The latest intelligence from China (Shanghai, 25th October) is important.
Burgevine, and all other Europeans, have quitted the Taeping service, the Chinese authorities agreeing to pardon them, and Major Gordon assisting them to escape. This desertion will indefinitely increase the value of the Anglo-Chinese serving on the Imperial side. On the other hand, the Court of Pekin, while con- ceding Mr. Lay's request to be allowed to pay the new Navy, refuse to exempt Captain Osborn from the authority of the pro- vincial viceroys. Captain Osborn refuses to move until he is exempted, and awaits the return of Mr. Bruce, who has gone on a holiday trip into Tartary. Served by Europeans, paid by a Euro- pean, and responsible only to the Regent, who is guided by a European, Captain Osborn, if he carries his poiut, will have sub- stantially broken down the whole Chinese regime, and will be master, if not of China, at least of all Chinese waters.
Previous page
