The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-05-13


Il is not our intention to leave these matters of
such grave importance to rest upon our unsustaned
assertions. In our succeeding numbers, we shall
go somewhat into detail, and fortify what has been
said by the most abundant and conclusive proof,
drawn from the most authentic sources. C.
-------------
For the Union.
lished an article headed "thc Chinese" expressing
various opinions in relation to the future destnes
of the Chinese people, and also suggestions on the
means Of studying the Chinese language. fully
concur in the anticpations entertained by the writer
of that article, respecting the results which like
The advantages obtained by the treaty Of Sir Hen
ry Pottinger, and the additional privileges secured
by the treaty of Wang Hid, negotiated by Mr..
Gushing, will doubtless, in the course Of time ex-
ert great and beneficial influence on China. also
concur in the opinion, that knowledge of the Chi
nese language and literature would, in various ways,
subserve the ends of foreigners going to that coun
try. The Chinese are yet too proud and prejudiced
to entertain the idea of studying foreign language
Even were few individuals of superior intelligence
disposed to do SO, they would not only disgrace
themselves in the estimation of the people, but
would draw upon their devoted heads the most cru
ell prosecutions from the jealous Tartar government
Yet though disinclined 70 study foreign language
they are delighted to meet with foreigner who
speaks their own language. A knowledge of it is
not only very useful in transacting business with
them, but the best passport to their good graces,
their confidence, and respect.
But the opinions expressed in the article alluded
to seem to me 70 convey exaggerated idea of the
difficulties ofthe Chinese language. That the Chinese
is incomprehensible 10 those sarans who have not
studied il, is nothing but very natural. But no Ro
sefta Stone is necessary 70 unravel the mysterious
characters Of the Chinese language, for the very
simple reason that no mutiated relics Of antiquity
necessary 10 acquire knowledge Of living Ian
guage.s The isolated position in which the Chinese
empire has 20 long time existed, had thrown GER
tain degree Of mystery around everything concern
ing it. and particularly invested its language, in the
eyes Of foreign nations with exaggerated ideas Of
is difficulties.
The French missionaries at Macao generally as
sign three years TO those of their number who qualify
themselves for missionary abors in the interior Of
the empire where hitherto they had to travel dis.
guised in Chinese dress, and pass themselves of for
natives, at the risk if detected Of losing their lives
To do this successfully, requires not only COM
pete knowledge Of the language, but also perfect
mastery Of all the nesse and niceties Of pronunca-
ton To attain such degree of proficiency, pc
riod Of three years is not too long. Few persons
able in that space of time, to master even the
versation as foreigners But it may be confidently
asserted that for all practical purposes Of business
transactions and intercourse, person properly quail
flied, may acquire, in one year of digent study a
sufficient knowledge of the Chinese language, par
ticularly when, by residence in the country, the
In the article alluded to, Mr.. Gibbons opinions
are quoted respecting the means Of studying the
language and the authors to be consulted. Monsieur
Panther is pronounced giant ia sinology, and
his works recommended. 1 fully appreciate the
labors of this distinguished scholar, and Of others
mentioned by Mr.. Gliddon; but their works (highly
useful indeed and necessary to profound study Of
the history and literature Of China) not of that
elementary character to be Immediately serviceable
to those who wish to commence the study of the
language. therefore venture to give the following
list Of a few Of the most useful books to tho be-
ginner:
clemens Dc Ia Gramn,airs Cainoise, by A. Remusat
Ciapis Sinica, by Marsmhan. -
.arte China by Padre Goncalvcs.
Dictionary Of TIE Chinese Language, by Morrison.
Noiiae Lingue Sinice, by Psre Premare.
This last is the most important; il is conceived in
the best method-tha. Of teaching entirely BY ex-
amples and illustrations taken from the best
Chinese writers. This work is alone sufficient, if
completely mastered, to qualify any one to read and
converse in Chinese.t
The Easy Lessons in Chinese, by s. w. Williams,
and the Chinese Chrestomaihy, by the Rev. E. Bridge
man. (both American citizens are also excellent
guides TO the beginner, particularly in studying the
dialect of Kwang Tang, Canton.
Apropos of the Picking Gazstie, Of which mention is
made in the above article: that paper may emphati-
cally be styled the government organ Of China. Il
somewhat resembles the Moniisu OF Paris, and is a
sort Of official bulletin, confined to the publication Of
state papers and documents Of high order-such
as reports to the emperor Of imperial commission
ers heads of the departments, governors of provn-
ces, generals, &c. Occasionally his Majesty conde-
scends to grace its columns with the production Of
his own "vermilion pencil" These imperial effu-
to meritorious officers, or censurcs and punishmens
Of those who have incurred the imperial dispeasure
These documents are frequently very curious in
their matter and FORM and give clear insight into
the mechanism of the Chinese government. II cases
Of some public calamity distress--such an an ex-
traordinary inundation Of the Yellow river, pro-
longed droughts, &c.--the emperor publishes in his
gazette eloquent discourse, bewailing the coup-
ton of the times, accusing himself of various sins Of
commission and OMISSION whereby the anger OF
the gods had been excited and promises to repent,
TO examine his own conduct, to fast and to pray,
In order to appease the wrath of the divinities
and evil spirits. Sometimes, also, the Gazette con.
tains neurological notions and funeral orations on
some distinguished Mandarns, descanting on the
virtues, loyalty, and learning of the deceased.
The press, az IL exists amongst us, is unknown In
China Any Chinese who should venture 10 pub
ish structures the conduct Of oficial personaees
would infallibly lose his head But, as s the q 81
under all despoic governmental, the Chinese people
give vent TO their dissatisfaction in anonymous pa-
cards, pasquinades, and lampoons Of ail sorts, in
which they display much wit and satire. III.
We scarcely expected, by the few remarks which
we published on Saturday last, to strike such vein
of good metal as our correspondent displays. We
should like to opeui the mine further and deep.
er-EprToR.l
tff rt YES flH..
we intended only say that had Rosetta stone
no key to enable 70 deciPhsr the Picking oa.sep with
sueh tcv We knew wc wars ~
the Chinese lsnguage could be easily acquired until
"H" so informed us-Uniom. d
This excellent work Yves under prsss At Macao In an
English trsnslaton. towards the end Of iast year.
We understand that Gen. 8. w. Downs yester-
day received his commission m Attorney of the
United States for the district Of Louisiana. General
Downs has long been distinguished at the bar and
in the Senate, and will Represent the interests Of the
United States with great ability ,-N o. Rep May 5.