(CHINA) "THE PRESENT POSITION AND PROSPECTS OF THE BRITISH TRADE WITH CHINA"
British imprint: "The Present Position and Prospects of the British Trade With China," by James Matheson (London: Smith, Elder & Co.), 1836. 136pp. 8vo. in gray paper covers, bound in red leather with gilt titles. An important early printing viciously attacking the Chinese, their business practices, and their culture. Chapters include: "Some instances of succesful negotiating with the Chinese", "Emperor's edict reprehending the extortions of the Hong Kong Merchants", "On homicides in China", "On the arbitrary duties levied on foreign trade at Canton", and much more, along with trade statistics. The text opens with: "...the Chinese - a people characterised by a marvelous degree of imbecility, avarice, conceit and obstinacy...". Fine.