Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1868-06-12
Progress in the East.

Mr.. Burlingame at recent public
dinner in San Francisco, though he
spoke in very guarded phrases of the
purposes of his mission, went some
what fully into the great changes
which are taking place in China
The mission of the American diplo-
mat marks an epoch in Oriental his
tory, and makes more apparent fact
which has been known by those more
intimately acquainted with the great
revolution in the East. China has a
history which reaches back thousands
of years. In the earliest period of
civilization it made rapid and brill
liant advance in all the industrial arts.
Before the time of Christ books and
newspapers were printed in Pekin,
and their skilful workmanship has
won the admiration of generations.
Humboldt informs US that travellers in
remote period were guided in their
long journeys over the northern plains
by the magnetic needle. But though
the nation early developed in the in
dustrial arts a peculiar civilization, it
has always stood aloof from foreign
ers. Thirty years ago only one sea-
port was open to European or Ameri-
can merchants, and even consuls and
ministers from great nations were
kept at a distance. Within a few
years, however, the old Chinese wall
of exclusiveness has begun to crumble.
The restrictive policy has undergone
important notifications, until now
the government is seeking diplomatic
intercourse with the chief nations of
the West.
1t is gratifying to our national pride
to know that American influence has
been felt in the East. The represen-
tatives of the United States are treat
ed with respect, and our minister has
found favor in the imperial palace
A quarter of century ago we were
excluded from the gates of the capital
now the palace doors are thrown wide
ly open. A few years since the Chi
nese published an American work On
international Law, and in some meas
ure the government has adopted our
national code. In the treaty of 1858,
at the instance of the Chinese authori-
ties, a clause was inserted by which
the United States is made the media
tor in case of difficulty with other ma
tions. All this proves that we are
} highly esteemed by our Oriental cous-
/ ins, and that the selection of Mr.. Bur-
: lingame for this very important mis-
sion was due alike to their regard for
him personally, and their friendly feel
5 ings to the nation he so ably repre-
t----~~1
= The Chinese mind dormant for Gen.
t turies is rousIng itself. A college has
q recently been started where the mod
t ern languages and sciences are stud
J, led. This has four European and one
= American professor in the chairs of
instruction. One hundred applicants,
r "men of literary rank and preten-
sions,' presented themselves for en-
: trance, only thirty of whom passed
the examination. This literary insti-
: tuition will prove to be great enter
ing wedge, and its influence will be
!, felt throughout the nation. Ere long
4 others will spring up, and new light
4 will shine upon their darkened intel
5 lect.
: The United States are particularly
5 interested in these progressive move
ments in the East, because these chang
: es bear on our commercial relations.
More than hunored millions of peo-
: pie by the opening of Chinese ports
have been brought into contact with
American merchants. The compile
: ton of the great line of railway to the
: Pacific will bring New York and Bos-
9 ton nearer to Pekin and Canton than
7 is either London or Paris. The friend
< ly attitude of the Celestials towards
5 Americans is a circumstance In our
. idsOI. l. uO ldi &c CuiiS atiou Vi shC
e Chinese to our Pacific coast will &C.
D ment the ties between the two nations,
/ and open the East to the influence of
: our ideas. The gradual, but certain
e changes which the British rule is pro-
a ducing in India will be accomplished
5 in China through the agencies of COM
: merce. The establishment of the col
q lege above mentioned, and the employ
ment OF foreign. professors, will pow
erfully stimulate the Chinese and
s rouse their sluggish faculties. The
n missionary will lift up his voice, and
+ by the aid of the printed page spread
abroad the Christian religion. Ma
homedanism has spent its strength ;
+ the established religion is juiceless
|, and lacks inspiration, SO that Chris
r tianity will gain over the existing
y faith lasting victory.-Chrastsan Reg
s ister.