1832.] 
COMMERCIAL RIVALRY. 
381 
with the industrious and numerous population of China, exceed- 
ing in respect to numbers, extent, and natural resources, the ag- 
gregate amount of all the nations of civilized Europe, 
That the ports will ultimately be opened, that trade is now ex- 
tended, in some degree, in despite of imperial edicts, to other ports 
besides Canton, cannot be denied. We have examined with great 
interest most of the late parliamentary proceedings connected 
with British interests in this quarter. The numerous highly 
respectable and intelligent witnesses examined by order of the 
House of Commons, have thrown more light on the true condition 
of China, and the nature and prospect of trade there, than has 
been given to the world for a century before. All agree in repre- 
senting the Chinese as decidedly one of the most commercial 
nations on the globe ; mechanically steady in the attainment of 
the objects of their pursuit, and ever ready to trade with any and 
every one who visits their country. We speak now of the people.- 
The government, or present reigning family, has not occupied 
the throne more than two hundred years ; is weak, not only on 
account of its foreign origin, but from its extended empire ; its^ 
only strength being in the ignorance and weakness of its subjects. 
The government, therefore, is averse to trade, and jealous of for- 
eigners, knowing what has been done by them in India. Take 
away all apprehension of obtrusion, and the emperor will be a& 
desirous of carrying on trade as the people themselves. 
This jealousy has doubtless led in a great part, but not wholly, 
to the many annoying and humiliating restrictions in commerce,- 
to which all nations have submitted. Keen, sagacious, and ob- 
serving, the Chinese were not long in perceiving that foreigners 
would submit to any indignity for motives of gain. Does any 
one doubt it ? Let him lake the trouble to examine the reports- 
of the East India Company for the last fifty years, and he will 
find abundant evidence of the humiliating and subservient 
spirit in which the company has submitted to all kinds of 
insults and impositions from the Chinese, rather than hazard even 
a partial interruption in their trade. To allow one of his majesty's 
ships-of-war,.witha flag at the mizzen-peak, "which we respect, 
though we do not fear," that has been so often victorious on every 
sea, to be measured and pay duty as a merchant vessel, is only 
one of the degradations which might be named. From this un- 
