Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1860-01-06

abuulantly ahundantly able at any moment to en-
force their execution Thele the master, intcn
npon present gain, EFFORTS from the slave as mucf
labor as his physical powers capabe of enduring
knowing that, when death comes to his rellf /
his place can be supplied al price reduced 20 the
lowest point by the competition of rival African
slivc traders. Should this be the case ia oul
country-which do not deem possibe--the pres.
ent useful character Of the domestic institution
wherein those too old and toe young 20 work arr
provided for with aud humanity, and those ca
pable of labor not oyertasked, would undergo
an unfortunate change. The feeling Of reciprocal
dependence and attachment which now exist be-
tween master and slave, would be converted inta
mutuui distrust and hostility.
But we are obliged, as a Christian aud NOR
al nation, TO consider what would be tho effect
upon unhappy Africa itself, if we should re-
open the slave trade. This would give the
trade 40 impulse aud extension, which it has
never had even ii its palnliest days. The nu-
merous victims required to supply il would
convert the whole slave coast into a perfect
Pandemomium, fer which this country would
be held responsible in tho eyes of both God
and man. Its petty tribes would then be con-
stantlY engaged in predatory wars against each
other for The purpose Of seiziuc slaves to sup
ply the American market. All bopes of Afrl-
con civilization would thus be ended.
On the other hand, when market for Af-
rican slaves shall no longer be furnished in
Cuba, aud thus all tbe world be closed against
this trade, we may then indulge a reasonable
hope for the gradual Improvement Of Africa.
The chief motive of war among the, tri bes
will cease wherever there is no lolgef any de-
maud for slaves. The resources Of that fer
tiIe but miserable country might thea Dc de-
veloped By the hand of industry and afford
subjects for legitimate foreign and domestic
commerce. la this manner Christianity and
civilization may gradually penetrate the ez-
istiug gloom.
The wisdom Of the course pursued bi this
Government towards China has been yindicated
by the event. Whilst We sustained q neutral
position in the war wsgsd by Great Britain aud
France ag4inst the Gailese empire. our late
minister, Ia obedience 70 his Instructions, ju-
dlsiously co-operated with the ministers OF
tLe,e powers III all peaceful measures TO Sc
cure by treaty the just concessions demanded
by the Interests OF foreign commerce.. Tie
result is that satisfactory treaties have been
concluded with Chiua by the respective minis
ters of the United States, Great Britain,
France aud Russia. Cur '';roaty, or general
convention OF peace, amity, and commerce.,
with that empire was cVaciuded at Iientsin on
the 18Th June, 1908, aud was ratified by the
President, BY and with the advice and consent
of the Senate, on the 2lst December following.
On the 18th December, 1893, John Ward,
distinguished citizen Of Georgia, was duly
commissioned as Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Peuipoteultafy to Gina. lie left
she United States TOR the place of bis destina-
ton on the 5th of February, 1859, bearing
with him the ratified copy OF this treaty, and
arrived at Shanghai on the 2Sth May. From
thence he proceeded to Peking on the 10th
June, but did not arrive 10 that city untl! the
27th July. According 70 The terms of the
treaty the ratifcations were 10 be exchanged
on OF before the 18th June, 1859. This vas
rendered impossible by reasons aud events be-
youd his control, not necessary to detail; but
still it is due to the Chinese authorities at
Shanghai to state that they always assared
him that no advantage should be taken OF the
delay, and this pledge has been faithfully re-
deemed.
On tue arrival of Mr.. Ward at Picking, he
.equested an audience Of the Emperor, 10 pre-
sent his letter Of credence. This he did no.
ootain, 10 consequence Of his very proper re
fusa to submit 70 the humilia,iug ceremonies
required by the etiquette Of this strange peo-
pie III approaching their sovereign. NoveSthe-
less, the Interviews on this question were cua-
Quoted in the most friendly spirit, ald with all
due regard to bis personal feelings and the
honor of bis country. When presentation to
his Majesty was found to be- impossible, the
letter Of credence from the Presideot was re-
ceIved with Particular hon0rs by KweiIiaag,
''the Emperor's Prime Minister, and tho second
mau 10 Tie Empire to the Emperor himself. F."
The ratfcatons Of the treaty were afterwards,
on the 10th of August, exchanged in proper
form atPe-Isang. As the exchange did uos
take place uutil -iret the day prescribed by
the treaty, it is deemed proper. before its pub
location, again TO submit il 10 tne Senate.
Ii Is but simple justice 10 the Chinese au-
thUrities to observe, that throughout the whole
transaction, they appear to have acted in good
faith, aud in friendly spirit towards the Uui-
ted States. /, is true this has been done after
their own peculiar fashion; but wa ought ,s
regard with lenlen' eye the ancient customs
of an empire dating back for thousands Of
wears, so far as this may be consistent With our
own national honor. Tnc conduct of our mit-
ister on the occasion has received my entlle
appreciation.
!1ordeE TO carry out the spirit of this tIeaIS
and to give 1t full effect, it became necessary
to conclude two supplemental conventions
the cne for the adjustment and satisfaction OF
tho claims u our citizens, and tho other 10 tx
the tariff on imports anu exports, and TO reg
ulate the transit duties aud trade of our ner-
chants with China. This duty was sarsfscto-
rily performed by our late munster. These
cou7eptions bear date at Shanghai on the eth
November, 1858. Having been cuusidertd IL
tue light OF binding agreements suesdiH7 to
It's p!lncip,l treaty, and TO be carried lao ex-
ecution Sithout delay, they do not prosl;e for
any formal ratification or exchange Of ritifea-