The Sun.
London, England, 1859-10-06 00:00:00

Enclosure 1 in No. 8.

COMMISSIONERS KWEILIANG, &C. TO MR.
BRUCE.
(Translation.)

Kweiliang, &c., Hwashana, &c., Ho, &c., Imperial corn
missioners, &c., make a communication.

It appears from the records, that on the 22d day of the
12th moon of last year (January 25, 1859), a despatch was
received by the commissioners from the late British minis-
ter, Lord Elgin, in which there are the following words :
" The undersigned has determined on proceeding to Canton
to take certain steps (or to act) ; his business accomplished
in the course of some five or six weeks, he will name a time
for his arrival at Shanghae, there to settle with the com-
missioners such questions as still remain to be discussed."
In due course of time, on the 26th day of the 2d moon of
the present year (March 30, 1859), the commissioners re-
ceived a second letter, dated the 29th of the Ist moon
(March 3), to the effect that (her Britannic Majesty) had
appointed the Hon. Mr. Bruce to be her representative,
&c. ; and that he would arrive in China shortly; further
stating that " the undersigned, now on the point of leaving
China, must take leave, on this his last opportunity of ad-
dressing them, earnestly to impress (upon the commis-
sioners) that the one essential tea continuance of friendly
relations is the faithful observance of the treaty," &c.
The commissioners, in consequence of Lord Elgin's earlier
letter, in which he engaged to return to Shanghae for a con-
ference with them, have been waiting for him without
moving (lit., obstinately, persistently).
Lord Elgin has returned home, but Mr. Bruce, having
received the commands of her Majesty to succeed him in
the administration of all things essential, and now occupy-
ing, to the great satisfaction of the commissioners, a posi-
tion identified with that of Lord Elgin, his predecessor, the
proper course to be pursued is, doubtless, to appoint a day
for a conference.

In faithful compliance with the engagement already en-
tered into, and as the period appointed for the exchange of
the treaties is very near at hand, it is of course most expe-
dient that all business which has to be considered should
become the subject of consultation, and be proceeded with
as early as possible.
A necessary communication, addressed to Mr. Bruce,
envoy extraordinary, &c.
Lien -fang, 9th year, 4th moon, 25th day (May 27, 1859).
(Received June 6, 1859.)

Enclosure 2 in No. 8.

COMMISSIONERS KWEILIANG, lIWASHANA, &C., TO MR.
BRUCE.
(Translation.)
Kwei, &c., llwa, &c., Ho, &c., Twau, &c., Imperial com-
missioners, make a communication.
It appears from the records that on the 13th day of the
12th moon of last year (16th January, 1859), the commis-
sioners received from the late British minister, Lord Elgin,
a communication to the effect that he was proceeding to
Canton upon business, and would return to Shanghae in
five or six weeks, to consider and dispose of all matters on
which discussion was still pending.
Firmly persuaded of the good faith of Lord Elgin's words
the commissioners have been waiting for him several months.
His lordship has now returned home, but as Mr. Bruce has
been commanded by her (Britannic) Majesty to replace him
there with plenipotentiary powers, his position is identical
with that of his predecessor, Lord Elgin.

With Mr. Bruce's permission the commissioners will state
the questions which have been discussed with Lord Elgin
and decided, as well as those which still remain to be dis
cussed.

As regards admission into Pekin, the visit to Pekin on
this occasion to exchange courtesies and treaties is excep-
tional : when it is over there is to be no permanent residence
in the capital ; some other place is to be chosen (for the
minister) to reside at. These are the words of Lord Elgin's
despatch, the approval of which by her Britannic Majesty
when Lord Elgin had the honour to 'receive it was duly re-
ported to his Imperial Majesty by the commissioners.
As regards the navigation of the , iver (Yang-tze), Lord
Elgin has been himself to Hankow to see the place for once.
For the time t) come, it will be safe and satisfactory that
all arrangements be made, as of course they must be, in
accordance with the treaty.f

As regards circulation in the interior, this, without '.oubt,
on the principle laid down by Lord Elgin—viz., that any
British subject of respectability and good conduct should
receive a passport from the local authorities under which he
may travel, this is perfectly fair. But inasmuch as China
has no means of knowing what British subjects are respect-
able, it is still necessary that some good adequate means be
devised (t 4, this end) that there may be no misgivings on
either side.

As regards the city of Canton Lord Elgin engaged to go
further into this question when he should return to Shang-
hae; but as his lordship has returned to England, it has not
been possiule to consider it with him. The time for the ex-
change of the treaties draws near—the treaties once ex-
changed the relations between the two countries will be
re friendly than ever. Added to this, as Imporial com-
missioner for the management 'of the five ports, his Majesty
the Emperor has already substituted the Governor General
Ho, one of the commissioners, for'his predecessor (Hwang),
by which appointment it is felt consultations on business
between China and foreign nations will be much facilitated.:
Everything is thus ou a satisfactory footing. But as
Canton is not yet restored, it would seem that no time
should be lost in an iving at a satisfactory decision regard-
ing it.

conimissioners will be greatly obliged by his ex-
cellency replying specifically to them upon the above sub
*is ; those which have been disposed of in discussion,
and Ili 0,0 which remain to be discussed.

A neccisary communication addressed to the Hon. F.
I 3: tic e.

Hein-rung, 9th year, 4th moon, 26th day (28th May)
1859).
(Received Juno 6, 1859.)