The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1858-04-29
INSTRUCTIONS TO MIR, REED.

In compliance with Resolution of the Senate.
the Secretary has communicated 10 that body the
instructions given 10 Mr.. REED, our Commissioner
to China, of which the following is n synopsis:
The Secretary of State Gays that the objects
which it is understood the English and French
allies seek TO accomplish by treaty stpnIations
with China, are: First, 10 procure from the Chi
nese government n recognition of the rights of
other powers to have accredited ministers at the
court of Pekin, 10 he received by the Emperor
and 10 be Ill communication with the authorities
charged with the foreign affairs of the Empire
Second, an extension of commercial intercourse
with China, which is restricted to five ports
enumerated in the treaty; and third, Il relGctiCn
of the tariff of duties levied upon domestic pro-
duce in its transit from tire interior to the coast
the amount now enforced is said to be viola
iion of the treaty.
On this subject the Secretary says Mr. Reed
will he able to ascertain the true state Of the a!
legged grievance when he shall have reached
China, and act accordingly. Fourth, a stpula-
ton fer religious freedom to all foreign residents
in China. Fifth, an arrangement for the suppress
sion of piracy. Sixth, provision for extending the
benefits of the proposed treaty to all the other
civilized powers Of the earth.
These objects, the Secretary of State adds, are
recognized by the President just and expedient,
and SO far as he (Mr Reed) can do SO by peace
! full cooperation, the President expects him to aid
in their accomplishment. In conformity with
| this policy, he is to communicate frankly with
the British and French Ministers upon all the
points Of common interest, so that it may be dis
tinctly understood that the three nations are
equally influenced by determination to obtain
justice and by desire 10 procure thereby ar
rangements for the extension and. more adequate
protection Of their commercial intercourse with
China. "But ON your side, the Secretary sayu,
"theee efforts must be confined to firm rcprescn-
tations appealing TO the justice and policy of the
Chinese authorities, and leaving your own Coy
ernment to determine upon the course TO he
adopted should your representations be fruitess.
Special reference is made to your communication
to the Ministers of Great Britain and France,
not only from our common interests with these
nations in the trade of China, and in the means
alone, among the great powers of the world have
diplomatic representatives at Canton"
MIR. Reed is also authorized to communicate
with the Russian Minister, as far as practicable,
upon all the subjects of national concern and
should his disposition prove favorable, as il is be
lieved it will, his cooperation may be highly ad
vantageous in promoting the objects Of Mr.. Reeds
mission.
Mr.. Reed is instructed constantly 10 bear in
mind that the United States is not at war with
| the government of China, nor does this country
9 eek to enter that empire for any other purposes
than those of lawful commerce. mud for the pro
lection Of the lives aud property of its. citizens
The whole nature aud policy or our government
limits, and deprive us Of all motives either for
lawful aggrandizement or the acquisition OF po.
iilical power in that distant region. Mr.. Reed
is further instructed to let it be known to the Chi
nese authorities that we are no party to til ex
isting hostities.