The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-30
he Imperial Govorsment Of Ohina-i
Grass Violation Of Treaties.

| The recent demand made by the Chinese
| government upon the foreign ambassadors is
one that requires serioas attention. lis Ian
guage can only be interpreted in one way /;
there lie but one meaning TO il, and that Is
war; A gross violation of the existing trea-
ties with China, especially one wherein the
progress of civilization and the advancement
Of Christianity are to be seriously impeded,
| will not be listened to or allowed. Forcing
our opinions npon the Chinese, or compelling
! them TO adopt our habits, manners and Gus
| toms, has never been attempted. The treaty
Powers have sought by peaceful measures to
introduce every art, every science and every
Improvement whereby tho people of China
would be benefited; and by late acts on the
part Of that government it was thought that
the efforts made TO accomplish so great
purpose would eventually be successful.
The Burlingame embassy was considered q
guarantee of good faith on the part of the
evidence Of = desire, not only to continue the
friendly relations existing but to seek a closer
ainSnce with all the great Powers for the pur-
pose of prollting thereby. Such was the
avowed purpose of its mission; and we were
led to believe that at last China had awakened
To its true condition, that its people we're
willing to accept the right hand of fellowship
held out TO them and were DESTROYS of adopt
Ing as rapidly as possible, everything that
would tend to further civilization and enlight-
eminent. In this 1t appears we were pre-
mature. The mission of progress spoke only
for the government--not for the masses. It
msrepressnied the people, and evidently a
majority of the officials. Its protestations
meant nothlng-were merely composed of
pleasant words, judging from what has
occurred since it left our shores.
The Tientsin massacre, with all its horrible
barbarties. occurred while the great embassy
was abroad, and ii created great surprise,
being an act entirely at variance with the as
sertions and declarations of the ambassadors.
II In fair TO suppose now--indeed, it is all but
condrm.d--that the men who instigated and
carried out the dastardly and bloody outrage,
who attacked and butchered defenceless men
and women. were in entire ignorance of any
sach peace mission having left the empire II
they we're informed Of il, il they knew that
their high officials bad departed to visit the
governments Of the ''barbarans," then their
acis prove that by murder and arson they de-
sired IN give the lie 10 all protestations of
friendship that might bc made They evil
IDENTIFY wished 10 show the world that the
s...u 4 10 f.nr,.
people. but wss only creation Of the govern
m.ni for which the masses were in
ne manner whatever responsible. From
the circumstances that have occurred this
i ne only natural conclusion. We are Of the
opirion that such should have bean the defini-
tioa II the &C, by The treaty Powers when the
massacre occurred. The settlement made
with. sad ,he indemnify demanded Of the Chi
nrse government for this affair was simply
ridicalons. So greater cvideace could have
been furnished the people IT China Of weak
ness and indecisiou than the compromise
made :, thosr 80 deeply injured. those who
had suffered ~ much nv the massacre. II
was an acknowledgement that money, and
small amount ~ that. with the execution OF
few miserable wretches who were ignorant,
probably. for what offence they were being
dccapitaied. would cover any sin. would wipe
ont any outrage, would he ample satisfaction
Tor the most terrible crimes that might be
committed. n was y sacrifice Of honor for a
lew thousand tscls II was taking a vast
stride backwards Cor The sake OF peace. II
was doing jus, wbs, the Chinese desired
admitting inability Ia punish promptly and
severely a mos, heinons oheace against hui
manits.
Of course w. must wait patiently to know
what reply win be given TO this most insolent
and outrageous demand We do not suppose
for one instant that any concession whatever
will hs made; that is utterly out Of the ques-
ton Tho government of China will he CON-
PEELED to ACT mp to it, treaty. which recognizes
the righi Of any person tn peacesbly teach and
practice the principles ~ Christianity within
the empire, and that guarantees protection 10
foreigners against insult and Injury. In the
notification 10 IN. ambassadors u h asserted
Ia the coolest manner possible that the attend
auoe Of women upoa religious service II one
of the occasions Tor the recent msssacrcs of
foreigners. and that. although those events
canno, bul b. dcplorcd BY Inc imperial govern
mrn,. compensation for their commission IL alb
solutely refused. This l. certainly adding gross
insali TO gricyoas injury, and 10 us Il appears
the feather thai must break the camel's back
n this j. admitted all prospect Of safety in
the future Tor foreigners residing IN China may
he abandoned--all hope ~ making further
progress given no oar intercourse with the
Chinese will be restricted Il viii be- confined
! 20 mere trading points. ssa we shall sooa be
compelled 20 occupy he position hcld prior 10
the British war that opened he i've ports on 'hr
sstern coast o. chinA. a. other words civil
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