US Presidency
1879

The bill, as amended in the Senate and now presented to me, includes an independent and additional provision which aims at and in terms requires the abrogation by this Government of Articles V and VI of the treaty with China commonly called the Burlingame treaty, through the action of the Executive enjoined by this provision of the act. The Burlingame treaty, of which the ratifications were exchanged at Peking November 23, 1869, recites as the occasion and motive of its negotiation by the two Governments that since the conclusion of the treaty between the United States of America and the Ta Tsing Empire ( China ) of the 18th of June, 1858, circumstances have arisen showing the necessity of additional articles thereto, and proceeds to an agree merit as to said additional articles.