightest interest. However, we were afterwards informed that they had been drugged by the jailors previous to their leaving the prison. The warrant having been read, the executioners advanced to the end of the row which we had chosen, and there awaited for a few moments, when an officer, advancing towards the prisoners, waved a small flag. This was the signal for the bloody work to commence. The five executioners then bared their arms and began to deal their blows, using a short hut broad and heavy sword. 

Each head was cut off at one stroke, the man first taking a sight at the necks, adjusting the head straight, and then dealing his blow with great dexterity, sometimes using one and sometimes both hands. These human butchers carried on their work with astonishing rapidity, running from one criminal to another so as to avoid the jets of blood that gushed from the falling trunks, and occasionally changing their swords. The task was finished with anatomical precision, and not a groan was to be heard, nor did one prisoner flinch from the impending fate. In exactly four minutes, all the victims had been disposed of, and released from their sufferings. The officials now left the spot, while the heads were all carefully collected, and placed in small wicker cages, to hang from the walls of the city, as an in terrorem to all the rebelliously disposed. Sickened by such a barbarous display of the murderous form of Chinese justice, we hurried from the loathsome execution ground of LooChow. 

Outre Pali.

CHINA AND JAPAN , by LT James D. Johnston, U.S.N. (1860)

CHINA AND JAPAN , by LT James D. Johnston, U.S.N. (1860) 

James D. Johnston, lieutenant, U.S. Navy, executive officer of the Steam-Frigate Powhatan, wrote an account of the trip of the Powhatan to open diplomatic relations with China and to transport the first Japanese ambassadors to the United States less than seven years after Commodore Matthew C. Perry forced his way into Japan in 1853. These were also the last years before the Civil War, before Southerners such as Johnston entered the Confederate Navy. 

This book is now annotated to show what was meant by passing references which were much clearer at the time it was written, and also to trace events in the lives of the participants after the voyage.The preliminary part of the book includes a table of contents explaining what the various chapters listed below actually cover. Or just start reading the book from the beginning. 

Click on chapter number to advance to that chapter at this link. 

Recriminations: British Defeat at China's Pei-ho in 1859

See this link also.

The Polynesian’s September 3, 1859 edition reported that the U.S.S. Powhatan had arrived in Hong Kong on May 10.

“The U.S. steam-frigate Powhatan arrived at Hongkong, May 10, with Gen. Ward, the American Minister. The Powhatan leaves for Tien-tsin [Tianjin today], and will be the first to test the reported obstructions at the mouth of the Pei-ho. It is supposed the Russians will have a steamer of light draft awaiting the arrival of Gen. Ward.”

In the same story is this: “There is a report that the Russian Government has given eight thousand pieces of cannon to the Chinese in consideration of land cessions at the Amoor.”

I was looking for specific references to Commodore Josiah Tatnall’s coming to the aid of a British ship during the military exchanges with the Chinese. None were found.

More details of the “disastrously defeated” British naval forces were prominently featured in the October 8, 1859 edition of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser, published in Honolulu. “The British naval force at the mouth of the Pei-ho made an attack upon the Chinese on the 25^th of June, and were disastrously defeated with terrible loss of life.” More detailed were featured on the first page of the October 15 edition of the paper.

The January 12, 1860 edition of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser provided further details through a published letter from R.S. Maclay on the third page, dated September 21, 1859 from “Fuhchau, China.” Despite the battle at the Pei Ho the following is reported regarding American Minister Ward:

“Mr. Ward, the American Minister, arrived at Pekin about the 28^th of July, 1859, and remained there fifteen days with his suite. The President’s letter was delivered at Pekin, and the exchange of the treaties took place at Pehtang, a town at the northern entrance of the Peiho.” But still no mention of Commodore Josiah Tatnall.

The September 3 edition of the Polynesian also reported infighting in the Japanese government, casting doubt on the Japanese Embassy visit to the United States:

“THE MINISTER FROM JAPAN TO THE UNITED STATES. The latest number of the China Herald has this paragraph:

There seems to be considerable doubt if the proposed embassy to the United States will take place. The conservative party, who are opposed to all innovations, are determined to prevent this infraction of the law which prohibits Japanese from leaving their country. The two delegates who have been named for Washington are themselves anxious to go but their departure will certainly be delayed for the present at least. A council for foreign affairs has been established at Jeddo, consisting of five princes.”

I found this story from the October 8, 1859 (page 2, column 5) edition of The Polynesian:

Late and Important from China.

SEVERE BATTLE-THE ENGLISH FORCES DISASTROUSLY DEFEATED. –From the San Francisco Times we learn that the bark Sea Nymph arrived at Victoria, V.I., on the 13^th ult., 37 days from Hong Kong, with files of China papers up to the day of sailing. The news is important.

The British naval forces at the mouth of the Pie-ho made an attack upon the Chinese on the 25^th of June, and were disastrously defeated. The fleet consisted of 12 vessels, mounting 28 guns and manned by 1,000 to 1,200 men.

There were 7 officers killed, and 28 wounded. The affair seems to have grown out of a misunderstanding of the preliminaries to the exchange of treaties between the allied ministers and the Chinese authorities, consequent on which an attempt was made by Admiral Hope to force the passage of the Pei-ho.

The North China Herald says that the total loss is as follows: -British, total killed and wounded, 464; French, 4 kiled and 10 wounded (including Captain Tricault of the Chayle, wounded in the arm.)

A correspondent of the China Mail (Hong Kong) says: The belief is universal throughout the squadron that Europeans manned the batteries, as well as Chinese. Men in grey coats with close cropped hair and with Russian features, were distinctly visible in the batteries, and the whole of the fortifications were evidently designed by Europeans.

The Mail says:

The lamentable intelligence we have to convey by this mail is a new difficulty with the Chinese authorities, which led to an attack on the 25^th of June from and upon the Taku forts at the mouth of the Pei-ho, resulting in the total defeat of the British force, with the loss of no less than five gunboats, and between four and five hundred men, or about one-third of our force employed.

This matter will form a subject of Parliamentary discussion. The Hon. Mr. Bruce has not the power to collect troops for carrying on a new war with China; and if he applies for assistance, as it is reported he has done, to the Governor-General of India, we trust that Lord Canning will not comply with the request until her Majesty’s government have had time to examine the whole affair. There is more in it than meets the eye, and the most intelligent in this country-are disposed to believe that the Chinese are entirely to be blamed.

Five Days later.

By the ship Maria, arrived at this port from Hong Kong, we have dates to Aug. 9. From the Overland Mail we quote:

Since then matters have gone from bad to worse, and more unsatisfactory tidings than this mail communicates, were never perhaps taken from China. In the first place, as to the effect of the Peiho disaster upon political relations. The dispatch of Sangkolinsin, the Tartar Generalissimo, (a translation whereof is affixed,) duly appeared in the Pekin Gazette. This completely fastens upon the Chinese as deliberate act of treachery, for whist the Generalissimo boasts of the conception and perpetuation of the deed, the High Commissioners had studiously by their fair promises completely discarded all ideas of resistance from the minds of the members of the foreign Legation.

Since the defeat, the British and French Ministers have wisely forborne to negotiate with the Chinese authorities, either directly or otherwise, and are evidently awaiting instructions from their respective governments.

Nothing has been heard from the United States Minister since the dispatch of the last mail. He certainly proceeded north of the Peiho to the point indicated by the Chinese authorities where an officer of rank would meet and convey him to Pekin. The Chinese have it that he has actually proceeded thither, which would appear very probable.

Of Russian complicity to the disaster at Takow, there can be no doubt whatever. The Cantonese aver that Russian engineers built the forts, Russian guns armed them and Russian artillerymen manned them.

Writes a correspondent from Hong Kong, November 20, 1844 (1845)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: February 1, 1845. 

Writes a correspondent from Hong Kong, November 20, 1844, 

"This part of the world is a great beer and wine drinking part, and those who cannot get wine and beer, take samshoo and brandy. Hundreds go home on account of ill health, caused for the most part by their wine-bibbing, and even if they do not go, are exposed to fevers and agues, and other ailments. Much of the frightful mortality among the troops and population of Hong Kong last year was caused, or aided by the convivial habits of the sufferers.”

China (Various News, 1845)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: February 1, 1845.

The Natches, which arrived here on Saturday, has completed a voyage round the globe in nine months and eighteen days, having left this on the 14th January last. She proceeded by the Cape of Good Hope to New York, in 95 days, where she discharged, took in a new cargo and sailed 20th May, returning by Cape Horn to Valparaiso in 71 days, the shortest passage ever made. The run from Lima was accomplished in 65 1-2 days. Her previous voyage by the same route occupied nine months and twenty two days, or four days longer.— Hong Kong Register. 

The wife of the Rev. J, L. Shuck, Baptist Missionary at Hong Kong, died about the first of Dec. 

Capt. Engle, master of the American bark Valparaiso, died in China about November 10. He will be remembered at the Islands as having commanded the American ship Hopewell, Philadelphia. Mr. S. W. Williams, printer and agent of the American B. C. F. Missions in China, sailed for the United States November 26th, but expect to return.

The French Commissioner to China, has concluded a treaty, similar, as report says to that between the U.S. and China.

The American Brig Hannah attacked by pirates. —Extract from a letter dated Macao, 30th November, 1844.

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: February 1, 1845. 

"The brig Hannah, Capt. Cheever, was robbed by pirates a few miles outside the Bocca Tigris, three nights since; her chief officer and four seamen are lost, probably jumped, or were driven overboard and drowned. The brig had arrived from Manilla a few days before, and was on her way up the river to Whampoa. The pirates in this neighborhood are more daring than usual, and vessels are all put in fighting condition so far as merchant vessels can be. The Hannah appears to have no amount worthy of mention. Capt. Cheever escaped unhurt.”

A NEW COLONY ANNEXED TO THE BRITISH EMPIRE (1843)

Source: The Friend [Temperance Advocate, and Seamen's Friend.] Honolulu: October 28, 1843. Page 60.

According to the treaty between England and China, under date of August 26, 1842, it was agreed that "the island of Hong Kong be ceded in perpetuity to H.B. Majesty, her heirs and successors." Soon after the news of this treaty was known in England, measures were taken to add another colony to the British Empire. The following is a portion of a proclamation issued at Westminster, April 5, 1843 under the authority of the Queen:

" Victoria, by the grace of God, of the united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, queen, defender of the faith, to all to whom these presents shall come, greeting: know ye, that we, of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, have thought fit to erect and do hereby elect our island of Hong Kong and its dependencies, situate between 22° 9' and 22° 21’ N. L , and 114° 18’ E,I.  from the meridian of Greenwich, into a colony and the said island and its dependencies is hereby erected into a separate colony accordingly, to he known and designated as ‘the colony of Hong Kong.’”

The proclamation proceeds to ordain the power and number of public officers who shall hold their commission under the crown mid within the colony of Hong Kong. 

By another proclamation issued on the same day of the above, the queen appoints "our trusty and well beloved Sir Henry Pottinger, baronet, knight grand cross, of the most honorable order of the bath, major-general in the service of the East India company, and chief superintendent of the trade of our subjects trading to and from the dominions of the emperor of China, to be the governor and commander-in-chief in and over our said colony of Hong Kong and its dependencies, and of all forts and garrisons erected and established, or which shall be erected and established within the said colony, for and during our pleasure." 

On the 26th of June, 1843, Sir Henry Pottinger issued a proclamation, making known the action of the Home Government and also declaring that the present city on the north side of the island shall be known by the name of Victoria. On tho following day he issued another proclamation appointing forty four justices of the peace in different ports of China. 

The "Don Juan" left China a few days after the publication of the above proclamation, &c. Measures had been taken to open those ports declared free by the treaty of Aug. 26, 1842, viz. —Canton, Amoy, Foo Chow, Ningpoo and Shanghai. 

From all that we are aide to learn in regard to the island of Hong Kong, it possesses but this simple advantage to recommend it us a site for a city and seaport town, viz: the harbor is convenient, spacious and good. The island is barren and hilly, particularly that part where the city of Victoria has been founded. As might naturally be expected, the city is rapidly building up, and becoming the center of foreign influence in China. Catholics and protestants have already there erected their respective houses for public worship. The catholic is represented as a grand and imposing edifice, while their missionaries are penetrating into the heart of China. They belong to the order of the Jesuits.

Trade With China (1840)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, November 21, 1840. Page 95.

Among the documents printed by order of Congress is a memorial from Russell Sturgis and others, American merchants residing in Canton, setting forth the proceedings of the Chinese government in connection with the suppression of the opium trade, and asking the co-operation of this government with that of Great Britain, in establishing commercial relations with China on a safe and permanent basis. The memorial proposes to demand,

1st. Permission for foreign envoys to reside near the court at Pekin, on the terms and with all the privileges accorded at other courts, through whom appeal may be made to the Imperial Government in and in cases of difficulty with the local authorities; in the prosecution of our commercial pursuits. 

2d. The promulgation of a fixed tariff of duties on articles, both of import and export, from which no deviation shall be allowed under any pretext whatsoever. 

3d. A system of bond warehouses, or some regulations permitting the transshipment of such goods as it may be desirable to re-export for want of a market in China.

4th. The liberty of trading at other ports in China than that of Canton.

5th. Compensation for the losses caused by the stoppage of the whole legal trade of the port and the consequent detention of vessels and property; with a guarantee against the recurrnance of similar arbitrary acts, and security for the free egress from Canton and other ports, of all persons not guilty of crimes or civil offenses, at any and at all times.

6th. That until the Chinese laws are distinctly made known and recognized, the punishment for wrongs committed by foreigners upon the Chinese and others, shall not be greater than is applicable to the like offense by the laws of the United States or England; nor shall any punishment be inflicted by the Chinese authorities upon any foreigner, until the guilt of the party shall have been fairly and clearly proved. 

-Boston Courier, Jan. 29, 1840.

Admiral Kwang (1841)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, August 14, 1841

The Chinese Admiral Kwang, in an interview with Capt. Eliot, proposed, that as the Emperor expected a battle from him, it was necessary for him to have one, but says he, “spose you no put the plumb in your gun, I no put the plumb in mine.” This anecdote all serve to show the sincerity with which the “son of Heaven” is served by his officers. From all accounts we should judge that he is the most humbugged of all monarchs and that the present war, will be the means of breaking up a system of peculation, deceit, and oppression for more disastrous in its results upon the country, than years of warfare. China, like a man long disturbed by some painful disease, requires a powerful remedy for its deep seated malady-or rather maladies, the deepest and most inveterate its political world is heir to; pride, ignorance, and falsehood. 

Commissioner Linn (1840)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, July 11, 1840. Page 18, Col. 1.

It is reported, but not fully credited in town, that Chinese High Commissioner Linn, has lost his head. The Emperor ode red him down to Canton to destroy all the opium, not to cut off the ears and noses ofEnglishmen(?) or Chinese(?) so he (the Emperor) very politely sent a second time ordering him to send up his own head, which he did after the Chinese fashion.

PLEDGES OF THE HONG KONG TEMPERANCE UNION (1843)

Source: The Friend [Temperance Advocate, and Seamen's Friend]. Honolulu: Saturday, July 27, 1843. Page 22.

Instituted, July 2, 1842. 

I. PLEDGE. 

We agree to abstain from the use of Intoxicating Liquors, and from the Traffic in them as a leverage; agreeing also, neither to provide them as Articles of Entertainment, nor for persons in our employment; and that, in all suitable ways, we will discontinue their use throughout the community.

II. PLEDGE. 

We agree to abstain from all kinds of Ardent spirits as 'a Beverage; agreeing also, not to traffic in them, nor to provide them as articles of entertainment, nor for persons in our employment.; and, although the moderate use of Wines and Beer is not prohibited, yet, as the specific design of the Society is to promote Temperance in every form, excess in these necessarily excludes from Membership. 

Proverbs 20: 1; 23: 29", 30. 

This is to certify that became a Member of the Hong Kong Temperance Union on the of 184 by signing Pledge No.

Stone Meal Used in China For Food in Time of Famine (1841)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, July 31, 1841. Page 32, Col. 1.

In the vast empire of China the most terrible famines sometimes occur. Men of wealth have been reduced to sell their wives and children, furniture, and houses, to procure food, and that food, perhaps, nothing more than the rind of a tree, or a decomposed stone found occasionally on the mountains. -The Chinese assert that this stone is a miraculous production. However, there is little doubt that it is merely a soft whitish stone pulverized by the sun and air, and, if sought for, to be found at any time. M. Biot has lately taken pains to inquire into the causes of those calamities which drive an industrious people to such extremities. China contain immense plains in a high state of cultivation, with large rivers running through them, the beds of which are obliged to be kept clean, by great labor, from the perpetual deposits. While these rivers are retrained within their due bounds by the artificial banks thorn up for the purpose, they afford the means of fruitful irrigation; but when they once overflow, they spread devastation to an indescribable extent. -Hundreds of thousands of acres are involved in one common ruin, and the poor wretches that escape drowning, fly to the mountains to perish by thousands for want of food. It is in this destitution they seek out these stones, and not having previously taken the trouble to look for them, they attribute their appearance to miracles. -Colonial Magazine. 

ENGLISH MILITARY FORCE IN CHINA (1843)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: Saturday, July 27, 1843. Page 34.

From a letter, dated Hong Kong, China, September 1, 1842. The following is an extract, 

"For the persecution of this the third campaign of the war, the English have now on the Chinese confines an immense-naval and land force, the naval being the largest ever before assembled in Asia, by any power in the world. There are about sixty well equipped ships of war, with fifteen war steamers, besides nearly one hundred armed Transport ships. As to the land force, there is a formidable army of about fourteen thousand fighting men, with Sappers and Miners, Royal and Madras Artillery, and a troop of Horse. The Commander-in-chief of all the land forces is Lieut. General Sir Hugh Gough; Major General Lord Saltoun is second in command. The naval Commander-in-chief is vice Admiral Sir William Parker, Flag Ship ConWallis, 74, second in command. Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, Flag Ship, Blenhiem, 74. The entire expense of the whole British Expedition now in China is upwards of five hundred thousand dollars per month."