The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-10-02

NmDoFtmme XDmmeKoAnl MtomSen,
The setur4gf M. 8ateaier, the Amsricsa cous.
nxxyciai HgeM 10 Ms Essl--important nsgolis
tions ssM Cochin, China, Siam, Boynso, ana
fks MaIoSaa isl ants-
Nh Jo44bh Bl|estasr. the commercial agent ol
the United States government Ia the East, ar.
rived in this city, on Sunday last, in the steam
shin Baltic, after an absence OF two years, during
which he had been engaged in effecling nego-
tiations and commercial treaties OF the highest
import ance to this country. Mr. b estier was
formerly merchant of this city, and in 1888
was sent out by General Jackson for the por-
pose Of opening to the United States the trade
OF Singapore---the eyn~of the East. At first he
WIS compelled 10 remain at RHO, al island
within forty miles Of Singapore; and there he
brought about such negotiations as threw open
the ports OF Singapore to our commercial ina
rne. and he became the American Consul OF
that place, where he continued for fifteen yeirs.
With this prestige, and not being politician
the government OF General Taylor sent out
Mr.. Balestier, abont two years ago to negotiate
friendly intercourse with Cochin China, the
kingdom Of Siam, Boneo, and the Malayan
islands and for that purpose he was directed
by the administration to proceed, by the over
land route to China, where he would find ma
tional ship at his disposal to carry out the objects
of his mission
As soon as he arrived in the Central Flowery
Land, and the ship was ready 10 sail, he EN-
barked for Cochin China the first place en-
braced in his instructions, and there he found
the government wholly unwilling to enter into
any negotiation whatever, not only with the
American government, but with any European
power. The first mandarin received him with
polite attention and every becoming honor but
stated that his instructions from the government
were positive not to listen to any propositions
for commercial or friendly intercourse The
reason Of this non-intercourse, Mr. Balastier
asertsined was that French ship of war, and
also an American ship had some time pro-
vously made hostile demonstrations against
some shipping Of that country, and they resen-
ted it against the combined fleets of the whole
of the Old World and the New Having no
instructions to employ force, Mr.. Ballestier had
no other alternative than to turn his course in
another direction where he hoped 20 be more
sue ,essful He proceeded to the kingdom OF
Siam, and there he was received with great de
monstrations of respect and friendship, and for
some time he hoped TO revive and re-estabsh
the broken treaty with that kingdom. The
treaty was to the effect that the trade should
open; but the king has monoposhed it to him.
those Of other nations. To break up this mo-
nopoly, was the object Of Mr. Balestier's mis-
sion. Promises had been held out to that
effect but they were made only to play the
American agent against the British agent, Sir
James Brooke, who was seeking the same object
for England Both were ulti etely defeated.
Having failed in Siam, Mr. Balestier proceeded
to Borneo, the largest island in the world, next
to New Holland, being 400 miles long by 1000
broad its fertility great, and its productions most
valuable This island is divided into several
and the Dutch have large posses
sions in it. With the Sultan of Bruni, one of
the most important portions OF the island, Mr..
Balester succeeded in making an advantageous
commercial treaty, and alsn laid the basis OF a
treaty with Sir James Brooke, the Rajah Of
Serawak, another division Of the island. The
conditions and stipula.ions Of this treaty have
been all agreed to, but it is not yet completed
Sir James Brooke having been compelled to
proceed to England on account of i'll health, be-
fore it could be executed. There is every rea
son, however, to believe that in very short time
It will be duly perfected. Borneo produces
coffee, pepper and various spices, with the ore Of
anthony. and many other important articles Of
commerce. e
Mr.. Balester did good service in presenting
gifts from the American government TO the Ra-
ilh of Lubi one of the Malayan Islands, as an
acknowledgment of the kind treatment of an
American crew that had been shipwrecked on
the island some years previously The Malay
ans had forgotten all about the matter, and they
we're equally surprised and delighted at this
friendly recognition. Among the presents was
a large gold medal, executed at The mint at
and bearing an inscription suitable
to the occasion. Mr.. B. made decidedly fa-
vorable impression AT Lubi.
Thus, having discharged his mission, he left
for Java in order TO return home; but, on ac-
count of the great sickness that prevailed, he
was compelled 10 return, and came to Europe
overland, by way of the Red sea and Malta, to
England, whence he arrived by the Baltic in this
city, on Sunday last, en- route to Washington
From the foregoing particulars, which we have
obtained from reliable source, it will be seen
that this gentleman has succeeded, to some ex-
tent in the object of his mission while in other
points he has failed, not from any fault Of his,
but from circumstances over which he could
exercise no control. The American government
however, have it in their power to command
success, at least in one of these cases. There
is commercial treaty with Siam, and the gov.
eminent Of that kingdom have broken it. Could
laws of nations, and due respect for the flag
of the United States 1t would. at all events,
be worth a trial. With Cochin China there is no
treaty, and therefore, the United States govern
ment does not posses claim that would entitle
them to employ force in that case. But the
United States government can compel these
petty powers to observe friendly, if not ommer-
cial, relations and from the friendly ones the
commercial will necessarily flow. For example,
If these governments enact laws that any Eu-
ropeans or Americans landing on their shores
should be made slages, the American govern.
ment are not bound by :he laws Of nations, to
submit to such barbarsm. All argument and
remonslrance are thrown away upon these east
ern people, unless backed by the lannon's roar
and if they were taught one or two wholesome
lessons Of ball and mortar and shell practice,
they would, probably, become somewhat hu-
manizcd, and learn to respect the rights of hu-
mnnity, all over the GLOBE.
japan will not permit any intercourse, what
ever; and it is now in contemplation that the
French, English, and American fleets, make
united demonstration in her waters which would
very speedily result in bringing her TO reason /