The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1859-12-14

the Presidents letter and the exchanging
of the notifications in Pekin, referring the
place to be eventually designated to the
Emperor. On the 9Th the Deputy Com
missioner called again to say that II MIR.
Ward would write letter stating that if
be should fail to treat the Emperor with
all the respect and honor he would
show the President, the President would
be offended by his conduct, the Emperor
would order his seal to be affixed to the
treaty, which had not yet been done, it
seems. Mr.. Ward replied that he had
no objection to this, aud wrote according
ly. The deputy then said if Mr.. Ward
would request the appointment of an Of
fcer to receive the Presidents letter one
would be designated, and il, moreover, ne
would express the wish to have the ratlil-
cations exchanged at some place in the
north of China, it would be granted. Mr..
Ward declined doing either, as both points
were matters belonging to the pleasure
and decision of the Emperor. On the 9th
a more concilatory letter was received
from the Commissioners, appointing the
10th for the reception Of the Presidents
letter, and the Buddhist monastry as the
place, where the first interview was held,
and the town of Peitang where we COM
menced our journey, as the place for the
exchange of the notifications.
On the 10th Mr.. Ward, with his secre-
tary and Interpreters, proceeded to the
temple, where again he met the three
Commissioners, and delivered the Presi-
dents letter in the following Oriental
style: All the party stood no business
or discussion being allowed till this au-
gust ceremony was performed. First Mr..
Wards Secretary took the letter and
handed it to him, who raised it above his
eyes, signifying that he was inferior to
the President !; and then, passing it over
the left shoulder, in sign of honor, accord
ing to Chinese ideas, handed it to Kwei-
lang, the Prime Minister, who in turn
raised it above lis eyes and passed it over
his left shoulder, handing it to a high
Mandarin, who placed it reverently with
both his hands upon the table in the ecu
tire of the room, around which a guard
was at once placed to protect and honor
it. Such are Chinese customs and rites.
Thus, everything being satisfactorily con-
cluded, and perfect good feeling preserved
the Commissioners and Mr.. Ward with
his party sat down with better relish to
the rich tables, spread as at the first visit
when, returning to their quarters by the
middle of the afternoon, all preparations
were made for our departure the nex'
morning.
II was said by some of the Chinese off
Gals that the Emperor was intent on Civ
ing Mr.. Ward anaudience, and anxious to
see him, and would in some way have
managed to crafty his wishes but for thu
persistent opposition of Princes Of thu
royal family. His own mind is evidentl.
more enlightened and libcralized thar
those of most Of the nobility, though tn
two Commissioners, and especially tn
Prime Minister, Kweiliang, exhibited ia
ent worthy of the respect of even Er
ropean statesmen. Mf.Ward compares
Kweiiang to Gen Cass, and Hwashan
to the late Secretary Clayton.
Ia the morning we leave this grand cal
ital Of three millions Of population as III
Chinese officials assure us, which has ha
such o historic renown, and whose futur
is SO uncertain, in whose centre handfl
/ ofyour unarmed neighbors found then
selves as if by magic power and whe'
they spent fortnight in a sort Of dream
unknowing, doubling, wondering exl
tence, but full Of qualification, aud new
to be forgotten-a privilege for viii
many would give fortune, but viii
cost us nothing but the wear and tear
flesh, and the aches ard torture of bo
and sinew. What saw in it and learn
about it must defer to another oppor1
n,ty. When we reach peitang, on q
return journey, where the ratiicatio
are to be exchanged, will give you
finale Of the first American mission
Pekn.
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