hich I have referred, and still more by the
terror which British prowess has inspired, are now infesting the
coasts of China. It may be that for the moment they are able, in too
many cases, to perpetrate the worst crimes with impunity; but they
bring discredit on the Christian name; inspire hatred of the foreigner
where no such hatred exists; and, as some recent instances prove,
teach occasionally to the natives a lesson of vengeance, which, when
once learnt, may not always be applied with discrimination.

But if the extension of the privileges of foreigners in China involves
considerations of nicety, still more delicate are the questions which
arise when it is proposed to confer by treaty on foreign Powers the
right to interfere on behalf of natives who embrace their religion. It
is most right and fitting that Chinamen espousing Christianity should
not be persecuted. It is most wrong and most prejudicial to the real
interests of the Faith that they should be tempted to put on a
hypocritical profession in order to secure thereby the advantages of
abnormal protection.

[1] Mr. Oliphant's 'Narrative' contains an interesting account of
the places which he visited in the execution of this mission.

[2] Bruce, Robert, and Frederick, his three sons.

[3] See his 'Narrative,' vol. i. c. xi.

[4] A sacred island, in the 'sea of water-lilies.'

CHAPTER IX.

FIRST MISSION TO CHINA. TIENTSIN.

ADVANCE TO THE PEIHO--TAKING OF THE FORTS--THE PEIHO RIVER--
TIENTSIN--NEGOTIATIONS--THE TREATY--THE RIGHT OF SENDING A MINISTER TO
PEKIN--RETURN SOUTHWARD--SAILS FOR JAPAN.

The establishment of the principle of direct communication with the
Imperial Government at the capital had always been regarded as one of the
most important objects of Lord Elgin's mission. When, therefore, in reply
to his letter addressed to the Prime Minister, there came an answer from a
provincial officer, he returned it at once, and wrote again to the Prime
Minister, pointing out that, by refusing to correspond with him directly,
the Minister had broken the existing treaty, by which it was agreed that
'Her Britannic Majesty's Chief High Officer shall correspond with the
Chinese High Officers, both at the capital and in the provinces, under the
term "communication;"' and announcing that he should proceed at once to the
North, in order that he might place himself in more immediate