Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-01-11
Number l4.

If possible, be still more deplorabe. At present he IS treated with kindness and hu- manity. He is we'll fed, we'll clothed and not overworked. His condition is incom- parably better than that of the coolies which modern nations of high civilization have employed as substitute for African slaves. Both the philanthropy and the self-interest Of the master have combined to produce this humane result. But let this trade be re-opened, and what will be the eflect?- The same to considerable extent, as on neighborlng lsland-the only spot now on earth where the African slave trade is open ly tolerated; and this in defiance of solemn treaties with power abundantly able at any moment to enforce their execution.
 There the master, intent upon present gam, eXtorts from the slave as much labor as hls physical powers are capable of en- durlng-knowing that, when death comes to his relief, his place can be supplied at 4 price reduced to the lowest point by the competition of rival African slave traders. Should this ever be the case in our coun- try-which l do not deem possible-the present useful character of the domestic institution, wherein those too old and too young to work are provided for with care. and humanity, and those capable of labor. are not overtasked, would undergo an un- fortunate change. The feeling of recipro- cal dependence and attachment which now exists between master and slave would be converted into mutual distrust and hostility
 But we are obliged, as a Christian and moral nation, to consider what would be boV A should reopen the slave trade This would give the trade an impulse and extension which 1t has never had inits palmiest days. The numerous victims required to supply It would convert the whole slave coast into a perfect Pandemonium, for which this country would be held responsible in the eyes both of c cd and man. It's petty tribes would then be constantly engaged in pre- datory wars against each other for the pur- pose of selzlng slaves to supply the Ame- rican market. All hopes of African civili- zation would thus be closed.
 On the other hand, when market for African slaves shall no longer be furnished in Cuba, and thus all the world be closed against this trade, we may then indulge . 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 country 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 toward China has been vindicated by the event. Whilst we sus- tained neutral position in the war waged by Great Blitian and France against the Chinese empire, our late minister, in obe- dience to his instructions, iudicidously CO., operated with the ministers of these pow CTS in all peaceful measures to secure 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 respec- tive ministers of the United States, Great Britain, France and Russia. Our treaty or general convention of peace, amity and commerce." with that empire, was con clude at Iientsin on the 18th June, 1858, and was ratified by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, on the 2lst of December following.
 On the 10th of December, 1858, John E. Ward, distinguished citizen of Geor- gia, was duly commissioned as envoy ex- traordinary and minister plenipotentiary to China. He left the United States for the place of his destination on the 9th of February, 1859, bearing with him the rati- he'd copy Of this treaty, and arrived at Shanghai on the 26th of May. From thence he proceeded to Pekin on the 10th June, but did not arrive in that city until the 27th of July. According to the terms of the treaty the notifications were to be exchanged on or before the 18th of June, loo9. This was rendered impossible by reason of events beyond his control, not necessary to detail; but still it is due to the Chinese authorities at Shanghai, to state that they always assured him no ad- vantage should be taken of the delay, and this pledge has been faithfully redeemed.
 On the arrival of Mir. Ward at Pekin he requested an audience of the Emperor to present his letter of credence This he did not obtain in consequence of his very
 
 ceremonies required by the etiquette of this strange people in approaching their sovereign. Nevertheless the interviews on this question were conducted in the most friendly spirit, and with all due re- gard to his personal feelings and the honor of his country. When a presentation to his majesty was found to be impossible, the letter of credence from the Presi- dent was received with peculiar honors by keweiliang, the Emperor's prime minister, and the second man in the empire to the Emperor himself. The notifications of the treaty were afterwards, on the 16th of Au- gust. exchanged in proper form at Peit- sang. As the exchange did not take place until after the day prescribed by the treaty, 1t IS deemed proper, before its pub lication, again to submit it to the Senate.
 1t IS but simple justice to the Chinese authorities to observe that, throughout the whole transaction, they appear to have acted in good faith and in friendly spirit towards the United States. It is true this has been done after their own peculiar fashion; but we ought to regard with & lenient eye the ancient customs of an em- plre dartlng back for thousands of years, so far as this may be consistent with our own national honor. The conduct of our minister 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 conventions-the one for the adjustment and satisfaction of the claims of our eiti- zens, and the other to fix the tariff on im- l ports and exports and to regulate the tran sit duties and trade of our merchants with China This duty was satisfactorialv per- formed by our late minister. These con- ventions bear date at Shanghai on the Sth November, 1858. Having been considered in the light of binding arguments subs- diary to the principal treaty, and to be carried into execution without delay, they do not provide for any formal ratification or exchange of notifications by the con- traetlng parties. This was not deemed necessary by the Chinese, who are al-