'Private accounts from Bombay, to the 9th of September, speak
with much dissatisfaction of Mr. Superintendent Elliot's prohibition of the lawful trade with China, which the Chinese authorities are willing to renew. It is stated that the Lady Grant, laden with opium, nomiuelly .for Singapore but really for the East coast of China, vas fitting out at Bombay. She would take about 500 chests of opium—worth, at Bom- bay, from 500 to 550 rupees per chest. The stock of Malwa opium at Bombay was about 11,000 chests, and 20,000 chests was the estimated produce of the season ; the knowledge of recent proceedings at Canton having arrived too late to prevent the manufacture. It appears to be the decided conviction of the parties not engaged in the contraband traffic, that until the East India Company prevents the export of opium, there will be no safety for the legitimate commerce with China ; and that Mr. Elliot's conduct in putting a stop to the allowed, because the Chinese took measures to prevent the prohibited commerce, was most reprehensible. But for the unfortunate .affair at Canton, the business of the East India merchants might have been very flourishing, as the accounts from the provinces represented the monsoon as very favourable. As it was, trade continued dull.—Colonial Gazette.
The Lords of the Treasury have sent an answer to the claimants for indemnification for losses sustained by the surrender of the opium at Canton, showing that the Government does not intend to make good Mr. Elliot's engagements- " Gentlemen—Having laid before the Lords Commissioners of her Majesty's Treasury your letter, in which you apply for a settlement of certain chums for opium delivered to the Chinese Government, and transmit certificates signed by Captain C. Elliot ; I have received their Lordships' commands to acquaint you, that Parliament has placed at the disposal of this Board no funds oat of which any compensation could be made, and that the sanction of Parliament would be required before any such claim could be recognized and paid. " To prevent any misconstruction of the intentions of this Board, my Lords have felt it necessary to direct me further to state, that the subject has been under the attentive consideration of her Majesty's Government, and to add, that her Majesty's Government do not propose to submit to Parliament a vote
for the payment of such claims. (Signed) "it. GORDON. " Treasury Chambers, Nov. 11. 18::9."
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