The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1869-03-31

Powers, and recognized (prodigious con-
cession! by allowing the diplomatic Rep
resentatiyes to assemble in Pekin, the
existence Of some other independent Sove-
reigns, a large number of functionaries
resolved to disobey, and to oppose the
introduction into the country of those
active foreigners, likely tO disturb their
quiet habits of omnipotence. The people,
themselves, not knowing better, and be-
lieving the foreigners to be dreadful set
Of brigands, pirates and rebels, did not
welcome their new guests, and allowed the
Mandarins to inaugurate, far from the sea-
coast, system of extortions which, in
defiance of the stipulations of treaties,
renders the interior of the Empire mac
cessible.
The direction of public affairs for the
last seven years, has been in the hands of
Council Of Regency form Of govern
ment necessarily weaker, more undecided
and more liable to attack than that exer-
cised by the Sovereign himself, who, it is
to be hoped, when he assumes the power,
will follow more liberal policy. This
Council of Regency did not dare, in view
of the bitter opposition on the part of the
majority of the public functionaries, to
favor the sending of Chinese goods to the
Universal Exposition, and enter into ami
cable relations with foreigners. Two years
ago, however, a Chinese dignitary was
sent to Europe on a MISSION which had no
political bearing, but with the object only
of studying and observing men and things
abroad. He was instructed to see for him
self what sort of people those arrogant
and assuming Europeans were at home,
who, in China, were always speaking Of
their superiority with such an air of scorn-
full complacency. Tin-tchuen visited sue
cessively Paris, London, St. Petersburg,
and other capitals, and his report, pub
lished in China, after having doubtless ex-
perienced a thorough expurgation, does
not seem to reflect great enthusiasm. He
speaks coldly on the subject of our cities,
our ports, armies and railroads, but not
withstanding this feigned Indifference, his
must have been more explicit,
if we may judge from the results obtained,
for recent decree, approved by the En-
peror himself, authorizes the establishment
of college under the direction of European
professors, where the sciences, mechanics,
and the construction of machinery are to |
be taught to Chinese pupils. The re-
iterated efforts of the Representatives of
the European Powers, must have helped |
to bring about the desired reaction.
The abstention of the Chinese Govern
ment from the universal meeting of nations
at the Paris Exhibition, is not, therefore,
SO significant as might have been presumed
at first sight. In regard to the people,
those living on the coast have already
come round, and dispelled their prejudices.
They patronize steam navigation are fond
Of the Photographic art and other inyen-
lions, and have adopted some of the man
lers of the foreigners. Similar influences
will certainly operate in the same manner
n the interior Of the vast Empire, pro-
Tided that, instead of forcing and imposing
Upon them tastes, habits and laws in con-
.radiction to the present state of things,
hey are slowly and gradually shown what
s really and practically good and useful.
When the population has reached this
itage, they will soon put an end to the
lespotism of the Mandarins.
1t is from such point of view that it
S useful to examine the Chinese Exhibit
ion, and it is from such standpoint that
We find it incomplete. Many expensive
.rticles intended for expectation were ex-
,osed in the showcases, but hardly any
hing could be discovered which would
i've an idea of the private life of the more
classes of society-the artisans
nd agriculturists-hardly anything indica-
i've of their tastes, wants, customs, and
# the manner in which these are gratifed
IF furnished by local industry. There were
lone of those heavy and uncomfortable
boxing pieces of furniture with which the
lhinaman's house is rather crowded than
dOrned, and which it would have been
to compare with the cheap and
ight articles made in Europe and America.
he only pieces of furniture exposed were
expressly made for the use of
he Europeans in Hongkong, Canton or
Shanghai.
To be continued.
Speech of MIR. Morrill,.