246 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. XV. 
like Chusan, which commands the central and most 
important parts of their empire. That we committed a 
blunder and made a bad bargain is quite certain, but, 
having done so, we must abide by the consequences. 
Had we retained Chusan, it would not only have been a 
healthy place for our troops and merchants, but it would 
also have proved a safeguard to our trade in the north, 
which must ultimately become of greater importance 
than that at Canton. Moreover, we should have been 
in a central position as regards a large and important 
part of the world, which must sooner or later open its 
ports to our commerce. I allude of course to Japan and 
Corea, both of which are only a few days' sail from 
Chusan, and are still in a great measure sealed countries 
to Europeans. These regrets, however, are vain.* 
Chusan in spring is one of the most beautiful islands 
in the world. It reminds the Englishman of his own 
* In tlie event of another war taking place between England and 
China, it might then be a question whether or not Chusan should be 
retained. The propriety of this would be questionable, and could 
only be justified on the ground of necessity. Equally important 
alterations in the treaty would be — first, to insist on having an 
ambassador at Pekin ; secondly, to allow our merchants to trade at 
any of the ports of the empire ; and thirdly, to break down those 
absurd regulations regarding boundaries which are altogether unne- 
cessary, and which only tend to give the native population a false 
idea of the character of foreigners. If foreigners break the laws, let 
them be seized by the Chinese authorities and punished, or delivered 
over to the nearest British consul. The latter proceeding would be 
necessary only in the southern districts, where the people are much 
prejudiced against us : in the north we have only to fear that 
the Chinese authorities would allow the criminals to escape alto- 
gether. These alterations would, I am convinced, place our relations 
with this vast empire upon a much more satisfactory basis. 
