Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-11-05
OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA.

OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA.
The announced approaching departure OF our ne"
Commissioner to China has turned our attention 70
AL interests the United States in that distant
quarter of the globe.
There can be no doubt, for reasons obvious to the
general reader, that but for the Turkish question
the public mind would be more deeply interested
in the Chinese rebellion, which, increasing with
every day of its history is now by its friends dig
nifed with the name of Revolution, and BY which
one of the Oldest despotisms in the world is to be
modified or overthrow.
1t is perhaps, to be considered remarkable that the
woprincipal nations notacknowedging the Christian
poty are at this time the great objects ofntercst
the one from rebellion against its Emperor, and
to degree opposed to the religious creed Of its
Government the other from the threatened inTa-
sion Of a different and religion.
Whatever opinions may be entertained on the
character of the Chinese rebellion its influence
the future cannot now be estimated. The people
of nation older than our religion comprising
nearly onethird Of the population Of the world;
covering almost tenth part of the habitabe globe;
containing within its enormous the largest
amount Of population and Of wealth ever united
under one Government, arc in conflict. Their Gov
eminent may be changed. It's past policy Of exclu-
sion will inevitably, we think, be succeeded BY that
hberalty of intercourse which has heretofore been
the characteristic of Christendom
The late war between China and Great Britain,
although condemned by many in this country and
Great Britain, was we believe, defended by Mr.
ADAMS as perfectly justifable on the part Of the
latter In his words, I" the conflict in its
root and substance for equal rights Of independent
nations against the insolent and absurd assump
ton of despotic supremacy" And if its practi
cal or commercial results have not equalled his an
ticipations, it may least be considered the start
ing point in establishing more liberal commercial
relations between China and the world, and the orr
gin or chief cause Of the present rebellion.
Our attention was yesterday called to this sub
iect by notice in the Launeeston Examiner, (Mel
bourne, Ausralia) which, in noticing American
affairs states that " Mr.. CUsHING's treaty Will
China is a model of diplomacy, and far superio
achievement to that Of Sir Henry Pottingcr, VOL
by hundred thousand British bayonets."
The rupture of the friendly relations which ha,
existed for many years between Great Britain ant
China, and which resulted in war, arrested the at
tention Of the civilized world This is the first wa
on record between China and any European Power
The Government Of the United States early tool
measures to avail itself of the commercial advan
tages which it was believed would follow the con
clusion Of peace
On the Both of December, 1912, the PREsI
DENT transmitted message to Congress calling
the attention Of that body to affairs in China
suggesting legislative action for the protection Of
American commerce in the Pacific, and recommend
ing to Congress "to make appropriation for the
compensation Of a Commission to reside in
China" &C.
Mr.. ADAMS, Chairman Of the Committee on For
egn Relations, reported, oath January, 1913, }
that, concurring in the views Of the President,
expressed in the message, they report two bills to
enable the President to carry into effect the pur.
poses set forth in the message"
During 1S43 the PRESIDENT, with the advice
and consent Of the Senate, appointed the Hon CA
LEB CUSHING Commissioner to China to the gene
raj satisfaction Of the country.
We have many times perused with pleasure the
instructions Of Mr.. WEBSTER, at that time Secretary
of State, to the Commissioner, and insert brief ex
the following passage:
"Iou will the earliest and all succeeding occasion
to signify that the Government which sends you has
disposition to encourage, and will encourage,
violation Of the commercial regulations Of China b
citizens Of the United States You will state in the full
est manner the acknowledgment Of this Government tina
the commercial regulations Of the empire having becon
fairly aud fully known, ought be respected by all ship
and all persons visiting its ports and if citizens Of thu
United States under these circumstances are found VIC
latng well-kuown laws Of trade their Government
will interfere to protect them from the consequence
of their Illegal conduct You WILL at tho same time
assert and maintain all occasions the equality and in
dependence Of your own country taking thus in n
way allow the Government people Of China to cons
der you as tribute bearer from your Government or Al
acknowledging ts nferiority in any respect to that
China or any other nation. You will bear in mind a
the same time what is due TO your own personal dignity
and the character which you bear You will represent
the Chinese authorities nevertheless that you d.