The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-10-15

them 10 their senses and has resulted in bringing
the Celestial government to the fun acknowledgment
Of public law Of nstons BY which. ii.oy are, BY
their own covenants, hereafter TO be bound. IN this
respect, are led to believe that the governments
Of France and England have performeda work which
cannot fail TO meet tho approval of all intelligent
men. The first and great obstacle heretofore exist
ing in the way Of establishing trade and personal rea
tons with China from the fact that tho Impe-
rial government refused TO be bound by the law of
nations So long they occupied this position they
were able 10 degrade the most powerful Stte-and
that, too, without mourning the responsibility which,
under other circumstances, would have attached to
their conduct.
One Of tho chief objects of the Anglo-French ALI
ancc and was to overcome this difficulty, which
has been eiiectualy DONE not only with respect to
the bellgcrent powers, but all others who may think
it advantageous TO avail themselves Of the common
results achieved 1t is now definitely settled that the
empire of China is brought within the jurisdiction
of tho public law and that she will be held respon-
sible for its fuilment helpless power; and that
she will BIO severely punished for ovory subsequent
nfraetion of its provisions, even to the extent, we
have doubt, placing the empire under species
of proectorato Of the maritime States of tho world.
II is matter of serious reflection to see how ex-
tensively and ngeniously tho treaty just concluded
with England establishes British tribunals within
ers are conferred upon consus how umpires in re-
spect to tho enforcement Of revenue and other laws,
created, weaving into the Chinese administration
an English clement which will go on increasing till
it shall be recognised practically as tile governing
principle in the government II is true that by vir-
tue of the treaty negotiated by Mr.. Reed all tho
privileges granted to British subjects may be in-
vokcd by the authorities and pooplo Of the United
States but our system Of operations differs widely
from the policy which controls our transatlantic
brethren, SO that we shall accomplish little where
they will accomplish everything. Congress have
conferred judicial powers upon our consus in China
and if the arrangements Of the present treaties are
carried into full effect tho consular offices in the Chi
ncse ports will become amongst the most important
appointments Of this government.
1t will become subject of interesting speculation
to look into and after coming events in China That
country is fairly booked for the race Of civilization
and is destined to go through many severe ordeals
before she comes to realize tho wonderful benefits
of her enlightenment With Russia on one side and
Western Europe and America on the other, and all
seeking for direct benefits and the possession of pc
culiar privileges and advantages the helpless Chinese
stand poor chance in the scramble. Tho Car Of
civilization after all rough heavy Vehicle which
is quite as apt to trample down as to raise up
and support the weak and helpless. II is just now
to be thrown upon tho great internal thoroughfares
of China, preceded by hcralds and accompanied by
merchants, mechanics diplomatsts, and missona-
| ries-missionaries to celestial people