The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-06

chow. Ningpo. and Shanghai were opened
to American commerce and American eiti-
zens and their families were allowed to
reside and trade therein without restric-
lions except that their liberty was con-
fined to the territory to be conceded by the
Chinese Government for the use OF foreign
residents and to the anchorage for Amerl-
can shipping
The Government of the United States
was permitted to accredit consuls or other
officers to the open ports, all OF whom
should be received and recognized as such
by the Chinese authorities on terms OF
equality. American residents at open
ports were privileged to rent real estate
within their concessions and to erect
thereon buildings for business. residence,
church. and hospital purposes.
Governments protection was accorded all
law-abiding American residents and exter-
ritoriality was granted the United States
In, the trial of it's citizens accused of crimi-
nal acts. 1t was stipulated that American
merchants should not be compelled 10
transact business through hong merchants
nor be subjected to any trade restrictions
and inonopolies. II at any time extraor-
DIARY concessions not inclueded in the
treaty should be made TO other Govern
ments the same should likewise extend to
the United States.
The term of the Gushing treaty was
limited to twelve years; but at its eXpira-
ton a new treaty was concluded, called
the treaty of 1858. This treaty Sas con-
siderably more liberal in its provisions
than its predecessor. In addition to the
privileges and immunities conferred by the
Cushing treaty it conceded to our Minister
the favor of corresponding upon terms or
perfect equality with the officers OF tn
imperial privy council at the capital, and
with the governors of the provinces
Right to Visit PeIsin.
Our Minister was also accorded the
right to visit the capital on official business
once year with a suite of not more than
twenty persons, exclusive of Chinese SER
rants, who should not be engaged in trade;
and it was provided that If ever the En-
p.ror should permit the representative oil
any foreign Government to reside at his
capital the American Minister should have
the same privilege. The privileges OF our
copsuls were exalted. and Canton, Annoy,
Fuh-cbau, Tai-nan, Ningpo and Shanghai
were designated as the ports open to Amer
lean commerce.
The privileges of American residents
were enlarged; the principles OF the Chrls-
tian religion were pronounced meritorious'
religious liberty was granted to American
residents and TO Chinese converts, and the
leges and immunities which might there
sitter be granted to the most favored ma
ton The treaty of 1858 also included the
following significant clause, which has
never been abrogated by any subsequent
treaty and must therefore be in full force
and effect today: Article /. If
any other nation should act unjustly or
oppressively toward Chinal, the United
States will exert their good offices, on be-
hrrra hrluNf
an amicable agreement of the question,
thus showing their friendly feelings"
The Burlingnme Treaty.
A supplemental treaty, 1868, called the
Burlingame Treaty. gave still! greater lati-
tude TO our citizens by establishing reci-
procity in the opening of educational insti-
buttons in each country to the citizens of
the other, and by granting the mutual
right to open schools in both countries;
and all restrictions upon travel in both
countries were annulled.
Several subsequent treaties have been
concluded between the United States and
China; but with the exception of some
amendments to the tariff and immigration
clauses and some additions thereto, the
treaty relations between the two countries
remain today substantially as established
by the treaty Of 1858 and the BurllngaTne
treaty; though several more ports have
been opened to commerce and residential
concessions have been granted to ENJOYS
at Pekin.
On June 90, 1878, the foreign Ministers in
China were, for the first time liz the his
tory Of the Empire, received by the En-
peror In person. But once only before that
time had any foreign representative ever
been offered an opportunity CT beholding
that exclusive monarch. That privilege
had been vouchsafed to the American
envoy Ward. who in 1859. arrived at Pekin
upon an important and delicate mission,
but the ceremonies required of him upon
presentation at the imperial court being
of a degrading character, he fatty refused
to perform them and returned 10 America
without having taken advantage OF the
signal favor offered him.