New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-01-25
sEPARArr ARTIC
THE cHNEsE-AMERICAN TREATY.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24.--In conformity with
the requirements Of the sixth section Of the act Of June
o. 1867 to carry into effect provisions Of the treaties with
China and certain other Oriental nations the President
recently transmitted 10 Congress copy OF eight rules,
agreed upon between the Chinese Imperial Government
and the Minister OF the United States and those Of other
foreign Powers accredited to that Government for
Quoting the proceedings Of the Joint tribunal IN OF
conascaons and fines for breaches Of the Revenue laws
Of that empire These rules which are accompanied by
correspondence between Minister and Secretary Of
State on the subject commended to the consideration
OF Congress with view to their approval The following
is among the papers transmitted
Mr. s. Wells WHians 10 United States tonsuls.
LEGATION p FrEE fit 5g an9 Z i S5s'ES
SIR herewith send you "a copy in English and Chi
nese Of the eight rules which have been agreed upon
with the Chinese Government to be followed In adudicat
ing cases Of cOnscaOD and for violating the revenue
laws OF China by American citizens. -Four OF them nave
have been found promote the satisfactory adjustments
Of such disputes, and no material alteration j. made IN
been added relating to the official position Of the foreign
settling OF fines, and In disputes respecting duties
leyable on goods, and the purchase or vessels or
These are now al inadel alike applicable TO- all
the ports, and II Is at present agreed that they
alteration at the end Of year. If good cause be shown
for modification. wish therefore, that you would re-
cOgnzanCe connected with any OF these rules IN order TO
furnish such facts and well considered opinions as can
however that they win be found 10 work wo and prove
be the commencement Of system Of Joint tribunals on
other cases. To my mind they exhibit an encouraging
advance on the part OF the Chinese Government 10 assm
late their legal action % the rules adopted IN Western
lands, and 10 acknowledge equality OF powers, in
terests and aims between their and other officials
that has not hitherto been distinctly marked. The
suits during series OF years hardly fail 10 be instue
i've and their rules may az guide and precedent
disputes on otheI poihs ana suggest meas
rs worthy to be adopted In other departments OF terri
toIial jurisprudence.
Among the chief objects aimed at IN drawing mp these
I9eb Tour deserve 70 be specified. One IS the aCknOW
Ia rule one Of the official standing OF the foreign
,ttllsslOhef OF Customs who, heretofore while
oohtrO in the details Of their administration, has
mort Oh less Ignored by tho COnsuls because Of this
results and antagonsrns
,b o.ng out Of this Is the indication Of the equality Of
ana foreign authorities when brought together
came tribunal II has been arranged by recurring
49, .a vi cOhnseatOn Uhe power OF doing which has
0oted -, my yelded 10 the Chlnescl shall be inyesti
antna go u"cIQeo AT the Custom Ouse while cases OF
sbaIha ,a clulen for breaches Of revenue laws
M hotb tne consulate In 10th the officers
hpofter ~ si sitting together the bench.
~ he refusal to grant an appeal 10 Pen when
Sast @ aktec upon tho sentence inasmuch as they
a 10 DelteF acquainted with tho detailg Of
~ ~ can De, ana better ntted for settling N
r lot' u lne iacts are known and the law clear
tne i0ulih point that Of allowing MERCHANT 10 he
byno IN he consular Court for deposit the supern
tebdehts hhnd whereby he will be able release his
fcsbcl OF goods at once and avoid the VoXaOus DELAYS
ana Inevitable losses which have hitherto been exucT
enced Ia such cases as these rules have 10 urge
upon you the need OF great cafefuess accepting these
bonds ana see that the security be ample for their pune.
tVA llCnt on tue Part Of the merchant. In case VI