×

Warning

JUser: :_load: Unable to load user with ID: 1064
Print this page
Tuesday, 14 March 2017 05:26

Devils on the Loose

Written by
Rate this item
(0 votes)
Chinese junk Chinese junk Painting origin unknown

In my latest book, Dragons, Devils and Rebels, there's a chapter on what Chinese and westerners thought of each other in the early days of contact. The book's finished, but I've since been reading a biography of an Englishman who lived in Shanghai in the mid 1850's. To his shock, when he first arrived Shanghai had been overrun by rebels, and was under siege from imperial troops. Still, he was an intrepid traveller. One day he went on 'an interesting excursion' to Wusong, by boat down the Huangpu. He and his companions sailed into trouble on the way home.

 

He writes:

'...in the evening we were puzzled to know how we should pass the Imperial fleet in safety. They are somewhat random with their fire after dark, and might easily have taken us for Chinese, if not Rebel spies. Mr Edkins came to the rescue, proposing that we should sing as we passed them, that they might know we were foreigners. This suggestion seemed good and the boatmen were pleased with the idea... We approached some ships we took to be the fleet, and passed them singing lustily. But just as we were about to congratulate one another on our success, the boatmen shouted to us to recommence, as we had been mistaken in what we supposed to have been the fleet and were just coming within range of their guns. 

'So now we had to tune up again without delay...We concluded just opposite the largest ship of the fleet. It was now quite dusk.

'"What now?" cried Mr Edkins, as the alarm-gong struck on board the ship. 'There is not a moment to lose."

'He then commenced singing I know not what. Quaterman struck up a truly American tune...while I at the same moment raised a third with all the voice I could command. The men on the warship were shouting loudly, our boat's crew outdoing them if possible, and the whole thing was so ludicrous that I could control myself no longer. I burst into a fit of laughter most inappropriate to the occasion. 

'"Who goes there?" shouted a voice from the Imperial ship.

'"Bai-gui [white devils]," yelled our men, while we cried simultaneously, "Da Ying-guo" [Great Britain] and "Hua-qi-guo" which means Flowery Flag Country, or America. 

'After a little further explanation we were allowed to pass, upon which my companions began to lecture the boatmen for having called us 'white devils'. The poor men, who had not yet received their day's pay were very penitent.'

This story is taken from a letter by James Hudson Taylor of 20 September 1854, in Biography of James Hudson Taylor by Dr and Mrs Howard Taylor, Hodder & Stoughton, London 1983, pp111-112. 


Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/alisonll/public_html/templates/rt_metropolis/html/com_k2/default/item.php on line 248
Read 2916366 times Last modified on Tuesday, 14 March 2017 09:51

212960 comments

  • Comment Link SheilaGal Friday, 14 March 2025 12:19 posted by SheilaGal

    Поковка вольфрамовая ВНЖ 5-3

    Поковка вольфрамовая ВНЖ 5-3 обладает высокой прочностью и термостойкостью, что делает ее идеальным выбором для различных промышленных применений. Этот материал отличается отличной коррозионной стойкостью и способен выдерживать экстремальные температуры, обеспечивая надежность в работе. Приобретая Поковка вольфрамовая ВНЖ 5-3, вы получаете продукт, соответствующий самым строгим стандартам качества. Не упустите возможность улучшить свои производственные процессы. Купить Поковка вольфрамовая ВНЖ 5-3 можно прямо сейчас!

    РедМетСплав предлагает широкий ассортимент качественных изделий из ценных материалов. Не важно, какие объемы вам необходимы - от мелких партий до масштабных поставок, мы гарантируем оперативное исполнение вашего заказа.
    Каждая единица продукции подтверждена требуемыми документами, подтверждающими их происхождение. Превосходное обслуживание - наша визитная карточка – мы на связи, чтобы разрешать ваши вопросы по мере того как находить ответы под особенности вашего бизнеса.
    Доверьте вашу потребность в редких металлах специалистам РедМетСплав и убедитесь в гибкости нашего предложения

    поставляемая продукция:
    Изделия из кобальта HAYNES
    Порошок магниевый GK-MgAl8Zn1 - DIN 1729 Part 2
    Полоса магниевая G-A3Z1 - AFNOR NF A65-717
    Лента магниевая HZ62A - ASTM B80
    Полоса танталовая ТВ-10

    Report
  • Comment Link Tolikjenny Friday, 14 March 2025 12:18 posted by Tolikjenny

    dark websites dark market url

    Report
  • Comment Link MarkNOExpef Friday, 14 March 2025 12:15 posted by MarkNOExpef

    darknet market https://kingdomdarkmarketplace.com - darkmarket 2025

    Report
  • Comment Link Social Link - lon Friday, 14 March 2025 12:15 posted by Social Link - lon

    Why Online Casinos Have Become a Worldwide Trend

    Online casinos have revolutionized the betting industry, providing a level of user-friendliness and diversity that brick-and-mortar gambling houses are unable to replicate. Recently, a vast number of enthusiasts worldwide have adopted the fun of virtual gambling in light of its ease of access, thrilling aspects, and ever-expanding range of offerings.

    If you’re just starting with the world of digital casinos or want to find out more about safe services, why not engage with our vibrant social network? It’s a hub where players post stories, assisting you to improve your gambling adventure. Explore the discussions and check it out now: pin up world casino

    One of the strongest selling points of digital gambling sites is the vast array of gaming experiences at your disposal. Whether you prefer playing on traditional fruit machine slots, exploring plot-filled visual slot games, or mastering skills in table games like Blackjack, virtual venues offer limitless choices. Numerous services furthermore feature live dealer games, enabling you to communicate with actual dealers and gaming peers, all while soaking in the authentic feel of a traditional gambling venue in your own space.

    Social URL: https://x.com/Pin_Up_Brazil

    Apart from the game range, virtual gambling platforms stand out seamless entry.

    Report
  • Comment Link Social Link - lon Friday, 14 March 2025 12:15 posted by Social Link - lon

    Why Online Casinos Remain an International Sensation

    Internet-based gambling hubs have changed the casino gaming world, delivering a unique kind of user-friendliness and variety that brick-and-mortar gambling houses are unable to replicate. Over the past decade, a large audience globally have welcomed the thrill of virtual gambling because of its ease of access, exciting features, and continuously increasing selection of games.

    If you’re new with the world of online gaming or seek to explore reliable sites, why not join our active online hub? It’s a place where players share experiences, making it easier for you to enjoy more of your gaming journey. Join the discussions and learn more now: https://t.me/demo_plinko

    One of the biggest attractions of internet-based platforms is the vast diversity of games available. Whether you enjoy engaging with traditional one-armed bandits, diving into plot-filled video slots, or playing smart in traditional table offerings like Blackjack, digital casinos deliver numerous opportunities. A large number of platforms moreover offer interactive dealer games, giving you the chance you to engage with live hosts and fellow gamblers, all while enjoying the immersive atmosphere of a traditional gambling venue from the comfort of your home.

    Social URL: https://t.me/demo_plinko

    In addition to diversity, internet-based gambling hubs thrive in ease of access.

    Report
  • Comment Link Шестаков Юрий Иванович Friday, 14 March 2025 12:15 posted by Шестаков Юрий Иванович

    I am sure this article has touched all the internet users, its really really pleasant article
    on building up new weblog.

    Report
  • Comment Link https://zeroandinfinity.com/index.php/user:robt91e1992711 Friday, 14 March 2025 12:05 posted by https://zeroandinfinity.com/index.php/user:robt91e1992711

    With a solid history in search ptimization and a background of effective
    end results, I have assisted services of countless ranges accomplish their advancement purposes.
    By incorporating calculated preparation with innovative approaches, I frequently produce significant end outcomes.
    When I'm not evaluating information, I continue to be updated on the most existing developments in SEO.
    Allow's testimonial enhancing your digital effect.
    Supplying the Chicagoland region, NfiniteLimits.com
    is a credible company of digital options based in Mundelein, IL.

    My strategy combines real-world understandings with fad awareness to produce significant enhancements.
    When I'm not enhancing web sites, I'm investigating the latest SEO patterns.

    Let's speak about exactly how we can enhance your search
    visibility. Supporting companies in Northern Illinois, NfiniteLimits.com is your best agency for SEO headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois.

    Report
  • Comment Link DonaldExpef Friday, 14 March 2025 12:01 posted by DonaldExpef

    dark web market urls best darknet markets

    Report
  • Comment Link WilliamIRcem Friday, 14 March 2025 11:59 posted by WilliamIRcem

    dark web sites https://kingdomdarkmarketonline.com/ - darknet market

    Report
  • Comment Link PinUp - 62 Friday, 14 March 2025 11:57 posted by PinUp - 62

    Pin Up Казино на просторах Казахстана – это одно из самых популярных мест для ценителей азарта. Здесь предоставляются отличные условия для настоящего игрового опыта. Если ищете идеальное место для ставок, то лучший выбор для вас – Pin Up Casino.

    Преимущества Pin Up интернет-казино

    Большой ассортимент игр. В Pin Up Казино доступно более 2000+ игровых решений, настольных и лайв-игр. В списке предложений представлены разработчики уровня Microgaming и ещё много других. Это значит, что каждая игра адаптирована для любого устройства, оптимизированные для телефонов и ПК.

    Бонусы для всех игроков. Каждый новый игрок получит приветственные бонусы, которые помогут стартовать быстрее. К тому же, игроки получают кэшбэки, дополнительные фриспины и акции для активных игроков, что даёт возможность выиграть ещё больше.

    Наш сайт: http://oapr.edu.kz/11/?attachment_id=754

    Надёжность и безопасность. Pin Up Казино Онлайн использует надёжные методы защиты данных ваших данных и транзакций, чтобы вы чувствовали себя в безопасности. Деятельность казино лицензирована гарантирует справедливость игр и оперативные выплаты призов.

    Удобство и мобильность. Наше казино полностью оптимизировано для мобильных устройств, что даёт возможность играть в любые игры в любое время и в любом месте. Вы можете скачать мобильное приложение или просто запустить сайт казино с телефона.

    Профессиональная поддержка. В любых трудностях, служба помощи всегда готовы решить любые вопросы. Вы можете написать в службу поддержки через телефон, и операторы ответят в кратчайшие сроки на удобном языке.

    Report