Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1860-01-05

( American market. All hopes Ot AM
can civilization would tins be ended.
On the other hand. when market
for African slaves shall 40 longer be
furnished in Cuba. and thus all the
world he closed against TINS trade. we
may then indulge a reasonable Lope for
+ the gradual improvement 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 sub
iects for legitimate foreign and
domestic commerce. In this manner
Christianity and civilization may
gradually penetrate the existing
gloom.
The wisdom Of the course pursued
hy this Government towards China
has been vindicated by the event
Whilst we sustained a neutral position
in the war waged by Great Britain
and France against the Chinese
empire. our late minister. in obedience
To his instructions. iudiciously CO.
operated with the ministers of these
powers in all peaceful measures TO
secure by treaty the just concessions
demanded by the interests of foreign
commerce. The result Is that salts
factory treaiie, have been concluded
with China by the respective ministers
ot the Unlted States, Great Britain.
France and Russia. Our treaty or
general convention of peace. amiiy
and commerce. with that empire was
concluded at Iientsin on the 18th June,
1898, and was ratified by the Presi-
dent. by and with the advice and
consent OF the Senate. OH the 2lst OF
December following.
On the 10th OF December. 1858,
John d. Ward. distinguished citi-
zen OF Georgia, was duly commits
stoned a. envoy extraordinary and
minister plcnipotentiary to China. lie
left the United States for the place OF
his destination on the 9th of Februa-
~. 1889, bearing with him the rati-
fled copy of this treaty, and arrived
at Shanghai on the 2eth Of May
From thence he proceeded TO Pckin on
the 10Th of June, but did not arrive
in tnat city until the 9th of Jelly.
According 10 the terms OF the treaty,
the ratiiications were to be exchanged
on or before the 18th of June, 1899.
This was rendered impossible by rea-
sons and events beyond his control.
not neces sary to detail but still it is
due TO the Chinese authorities at
Shanghai to state that they always
assured him no advantage should be
saaca OF this delay, and this p.e,iyc
has been faithfully redeemed.
On the arrival OF Dir. Ward at Pekin
he requested all audience of the Empe-
ror to present his letter of credence.-
This he did not obtain, in consequence
OF his very proper refusal to submit
to the Illuminating ceremonies required
by the etiquette of this strange peo-
pie in approaching their sovereign
Nevertheless the interviews on this
question were conduced in the most
Friendly spirit ana with all due regard
to his personal feelings and the honor
of his country. When presentation
to his Majesty was found to ne im-
possible, the letter of credencc from
the President was received with pecu-
liar honors by kweillang" the Empe
ror's prime minister and the second
man in the empire to the Emperor
! himself" The notifications OF the
treaty were afterwards, on the 10th of
August, exchanged in proper form at
Pie tsang. AS the exchange did not
take place until after the day prescribed
by the treaty, it is deemed proper, be-
fore It's publication, again to submit
il 10 the Senate.
1t is but simple justice to the Chi
nese authorities to observe. that.
throughout the whole transaction. they
appear to have acted in good faith
and in a friendly spirit towards the
United States. 1t is true thi, has
been done after their own peculiar
fashion; bat we ought to regard with
lenient eve the ancient customs OF an
empire dating back for thousands OF
Yeas. so far as this may be consistent
with our own" national honor. The
conduct Of our minister on the occa-
sion has received my entire approOa-
ton.
In order to carry out the spirit OF
this treaty. and to give 1t full effect. It
became necessary to conclaae two
! supplemental conventions-the one Cor
the adjustment and satisfaction OF the
claims OF our citizens, and the other
to fix the tariff on imports and ex-
ports, and to regulate tie transit du-
ties and trade OF our merchants with
China. This duty was satisfactorily
performed by our late minister. These
conventions bear date at Shanghai oh
the Sth of November, 1888. Having
been considered in the light Of Din ing
agreements subsidiary to the prinrI-
pal treaty, and to be carried into exc
cution without delay. they do not pro-
vide for any formal ratification or eK-
change of ratiiications by the contrast
ing parties. This was not deemed
necessary by the Chinese. who ale a.
ready proceeding in good faith to
satisfy the claims of onr citizens. an
it Is hoped, to carry out the o,hc'
provisions OF the conventions. Still.
| thought 1t was proper TO submit
them to the Senate. by which they
were ratified on the 3ri o. March. 1889
the ratified copies. however. aid not
reach Shanghai until after the dcPas-
. tule OF our minister TO Pckin. an
these conventions could not, therefore