hensions on that account will be entertained."

It was then resolved. That, although the information afforded in the letter of the secretary of the Bombay Steam Committee does not establish an absolute immunity from risk in the case of shareholders, it presents that security which is afforded by the character of the parties who are to carry the scheme into effect, and by the publicity which will attend their proceedings;" and that "the subscribers present at this meeting are prepared to subscribe to the Bombay Steam Navigation Fund upon the terms proposed by the secretary thereof."

Here follows a list of subscribers to the Bombay Steam Navigation Fund,amount ing to Rs. 2,700.

The imports from Penang amounted to 334,770 Sp. drs., and those from Malacca to 177,235 Sp. drs., which added to the above, make the imports 9,101,179 Sp.drs.; the exports to Penang and Malacca werǝ 506,162 Sp. drs.; shewing a total of 7,593,190 Sp. drs. Exclusive of the trade with those two places, the increase in the imports, by square-rigged vessels alone, appears to have reached the sum of drs. 262,794; and that by native vessels to drs. 389,406, making a total increase of 652,200 drs. in the imports, after deducting the decrease. In the exports by square-rigged vessels, there was a decrease of 36,876 drs., but an increase in those by native craft to the amount of 318,062 drs.

Supply of Rice to China.-The present scarcity in China of rice, and the direct encouragement held out by the Chinese government, have induced some of the native merchants at Canton to charter several vessels to have it conveyed thither. The Elizabeth has recently proceeded hence for China chiefly laden with rice, and the Frances Charlotte is about to follow with a like cargo.-Sing. Chron., Nov. 21.

Earthquake.-On the 24th instant at twenty-five minutes to nine o'clock, P. M. a slight shock of earthquake was distinctly felt at this settlement; it was followed by a tremulous motion of the earth, which lasted for upwards of a minute or perhaps longer. Two subsequent shocks, but not perceptible, occurred. The night was very clear, and by no means sultry. From what we can learn the shock was felt more distinctly at Campong Glam, than in the town. It is the first phenomenon of the kind that has occurred since the formation of the settlement. It is conjectured that the volcano in Sumatra, Gunong Berapi, is now violently at work. -Ibid. Nov. 7.

Penang.

SAVINGS BANK.

A meeting held on the 23d October, to take into consideration the establishment of a Savings Bank, was most respectably and numerously attended; besides most of the European gentlemen of the community, there were present some leading members of each sect, but the most numerous were of the Chinese, who seemed very forward in their approval and support of the institution from its first proposal. The governor took the chair, and having briefly explained the object of the meeting, the recorder addressed the assembly at some length, adverting to the origin of Sayings Banks, the great general utility they had been found of in England,' and anticipating from the inquiries he had made of the gentlemen then surrounding him the most beneficial results to the industrious poor

from a similar establishment in this island. To further this object the governor had consented, subject to the approval of the supreme government, to receive deposits at four per cent. per annum, and there was little doubt of this accommodation being continued.

Resolutions for establishing a Savings Bank at Penang were then moved by the recorder, and unanimously adopted.

Retirement of Governor Ibbetson-Mr. Ibbetson being about to depart for England, the following resolutions passed at a meeting of inhabitants on the 13th November; they were moved by the recorder (Sir B. H. Malkin) and seconded by Mr. Balhetchet.

"That this meeting feel a sincere desire to shew some public testimony of their respect and esteem for the Hon. Robert Ibbetson, upon the occasion of his being about to return to England from the government of these settlements.

"That in the different gradations of service, in which that hon. gentleman has been employed in this and the neighbouring settlements, during a period of twentynine years, he has always evinced a disposition to contribute to the welfare of their inhabitants; and by the embarkation of property in the cultivation of land, has set an example of bringing forward the resources of this island that is likely to prove one of its most important and lasting benefits.

"That since the hon. gentleman's elevation to the government, this community is indebted to him for his readiness in reopening the treasury for the reception of suitors' deposits on interest, in admitting there also on interest the capital of the Savings Bank, and other important services of a similar nature.

"That in private life, the hon. gentleman has always been forward to promote all objects of charity, sociality, and amusement; and the society of this settlement will view his departure with unfeigned regret."

Mr. Ibbetson, on the resolutions being read by a deputation, at the head of which was the sheriff, replied:

"Gentlemen, I accept with pride and satisfaction this mark of your kindness and attention; intimately acquainted with many of you for a long period of years, and known to all from constant intercourse both public and private during our sojourn together at this little island, the present public expression of your senti ments becomes doubly welcome and grati fying to my feelings.

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Accept, gentlemen, in return, my most grateful thanks for the assurances you have made me, of which, as well as of the many happy years I have passed in your society, I shall ever retain a lively remembrance.",

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A correspondent, in the Singapore Chronicle of November 14th, with reference to the internal disturbances at Lingey, states that an officer, with a strong military guard, has been appointed to command at Qualla Lingey, the northern boundary of our territory, under a pretext to enforce the neutrality of our subjects from interfering with the existing contest at Lingey, by transporting supplies to the seat of war; but the real object of the mission of this officer, judging from the line of conduct he has lately pursued, is to facilitate and protect the conveyance of all kind of supplies to Syed Sabban, which are sent by his agent, Mr. Westerhout, and to prevent, at. the same time, boats proceeding up the river with supplies for the Lingey people. This gallant officer has, in more than one instance, exerted his zeal very conspicuously by sending armed parties of sepoys, in our guard or war boat (as it is called), to scour all the inlets and creeks on the other side of the Lingey river (over which government have no right whatever to control), and to prohibit, with force of arms, the landing of goods or entrance of any boats other than those consigned to Syed Sab ban." He adds in a postscript: "Since writing the above, a man from Sempang, a village lying on the coast, came in and reported that a number of pirate prows were at anchor at Pulo Bessar, and had seized six of our Malay fishermen. The local authorities of this place had not the means at hand to repel these marauders, in consequence of the absence of our war-boat at Qualla Lingey, which is employed, as stated above, in assisting our ally Syed Sabban, and his horde of vagabonds; instead of protecting our commerce and the property and lives of our inhabitants from the rapacity of pirates, for which purpose these boats were principally built and equipped, and are maintained by government."

where, from the accounts of Crawford's mission, in 1822, a much worse reception was expected them even in Cochin China. In this expectation we were agreeably disappointed. Though treated with more bluntness than in Cochin China, we certainly met with more real civility among the Siamese boors, than among the refined courtiers of Annam.

On the 18th of February, the Peacock anchored off the bar of the river Menam, the water being too shallow to admit of her passing over it. The land at the north end of the Gulf of Siam is very low and almost level with the water; and the ship, having to anchor above ten miles off, could not therefore be seen by those on shore. This rendered it necessary to go on shore, to report the arrival of the mission, at Pak-nam, a small and dirty town, well fortified but feebly garrisoned, which is situated on the right bank of the river Menam, about two miles from its mouth. After some correspondence with the officers at court, two barges were sent down to Pak-nam, to convey to the capital the envoy, accompanied by Captain Geisinger and nine other gentlemen. On leaving the ship a salute of thirteen guns was fired, which was returned by his Siamese majesty's barges in very laughable style.

Bankok (as foreigners continue to call the capital, though by the natives it is called Sya Yuthya) is built chiefly on the banks of the river, all communication from house to house being for the most part carried on by water. It extends about four miles on both sides of the river, and is situated above thirty miles from Pak-nam. Its inhabitants are estimated, according to native accounts, at nearly half a million of these, the majority are Chinese; among the Siamese are numerous priests; the other classes of inhabitants are Malays, Klings, IndoPortuguese, Peguans, Burmans, Laos, and Cochin Chinese. The most remarkable circumstance about the city is the number of Jungadas, or floating-houses, which occupy a considerable portion, on. each side of the river. These houses are built very neatly of wood, and are fixed on thick bamboo rafts. They are lashed to stakes driven into the bed of the river; and thus their occupiers are able readily to move their habitations, by merely casting off the lashings, and floating along with the tide to any other unoccupied station.

The mission reached Bankok, on the 25th of February, and the following day the envoy and suite paid a formal visit to the chao-p'haya p'hra-klang, or minister of foreign affairs, who at present occupies also the situation of junior chief minister, and commander of the forces both by land and sea. His excellency was seated, or rather reclined, upon a setee, having about him several cushions

covered with crimson velvet, and a profusion of golden vessels for containing siri, betel-nut, tobacco, water, &c.: these vessels, as no one is allowed to have them of gold, unless received from the hands of majesty, form at once very necessary articles of constant use, and distinguishing marks of rank and dignity. While the number of the minister's prostrate attendants, and courtiers, among whom were some of his own sons, served to increase this show of dignity, his dress (if dress it could be called) was calculated completely to contradict it. It consisted, as with the other Siamese, of merely a chintz cloth, reaching from the waist to a little below the knees, and fastened in front in its own folds, leaving the breast, back, and legs uncovered.

The Siamese nobles are very haughty and very boorish. Cold selfishness appears to be the most prominent trait in their character, and the principle of all their actions. Equals among men of rank can seldom meet in Siam. A single shade of inferiority is sufficient to lay one man prostrate before another, for an inferior is never suffered to stand or sit in the presence of his superior. The present p'hraklang is one of the least civil of the Siamese; he received the members of the mission with a slight inclination of the head and a kind of grunt to each, without ever rising from his settee. When all had become seated, he asked a great number of trivial questions, some natives, of Portuguese descent, acting as interpre

ters.

No other formal visit was paid to his excellency, except once when he gave a dinner to the members of the mission; but frequent informal visits were paid to him for the purpose of conferring on the business of the mission. It was well known that it would be useless to expect such visits to have been returned, as it is contrary to the Siamese custom for the principal ministers to call on foreign envoys. The dinner alluded to was given on occasion of the p'hraklang's shaving the head of two or three of his children, a ceremony performed at the age of thirteen or fourteen. On this occasion, the Portuguese consul, Carlos Manoel da Silveira, was invited to meet the mission. This gentleman, from his long stay in Siam, was able to give us much valuable information as to the manners and habits of the Siamese. It is contrary to their religion to feed upon any thing that has life, or to drink wine. The minister, therefore, was merely a spectator of the meal we dined, not with him, but before him. After dinner, Siamese tumblers came on the stage, which had been erected in front of the house, and showed many feats of agility. They were succeeded by a party of actors.

When the official business was nearly concluded, the 18th of March was fixed

for an audience of the king. The arrangements of Capt. Burney's mission in 1826 saved the envoy from all trouble in reference to the ceremonies to be observed. His golden-footed majesty now admits Europeans to visit him with their shoes on, saying that they are used for ornament, as much as turbans, rings, &c. among eastern nations. We had therefore no apprehensions of finding our shoes stolen, and being obliged to walk about barefoot, as did Mr. Crawfurd and his party in 1822. All that was necessary was to acquire the Siamese method of sitting, with the feet turned behind, and in that posture to make three salams with both hands joined.-The Siamese themselves make three prostrations, touching the ground with their foreheads.

The palace consists of a fine line of brick buildings, well white-washed, and having the roofs profusely covered with paint and gilding. The roads about the palace are good; but the display of military at the gates was miserable to a degree. The audience chamber is a large and lofty apartinent; the floor is carpeted, and the walls and pillars (which latter are square) are painted to resemble papering; but so little taste have the Siamese, that while handsome painted lamps and fine pictures are left to perish in the obscurity of old temples, this abode of royalty is decked only with some common tin lanterns of Dutch manufacture; and some Chinese daubs from the 'handsome face makers' shops in Hog-lane; about one-third of the hall, at the upper end, is separated from the rest by a curtain, which is drawn aside when the king ascends his throne, and again drawn across as soon as the audience is over. There are two thrones, made apparently of wood gilt. The less ceremonial one was used on this occasion, as well as when Captain Burney had his audience. It is immediately behind the curtain, is square and open on all sides, so that the king's person can be plainly seen when seated in it.

The other resembles a pulpit, closed round, and having only openings, like narrow Gothic windows, for the king to be seen through. This is used on occasions of great ceremony and formality. The king received Mr. Crawfurd seated in it.

The audience was well attended by Siamese, Peguan, Chinese, Portugeuse, and Kling officers, in full dress. This was the only occasion on which we saw the Siamese wearing any thing more than the dress already described. The king was clothed in a loose cloak of silver tissue, and the officers with similar cloaks of muslin, not, however, fastened in front. Among the Portuguese officers who were present, were the three gentlemen appointed to attend on the mission, viz. Snres. Benedito and Pascoal d'Alvergerias, two brothers, natives of Camboja;

the former general, and the latter colonel of his majesty's artillery; and Sus. Joze da Piedade, port-captain, a native of Siam, and honorary captain in the Portuguese royal navy.

The king is rather good-looking; like all his family, very dark-complexioned, and so stout as to be unable to move without difficulty. He has two brothers more legitimate than himself, their mother, the queen, being of royal descent. The elder of these is a priest or tala-poy, and the younger an idler. They are called chaofa, the princes of heaven, or heavenly princes, and are very much looked up to and esteemed by the people.

A few days after the audience, a treaty was concluded, in which, it may be presumed, Siamese jealousy would not admit of any greater privileges being granted than were obtained by the English in 1826.—Canton Reg., Oct. 24.

VOYAGE OF THE SYLPH.

An apartment had already been prepared for our reception. We received a formal invitation to a dinner, and were very well served. To facilitate our business, we requested the presence of the che-heen-wan and the tso-tang-sing in a private apartment. We asked the former, can we trade?" His reply was, not according to the law." How then ?"

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swer.

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By connivance," was the an"I have," said the che-heen, deputed my friend Sing and a merchant to arrange matters under my sanction. You know we cannot labour for nothing, and you will settle a certain per-centage upon your sales?" A merchant had been introduced to us, who had to strike the bargain, and to pay down the bargainmoney. A mutual agreement was drawn up and ratified by the che-heen, who had left us. We promised to go outside Woosung as soon as the bargain-money was paid down, but in case of defalcation to bring the ship up to the city. Having received their full assurance of the fulfilment of the engagement, we departed immediately. The next morning, Sing and the merchant came on board, took the musters of piece-goods, and ascertained the prices. They then hastened to Woo-sung, to communicate with the mandarins there, and promised to make a final settlement within a day on their return.

On the 22d, we set out in our longboat for Shang-hae, in order to arrange our affairs. We had now an European boat's crew, a very imposing sight for our friends the mandarins. The junks which daily entered were very numerous, from

* Concluded from last vol., p. 181.

forty to sixty per day, but they were nothing when compared to the hundreds which were moored in the river. An immense forest of masts covered the greater part of the city from our view. We think there were about 1,300 native craft; the southern junks having already left the place. In no province is trade carried on to so great an extent as in Keang-nan, the heart of the empire.

The large place in front of the Teenhow temple was lined with mandarins, both civil and military, in their full state robes, and surrounded by hundreds of their myrmidons, ready to receive us. There was no end to the compliments and inquiries after Hoo-hea-me. Whilst dissatisfaction was painted upon the countenance of our friends, they tried to smile, and to assure us that they felt extremely happy to see their friends again, and anticipated the enjoyment they would have in our company. Our flag was then waving in the wind, and communicated to the thousand spectators our classical taste. From the professions of friendship made by the mandarins, one would have believed that they delighted in the demonstration of the general popular joy; but they threw many an angry look upon the good-natured populace, who cared however very little about their disapprobation. Yet before we entered the temple, they were determined to wreak their vengeance. A poor fellow had rather too eagerly hastened forward to get a look at us; he was apprehended, flogged, and afterwards put, with the cangue on, in the pillory. Our bony and strong sailors made upon them a deep impression; they looked frequently with astonishment at them, and became pensive.

We waited six days, but nobody came near us. The cold was rigorous, and our poor lascars, who had not yet recovered from the Manchoo disaster, suffered again intensely. Yet their situation was nothing, when compared with that of the poor soldiers, who had to watch us in tents on shore. We really pitied their wretchedness, and applied repeatedly to their superiors to withdraw them, but to no purpose. However, the war junks, which had anchored at some little distance from us, went away when we asked them to do so.

When we again came to the city, to inquire the reason for their having broken their engagement, we learnt, to our great astonishment, that both Sing and Wang denied having had any thing to do with us. To plead entire ignorance of an agreement which they had promised so solemnly to fulfil, was more than we could bear. We upbraided them with an utter want of trust, and felt ourselves now justified in bringing up the ship. Upon our intimating this to them, they Asiat. Jour.N.S. VOL.14, No.53.

ordered the junks in front of the temple away, that we might moor the ship. Notwithstanding all their blustering remonstrance, they shewed a great deal of fear, if this event was to take place, and had appointed sentinels to observe the motions of the ship, which was only a few miles distant.

The che-heen, confident that his stratagem would succeed, had, shortly after our first visit, issued a chop, wherein he painted the "barbarians" in the darkest colours, and assumed to himself the merit of having driven them away beyond Woosung. But now we stood before him, the ship was near the city, and the "barbarians " were, in this transaction at least, more honest than he himself. We therefore pointed out these falsehoods to him: he was really ashamed, and, in order to again make friends, he tore this placard down, and stuck up a large edict, written upon red paper, wherein he praised our conduct for having saved twelve ChinaThis was done during the night: to make the matter still more imposing, he placed two large lanterns near it, and thus attracted the attention of a numerous crowd.

men.

It was only on account of our having only ten effective men on board that we did not bring the ship up to the city, which might have changed the whole affair; for remonstrances were of no avail. During our stay at Shang-hae, we had perfect liberty to buy every thing we liked. In one of our excursions we met Admiral Paou, who has the command of the neighbouring rivers and channels. He got, as soon as he saw us, out of his chair, made a deep bow, congratulated us upon our safe arrival, and permitted us to buy and sell whatever we liked. We were then on our way to the city, and requested his permission to enter it. "By all means, was his reply, and, turning towards an officer, he enjoined him to go with us, and to show us every thing. In the meanwhile, he ordered the gates to be shut, made a bow, and hurried away. Scarcely could we believe our eyes when we saw the gates shut before us. Such is mandarin faith.

The inhabitants continued to be friendly, to the great annoyance of the mandarins. We had free intercourse with them. To frighten the people from having any thing to do with us, or even to greet us with a friendly look, they seized upon another poor lad, and beat him severely. After this they put him in the gate of our abode on the pillory, with the cangue, whereupon they had written, "for having had communication with the barbarians, and transgressed the laws." This we could not stand; we demanded from the che-hëen that he should set him free, and we succeeded.

(D)