The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-07-26

| with the speeches delivered on the occasion.
| 1t is not to be denied that the ratification of
this treaty is one of the most important, if not
the most important event of modern times. 1t
| is something out of the ordinary run and
character of events to find the oldest and
mightiest of existing Asiatic mOnarchies shak-
| ing hands with the youngest, greatest and most
ambitious of republics 1t is grand and sug-
gestive fact to find the oldest and most exclu-
sive State system in the East breaking up its
exclusivism, levelling virtually its ancient and
time-honored walls, recognizing the new and
grander civilization which had grown up with
out and beyond it, seeking admission into the
community of civilized nations, and electing to
be led into this new, higher and nobler life by
the young republic of the West. 1t is not much
to be wondered at that an enterprising people
like the Chinese should have become sick of
their ancient exclusivism and have manifested
a desire to enter into relationship with the
outside world. It is, however, matter for
wonder that, while China has had close and
intimate relations for a protracted period
with Russia, with England with France
and other of the European Powers, and while
she might naturally be supposed to have an
affinity with monarchical governments, she
should have singled out the United States of
America as her guide and director in ma
tional crisis of such tremendous Importance.
1t is result which few years ago even the
most enthusiastic American could scarcely
how 6nop Nd Sc but Is,I,t
in which this event can be properly and cor
rectly seen, and that is in the light of
triumph to our republican institutions Con-
sciously or unconsciously, on the part of the
Chinese it is recognition-a recognition in
which all the world willingly or unwillingly
takes part-that as nation we occupy a posi-
ton which is at once the greatest and most
promising of all the nations of the earth.
In the United States of America China
henceforward will be regarded and treated as
one Of the great family of civilized nations,
and Chinese resident in the United States will
be entitled to all the privileges accorded to
the most advanced nations with which we
are in friendly alliance. We are thus
in the happy position of being the first to open
the door of the civilized world to this immense
empire of the East. Whatever be the future
of China, this initial fact will never be for
gotten; and if it be cause of gratitude to the
millions of the Chinese population in all after
time it will ever be just cause Of pride to
the citizens Of the young but gigantic republic
of the West. This, however, is not all. To
=
and responsibility of introducing China to the
nations of Europe and of asking the Courts of
st. James, Of the Tuileries, of Vienna of Ber-
lin, of st. Petersburg and the others to initiate
the United States in holding out the right hand
of friendship to China. We have little doubt
of Mr.. Burlingame's success. His mission is
one of the noblest in which dplomatist ever
engaged and it cannot possibly fail except by
sheer Encouragement. We advise him, how
ever, to conduct himself with caution when he
goes to Europe, and never to forget that while
he represents the honor of his own country,
of which he ought to be jealous, and
seeks the interest Of foreign country
which trusts him as perhaps no foreigner ever
was trusted by great people before, he also
represents whatever there is of honor and
whatever there is of dignity in Christian civill-
cation. In these late ages of the worlds his
tory the story of the nativity is partially and
suggestvely repeated. The wise men Of the
East come to do homage to the Christ, and
Mr.. Burlingame is their guiding star. To
guide them with success he cannot move with
10, md oh We
willing to believe that the name of Mr.. Bur-
lingame will be lastingly associated with the
triumph of Christian civilization in the East.
Taking il for granted that the Chinese EN-
bassy will be as successful in Europe as it has
been in the United States-and there is no rea-
son why we should not take it for granted-it
is impossible not to feel that the result
will be complete revolution in Central and
Eastern Asia revolution which will re-
dound immensely to the advantage Of the
United States. China henceforward will
go in for all modern improvements" in the
true and genuine sense. The young men will
come to our schools and colleges and they will
90 to the schools and colleges Of Europe to be
educated. They will return to communicate
to the masses in their own land the new ideas.
These ideas will find practical illustration in
the steam engine in its innumerable applica-
lions, In the printing press and in the electric
telegraph. The steamboat will be seen in Its
every bay and will plough the waters of Its
immense rivers and lakes. The country will
be intersected with railroads, and electric wires
innumerable will act % the swift messengers Of
thought. All this will develop the resources
Of China, and through China of the whole Of
Eastern Asia. Japan will be compelled to
yield to the all-prevailing current. But while
the resources Of China will be developed
China will also become great consumer. It
Ia manifest IN al tbo ,vorld that ma occunv tha