The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-04-27

tion IN their pursuit. and revision Of the existing
Treaties wsth China is undoubtedly one OF the best
Deder ~ which they may be accomplished. In this
ooanexion the President has read with satisfaction
tAe statement Of the views Of Her Majcssys govern
Dent upon This subject, contained In the same des-
patch Of Lord Clarendon tn which reference has al
ready been made. His lordship there says
You viu Obss the French plenipo
Ptrneny, the lin Decemser mai siuson "a sde 70
s.vain points TO which The Am.ran govesn@ent or, u
~ events the Ameri an commissioner, " underwood 70
- acn considerable importance. You have already al
tded N jour c<rrcspondei these points, which en-
brace the appointments Of Chinese agents 70 reside M Fog
fY Ill subjects or the Chinese empire and reform in tho
ecure of Justice 10 Cnioa
HIS lordship then proceeds to express his dissent
importance Of the measures, but doabting she expe
diency Of foreign interference. With this view
concur and assure you that the President deems u
mex Oedient TO press upon the Chinese government
propositions for the maintenance OF consular agents
N the United States or for the enjoyment OF freedom
Of opinion by Chinese subjects, or reform OF the
judicial administration Of the empire. do not ind
shat any instructions have ever issued from this de-
Of these demands.
The first is a question of doubtful advantage, and
ought not to be urged by as and the others relate To
the domestic institutions OF the country. These In
stitutons being the work, the wreck i may be, OF
centuries and interviewer with the whole social sys-
tem the direct interference OF other Powers in order
70 ch0lge them would probably aRgrdVaCe lnStcau vi
mitigating the existing evils; and the attempt to
Introduce such arrangements into commercial treaty
would certainly embarrass our efforts, and probably
defeat the negotiation.
complaint which both England aud France have
against the Chinese government and people but the
means AZ we'll as the measure Of their redress,
msjects with which other nations have no legitimate
The United States have not been exempt from
similar aggressions, and have had causes of COM
paint also for the injuries which their citizens have
received in China but these have been generally ad
ssed by the Chinese authorities redress has been
obtained by the prompt action Of our officers, so
that my immediate predecessor felt himself justified
In saying to our commissioner in China In despatch
Of February ~, 1867, that our relations with that
eonntry did not warrant resort to war; even if the
President could consttutionally have recourse to
that extreme measure.
A careful examination OF the reports and dos
patches in this department leads me to concur In
The President has sttentvely read the circular
note addressed by your lordship To- the British con-
enls, and which enumerates the various objects the
governments Of England and France propose to OBJ
tain by revision Of the commercial treaties and
he considers the propositions just and reasonable.
and believes they would prove beneficial to China,
"a well as to the allied Powers and tn other conner
cai nations With respect to the great elements Of
prosperous commercial enterprise, security aud faci
hty they contain important and salutary provisions,
towards the attainment af which the agents Of the
United States will be instructed zealousy to labor.
In concert with the British and French officers Our
Interests directly involved n q successful
suit are those OF England aud France; and the
President has no hesitation In instructing Com
missioner in China to come to understanding with
the English and French Commissioners to the
most judcious plano proceeding 10 order to nro-
cure by firm representation, the consent of the Chi
Dese government ~ make these propositions the
basie Of treaty arrangements
The existing treaty between the United States and
China contains provision for its revisal at the
piration of twelve years from its date. That time
expired in 1856 and VIC are now fully at liberty TO
call upon the Chinese government for such modifca
lions Of the treaty and additions TO it, expert
encs may have shown 70 be for the interest Of the
parties, and especially with view to prevent future
misunderstan dings. Immediate measures for this
purpose will be adopted, and commissioner will
be furnished with full instructions for his guidance,
adopted to the new circumstances in which the
r. put himself in frank communication with the
English and French ministers, and TO unite with
them In their efforts for a revision Of the existing
treaties, and fer the prom Jtion Of liberal pO
icy towards the commerce of the world. He will
however be informed that the United States not
70 become party TO any treaty which may be joint
~ negotiated by England and France with China,
but that our conventional arrangements with the
Chinese empire must be confined to that Power and
the United States. He will be also informed that
the President is sensible Of the liberal policy Of the
allied Powers In their disclaimer Of any intention to
secure exclusive commercial advantages for them.
Selves policy which the United 81 ates have already
adopted and 10 which they will faithfully adhere In
al their eastern negotiations.
avail myself Of this opportunity TO oner TO your
lordship renewed assurance Of my highest conside-
ration. LEWIS Cas-.
Lord NAPIsR, &c. 30.