The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-06-24
The CHINESE EMBASSY.


representing commerce. law, literature and religion,
were present, and were severally introduced to
the distinguished guests previous to entering the
banquet hail. At half-past six O'Clock the
company entered the room, and shortly after
the distinguished visitors accompanied by
Governor Fenton and Mayor Norman, proceeded
to the elevated table assigned to them. Over
the Presidents chair were suspended the Amer
lean and Chinese flags ntertwined, emblematic OF
the cordial feeling existing between the two
countries. The banquet was gotten up IN
most elegant style; the tables were adorned
with profusion, OF choice MOWERS and appropri-
ate pieces montees, such as representations
OF Chinese junk, section Of the great wall Of
China, the great arch OF lthe Yang -tse- Kiang &C.
After the Divine blessing was invoked upon America
and China by Rev. DR.. Osgood the company pro-
ceeded to do justice to the choice dishes prepared
for their qualification. When the cloth was removed
the President announced the first toast-'The Presi.
dent Of the United States" The guests arose and
cheered enthusiastically, the band playing "Hall
Columbia" after which the second toast-'The EN-
peror Of China"-was proposed, the band perform
ing Chinese national air.
SPEECH OF GOVERNOR FENToN.
Governor FENroN then spoke as follows:-
is great satisfaction to me to join the citizens
OF New York in extending to our distinguished visit
ors from the government OF China a cordial well
come. The relations in which our nation stands to
the Chinese are marked and interesting. In politics.
history and geography the two nationaites present
contrasts suggest comparisons and indicate duties
OF the greatest Importance and interest The oldest
constituted government in the East invites this
ward tendency and expansion Of thought to return,
cultured as It Is by varied experience and much
liked and heretofore the most secluded society ex
tends friendly salutaton to the youngest the most
liberal and progressive OF nations and cannot doubt
that results OF great value to humanity will follow
the interviews. 1t Is our destiny, under Providence,
to open up nursery OF freedom, equality and pro.
a INIT ffn and ~
Europe on the East and populous ana wealthy Asia
on the West. 1t was my fortune to be associated
and rejoiced In his selection early in the admins,
traton OF Mr. Lincoln to represent our country at the
e mos a o. 9Ss naans
Eastern continent. His age and education,
his tdelity to the leading ideas Of human
suspicious Of enlarged intercourse with this numer
GUS and wealthy people and Of an advance in cvili
could expect, and which the persons and object Of
this Embassy, that honors rs tonight, enable rs
macy or has equa nor
from which so much Of benefit to the human race Is
likely to arise A country embracing in one nation.
earth and older than any other government,
principally or empire since me world
object Of deep and unremitting inquiry. Its early
Characters 0ctGuPy place IN ancient
study and their literature although Of value to them
tn establishing smsr social system was but little
known 70 the rest 81 mankind. IL was but even par
ton were 50 widely diused and that distinctions IN
public life and .eiigiblhty TO- high public
scholarship. So it is that nation whose
sources Of stability had so long been involved
ment in science and art. and whose manners '' and
policy were so inaccessible to us and yet 80 mar.
veous in their effect upon hundreds OF millions Of
people, could not otherwise than excite the most
profound solicitute, and as the prospect brightens
FOR fuller intercourse and better understanding by
Burngame, appreciate the friendliness and
partially OF the Chinese government represented
with us your first visit to the nations. We apprecE
ate also the consideration OF your governments In Sc
ectng one of our countrynen to aid in carrying out
s enlightened resolve to open up friendly relations
with the other countries OF the world, to advance
civilization, and TO do more largely what nation
ternity and the happiness Of the human race.
need not say that national thought Is first but
most ee and lust and also actively
our influence with all nations to pass every sea, to
enter every land, and with commerce, Christianity
and good will, TO elevate and improve all people
The principle OF institutions leads 10 the recog
milton of freedom for others, as well a. among our
this national sentiment as essential to mutual
benefit and permanent welfare. We have, then,
before US of to the chinese oaI none
Institutions, the freedom, genius and enterprise OF
our people and OF profting by their industry their
arts their social harmony and their peaceful tncli-
nations In return. In conclusion permit me, men,
bers of the Embassy 70 welcome you IN behalf OF the
people OF this great State to chief city: and as
you leave our land to visit others In carrying out
your beneficial mission, bear with you our best
wishes for the success OF your work.
The President gave the next toast-'Our Guests,
his Excelency Arson Burlingame and his associates
OF the Chinese Embassy"
RESPONSE OF HON. ANsoN DrRLNGAME.
Hon. ASsoS BuRLiSGAME responded a. follows:-
NIX. PRESIDENT AND CITIZENS OF NEW YoRK-Our
ntst duty s TO thank you for this cordial greetings
but That win In be- hS. Sn Sv @ o us
whom we represent; 10 thank you for this unan
mous expression OF goodwill on the part Of the great
cry OF New YORK; 10 thank you, that rising above all
local and party considerations, you have given O
broad and generous welcome 10 a movement made
IN tbe interests OF all mankind. tApplause.) We
but the humble herads OF this movement. II orig-
mated beyond the boundaries Of own thoughts
and has taken dimensions beyond the reach Of our
most ardent hopes. That East which men have
T souS' sos since the days Of Alexander now
suddenly entered your western gates and confronts
you by It's Representatives here tonight. What have
you 10 say 70 herf she comes with no menace on
her lips; she comes with the great doctrine OF Con.
fucius, uttered two thousand three hundred years
others do unto youn WIN You not resnond nU With the
more positive doctrine Of Christianity. 1--WE VIII do
(Great appause.) She comes with your non.inter.
national Jaw. she tells you tina, she is willing 70
%na TO sse by IT'S ia ss she
ing TO take Its obligations for Its privileges She
asks you to forget your ancient pTeiudices,
TO abandon your assumptions Of superiority,
10 submit your questions with her she
proposes TO submit her questions with you--to the
arbitrament OF reason. She wishes no war she
asks Of you not to interfere IN here internal AFFAIRS;
she asks you not TO send lecturers who are incom-
petent men; she asks that you will respect the
neutrality Of her waters and the integrity Of her
territory; she asks, In word 70 be LEFT perfectly
free to unfold herself precisely in that form OF civil
zauon OF which she ie the most capable TO Judge.
She seks you TO give 70 those treaties which were
made under the pressure OF war generous ana
Christian construction. Because You have done
this, because the western nations have reversed
their old doctrine OF force she responds; and In pro-
portion you have done that In proportion a. You
have expressed your good will, she has come forth 70
meet you. And aver that there 10 no spot on
this earth where there has been greater progress
made whMn the past few years than In the empire
Of China She has extended her business And re.
formed her revenue system. She 10 changing her
military and naval organizations and h establishing
great ecbeol where modern science and the foreign
languages ave 10 be taught She has done this under