New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-02-24
OBITUARY..
ANSON BURLINGAME.

After an illness of but four days, Mr.. Burlin-
game the world known diplomatst OF Chinese affairs,
died yesterday at St. Petersburg in the 18Th year o. MS
age. Arson Burlngame was born In New'Berhn' Che'
mango Co.. n. ". November II, 1872 HIS youth was spent
on the Western frontiers at one time actively with sur
yeying parties and another Participating in the making
OF Indian treaties far beyond the confines OF CIVILIZATION
lie laid the foundation OF his education ut the Branch
University OF Michigan, but, removing TO Massachu.
sets he entered Harvard University where he received
degree 1876. He afterward studied and pactced law
in Boston, and married the daughter OF Isaac yermore
Of Cambridge In 1857 lie elected TO the State Senate
and was a member OF the Convention for revising the
Constitution Of Massachusetts,. He elected in 1854
Representative n the XXXIYth Congress reelected TO
the XXXYth and XXXVlth serving therein on the Com
mittee Of Foreign Affairs In 1861 he was appointed by
President Lincoln Minister to Austria. and subsequently
10 China The latter position he Eeld unt 1901 when
he accepted diplomatic appointment from China TO the
United States and European Powers
Mr. Burngame was first brought prominently into
public notice the year 1856. when his scathng denunci
OF Preston g. Brooks for the preparation OF the
outrageous assault upon Charles Sumner in the Senate
Chamber drew forth challenge from the bully"
which he promptly accepted proposing 10 20 70 Canada
and meet him with rifles Brooks patered aud hesiiated'
pretending fear violence In making trip through the
Northern States 20 Canada, and was arrested by the
authorities as also Burngame The honors rested
with the latter and the Bully generally regarded as
potroon The affair created an excitement throughout
the land which only exceeded by that Of the Sumner
assault itself Mr. Burlingame made n statement con-
corning the affair which printed In THE Tribune OF
July q. 1856, which concludes as follows.
"serespect requires 10 that can never again
recognize save do him kindness. If II should be In my
c North and South which j. ever scornu OF those VINO
boast much and perform little. And now hereby tuO'
my self TO the public whose convictions Tear nave
invaded pray them TO remember that forgiveness j.
higher quality than justice. cast myself on their Tener
them forget when passing conduct the sneers
have the taunts have heard how the old state
stricken down. and how he yet fingers in almost helpless
Illness AS YOU Of my own STATE remember these tRlngs
nation WAS willing 10 stand up at the hazard
Of my life, and what is dearer than life, tho nsulted
honor OF those who have always been kind TO me am
duelist. seek no mans life have but acted In the
too long and TOO far there were men from the Old Bay
State who would defend her honor and the freedom OF
course became a defense Of Liberty against
Slavery struggle for freedom OF speech against free
dom Of the budgeon and the only way that seemed 10
be left that by which could defend ourselves
The fact that Burlngame had bearded the Bully"
Brooks on his ground TO the discontinue OF the lat
ter, accepted by the public full atonement for
the ndiscretion Of having incidentally countenanced
duelDg and Arson Burngame was the hero OF the hour
In the campaign Of 1860 Mr. Buringame took an active
part and IN 1861 he appointed Minister to Austria
and subsequently 10 China
From his acceptance OF the Austrian Ministry In 1851
Mr.. Burngames life OF the quiet diplomatic order
until the latter part OF 6 when the fact That he had I'M
deraken mission from China to the rest OF the civilized
world him Of the observed OF all Observers In
March, 1865 he with the Chinese Embassy 20 this
country and enthusiastically received everywhere
In conjunction with his associates he negotiated add
onal articles 70 the treaty Of 1855 between China and
the United States, granting important privileges 10
American citizens IN China, making mutual
concessions for the advantage OF both nations
and providing for the introduction OF modern
improvements In the Chinese Empire through
the good Offices Of the United States treaty was
signed July T. In the Fall OF 1865 after pleasant 70
Journ IN this country Mr. Burngame went with the
bassy England He and his associates were at first
received by the British press with rdcule a. hay
ing no definite mission to perform, but a matter OF
fact he succeeded in establishing much friendly
understanding between the two Governments OF Britain
and China than previously existed. Subsequently the
Mission visited France and thereafter Prussia. short
time since Mr. Burlngame went to st. Petersburg where
be died.
Regardless OF attacks which have been made upon him
from all quarters and sensbly insensbe to rdicule Mr.
Rnrlineame has since his undertaking Of the Chinese
mission 10 outside civilization, steadily minded his own
business performed the duties OF his position and has
been the instrument Of bringing about measures which
" he of vast benefit the world Mr.. Burlingaine was
man not indeed OF extraordinary abilities, but pos
sessed OF keen intellect and quick appreciation lie
as feryd orator-a little inclined in earlier life TO the
"snread eagle" style; but he subsequently developed
into prudent legislator and sngacious diplomat. NO
man I'm his position could have better served both our
country and China than Mr. Burngame, and he dies GER
tain OF long life the grateful memory OF this nation
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