CHINA

Colonist, Volume V, Issue 470, 25 April 1862, Page 3

CHINA

(From the Overland China Mail,)

The principal news during thapast fortnight has reference to the loss of Ningpo by the Imperial party, and its capture by the rebels.

On the first intelligence of this event, most moderate people here, whilst anxious to believe that the rebels were beginning to show signs of humanity in their deportment towards those who fell under their power, had grave doubts as to the reality of the change, at once sudden and satisfactory, that was said to characterise the progress of the insurgent campaign. We have recorded that nearly the whole of the city population fled on the advance of the Taipings, but, unfortunately, some poor women, mostly old, were left behind, with a certain proportion of younger ones; these latter have been subjected to every sot of indignity, some being ultimately left to die in the streets. The streets themselves are literally strewn with dead bodies, all form of burial being quite disregarded. Altogether, the city presents a spectacle of the most revolting description, by no means creditable to the decency of its present occupants. Towards foreigners alone has moderation been practised, and that is solely attributable to the-dread they entertain of us. No general massacre took place, as there were few people left to kill; no houses were burnt, in compliance with a promise given to our Consul at Ningpo, before the city was taken. The trades and prospects of the place are, however, hopelessly ruined.

The latest advices from Pekin are to the 18th December, at which date all was quiet. Mr. .Bruce, in conjunction with Prince Kuncr, had issued revised regulations for the Yang-tze river.

At Nanking, we, believe, the same condition of affairs prevails as when our authorities last paid it a visit. Beyond the traffio in a few necessaries of life, there is nothing in the form of trade; terror rules within the walls, and decapitation, the only punishment known in the rebel camps, is a daily or hourly occurrence, the military patrols may kill a suspicious or unknown person on meeting him, and the chiefs, or headmen, have the same power over their slaves. Only two classes of population are found in Nanking, the soldiers and the helots. Among the soldiery there are many leaders who are jealous of each other, and this jealousy alone keeps down disaffection. Danger irom the Imperialist is the chief if not the only bond of union among the rebels, and on the removal of such danger by further successes, it is not improbable that divisions may quickly take place in their camps and councils. Several of the rebel officers have secretly expressed their wish to leave.Nanking, but are deterred no less by the watch set on them than by the difficulty of knowing where to fly to. Chusan is at present a receptacle for the trade driven from Ningpo by the rebels.

From the ports of Amoy, Fuhchan, and Swatow, we have no news of importance.

Hangchow is reported to have fallen at last; this has caused a little consternation among the native merchants at Shanghae, who suppose that another stride will bring the rebels to their doors. The steamer Scotland was sold the other day for £29,000, her purchasers were Chinese : and the fact shows the confidence they have in our trade and in the Great River.