6 FEBRUARY 1864, Page 3

The latest intelligence from China curiously justifies Captain Osborn's refusal

to obey any Chinese mandarin. Major Gordon had inflicted a severe defeat on the Taepings in Soochow, and offered their leaders safety if the city were surrendered. It was surrendered accordingly, and the Futai, in spite of Major Gordon's remonstrances and threats, executed the prisoners, and finding that Major Gordon intended to hold him responsible for his treachery placed that officer in confinement. Major Gordon has conse- quently been compelled to withdraw his force, and demand from Pekin complete exemption from mandarin orders. It is always thus in Asia. The European cannot serve under the Asiatic, and, if he interferes at all, must rule as sovereign.