The life of Taou-Kwang, late Emperor of China : with memoirs of the court of Peking. Including a sketch of the principal events in the history of the Chinese empire during the last fifty years

Front matter

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CORNELL DNIVERSna

LIBRARIES

Chapter I

Biiih and parentage of Meenning, afterwards Taou-kwang — His early youth — The Emperor Kefenlung's system of education — ■ His character and habits — He abdicates — Insurrection of the Meaotze — Projected invasion of India — Destruction of the Chinese army — Rising in the North-Westem Provinces — Lawlessness of the soldiery — ^Death of Keenlung — Revelries of the Emperor Keaking — ^Eate of his prime minister — Character and pursuits of Meenning — Cruelties of the Emperor — Conspiracy to dethrone him — His remorse, and subsequent tyranny — Political fraternity of the Water-Lily — Persecution of the Roman Catholics — Conduct and habits of Meenning — His personal character — He eludes the proscription of the Emperor — His choice of friends — He protects European mechanics . . . . . .7

Chapter II

War against pirates — Occupation of Macao by the EngKsh — Imperial proclamation — Chinese policy — Keaking's estimation of the power of the Erench — Opposition to his government —

: CONTENTS.

His debaucheries — Meenning's resolute defence against a band of robbers — He is appointed his father's successor — Keaking describes the incursion of the robbers — ^Increased severity of the government — Arrival of the English Embassy in China — State of the Chinese Court — Keaking's latter days— Meenning's freedom from corruption — His unassuming character — Keaking's sixtieth birthday — His death — His testament— Meenning ascends the throne — His reverence for the Empress-dowager — Description of his person and character . 27

Chapter III

Accession of Taou-kwang — Superstition of the Chinese — Humility and generosity of Taou-kwang — Ceremonies on his ascending the throne — He mourns for his father — The harem abolished — Taou-kwang pays homage to the Dowager-Empress — His generosity towards his enemies — Gradual changes in the Cabinet — Character of Lung — His popularity and his rise to power — Vain efforts of the Emperor to remain independent of counsellors — His choice of advisers — Account of Keying — Character of Hegan — Of Chargul — Of Keshen — Of Elepoo— Of Alitsinga — Of Langan — Oflce of Kingohing and Kwulin — Claims of Prince Paouking — Relatives of Taou-kwang— Serious aspect of the Court — Erugality of Taou-kwang — His desire for accumulating silver — Its effect upon the currency — Economy in the treasury — Taou-kwang's administration — His toleration put to the test . . . . . .45

Chapter IV

State of the country on Taou-kwang's accession— Taou-kwang's private life — Imperial palaces — Taou-kwang's indifference to art — Expulsion of the Portuguese — Taou-kwang's dread of western power — Eestivities of the Manchoos — Favourite residence of the Emperor — Ascendancy of the council of war- Accessions of territory gained by Taou-kwang's ancestors- Struggles for liberty of the Mahommedans— Restrictions on commerce— Rebellion of Tehangir — Preparations for quelling it— Disunion in Tehangir's army — Triumph and subsequent cruelty of the Imperial troops — Disastrous consequences of

CONTENTS. XI

the rebellion—Conduct of the Kaya of Kokonor — Changes in the cabinet — Disgrace of Yingho — Elevation of Chnng-hng — Eising in Eormosa — Corrupt state of administration — ^Rewards of robbers — Destruction of the Black-caps — Taou-kwang pays homage in the temple of his ancestors — He enacts useful laws —His poetic vein excited . . . .72

Chapter V

Tomb of the Emperor — Of his mother and wife — Taou-kwang's pilgrimage to the tombs of his ancestors — His deportment amongst his countrymen — His bounty — His predilection — Earthquake at Honan — Effect upon the Emperor — Overflowing of the Tang-tse-kiang, and consequent distress of the people — Energy of Taou-kwang on the occasion — Conduct of the government — Irruption of the mountaineers of Haeman — Rebellion of the Andeganos — Disgrace of Chang-ling — Quarrel between the Emperor and his son, and death of the latter — Tllness of Taou-kwang — Hwny-wang appointed his successor — Death of Taou-kwang's wife, and his grief . . 92

Chapter VI

Rebellion of mountaineers — Defeat of Le, and his consequent disgrace and banishment — Hegan despatched against the rebels — His success — Reward of the successful commanders — Erequent occurrence of rebellion— Cruelty of the government — Rebellion in Shantung — Policy of the government — Trade society — Persecution of the Christians — Opposition of the Emperor to it — Reproach passed on the government— Prosperity of the country — Frequent famine — Policy of the Mandarins respecting it — Direful consequences — Tasn-kwang's fondness for pnnctHio — His devotion — Second wife of the Emperor — Her character and pursuits — Her influence on State affairs — Chinese contempt for female government— Attachment of the Emperor to his second vrife — Prosperity of the country under her influence — Emperor's neglect of her, and her death — Law passed against the interference of eunuchs in State affiiirs- Changes in the Cabinet— Rise of Yuen-yuen— Retkement of Lung and Chang-ling— Business of the Cabinet — Dependence of ministers on the Emperor's favour . 104

XU CONTENTS.

Chapter VII

Taou-kwang's desire for popularity — ^Distress in 1832— Taou-kwang rewards the charity of the nobles — Laws respecting convicts — Trait of character in the Emperor — Idolatry of the Chinese — An idol raised in dignity — Situation of Canton- Affected contempt for trade of the Chinese — Restrictions upon trade — ^Alleged causes of the war with England — Government proclamation — Insults of the Governor of Canton to the picture of the British sovereign — His defence — Cessation of monopoly — Arrival of Lord Napier — Conduct of Chinese government on the occasion — Advance of two British frigates — Anger of the Emperor, and disgrace of the governor — Death of Lord Napier — Opposition of Taou-kwang to friendly intercourse with the "barbarians" — Deficiency in the exchequer — Sale of oflces — Amount of revenue — Proposed methods of supplying the deficit — Taou-kwang's sensitiveness in money matters— Effect upon government of the sale of offices. . . .121

Chapter VIII

Celebration of the sixtieth birthday of the Empress-dowager, and of the marriage of the new Empress — Principles of Chineae military policy — Burlesque appearance of the soldiers — Neutralization of the military power — Rise of officers — Taou-kwang's sense of the defects in military policy — His wise exhortations- State of the navy — Superiority of the pirate's vessels — Taoukwang's indignation at the incapacity of the navy — Disgrace of ofBoers — InefSciency of Imperial edicts — Taou-kwang bewails the degenerate times — His satisfaction with his ministers- Chinese veneration for age — Account of Sung — His character- Power of his name — His degradation — Sentence of the Emperor upon him — He regains favour — He turns author — His appointment under Taou-kwang — His final retirement in 1833 . 135

Chapter IX

Uniformity of Taou-kwang's Hfe— His adulation of his adopted mother — Remonstrance against the expenses of the court—

CONTENTS. xiii

Lin-tsi-tsen's petition against the land tax— Retrograde movement proposed ; and punishment of the author of the proposition — Severity of Taou-kwang— His pilgrimages to the tombs of his ancestors— His quiet life — Report of ministerial progress — Investigation into literary merit — Tranquillity vanishes with the influence of the Empress — ^Evils resulting from the use of opium — ^Measures against its use— Charge against the Emperor's nncle — Interruptions to commerce— Lin's proceedings against opium-smokers in Canton — Punishments of dealers and smokers — Success of the measures — Lin's advancement . . 147

Chapter X

Lin's literary achievement — He proposes improvements in the navy — Trade with England prohibited — Chinese notions of English courage — Impatience for war with the British— Foreign policy — Preparations for war — Proposals for peace — Sentence against deserters — Unlooked-for appearance of the English fleet at the mouth of the Pei-ho — Judicious deportment of Keshen — Ravages of the mob — Taou-kwang' s apprehensions — Arrival of the British fleet in the Canton waters — Indignation of the Chinese thereat — Skilful behaviour of Keshen — His subsequent disgrace — Disgrace of Elepoo — Tukeen's barbarous treatment of the English — ^Defeat of the Chinese — Ealse report of conquest — Honours paid to the Goddess of Mercy — Victories of the English — Suicide of Yukeen — Execution of lu-pooyun . 163

Chapter XI

Proposed plan for the defence of China and conquest of England — ^Taou-kwang's apprehension for his capital — Brilliant project of Hou-chunn — Attempt at building steamers — Expedition of Ti-king — His defeat — Emperor's desire for peace, and plans for obtaining it — British fleet enters the Tang-tse-kiang— Elepoo's letter to the Emperor— Its effect — Treaty of Nanking— Its consequences — Emperor's indignation against the "barbarians," and false notions about them — Presumption of Chinese generals — ^False reports of victories — Anxiety of the Emperor during the war — Punishment of the ministers who had urged the war —Expense of the war— Robbery of the Emperor, and his indemnification ...... 179

XIV CONTENTS.

Chapter XII

Keshen restored to favour — ^Renewal of the war proposed — ^Taoukwang's reception of the proposition, and address to the assembly — Reply of the ministers — Nankin treaty ratified— Suicide of Wangling — Death of Elepoo— Foreign adminstration of Keying — Murder of British subjects — Outrage on foreign factories — Treaties with I^ance and the United States — ^Toleration of Christianity— Superstitious faith in idols destroyed — Taou-kwang studies works on Christianity — His favourable opinion of them — Keying's belief in Christianity — Propagation of Christianity legalized — Roman Catholics' desire to monopolize the privilege frustrated . . .195

Chapter XIII

Ports opened to foreigners — Restrictions on foreign intercourse — Unsuccessful attempt to improve financial affairs — Rise of democratic ideas — Municipal authorities demand a voice in state affairs — Militia proposed — Monster meetings and riots — Effects of the sale of offices — ^Partial administration of justice- Increase of robbers — Pears for Taou-kwang's government — The Emperor's popularity — Trade improved — Revenue falls off- Avarice of Taou-kwang — His illness — Attempt to restore the native government — Anticipations of Hwuy-wang — Competitors for the throne — Recovery of Taou-kwang — His compromise with Hwuy-wang — His love of peace — His desire for popularity — Pavours conferred in honour of the birthday of the Empress-dowager — Advancement of Keshen . . 205

Chapter XIV

Taou-kwang's return to idolatry — Ineffectual prayers for rain- Change of ministers — Muchangah — Paouhing — Success of Keying's negotiations — His sons — His daughter — His advancement—He introduces improvements — The Emperor arrests his measures — Laishangah undertakes the direction of the finances — Taou-kwang's pilgrimage to the tombs of his ancestors — His

CONTENTS. XV

fits of superstition — Celebration of the birthday of the Empress-dowager — Portifioation of the Tang-tse-kiang — Cause of financial difficulties — Loss to the exchequer from the smuggling of salt — Indirect taxation proposed— Plans for increasing the revenue— Extent, population, and revenue of China compared with those of Russia and the British Empire — Embezzlement by functionaries — Character of the mandarins — Disastrous consequences of the defalcation in receipts — Chusan restored to its government ...... 218

Chapter XV

Extended empires of England, Russia, and China — ^EfSoaoy of Chinese power — Rising in 1847 — Cashgar taken by the rebels, and Manchoo forces routed — Unusual measures for repelling the enemy — Imperial proposals accepted — Recapture of Cashgar — Treacherous conduct of the Koja of Kokand — Yi-shan's suggestion of the removal of restrictions on commerce acted upon — Beneficial results therefrom — Lin's erroneous opinion of the resources of the southern powers of Asia — ^Policy of the Emperor towards the surrounding states — Reverence of the Emperor for sacred things — Anti-national exclusive system- Border war — Advancement of Lin — RebeUion on the western frontiers — Treacherous and blood-thirsty conduct of Lin — His accusation, acquittal and reward — His death, and character — Destruction of crops by iuundation — Direful consequences — Difficulties arising from a want of the circulating medium of the precious metal — Remedies for these evils . . 231

Chapter XVI

The Emperor's distaste for public affairs — Confidence placed by Taou-kwang in Keying — Opposition of the people to the opening of the gates of Canton — Taou-kwang sides with the people, and their triumph— Accusations against Keying — Hwang dismissed from power — Retrograde movement — Taou-kwang's faculties become weakened — His religious habits increase — His alternate disgust and reverence for idolatry — He becomes reserved — — His anticipations of a long life— Grave character of th'e Court — Dangers of interfering with the exchequer — The suggestion of improvements considered heresy— Taou-kwan^'s endeavours to conceal his increasing infirmities —- His pilgrimage to the ancestral tombs— He dispels the rumours

XVI CONTENTS.

of his approaching death— His criticisms on the army and navy — He proposes plans for the improvement of military discipline — ^Their inefficiency — Unsuccessful attempts to exchange the musket for the bow — Slow progress of improvement in the navy — Increasing power of pirates — Interference of the British — Piratical ravages on the coast of Kwang-tung under Sapongtsae — His fleet destroyed by the British men-of-war — His escape and rise to rank — Partial cessation of piracy — Attempt at reform of a Portuguese governor — His murder — ^Peace-offering to his countrymen — Risings in 1849 — Geographical knowledge desirable for an Emperor of Chma — Taou-kwang encourages the publication of geographical works — Influence of Protestant missionaries . . 247

CHAPTEE XVII.

Taou-kwang's approaching end — Intrigue at Court — Death of the Empress-dowager — The Emperor's account of it — Honours paid to her memory — Her character — Taou-kwang's grief and mourning — His last edict — He appoints Yih-choo His successor — Rumour of Hwuy-wang's plot against the prince- Death of Taou-kwang — Proclamation of Hien-fung — He sums up his father's character — ^Last request of Taou-kwang— Title . under which he is worshipped — Hien-fung's change of character — His superstition — Muchangah and Keying discarded— Companions of the Emperor — Anticipated effect of steam navigation on China — Conclusion . . .364

THE

LIFE OF TAOU-KWANG

LATE EMPEEOR OE CHINA.

Introduction

To be an Emperor of China, is perhaps the hig-hest dig-nity to which a mortal can aspire. Leaving out all that superstition has added to the exalted rank the monarch holds, there remains still very much which would fill minds like those of Alexander and Napoleon, even at the acme of their glory, with envy. It is not necessary to talk about the Great Emperor as the prince of princes, the vicegerent of Heaven on earth, the very representative of all living beings, to give a sublime idea of his position ; the simple fact of being sovereign ruler over three hundred and sixtyfive millions of human beings, is enough to raise the autocrat in worldly estimation.

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When one adds to this, that the descendant of a mere chief of hunters sways the above myriads according" to his will, keeps the unruly Mongfols in utter subjection, maintains his supremacy over Tibet, is liege lord of the Eleuths, and administers his government over the wild inhabitants of Kokonor, and the no less brave inhabitants of Turkistan, one cannot refuse a tribute of homage to such a mighty potentate.

To the unregenerate heart of man, there is something inexpressibly charming in the contemplation of unbounded rule, of which the Chinese Emperor furnishes the beau -ideal, flis word is law ; his very actions, how trivial soever, the pattern of conduct ; he can slay and respite at pleasure ; the lives and whole property of all his subjects being at his disposal, he is under no responsibility to a watchful parliament, or a powerful nobility. Sole master and lord, under the endearing title of a father, he does what seemeth good to him. Were there ever sovereign power entrusted to man, it is the Emperor of China who wields the same. To judge of him, we must always view the man in this light, for though he may theo-'

POWER OF THE EMPEROR. 3

retically pretend to be amenable to Heaven and his ancestors ; yet these are mere emblems of powers that exercise no influence^ except occasionally a moral one, upon his mind.

In viewing the monarch of Chuia in this light, we must not forget the other side of the question. He who has none to command him, must be himself a slave to custom; he who is a legislator through life, has to attend to the most trivial demands of etiquette. Innumerable forms render the Emperor of China an automaton. He may break through them, despise them as they really deserve ; but he will not hold long his high rank, nor yet attempt this with impunity. He may be a tyrant, and spread desolation through the court and over the whole land ; but let him be attentive to the sacrifices of his ancestors, regularly hold the plough in spring, go to the temples in rotation, appear in times of national calamity as a penitent in sackcloth, impute to himself all the guilt of the nation, and he will be considered an excellent Emperor. On the other hand, let him neglect the behests of the Board of Rites, withdraw from the frequent audiences that are regularly given, dress or deport himself differently from what is prescribed by immemorial usage, and a hundred voices will exclaim against the unworthy ruler, and with censure upon censure will denounce him.

A Chinese Emperor can make his mere will the rule of a nation ; but he must, at least ostensibly, now and then, pay deference to the better judgment of his statesmen. The nation at large is nothing in itself; yet the man without an equal must make himself popular, by listening to the wishes of his subjects. Every one ought to have access to his ear; the poorest widow be allowed to speak to him through the Court of Appeal. In recent years, we may say it has become fashionable at Court to talk about the wishes of the people ; to speak of them as the first to be attended to : as the guide and loadstone in all measures. Though a great many of these phrases are mere verbiage used on proper occasions, still the principles thus expressed have found many admirers throughout the whole land.

From one part of China to the other, demagogical ideas are current, aiming at the curtailing of provincial as well as supreme

DUTIES OF THE EMPEROR. O

authority. The Emperor has to contend with these^ and to accommodate himself in such a manner as to reconcile the purest despotism with a popular democracy. The Chinese monarch must be the father of the great, Blacks haired racej always tender^ kind^ and thoroughly Chinese in all institutions and sentiments. He has to shew himself the worthy chief of his Manchoos^ who look up to him as such, and expect much from his bounty. Among'st the Mongols, he must appear as a great Chan ; whose riches in cattle, whose influence, whose pervading power in the steppes, must awe down all antagonism. To the Tibetans and the numerous nomades, he has to show himself as a great devotee j who looks upon the Dalai Lama as Heaven's incarnation, and feeds all the Lamas who come near him, from motives of extreme piety.

The enormous responsibility thus devolving on the shoulders of the Chinese monarch, does not exempt him from paying due regard to these nationalities; and a deviation on either side might often have dangerous consequences. The administration of so great an empire requires the aid of many distinguished men ; and it would be impossible that some should not become the guides of the monarch: though they call him their master, and reign in his name. However enlightened the " sons of Heaven " may wish to appear before the world, the thraldom in which superstition holds them is nevertheless very strong; and an astrological board — miscalled astronomical — regulates all their important movements.

We have enumerated these limitations to the sovereign authority of the great Emperor ; because, in order to judge of their measures impartially, it is necessary to keep these points always in view ; and we may thus frequently find a clue to proceedings that would otherwise appear to be unaccountable. A common peasant frequently enjoys more true liberty, more freedom of action, than his prince.

PARENTAGE OF MEENNING.

Chapter I

Birth and parentage of Meenning, afterwards Taou-kwang. — His early youth. — The Emperor Ke^nlung's system of education. — His character and habits. — He abdicates. — Insurrection of the Meaotze. — Projected invasion of India. — Destruction of the Chinese army. — Rising in the North-Western Provinces. — Lawlessness of the soldiery. — Death of Keenlung. — Revelries of the Emperor Keaking. — Fate of his prime minister. — Character and pxu-suits of Meenning. — Cruelties of the Emperor. — Conspiracy to dethrone him. — His remorse, and subsequent tyranny. — Political fraternity of the Water- Lily. — Persecution of the Roman Catholics. — Conduct and habits of Meenning. — His personal character. — He eludes the proscription of the Emperor. — His choice of friends. — He protects European mechanics.

Taou-kwang, who as prince bore the name of Meenning-, was born in the end of 1781, longbefore his father had the least hope of ever ascending the throne.

Keenlung, his grandfather, had many sons j and he had chosen amongst them, from time to time, the most distinguished as his successor; but those elected either died, or proved themselves unworthy of the high appointment. He left off, therefore, designating his heir, and treated all his children with great impartiality. Anxious to promote their welfare, he gave them very little money, until reaching their 25th year ; when they obtained an establishment worthy their rank, and perhaps the title of Wang, or king, with an income of about 10,000 taels, about £3,000 sterling, a year : the princesses having before been disposed of, with a dower, to some Manchoo or Mongol noble, or to a Chinese statesman.

Ke^nlung's sons and grandsons were, from their sixth year, put under the most eminent of the Hanlin, or doctors. The ministers of State were entrusted with the superintendence of their education ; the best horsemen and archers of Mongolia and Manchooria were given them as riding-masters. The monarch wished that the princes of the blood should excel in mental discipline and in vigour of body; strong exercise and great exertions he deemed necessary for invigorating their constitution, and fitting them for their high rank.

EDUCATION OF THE IMPERIAL FAMILY. 9

There was a larg-e apartment at Yuen-min^- yuen expressly set aside for the instruction of the imperial youths. They were kept there very strictly : the teachers had orders to treat them as the children of common citizens, and to spare no trouble to instil into their minds love for the doctrines of the ancient sag-es. When they were least aware, the Emperor would suddenly surprise them, inquire into their conduct, make them repeat their lessons, g'ive directions as to the future course of instructions to be adopted, and punish with very g^reat severity, if there was the least neg-lect.

A Manchoo is born a warrior ; and however much Chinese learning- may be prized, as absolutely necessary at Court, still, to handle with skill a bow and to gallop a horse, are considered higher accomplishments, more in unison with the national spirit. Those who do not partake with delight in these exercises are considered degenerate, and unworthy to form part of the family which rules over the Chinese Empire. The boys also had now and then permission to accompany their father on his hunting tours, to shew their agility in riding and shooting. Otherwise, they were kept from all public business, and strictly confined to their studies, with very little intercourse with the Court. Guards were set over them, to prevent them wandering' about at pleasure, and forming connections with the people. They generally lived in entire ignorance of all the events that were going on ; and, as long as they were under twelve years, they were treated as mere schoolboys.

Gradually, on coming of age, they enjoyed more freedom, but could never leave the precincts of the palace without express permission; which was rarely given them. Thus restrained, without occupation and with a scanty subsistence, for princes, their youth was passed in frivolous pastimes. Having passed twenty years, they were called to assist at the ceremonies of the Court ; to perform, as proxies for their august relations, the rites on solemn occasions ; to take now and then a trip to the imperial tombs, or to sit in judgment upon one or other prince : and to change the monotony of life, they received,' occasionally, a summons to repair to the

PATRIARCHAL HABITS OF KE^NLUNG. 11

council-table, and thus come in contact with statesmen.

Ke^nlung' would sometimes unbend on festive occasions, when the whole family was assembled. In the latter days of his life, he numbered children and children's children of the fifth generation. Amongst them he used to sit down with truly patriarchal benevolence, embrace and carry them, and shew himself the father of the family in the fullest sense of the word. Liberties were, however, never permitted ; and the loving father was soon changed into the stern monarch, to keep familiarity at a distance.

In such a circle the early days of Taou-kwang were passed. His father was the third of four surviving sons, and the 15th child of Ke^nlung, born of a concubine. The legitimate children had long before died, and the choice of Keenlung was fixed upon Keaking ; because he had silently prayed to Heaven, and believed it to be the decree from on High, that he should succeed, as the most able of all his offspring. He abdicated the throne, after a reign of sixty years; and the new

Emperor trod in the steps of his father^ as long' as his father lived.

It was a very difficult time. Ke^nlung' declared that he had foreg-one his own predilection, in the appointment of this son to the Imperial throne; and there was^ perhaps^ none of the princes less fitted to assume the reins of government than Keaking.

Meenning's youth fell upon a very stormy period : even the throne was at times endangered. The iniquitous wars of his grandfather with Birmah and Annam had impoverished the treasury^ and the revenue was in an irretrievahle state of confusion. Governmentj having- no phj'sical means to meet the coming storm, was obliged to temporize, and it became an administration of expediency; *

The Meaotze in Sechuen, who had been subdued with barbarous cruelty, and whose princes had been cut to pieces by slow degrees, to please the Court, rose again to a man, and in a very short time dispersed the feeble garrisons left to keep them in check. They maintained their g-round, kept at defiance the detachments sent ag-ainst them, and only agreed to peace, when, after many years of

DEFEATS OF THE CHINESE ARMY. 13

direful contest, a round sura was paid into their hands.

The defeat which the Chinese army twice suffered in the Birniah territoryj cooled in some measure Ke^nlung-'s courage, in planning- the projected invasion of India — a darling- idea with which some European seems to have inoculated him. It was easy to conclude a treaty with a nation that had g-ained everytliingby the war, and kept undisputed possession of the conquered regions j and thus matters were adjusted,even before the abdication of Ke^nlung-.

The invasion of Tunldn, and the annihilation of the whole Chinese army by a handful of rebels, imprinted an indelible stig'ma upon Chinese prowess. Long- afterwards, when Annam was swayed by its native prince — a man of enterprise and great renown, who prized European science, and despised Chinese antiquated lore — threats of instant war were several times thrown out, by a power which had never before been otherwise than in vassalag-e to the Chinese Empire. All these indignities Taou-kwang's father had to endure, without ever being able to crush the puny king who thus rose against his liege lord.

Yet these were trifling' evils, which Ke^nlung bequeathed, when compared with a very g"eneral rising in the North-Western Provinces. An extraordinary mania seemed to have seized the people to clamour for liberty, or to demand of Government the means of subsistence in years of severity. The malcontents appeared in thousands and hundreds of thousands, apparently without a real object; laying the whole of Shensi waste, spreading to Shangi and even Chihli, and undermining the very foundations of the State.

It was indeed a trying time when these events took place. Taou-kwang was then about twenty years of age ; and, though doubtless unacquainted with the details of the farspreading insurrection, he knew, nevertheless, that the storm raged not far from the Imperial palace. The soldiers sent out ag'ainst those masses of marauders, were themselves poverty-- stricken, and had to live by plunder ', they were, therefore, as much hated by the peaceful peasantry as the rebels. Had the latter been organized and formed into a political faction, they would have overthrown the reigning dynastj'-j as it was, they merely rendered/

SAD CHANGE AT COURT. 15

themselves odious as robbers. Starvation occasioned by droug-ht swelled their ranks, and they might have maintained themselves a very long- time ; if the common people, wearied by their exactions, had not risen to a man against them.