eir shops are broken
up, their property confiscated without mercy, and all the terrors of the
law invoked upon the persons of such, who indeed are few, as have not
alertness and foresight enough to keep out of the way. This excess of
virtue does not endure long however; and the liberal generosity of the
traders generally contrives, in a month, to overcome the scruples of the
most resolute.

"During my residence, however," says Mr. Dobell, "a _foo-yune_
arrived, who proved incorruptible, and he almost destroyed the
smugglers, as well as the profits of his colleagues; which
latter, becoming tired of his persecutions, united together,
and by their intrigues had him advanced to a much higher
station. Being a man of talent, he got another step again in a
short time, and at length came back to Canton as Tsan-tuk or
viceroy. The opium dealers and smugglers were greatly alarmed,
shut up their shops, and secreted themselves for some time. It
appeared their fears were groundless. This artful man, who
formerly persecuted them from political motives, to insure his
advancement, was now as mild and propitious as possible. Having
arrived at an elevated station, with the certainty of rising
still higher, he sought to enrich himself, in order to be more
sure of gratifying his ambition. Accordingly, he proved kind to
his colleagues, and polite to Europeans; and by his affability
of deportment, contrived to amass the largest fortune that ever
fell to the share of a viceroy of Canton. He was afterwards
made a member of the emperor's council at Pekin."

The robbery of the government, if conducted with sufficient skill and
boldness, seems to be as successful as smuggling--indeed, it is a maxim
with those in power, never to risk a defeat, and that it is best to
accomplish their ends, by a crafty and cautious delay until a favourable
moment for executing them arrives. The salt trade is one of the most
lucrative, important, and extensive, and is conducted entirely under
special licenses from Mandarins, appointed by the crown. Some years
since, the pirates on the coast intercepted the salt-junks, and
compelled the monopolists to negotiate with them, and pay a certain sum
for the safe passage of every vessel. After a while, this intercourse
led to a regular trade, by which the captains of the salt-junks supplied
the pirates with arms and ammunition, a