China and the Chinese (Volume 1); Their Religion, Character, Customs, and Manufactures. the Evils Arising from the Opium Trade with a Glance at Our ... with That Country. by Henry Charles Sirr - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1849. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... chapter iv. Mandarin of the fifth class visiting Victoria--Account of the procession--Visit to Cowloon--The mighty man at home--Description of the town, inhabitants, theatre, and joss-house--Warning to curious ladies, being an anecdote connected with a Begum's household. Although our officials in China do not deem it necessary to wear their civil uniform, except on state occasions, the Chinese, whenever an opportunity presents itself, appear puhlicly in Victoria, surrounded by all the accompaniments of their station and official rank. The mandarin of Cowloon (a small town on the mainland opposite to Victoria) paid a visit to one of the American missionaries stationed at Victoria: this visit was not a state visit paid to local authorities, but was merely a friendly call, therefore no great state or ceremony was observed; nevertheless, the contrast was great, when regarded in contradistinction, to the manner in w-hich our consular officers walk about the streets of Canton, Hong-Kong, and the consular cities of China. The mandarin crossed over in his boat, manned with twenty oars on each side, the rowers being attired in a species of uniform, having gaily painted, conicalshaped bamboo caps: in the boat were his sedanchair, chair-bearers, musicians, flng-bearers, and visit of A mandarin of the fifth class. 59 runners. The mandarin was attired in silken embroidered robes, and upon landing at Victoria, entered his sedan-chair, which was borne by eight bearers; then off the procession started in battle array, the runners preceding flourishing their bamboos on each side, to clear the road from all who should presume to attempt to come between the air and the mandarin's dignity: then followed the musicians, with wind instruments and gongs, caus...