equal tenderness it embraces all countries, but at the same time leaves distant barbarians to their lot, if they are so stupid as not to acknowledge the supremacy of the only civilized nation in the world. Considering even the presence of barbarians contaminating and destructive to its ancient institutions, it keeps them at a respectful distance, and stigmatizes with the ignominious appellation of traitorous natives, those of its degenerate sons who dare to mix with so vile a race. CHAPTER XXIII. SOLDIERS AND SAILORS. The Standing Army of China.-The Militia.-The Bluster of the Soldiers.-The Tartar Life Guards, the 66 Tigers of War.”—Tartar Officers.-Colours.-Weapons of War.Navy of China.-Vessels on the River.-Edict of the Emperor respecting Shipwrecks.-Fireworks. As I have but little love or loyalty for such monarchs as delight in war, who "Wade through slaughter to a throne, And shut the gates of mercy on mankind ;” and very little inclination to regard battles and sieges, and sacking of cities, and great victories, as the best things under the skies, so my remarks on the military of China will be but short. Could I do as I would, all Taou Kwang's "tigers of war" would soon be transformed into citizens of peace. Such different statements are made of the standing army of China, that to decide between them fairly would require more military knowledge than I possess; but in an empire so abound 216 CHINESE SOLDIERS ARE BOASTERS. ing with population, the number of soldiers must be very great. Perhaps I should not go beyond the truth in stating it at six or seven hundred thousand. Besides the standing army, there is a kind of militia kept up to a great extent, the men only serving for a time; one day they are wielding their weapons as soldiers, and another using their implements as workmen. In spite of bitter thoughts and angry words, A hundred spades are worth a thousand swords. Judging by what passes on the Chinese stage, the people must be fond of war; for the most desperate encounters and the most valorous achievements there take place, exciting among the spectators rapturous applause. There is, however, a great deal of bluster in all this. Did the Chinese, as warriors, feel more confidence in themselves than they do, there would be less flourishing of long swords, their shields would not bear the hideous shapes which now emblazon them, they would not tear and stamp as they do in their exercise, and the word "Brave" would no longer be stitched on their jackets. In old times the Chinese used to form their troops into strange figures, giving them sounding names, such as "Flying Dragon" and "Scudding Clouds," so that the present show and bluster among them is only the carrying on their ancient usages. The Tartar life-guard soldiers, or, as they are |