The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1866-06-30
Our DIPLOMATIC Guests.

ouf otSh
1t is seldom our city is favored with guests Of
more merited distinction than ttose whose ar
rival we announced last week.-Mrs. Exce,lency
Arson Burlingame, L. 5. Minister Plenipoten-
tiary to China, and His Excellency, K. b. Van
Valkcnburg, l.. 5. Minister Resident at Jedo,
Japan. The latter has but recently been APP
pointed 10 his mission, to take the place of Mr..
Pruyn, who has requested to be recalled.
Mr.. Burlingame has represented the American
Government at the Court OF Pekin during the
past four years, and is now on his second trip
thither. During his first residence in Pekin he
was active in initiating Il new policy between
the four leading powers and China. Under this
- cooperative policy as It is termed, into
which America, England, France and Russia
have mutually entered, these powers agree to
respect the nationality and territory Of China,
and preserve them intact. In case Of local dis
putes. warlike demonstrations shall not be made
against China until the question in dispute
shall have been referred to the Home Govern
ment. All Chinese territory, held by either
Of the four Governments, shall be restored to it.
This does not refer to Hongkong, however.
This policy is very similar to that pursued by
the three ~powers-England, France and America
towards this Government. 1t is Il guaranty
of independence. and, also, to respect and sus-
tain the local Government. Its adoption in
regard to the Empire of China, is a great step
towards bringing her into the family of nations.
and will tend to elevate her position. One i'm
mediate result has been the springing up of a
more friendly feeling on the part of the ruling
classes in China towards foreigners. Formerly
jealousy and suspicion everywhere prevailed
now, foreigners may travel without fear through
the most distant parts of that vast realm, and
explore her rivers to their sources and her noun
tains to their SUBMITS.
In the accomplishment of this important change
Of policy, Hon. Mr.. Burlingame has taken a
prominent part, having, in corporation with Sir
Frederick Bruce-then British Minister Pleni-
potentiary-initiated and pressed it through to
Il successful end. In Sir Frederick he found a
warm Union friend, during those trying years of
the rebellion, when foreigners delighted to sneer
at Americans, and refer them to the : late
United States.' Not so with Sir Frederick,
however, for he respected America for her noble
institutions, and had faith in her power and ulti-
mate victory. 1t was natural, therefore, that
these Plenipotentiaries should work together
amicably in a scheme which, though bold and
untried, was believed would result in mutual
good to all. Thus far it has worked well. The
Home Governments of England and America
having approved it, France and Russia FASTENED
to come into the agreement, although it was IL
damper to their schemes of territorial aggrand-
izement. But the arguments presented by the
advocates were irresistible.
Mr.. Burlingame having returned on leave
to America. the Government, on his arrival,
considered his services so valuable that he was
re-appointed to the same station. He has proved
himself to be a skillful ~diplomatist. and one
whom his Government will be 10th to part with.
The Emperor of China will, no doubt, consider
his return as the most fortunate event that could
take place. Us his residence at Pekin will, of
itself. be a guaranty of the continuance Of a
policy on the part of foreign Govern
ments.
On Saturday last the American residents ten
dered a public dinner to their diplomatic Wis
itors, to take place after the funeral of the
Princess, on Monday next. Under the circum-
stances Of the Court being in mourning, the
funeral taking place to-day, and their expected
on Monday. they have declined the
They will leave in the bark SlraE-
on Monday or Tuesday next, and the wishes
IF many friends will accompany them to Jedo
and Pekin.