iliated, for they moved about the
room in their stockinged feet like so many automatons, shrinking and
cringing before their conquerors, evincing the greatest pleasure in
receiving the least attention from the civilians in the room. Their
appearance without shoes is by order of the governor-general, to remind
them of their disgrace, and to show proper respect to those that hold
the sway: this, I am told, is the custom of the land. This last tax upon
their pride might at least have been passed over, for why strike them
while they are down? These princes, it will be remembered, were the
chieftains of the Punjaub, and their surrender was the signal of
annexing that great kingdom to the British empire. The ameers of Scinde,
I believe, are also among the dark faces opposite. Other warriors
as brave as they have been unfortunate--the captives, or rather the
victims, of Sir Charles Napier."

The ameers were of course subjected to similar indignities: these things
could but inspire hatred among the native princes, which broke out
malignantly soon after Lord Canning's Indian career commenced.

CHINA.

The governor and garrison of Hong-Kong were startled by a deed of
atrocity and perfidy on the part of the Chinese. On the 22nd of
August the governor of Macao, who had acted more firmly towards
the commissioner at Canton than his predecessors, was waylaid and
assassinated. Proofs arose that the Chinese authorities were concerned
in the outrage, and a conflict of a serious nature ensued between the
Chinese and the Portuguese troops. The British, French, and American
naval officers on the station brought up their war-ships to protect the
residents at Macao who belonged to their respective countries, and
to render such assistance as might be possible to the Portuguese
authorities. But for this, the Europeans resident at Macao would
probably have all been massacred.

At the same time, the chief commissioner of his Chinese majesty at
Canton issued very stringent edicts against smuggling, and the English
merchants and marine were subjected to repeated insults. No conflict,
however, occurred; but the seeds were sowing for future contest. After
laborious negotiations, and many minor outrages, a peace between
the Portuguese of Macao and the Chinese was ultimately arranged. The
Portuguese themselves were as little to be trusted or respected as
the Chinese; probably, where religion was concerned, less bigotry was
exhibited by the P