Chapter XXIV: Conclusion

I have now gone over most of the points relative to which I have been able to recollect the remarks and observations which arose in my mind during my attendance on this memorable Embassy. The comparisons I have made were given with a view of assisting the reader to form in his own mind some idea what rank the Chinese may be considered to hold, when measured by the scale of European nations; but this part is very defective. To have made it complete would require more time and more reading, than at present I could command. The consideration of other objects, those of a political nature, which are of the most serious importance to our interests in China, is more particularly the province of those in a different sphere, and would, therefore, be improper for me to anticipate or prejudge, by any conjectures of my own. It belongs to other persons, and perhaps to other times[70]; but it is to be hoped that the information, reflections, and opinions of the Embassador himself, may one day be fully communicated to the public, when the present objections to it shall cease, and the moment arrive (which is probably not very distant) that will enable us to act upon the ideas of that nobleman's capacious and enlightened mind, and to prove to the world that the late Embassy, by shewing the character and dignity of the British nation in a new and splendid light, to a court and people in a great measure ignorant of them before, however misrepresented by the jealousy and envy of rivals, or impeded by the counteraction of enemies, has laid an excellent foundation for great future advantages, and done honour to the wisdom and foresight of the statesman[71] who planned the measure, and directed its execution.

[70] This was written at the close of the year 1803.

[71] The Lord Viscount Melville.

INDEX.

A

_Abaris_, the flying arrow of, 40

_Africa_, coast of, known to the Phenicians, 48

_Agriculture_, an honourable profession, 397
of _Pe-tche-lee_, 554
of _Shan-tung_, 554
of _Kiang-nan_, 561
terrace system of, 568

_Air_ sung by Chinese boatmen, 81

_Almanack_, national, 284

_Almeyda_, a Portuguese Jesuit, malignant spirit of, 19

_Alphabet_ of the Mantchoo language, 272

_American_ Indians resemble the Chinese, 44
traders, how considered at Canton, 593

_Amplification_, Chinese example of, 36

_Ancients_ unacquainted with China, 435

_Anniversary_ of the Emperor of China's birth-day, 196

_Anson's_ voyage, character of Chinese in the account of, 27

_Antiquary_, curious mistake of one, 258

_Appeal_, none in civil causes, 277

_Arbitrary power_, instance of, 85

_Arch_, very ancient in Chinese architecture, 339
those called triumphal, 95

_Archipelago of Chu-san_, violent currents in, 54

_Architecture_ of the palace of _Yuen-min-yuen_, 124
style of, in landscape gardening, 135
general observations on, 330
monumental, 339

_Arithmetic_, 196

_Armenian_ and his pearl, 611

_Army_ establishment, 405
how employed, 408

_Astronomy_, 284
ignorance of the Chinese in, 290

_Authority_, parental, basis of Chinese government, 359

B

_Baboom_, an Armenian, trick played by him at Canton, 612

_Bamboo_, the practice of flogging with, instanced, 161
general utility of this plant, 309
reflexions on the punishment of, 380
compared with that of the _knout_ in Russia, 383

_Bedford_, Duke of, his portrait in China, 115

_Beverage_ of life, 464

_Bishop_ of Pekin, his visit to _Yuen-min-yuen_, 110

_Books_, ancient ones of China, 276

_Breakfast_, Chinese, 89

_Briareus_ of China, 471

_Bridges_, 337
one of ninety-one arches, 520

_Budha_, compared with _Fo_, 468

_Burying-ground_, 497