Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1860-01-05


these Powers in all peaceful measures to Sc
cure by treaty the just concessions demanded
by the interests of foreign commerce. The
result is that satisfactory treaties have been
concluded with China by the respective Min
isters of the United States, Great Britain,
France and Russia Our treaty, or general
convention of peace, amty, and commerce"
with that Empire was concluded at Tien-tsin
on the 18th of June, 1858, and was ratified
by the President by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate, on the 2lSt of Decem-
Der following.
On the 18th December, 1858, John E.
Ward a distinguished citizen of Georgia, was
duly commissioned as Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Penipotentiary to China. He
left the United States for the place of his
destination on the 9th of February, 1859,
bearing with him the ratified copy Of this
treaty, and arrived at Shanghae on the 2Sth
May From thence he proceeded to Pekin on
the 9th June, but did not arrive in that city
until the 9th July According to the terms
of the treaty the ratifcations were to be ex
changed on or before the 18th June, 1853
This was rendered impossible by reasons and
events beyond his control, not necessary to de
tail but still it is due 10 the Chinese author
tiles ut Shanghae to State that they always as
sured him no advantage should be taken of
the delay, and this pledge has beeu faithfully
redeemed.
On the arrival of Mr. Ward at Pekin he
requested an audience of the Emperor to pre-
sent his letter Of credence This he did not
obtain, in consequence of his very proper re-
lusal 20 submit to the humating ceremonies
required by the etiquette of this strange peO-
pie in approaching their sovereign. Neverthe
less the interviews on this question were con-
Quoted in the most friendly spirit aud with all
due regard TO his personal feelings and the
honor OF his country When presentation to
! His Majesty was found to be impossible the
letter of credence from the President was re-
ceircd with peculiar honors by kweliang, "the
Emperor's Prime Minister and the second man
in the Empire to the Emperor himself" The
J ratfcatonS of the treaty were atterward, on
the 10th of August, exchanged iu proper form
at Pei-tsang. As the exchange did not take
place until after the day prescribed by the
treaty, i is deemed proper, before its publca-
ton, again to Sabmt it 10 the Senate
1t is but simple justice to the Chinese au-
thorties to observe that throughout the whole
transaction, they appear to have acted in good
faith and in a friendly spirit toward the Unit
ed States. 1t is true this has been done after
their own peculiar fashion {; but we ought to
regard with lcnient eye the ancient customs
of an empire deting back for thousands Of
years so far Us this may be consistent with our
own national hoGor The conduct Of our mi
/ mister on the occasion has received my entire
appreciation.
In order to carry out the spirit of this
treaty and to give it full effect, it became
necessary to conclude two supplemental con-
ventionS-the one for the adjustment and sat
/ isfactiOn Of the claims of our citizens and the
| other 10 fix the tariff on imports and exports,
aud to regulate the transit duties aud trade of
our merchants with China This duty was
satisfactorily performed by our late munster
These conventions bear date at Shanghae, on
the 9Th November, 1858 Having been con-
sidered in the light of binding agreements sub
sidary to the principal treaty, and to be car
red into execution without delay. they do not
provide for any formal ratification or exchange
of rdtifcations by the contracting parties
This was not deemed necessary 10y the Chinese,
who are already proceeding in good faith to
satisfy the claims of our citizens, aud, it is
hoped to carry out the other provisions of the
conventions. Still | thought it was proper 10
submit them to the Senate, by which they were
ratified on the Sd of March, 1859. The rati-
fed copies, however, did not reach Shanghae
until after the departure of our minister 10
Pekin aud these conventions could not there
fore, be exchanged at the same time with the
principal treaty. No doubt is entertained that
they will be ratified aud exchanged by the
Chinese Government, should this be thought
advisable; but under the circumstances pre-
Sented, shall consider them binding engage
mentS from their date on both parties, and
cause them to be published as such for the in-
formation and guidance of our merchaptS trad
ing with the Chinese Empire
1t affords me much satisfaction to inform
yoa that all our difficulties with the Republic
| of Paraguay have been satisfactorily adjusted
II happily diu not become necessary TO employ
the force for this purpose which Congress had
placed at my command. under their Joint reSO-
luton Of ID of June, 1888 On the contrary,
the President af that Republic, in friendly
spirit, acceded promptly to the just and rea-
SOnable demands of the Government of the
United States. Our Commissioner arrived at
Assumption, the capital of the Republic, on
the 25th of January, 1859, and left it on The
18th of February, having in three weeks ably
and successfully accomplished all the objects
of his mission. The treaties which he has con-
cluded will be Immediately submitted 10 the
Senate
In the view that the employment of other
than peaceful means might become nccc ccssary
to obtain just satisfaction" from Paraguay, a
strong naval force was concentrated in the wa.
tiers of the La Plata to await contingencies
while our Commissioner ascended the river 10
Assumption. The Navy Department is ent
tied to great credit for the promptness eff
cheney, aud economy with which this expedi
ton was fitted out aud conducted. 1t consis
ted of 10 armed vessels, great and snail, car