The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-02-19
The Burlingame Imperial Mission to
the Outside World.
Cabinet Decision in Favor OF Modern
Reform and an Ameri-
Can as Envoy.
Mr.. Burlingames Commission, Suite, Sal
airy, Departure and Troubled
Journey to Tientsin.
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE or TINE HERALD.

Tho Age of Revolution and Political Change
fDsr. Anson Bnsiingame's Chinese Mission 10
the Outside Nntions-hfIect Of American
COmmerce-Thc Chinese Proposition TO the
Ex-Niinisfer and sensons for Their Action
why nm American Was Selecfed-ConsnIta.
tion and Accepinnce-The Dowager En-
PRESS ApprovaI-rhe Imperial Commission
Wrifien-Uu.iu.itcd Power 10 Pay and Pen.
ion-Fa.eweii nt the Gates of Pekin-On
Tor Saa Francisco and Washington.
SH,NGHAE, Caina, Dec. 10. 1867.
Verify, this day and generation in which we
lire is filed with changes Of tremendous signhi.
canoe. The middle of the nineteenth century is
rapidly becoming the most remarkable era in the
history OF The world. Huge political and social
reforms change tho characters of nations
Laws and customs that have seen centuries
come and go, aud yet have met no change,
are snapped in moment. Revolutions of mighty
Importance come, leave their mark and 60 be.
tween the waxing aud waning Of the moon. One
single battle strik the life from . nation or
changes the map Of q continent. Kings and en-
perors meet quietly. and over their wine talk Of
the destnies of the nations which they are en-
deavorng establish. It is q day and period Of
excitement and change marvellous change. Hero
in the East, japan, that within the memory OF the
youngest men was terra incognita, opens her
ports to foreign ingress, buys modern iron-clads
that have passed the ordeal of battle, and sends
her sons to Western Ia ds to see and learn from
the march Of mankind and the strides of science.
But of all the changes that have or can take
place, can be more astonishing than that
which has just occurred at the political and intel
3ectual head Of the Chinese empire. refer to the
appointment of the Mr.. Arson Burnghame late
american Minister to the Court Of China, as an
ambassador plenipotentiary from the Emperor Of
China to all the nations Of the globe that have
any commercial or political connection with the
Chinese empire.
China, that for FIVE thousand years has shut her
self from outside barbarians; that has always pur.
sued policy Of unwavering excusiyeness, barely
permitting the hem of her national garment
TO be touched; China, that emed herself
par excellence when Europe was huge
battle-ground between savage Gauls and
Br'taius and Danes; that China should
hold out her hanGs for relief and instruction TO
one Of the youngest nations of the globe 10
change which the most sapguine Chinese enthusi.
asst would not have deemed possible. Yet il is so.
Above all the nations now existing and the test-
mony of history, America and one Of her sons
have received compliment betokening marvel
lous confidence, and OF colossal Importance.
After long period Of ministerial residence in
China, where Mr.. Burlingame has secured the
affection. esteem and confidence not only of the
other and all foreign ministers but of the rulers Of
China a. well, and rendered America in
the hour OF her need, service without
which five steamers that waited in Singa-
harh ar for hal hay
preyed upon American commerce. instead OF being
sent back TO England as they were after this
Mr.. Barlingame proposed leaving China and get
fling in California. for which State he has much
admiration. lie was making his official farewell
visit to the Suu-li- Yamuu-wh may be considered
the Chinese Department Of Foreign Afairs-and
attending dinner given him by the Chinese OIL
cials connected with that department. when it
was preached TO him by the authorities represent
ing the Emperor Of China tfor the present En-
pcror is only boy OF ten) that after long period
OF deloeration tn, governing power Of China, con-
scious Of the advance which Western nations had
made beyond them in the mo lern arts and Sciences
believing that this huge empire must eventually
be thrown open to the activity Of Western minds
and the skill Of Western hands and anxious to pre-
servo amicable relations with all the world con-
sldering this. they had decided TO select for
eigner aud, placing in his hands unlimited powers,
send him abroad among the nations Of the earth,
10 establish more intimate and friendly relations
and exchange the benefits and privileges of official
communion. For two reasons they had selected
him-frst, because in the treaty with the United
States, signed at Tienisin in ISIS, in the first
clause the United States had stipulated and
pledged Themselves that IL any other nation
should act "unjustly" or "oppressiyely" towards
China the government Of the United States would
exert itself to secure justice and amity between
China and the offending Power; secondly, they
appointed him because. in all his relations with
China. he had manifested frankness and friend
ship which had their esteem and secured
their perfect confidence.
When Mr. Burlingame that tae proposition
was made in all earnestuess, and realized the
magnitude of the otier AID the overwhelming re-
sponsib lity he must assume, he could scarcely
credit the truth OF the matter. Totally unpie-
pared to answer then, he requested time TO con-
slider the offer. He was informed that no obstacle
existed so far rs China and her rulers were con.
cerncd, and that they considered II not doing him
favor, but that they solicited bis acceptance oil
the mission az favor TO China.
Mr.. Burlingame stated the case OF the PROPOSE
ton to his friends and TO the foreign ministers
IN Pekn, all Of whom heartily entered into and
favored the idea, expressed the qualification
that the offer had been made TO him, and for the
sake Of the interests Of China and the in
tcrests of the Western World. pressed blu
10 accept the mission. Sir Rutherford
Alcock, the English Minister, In his despatch u
The home government stated that II was \ matte
frauglt with interest and Importance such as ths
world has rarely seen, and, commenting Mr.. Bur
lngame, stated that he eninently fitted for tbs
mission and well worthy OF the confidence thus re
posed in him. Kindness and qualification were
cvinced on every side aud shadow seemed Il
intervene, unless IL vas the tremendous RESPONSE
bility.
In due time Mr. Burlingame signifed his willing
ness to accept the post Then the necessary for
malities attending affairs OF such importance wer,
taken up. The official request OF ar. Burlingsm,
and approval Of the mission were obtained from
the Empress Dowager, mother OF the present En-
peror, as well az the other widow-who is child
less the late Emperor and from Prince kung
Prince Regent, uncle to the present and brother .
Che late Emperor.
The bigh dignitaries Of the empire with Gil neces