bad arrangement for
British prestige in the East.

[Sidenote: Beginning of serious work.]

_Steamer 'Ava,' Hong-kong.--November 17th._--My serious work is about
to begin. I must draw up a challenge for Yeh, which is a delicate
matter. Gros showed me a _projet de note_ when I called on him some
days ago. It is very long, and very well written. The fact is, that he
has a much better case of quarrel than we; at least one that lends
itself much better to rhetoric. An opium-ship came in from Calcutta
yesterday. It brought me nothing from Canning. It is clear, however,
that things are getting better with him. I think it probable that my
despatch anticipating a favourable turn of affairs there, and founding
on that anticipation a demand for reinforcements, will reach England
at the very time when the news from India justifying that anticipation
will be received.... The Government and public in England would not
believe there was any danger in India for a long time, and
consequently allowed the season for precautionary measures to pass by,
and then made up for their apathy by the most exaggerated
apprehensions. My mind has been more tranquil, for it has not
presented these phases. As soon as I heard of Canning's difficulties,
I determined to do what I could for him; but it never occurred to me
that we were to act as if the game was up with us in the East.

[Sidenote: How to govern a democracy.]

The secret of governing a democracy is understood by men in power at
present. Never interfere to check an evil until it has attained such
proportions that all the world see plainly the necessities of the
case. You will then get any amount of moral and material support that
you require; but if you interfere at an earlier period, you will get
neither thanks nor assistance! I am not at all sure but that the time
is approaching when foresight will be a positive disqualification in a
statesman. But to return to our own matters. The Government and public
are thinking of nothing but India at present. It does not however
follow, that quite as strong a feeling might not be got up for China
in a few months. If we met with anything like disaster here, that
would certainly be the case.

[Sidenote: Description of Hong-kong.]

_Head-Quarters House, Hong-kong.--November 22nd._--I wish you could
take wings and jo