New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-05-20

IN
20 EASTERN ASIA. aI
From Our Own Cores pondeEt Ia. .
SHANGHAI. Jan. &c. 1859
Comments on the appointment of Mr. Burlingame
by the Chinese Government its ambassador 10 all the
nations with which it has formed treaties widoud,t-
less form the principal theme of the COMMUNICATIONS
which to-morrows mail will convey across the Pa
cifc. 1t continues to form fruitful subject of spcc,
lation and discussion in the country. We have no
means of ascertaining public opinion among the Chi.
nese on a question of this character; indeed only
officials those who in private life are connected in
one way OF another with foreigners are aware of the
appointment, and of such there are very few who
comprehend its bearings 1t is among foreign resi-.
dents that this revolution in Chinese polity has at
traced most attention. and British material inter-
ests of more value than those of all other nation
published in China are English, English opinions
have become best known. .a. .-.r'
In the first place. the spontaniety Of the affair on
the part OF the government of His Majesty Tungche
is doubted. AS this Government admits Of no eqna
among foreign States, II N thought incredible that
foreign embassy entirely under foreign control and
management, should be the spontaneous suggestion
OF Chinese statesman. Its origin is attributed 10
Mr. Hart. the Inspector General Of Maritime Gus
toms, who Is represented as looking forward to the
time when he might wish TO retire from his present
position, which Is worth about 10000 10 an univer
sal embassadorship. worth nearly half that sum In
money with an increase of reputation. It is also
said that if the mission has reference 10 the treaty.
revision that has been stipulated for il must have
reference to either OF two things, viz, that the Chi
ncse are prepared to adopt progressive mcasnres on
are, on the contrary inclined TO retrogradc or stand
STILL III progress be the import of the mission there
Is no need for DIR. BuriiDgame; the Chinese author
ties here will lind the representatives Of the foreign
powers only too happy TO welcome any steps in adj
vance. Ii, however, as Is thought likely the
mission indicates a retrograde movement, no effort
the part of the Chinese restraints the action Of the
treaty powers then must the mission be regarded as
lnimical TO foreign interests in China. Persons hold
ing these views are hoping that foreign cabinets will
give q cold shoulder TO Mr.. BuTlingame. I....
1t is matter of little consequence whether the idea
originated with the Chinese, is supposed by some
| or whether 1t was suggested by foreign adviser
which we know was not the case III Mr. Hart did
suggest the mission t Is another proof of his fitness
TO be an adviser of the Government which he serves
and It will no doubt appear N the SEQUEL that Mr.
Chinese and foreign interests. fI N 3D.
IL is not unlikely that object of the mission it
may be its principal one is the negotiation of loan
Certain it U.s. Tungehes Cabinet is in want of funds
for which they give ample security aud pay libe
raj interest 1t is moreover evident that the negotia
master-stroke Of policy ANational debt woald be q
dynastc, if not National blessing English capital
lists example, would bring British power laid this
eete and lettering dynasty whenever it might be i'm
periled by Instructions The loan, ina short, would
serve to subsdze to extent the Navy
OF Great Britain as IN order to avert damage 10
chants by the TAPPING Rebels England aided IN their
sublugatlon So would she again be moved to main
tam the anchus IN power we're her bankers IN dan
ger of incurring loss. I..r.I r..r now. .ra.f III
Regarded from this point of view, it may be ones
toned # the success OF the embassy would be an
mixed blessing; for, when government can only
be maintained by foreign support it becomes
TO It's subjects and an international nuisance -
Nevertheless, we have good grounds for the belief
that great good will accrue from Mr. BuFliDgame's
mission. both because the excl Hited States Minister
is the man best fitted to discharge its onerous duties
and because 1t commits the Chinese &c remuneration
Of principles and ideas that have long retarded her
Announcements. E.f.I 80 .I..l
Earthquakes are less frequent and less violent ON
cI1c, yet we have better opportunity here of OBJ
either co Sss 81 than have the deDzens of
18th ult a slight earthquake was experienced at
Shanghai. which seems to have had its center OF 40
ton on Formosa. Tanlsu one of the two open ports
on that island suffered greatly and killing the other
port was nearly destroyed by series of shocksthaC
followed in quick succession. AT the latter place
cIoud of vapoF was seen to rise from the which
was succeeded by the water OF the hafD0r rushing
out seward carrying everything with II, and leav-
ing the harbOr dry. In few seconds the waters ne
turned, swapping iunke or carrying them ashore
high and dry. During the whole day the water OF
the harbor continued in state OF agitation, and was
turbid instead of clear Enormous quantities OF ish
were washed ashore Many lives were lost The Chinese
exhibited their usual apathy on the occasion. Noone
could be induced to make efforts to rescne drowning
men without guarantee of a reward. lndliicfenco
to human distress is characteristic trait in the Cni-
nese character which the enemies Oh the Chnese de
light to dwell upon which their panegyristS never
allude to- and which impartial observers iind dim-
cult to explains. perhaps tho universal Dehel IN
may in part account Tor that fePuf
sive feature in the national character which applies
to the nations coterminOus and TO Japan. when one
believes that death merely transforms men INTO De-
ngs of the same an inferior grade. according 10
their deserts. he IS likely to be indifferent 10 the
process by which the change Is effected. ai ''t
.