The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1868-07-04
Correspondence Of The Philadelphia Press
The Chinese Embassy.

luc Cn1uCSc LIhUASsSs
A new and startling drama is performing
on the worlds stage The Occident and the
Orient are at last united, The Oldest nation
on the face of the earth is shaking hands
with the youngest. Graybearded China, at:
ter being Theoretically sealed during the
long ages, opens her arms to embrace Young
America, and in the height Of her good hu.
nor includes the rest ofthe world. Another
laurel is added to the fame of America. A
countryman of ours has shown what genius
and courage can accomplish in the field OF
diplomacy. Arson Burlingame has smitten
the rock in the wilderness, and the sweet
waters flow forth in Washington in the shape
of dozens Of pig tailed, almon.eyed, silken.
clad Oricntals, who charm by their picture.
squcness, and who leave the gates ofwonder
standing aiar every day. TO the eye of an
ordinary barbarian one Chinaman looks
as much like another as two pins from the
same paper; but a very close inspection
shows that the two Mandarins are made of
q little finer clay than the "suite." There
is Just about the same difference as between
their own exquisite porcelain and the mod
crn French China.
Owing to the fashionable shoes of their
mother, the Mandarins have inherited feet
made expressly for Cinderellas slipper,
whilst their delicate taper fingers vie with
any ghborn damsel's in the land. They
are exceedingly attractive; but the senti
mcnt they inspire is as strange as them.
selves. 1t isn't the usual homage that wo.
man gives the opposite sex; and their ilut.
tering silken skirts and fans help to keep
miniature China with them, in the shape
0f oil hat tn not fhnIr
servants, cooking utensils, favorite bevera.
gcs, &c. The Metropolitan Hotel has been
turned into Chinese Pagoda, and Minister
Burlingame and his elegant wife are the pre-
siding deties, whilst the multitude flock to
offer incense at their shrines. Not an hour
can they call their own and though they
are very weary this eXhausting weather, Mr..
Burlingame says, /" am glad to meet with
so mnch kindness from my countrymcn. u
1t is this warmth-these genuine, electric
flashes of the soul-that melt all opposition.
Since the birth of our young Republic how
many wise and good men have we sent to
China, but we must acknowledge that we
never sent the right man before. All honor
to the young pioneer who reflects SO much
credit upon American diplomacy. 1t is Il
plain citizen of our Republic who introduces
the Oldest monarchy to the whole civilized
world. In answer to the question, show
did you bring it about?'' Bring it
about?' said he. ~ studied Chinese char.
acter. | made them feel that we meant
them no harm. 1t has been the haba, in
times past, if any demand or request was
made by foreign Powers to the Chinese
government and the request was not favor
make warmer impression. This never
was my course of action. l never rcsorted
to force. ! labored to make them feel that
my propositions were for our mutual good ;
and,' he continued. {" mast not forget to
say how much influence women have in
China for if the two most influential wo.
men in the empire had not favored the ey.
petition, we never should have been seen in
this part of the world. OF these august Ia
dies one was the Empress mother, the
other the wife of the Emperor"
Mr.. Burlingamc did not say whether he
met these ladies face to face, but if he did,
the birth of the Chinese embassy is no longer
wonder; for even Queen Elizabeth, one
of the greatest sovcreigns that ever lived
was never proof against those subtle, insin.
uating influences tar easier felt than describ
ed.
Mr.. Burlingame was cast in one of ma.
lures finest moulds. Towering just enough
above the medium height to be called com
handing, with proportions as symmetrical as
a perfect tree in the forest, n face is added
that is strikingly classic, which attracts the
eye for a moment only, giving way to the
spiritual impression.
Whilst this Chinese panorama was unfold
ing, graceful woman for moment was
pictured on the canvas-Mrs. Burlingame,
the only woman who accompanies the party.
There was a al nm If n pnir of 1a rE In >trous