CHINESE WAR AND INDIAN HISTORY, FROM THE AFFGHANISTAN
DISASTER IN 1841 TO THE GENERAL PACIFICATION OF THE
EAST IN 1842.
It is observed by an American reviewer of the History CHAP. of Europe during the French Revolution, that so vast was the extent of the British empire during that memorable contest, and so multiplied its relations in all parts of the England is earth, that there is no country, except China, with which first time its annalist does not find himself brought in contact, and brought into of which he does not find it necessary to give some with China. account. The next quarter of a century saw this exception removed. Great Britain, at the close of that period, came into collision with the Chinese empire ; the ancient civilisation and immovable institutions of Asia were brought into fierce hostility with the rising power and expansive forces of Europe. This occurred, too, at a time of all others the least favourable to the European side of the contest, for the military strength of Great Britain, when it broke out, had been reduced to an unparalleled state of weakness from the effects of a long external peace and recent democratic revolution; and the warlike resources of India were simultaneously engaged in a desperate strife within the Himalaya snows,