It is well known that the Chinese consider their walled towns in the
same light as fortifications are regarded in Europe, and disallow
foreigners entering them, excepting on special occasions. But there is
no law against walking in the suburbs. Usage has, however, limited the
Europeans in China to very small bounds. Some persons occasionally
violate them, and attempt a longer walk. Once round the city walls has
frequently been effected, but always at the risk of a scuffle, an
assault and battery, from the idle and mischievous among the native
population. On former occasions, some of the foreign tourists have
returned to the factories relieved of the burden of their watches and
clothes. An English baronet was once, on his passage round, robbed of
his watch, and stripped either almost, or entirely naked.
A few days ago, a party of three started at six o'clock in the morning,
and performed the circuit at about eight, with impunity. The distance
round the walls they estimated to be nine miles. A few days afterwards,
two persons set off in the evening for a walk under the city walls; but
they were not so fortunate. They were violently assaulted by a rabble of
men and boys, the former of whom pursued them with bludgeons, brickbats,
and stones, which not only inflicted severe contusions, but really
endangered their lives. The two foreigners were obliged to face about,
and fight and run alternately the distance of several miles.
We, who know the hostile feelings of the population, are not surprised
at the occurrence, and rather congratulate the tourists that they
effected their escape so well. We notice the affair to put others on
their guard; and (as the Chinese say) if they should get into a similar
scrape, they cannot blame us for not warning them of their danger.
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