Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-19

Movements Of the Hon. IL. M hcLdne, sIitited
STATES Commissioner to China-The Reeo-
iution-Hs Progress and Effect
BY the arrival of the Susquehanna, we are
afforded an opportunity Of presenting a sue
cinct account of the operations of the United
States Commissioner, Hon. Robert M. McLane,
from the time of his reaching China, as well as
much interesting and reliable information con-
corning the political and commercial affairs Of
that empire.
Mr.. McLane arrived at Hong. kong on the
18th of March, by the overland route, accom-.
panied by Messrs. Carr and Leroy, secretaries.
Instead, however, Of finding government
steamer awaiting his command, he learned
that Commodore Perry had left for Japan in
January, taking with him all the ships of the
East India squadron. The commodore re-
ceived the order just as he was starting to de-
tach one of his steamers but, as it was al
most impossible to change his plans at SO late
moment he took the responsibility upon him
self of disobeying for the time being the order
Of the Secretary. During the month which
Mr. McLane spent at Hong-kong, previous to
the, arrival Of the Susquehanna, he collected a
quantity Of valuable information in reference to
the state of China, there being OF that time no
less than four or five contending parties in va
rious parts of the empire. Commander Ring
gold, of the exploring expedition, also arrived
at this time in the Vincennes. AS soon as he
found that the commissioner was waiting the
arrival OF the steamer in order to make his
official visit to Canton, he Immediately placed
his ship at his disposal and it was arranged
that in few days she should convey him up
the river. On the I'd of April, however, the
Susquehanna arrived, and on the 18th pro
ceeded to Macao, where the commissioner had
been spending few days, and, having taken
him on board, proceeded to Canton. At
Whampoa, some ten miles below the city, his
excellency and suite were transferred to the
small government steamer Queen, Capt. Tay-
lor, and proceeded to Canton.
On leaving the Susquehanna, the Commits
sioner was saluted with seventeen guns; the
yards also we're manned, presenting fine APP
pearance Captain Buchanan and some Of his
officers accompanied Mr.. McLane. While at
Canton, Mr.. McLane made his residence at Dr.
Parker's, the Secretary Of Legation, where he
was visited by all the merchants, to whom he
made short address, assuring them that he
should do all in his power to extend the trade
of the United States with China. The Chinese
Commissioner at Canton, who attends to the
affairs of foreign nations at that point although
aware of the Commissioners presence, did not
receive him, as was his duty, but pleaded press
of business, owing to the troubles then prevail
ing. Mr.. McLane made but short stay, being
anxious to 60 north to Shanghai, where there
had been quite serious difficulty between the
Chinese Imperial troops and the foreign.
Previous to his departure north, Mr.. McLane
had an interview with Sir John Bowring the
English Plenipotentiary, who had just arrived,
the result of which was that Sir John and Mr..
McLane resolved to follow the same course OF
policy in their future negotiation. On the goth
April the Susquehanna sailed, and reached
Shanghai on the 18th. Here the Commissioner
found very intricate and confused state of af.
fairs The foreign settlement was under mill
tary rule, guards Of sailors and marines being
stationed on shore; the custom-house, which,
according to the treaty, should be situated at
the pors@ Of Shanghai, was removed and two
interior stations some twelve or fifteen miles
off were established, at which stations all silks
teas, &e were arrested until the duties should
be paid. AS the country was overrun with
bands of robbers, II was a matter Of great I'M
certainty whether the money for the payment
of the duties would reach the custom-house or
the goods reach Shanghai after the duties were
paid.
There was, in fact, for the time being, a total
abrogation of the treaty Mr.. McLane had an
interview with the .Taoutae and the principal
officials, as soon as his arrival was known, and
gave them to understand in plain, but at the
same time courteous terms, that he considered
their conduct as being direct violation Of the
treaty, and that the government of the United
States could not allow such state of things to
continue. By this determined action on his
part the Chinese authorities were brought to
terms, and the Commissioner had the satisfac-
ton before he left Shanghai Of seeing the GUS
tom house established with many improvements,
and peace and order restored.
The question of payment Of past duties dur.
ing the time the Consuls had established pro-
visional custom house and received promissory
notes in payment Of duties on merchandise, also
required prompt attention. The Chinese off.
Gals on the one hand pressed the payment Of
the notes, and the merchants on the other OBJ
jected strenuously. Here, also by frank and
decided course of conduct, Mr.. McLane conci-
lated both parties, and the matter was finally
submitted TO his arbitration both by the mer-
chants and theChinese. The result Of the arbi-
traton is not yet known. 1t is gratifying to
know that such was the confidence of the com
munity in Mr.. McLane's judgment that the En-
glish merchants refused 10 submit the matter to
the arbitration Of their own minister, unless he
NNNiNS
the same manner as Mr.. McLane Notwith.
standing these vexatious questions, the Com
missioner did not lose sight of the main object
of his mission, but urged upon the Chinese au.
thorities the advantages Of increased facilities
for trade and commerce with the United States.
During the summer months the +" Commits.
sioner visited Fuchau and Wingpo, two of the
five treaty ports. AtFuchau he appointed Mr..
d. o. Clark, of the firm Of Russell & CO.. as
acting Consul until the arrival Of Mr.. Jones.
The Viceroy sent his respects TO the Commits
sioner, and regretted that he could not see him
on account Of sickness. At Wingpo there is
little or no trade with the American residents
except the missionaries. Mr. McLane gave
DR.. McCartee the appointment Of acting Con-
sui at this place pending the arrival Of Mr..
Bradley. On her return from Wingpo he pro.
ceeded in the Susquehanna up the Yanrise
river to Marking, the headquarters Of the rebel
chief Thaeping-Wang.) At Chum.kang-fu, the
outpost Of the rebels, some thirty miles below
Marking, shot was fred at the Susouehanna,
but an apology was almost Immediately given,
stating that it happened through mistake. The
rebels we're not disposed, however, to treat
with foreigners, and the Commissioners visit
1 =. r q.