The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1859-12-30

D
ell that of any other portion of the African
race. The light and the blessings or Chris
I tianity have been extended TO them, and
! both their moral and physical condition
has been greatly improved.
Reopen the trade, and it would be diff
fcult to determine whether the effect would
be more deleterious on the interests Of the
master or on those of the native born slave.
OF the evils to the master, the one most to
be dreaded would be the Introduction of
| wild, heather, and ignorant barbarians
among the sober, orderly, and quiet slaves,
whose ancestors have been on the soil for
several generations. This might tend to
barbarize, demoralize and exasperate the
whole mass, and produce most deplorlble
consequences
The effect upon the existing slave would
if possible, be still more deplorable. At
present he is treated with kindness and hui
manity He is well fed, well clothed, and
not overworked. His condition is incom-
parably better than that of the coolies,
which modern nations of high civilization
have employed substitute for African
slaves. Both the philanthropy and the self
interest of the master have combined to pro-
duce this humane result. But let this trade
be re-opened, and what will be the effect
The same to a considerable extent, as on Il
neighbOring island-the only spot now on
earth where the African slave trade is openly
tolerated, and this in defiance of solemn
treaties with powera bundantly able At
any moment to enforce their exaction.
There the master, intent upon present
gain, EFFORTS from the slave as much labor
as his physical powers are capable of endu-
ring-knowing that when death comes TO
his relief his place can be supplied at
III hrrt
competition of rival African slave traders.
Should this ever be the case i'll our country
which do not deem possible--the pres
ent useful character of the domestic institu-
ton, wherein those too old and too young
to work are provided for with care and hu-
mainly, and those capable of labor are not
Overtasked, would undergo an unfortunate
change. The feeling of reciprocal depend
ence and attachment which now eXrit5 be
tween master and slave would be converted
into mutual distrust and hostility.
But we are obliged, rs a Christian and
moral nation, to consider what would be
the effect upon unhappy Africa itself if we
should re-open the slave trade. This would
give the trade an impulse and extension
which it has never had even in its palmiest
days. The numerous victims required to
supply it would convert the whole slave
coast lnlO Il perfect 1anucDOulunl, IOf W men
this country would be held responsible in
the eyes of both God and man. lis petty
tribes would then be constantly engaged in
predatory wars against each other for the
purpose of seizing slaves to supply the
American market. All hopes of African
civilization would thus be ended.
On the other hand, when a market for
African slaves shall no longer he furnished
in Cuba, and thus all the world he closed
against this trade, we may then indulge a
reasonable hope for the gradual improve
ment of Africa The chief motive of war
among the tribes will cease whenever there
is no longer any demand for slaves. The
resources of that fertile but miserable coun-
try might then be developed by the hand of
industry, and afford subjects for legitimate
foreign and domestic commerce. In this
manner, Christianity and civilization may
gradually penetrate the existing gloom.
The wisdom of the course pursued by this
Government towards China has been yindi-
Gated by the event Whilst we sustained a
neutral position in the war waged by Great
Britain and France against the Chinese en-
pire, our late minister, in obedience to his
instructions, judiciously co-Operated with
the ministers of these powers in all peaceful
measures to secure by treaty the just conces-
sions demanded by the interests of foreign
commerce. The result is, that satisfactory
treaties have been concluded with China by
the respective ministers of the United
States, Great Britain, France and Russia
Our treaty or general convention of peace,
amity, and commerce, with that empire
was concluded at Tientsin, on the 18th Of
June, 1853, and was ratified by the Presi-
dent, by and with the advice and consent
Of the Senate, on the 2lst of December fol-
lowing.
On the 18th of December 1858, John f.
Ward, a distinguished citizen of Georgia,
was duly commissioned as envoy extraordi-
nary and minister plenipotentiary to China.
He left the United States for the place of
his destination on the 9TH of February,
1889, bearing with him the ratified copy of
this treaty, and arrived at Shanghai on the
28th of May. From thence he proceeded to
Pekin on the 10th of June but did not ar
rive in that city until the 9th of July
According to the terms of the treaty, the
Publications were to be exchanged on or be-
fore the 8th of June, 1859. This was rem
dered impossible by reasons and events be-
yond hsScontrol, not necessary to detail
but still it is due TO the Chinese authorities
at Shanghai to state that they always assur-
ed him no advantage should be taken OF his
delay, and this pledge has been faithfully
redeemed.
On the arrival of Mr.. Ward ut Pekin, lie
requested an audience of the Emperor to
present his letters of credence. This he did
not obtain, i'll consequence of his very pro-
per refusal to submit to the humiliating GER
emonies required by the etiquette OF this
strange people in approaching their sover-
eign. Nevertheless, the interviews ON this
question were conducted in the most friend
ly spirit, aud with all due regard to his per
sonal feelings and the honor Of his country.
When presentation to his majesty was
found to be impossible the letter of Gre
dence from the President was received with
peculiar honors by kweilians, " the Empe-
rOr s prime minister and the second man in
the Empire to the Emperor himself. The
ratl6cations of the treaty were afterwards,
on the 18th of August, exchanged in proper
form at Pie-tsaug. As the exchange did
not take place until after the day prescribed
10y the treaty, it is deemed proper before its
publication, again to submit it to the Sen
ate.
II is but simpIe iuStirp Ia the ChiupSe an