The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-25
FIRST EDITION
MIR. SEWARD AT HONG KONG.
THE Rx-secretary on the Regeneration of
china.
Erora fba Orcrlnrld CHM NlnaL .Lnralnrm

Governor Stewards reception at the United
States consulate this afternoon (January p was
well attended by the leading residents of all
naLonalttiee. The venerable statesman ap-
peared very feeble, aud remained seated during
the presentations and while addressing those
present. His accents, low and faltering at first,
gradually rose as he warmed to his
subject, and at times almost approached the
vigOr Of the eloquence for which in his youth
and prime he was so renowned. The company
began TO assemble about 2, and on Mr.. Stewards
arrival he was conducted by the United States
Consul 10 an improvised dais, supporting an
arm chair, into which he was inducted, and for
mally presented TO the gentlemen present by
Mr.. Bailey.
Mr. Seward made few short remarks, which
were in substance to the following effect:-My
dear Consul and Conference.-The questions
which engaged the American people at the time
to which you have too kindly alluded are two,
viz, the elimination of African slavery from nv
native land aud the saving of the union of the
States which constitute the republic. Both have
been settled right at last, though at the cost of
fearful civil war. think there is not in the
round world man who, although be once might
have been Rebel or an enemy of the United
States, now regrets that great adjustment.
Foreseeing oDly the agony which was
then before us, Daniel Webster's earnest prayer
was, that iD his last hour his eyes might not
cloee upon the wreck OF a dismembered repub-
lie, or O republic cOnvulsed, distracted, and bel-
lgerent more cheering and more glorious
prospect opens upon us who have survived the
great struggle. 1t is the prospect of au extern
form over the American Continent attended by
regeneration of declining Eastern civilization
an achievement to be effected largely under the
auspices of the United States, and with the CO.
operation of all nations. The first Napoleon
invented the modern empire an engine of
war; the last Napoleon dedicated it to peace.
Happily IL has failed for both purposes. On
the other hand we know full well that the re-
public, that is TO say, the republican institution
vi modern times and our own experience is
peace on earth good will towards men. The
achievement before us directly concerns two
great continents, and Indirectly involves the
general welfare and happiness of mankind. In
studying that great problem, last year tra-
yelled on the American Pacific coast, and for
the same purpose am now exploring the
Asiatic Pacific coast l shall not fatigue you
with political specuations. | may, how
ever, say in brief that while by no means under
value missionary labors, 1 think the great
practical agency is commerce steam commerce
across the Pacific Ocean and through the Ame-
rican continent. | think that this commerce is
already actually established. No one of its out
posts on either continent is likely to be lost
Extension and enlargement OF this commerce
Will be a necessary and natural result of the
advantage already gained. The Chinese free
and voluntary emigration to the Western conti-
nent is a principal element of that commerce. 1t
will increase the wealth aud strength of all the
American nations, while 1t will take away the
great bindrance which exists to the Introduction
of Western ideas, arts, inventions, religion, aud
morals in China. Notwithstanding what Is Justly
said of Chinese immobilitv, the solution of the
problem depends chiefly on the Western nations.
1t behooves them 10 practice moderation above
all, equal an exact justice towards Chisa and
the Chinese. While they do this they may
reasonably demand new commercial facilities,
and urge the establishment of railroads,
telegraphs. post office, and free press.
The condition of China is not to-day one
whit more encouraging than the condition of
Japan seemed only eight years ago. A large
share of the responsibilities and the honor of
bringing about better civilization upon China
Let nm yrnn
generous ambition, and wish you the highest
success. beg leave to express here my CRATE
tul Acknowledgements of the reiued hospitality
and kind consideration with which have been
received in Hong Kong and Canton. The re-
membrance of them will be carried home, and
remain with me there as long as / shall live.
MR.. SEWARD IN THE NORTH.
The following correspondence between Mr..
Seward and Wan-tsiang, the distinguished Chi
nese Statesman, is published in the Shanghai
Netps Letter.
UNITED STATES LEGATION, PEKIN, Nov. 8, 1870
Your Exceilenoy :-havlng arrived at Pekn, on a
sire To obtain the advantages OF an acquaintance
with the statesman who has figured 50 long ana emf
nently in the Chinese empire / learn with sincere
SORROW of your illness, which has prevented puo
lie meeting with your Excellency at the once Of
Foreign fairs. May take so great liberty as tC
ask that you will allow to pay my respects TO you
at your private residence if the state OF your health
With diltinguished respect, your obedient SER
want, WILLIAM II. SEWARD.
NIB iAACSlenCy w du-bsldhb.
To this Wan tsiang replied in the following
teTms:-
| have had the honor to receive your note. Ihavt
long heard of your Excellency's great fame, which
for many years has been cherished by all nations
ana myself have also exceedingly respected you
End longed for n better acquaintance.
Since you have come to this country, its high ON
GERS will be still more desirous OF seeing and con
versiDg with you; but rs for myself, my old MALAY
having returned, i have been obliged TO ask fo
leave of absence, and it was cause of regret anC
DISAPPOINTMENT that was unable TO meet vol
on the 7th Instant, when you visited the ForegI
ONCE.
Ihave your note OF yesterday, In which you pro
pose to yourself the great trouble OF coming TO se
me-a proposal that shall engrave on my hear
and write on my bones. But my residence is maaI
ana small and its condition would fear Offend you
which would be a matter OF deep regret TO me; aut
have therefore set apart the l1th Instant to IN
ard call on you at l O'Clock p NJ, If am anyWis
able 10 DO sO when we can converse at length.
shall be pleased to receive reoly, ana avai
myself OF this occasion TO wish thai happiness ma
dslly be yours. CARD OF WAN-rsIANG.
NCv. 3, 1870.