The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-07-31
The Chinese Embassy and Its Mission.

Importance than is generally understood. 1t is
the commencement of a new era in the history
of China and in the relations of that country
with the rest of the world. There was great
deal of speculation as to the object Of the
mission. Some thought it came to make o
commercial treaty only, and others that it
came not to make a treaty at all, but merely as
a sort of rowing mission preparatory to a more
free intercourse between the Chinese and the
end. We know what it came for and what it
has accomplished.
To designate it properly, 1t should be called
treaty for China or in favor Of China. All
the direct concessions are made in favor of
that country; for hardly any advantages are
conceded to the United States not heretofore
enjoyed by former treaties; and though the
principle of reciprocity as to the privileges Of
the people of both countries in the ter
ritory Of each is guaranteed, still, looking at
the former relations of China with the United
States and the other Western Powers, and at
the status of the Chinese among the nations of
the world China gains positively immense ad-
vantages, while those which we may obtain in
addition to what we enjoyed by former treaties
are prospective and depend upon the liberal
tendencies of the Chinese government. This,
on the first impression, would seem to be all
on one side, like the Irishmans reciprocity
But the question is, do we lose by it Or
rather, do we not gain by it? Was it
not due to China that we should
solemnly concede these rights of an indepen-
dent nationality? Is it not for the interests of
commerce, civilization and the world at large
that the empire of China and the Chinese peo-
pie should be brought within the family of ma
tions on an equal footing with other countries?
We think there is but one answer. The spirit
of the age, humanity, justice, the preservation
of mighty empire of Industrious people, num-
boring more than a third of the human race,
from ACKNOWLEDGMENT and anarchy, and the de-
velopment of commerce and modern civilza-
ton among them-all called for such treaty
as this.
The party opposed to this policy of treating
China on an equality with the civilized nations
of the West-those who are for taking her by
the throat and coercng her as if she had no
rights or national existence-camor loudly
against the mission and its objects. They
would repeat the scenes in India-sow anarchy
among an Industrious and q peaceful popula-
ton, depopulate vast and the most ancient
empire in the world, all for their own selfish
and ambitious purposes. Fortunately this is
small and powerless party. II does not com
prehend the spirit of the age and march of
events 1t meets with no favor here, and we
think will meet with little in Europe. The
government and people of the United States
are in favor of doing justice to China. They
believe this is the true way, If not the only one,
to break down the barriers of Chinese exclu-
siveness, to inspire confidence in the people,
and to open a wonderful future for trade and
Improvement in the empire. They believe this
is to be the dawn Of higher civilization for
China. Every branch of our government has
acted upon this sentiment and belief The
House of Representatives honored the Embassy
by a formal reception in its hall, the President
and Secretary of State earnestly promoted the
objects of the mission and the Senate, with
marked unanimity, confirmed the treaty made.
The press and the people everywhere, irrespec-
tive of parties, cordially endorse the action of
the government.
The coming of the Chinese Embassy to this
Countrywide first Of such character that
ever left the Oldest and most populous country
on the globe-with an American citizen as the
chief envoy, is so remarkable and opportune
and the results are so extraordinary that it seems
almost miraculous. AT least the sccptic even
must be disposed to regard it as provdential.
Had it arrived few years ago, while slavery
existed and while the supremacy of one race
of men over all other races was proudly and
tenaciously maintained, IL would have failed.
The Caucasian lords Of creation in our govern
ment would not have admitted the Chinese to
equality but mighty revolution in political,
social and moral ideas has taken place within
seven years. nation that can now admit
the negro, the lowest type Of humanity, tc
political privileges and equality could not
refuse the hand of kindness and fellowship to
the vastly superior Monaghan race.
Mr.. Burlingame, imbued with the progress
sive ideas and liberal tendencies of the age
seems to have been the apostle providentally
appointed for the great work Of bringing tht
hundreds Of millions Of Chinese into close ant
equal relations with the civilized nations o
the West. No man could bs better adapted