The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1845-03-31
[corr.l-A ].
ls'ft "a -
UNITED STATES LEGATION,

UNITED STATES LEGATION
MACAO, June 81, 1874.
SIR: AT the interview which had the honor to
hold with your excellency on the 18th instant, il
agreed that Messrs. Hwang Chow, and Pwan, in be-
half Of your excelency, and Messrs Webster Bridg-
man, and Parker, IN my behalf should meet together
at a subsequent hour on the same day, and arrange
the time and mode Of proceeding the business with
which we are charged by our respective Govern
ments.
These gentlemen met accordingly when Messrs.
Hwang, Chow, and Pwan, stated that your exceen-
cy was ready TO enter at upon the consideration
OF treaty between our respective countres and de-
sired me 10 present proet of such treaty would
be satisfactory to the United States.
cannot refuse to meet your excellencys profier in
The spirit OF Prompttude and frankuess in which it
was made, though, In assuming this responsibility,
without any previous discussion of preliminares,
place myself at some disadvantage
have the honor, therefore, to submit to your ex-
celleDcy the minuIes of proposed treaty. which CO.
vers all questions, except two or three of special
nature, and OF great Importance which | desire TO
present to your excellency separately at an early
day.
II proper for to state, briefly, the principles
| on which this Ircjd of treaty has eeen prepared
l. Inc United States is to treat with China the
basis OF cordial friendship and firm peace
q We do not desire any portion of the territory of
Chlna, nor any terms or conditions whatever which
shall be otherwise than Just and honorable TO China
as well as the United States
.. My Government would be happy to treat with
Emma on the iurIher basis OF perfect reciprocity in
all commercial relations. All the ports of the United
States are open to foreign commerce. and we do not
impose any duties on exports. But am well aware
Of the Emperor's wish 10 limit the commerce of TO-
reign nations to five ports Of the Empire and to re-
tain the general system of duties in the establishment
OF which your excellency was principal agent. In
the spirit OF amity towards China, The United States
acquesces in the view of this subject which it has
pleased the Emperor to adopt. And accordingly [
have drawn up the minutes of treaty adapted to
this exceptional state of facts, only proposing such
articles as may procure to the citizens of the United
states Tree and secure commerce in the ports open
| to the nations of the West.
a. 1t will occur to your excellency to remark that
some of the articles different from those contain
ed in the commercial treaties recently concluded with
England single fact constitutes the cause of this
difference Those two treaties are based on the fact
OF the possession of Hong Kong by Great Britain,
and the commercial provisions have relation to this
primary idea. The United States does not seek any
such possession in China and is therefore constrained
to propose new articles of commercial regulation for
the security of citizens of the United States residing
| or prosecuting trade in China.
5. have to make the further remark that in
drawing up these minutes, have not looked to the
side of the United States alone. felt that il would
not be honorable, in dealing with your excellency TO
take partial view of the subject have inserted
multitude OF provisions in the interest and for the
benefit OF China. In word, have sought to pre-
sent the draught of treaty which, as already ntima-
ted, shall be, in all parts, alike just and honorable to
| China and to the United States.
am sure your excellency's candor will do Justice
to the motives which have actuated me in this mat
ter; and can give the that will consider
IN the same candor any notifications which your ex-
| celency may propose.
| | will communicate the tariff for annexation to-
morrow; and remain, meanwhile, with the highest
respect and consideration, your excellencys obedent
| servant.
| c. CUSHING.
To his Excellepcy, TsYENG,
l wv u -'-- COrlnIis sionfr Erfrnnrdinnru e.