The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1901-02-14

the greatness Of Lincoln than his Sc
lection OF men for the important posts
Of the government
THE appointment OF Anson Burin-
game to be United States minister to
China was a signal instance OF this, For
seven years this eminent man resided In
the Chinese capital as American repre-
sentative, dscharging the duties OF his
important post with consummate abil-
ity and tact.
He not only looked after tie inter-
ests Of his country during that long
period to the entire satisfaction o( the
government and people he r,presen,ed,
but he did more than thls-he succeeded
in winning at the same zine the respect
and confidence Of tho Chinese officials
with whom he came in contact by
his invariable fairness and courtesy.
Consequently, when he was about 10
return to the United states, the Chi
nese government intrusted him with a
diplomatic mission to the powers Of
Europe and America.
Thus he went to China as Americas
representative and came back To Amer
lea as China's spokesman. one " the
most important results OF his mission
was the signing Of treaty between
China and America which has since
borne his name. This treaty has done
more than anything else TO leave in the
China mind an ineffaceable expression
Of the just and fair attitude towards
China.
Let me quote one or two Claus
from this important and interesting
document:
The empire of Chira and the Unit
ed States of America officially recognize
the independent and inaleEable right
Of man TO change his home and ale
glance and also the mutual aivaut-
ege Of the free immigration and emil
grafton Of their subjects and citizerS.
respectively. from the one country 10
the other for the purpose Of curiosity
or trade, or as permanent residents
The high contracting parties therefore
join in reprobating any other than an
entirely voluntary emigration for these
purposes.
sTTba,. n,rsa,uartl,. o,vr,s, ., ,,9ss
laws making it penal offense for a
Chinese subject or a citizen Of the
United States to take Chinese subjects
to the United States or any foreign
country without their free and volun-
tary consent.
Chinese subjects visiting or resid-
ing in the United States shall enjoy
the same privileges. immunities or ex-
ceptions in regard to travel or resi-
dence as there may be enjoyed by the
subjects or citizens Of most favored
nations. and. reciprocally, citizens OF
the United States visiting or residing
in China shall enjoy the same priyil-
eges, immunities or exceptions in res
pect 10 travel or residence as may be
enjoyed by the most favored nation.
Such was the friendly spirit which
animated the two nations at the time
The signing Of the Burlingame treaty
was the first attempt on the part OF a
Western power to apply the principles
of reciprocity in dealing with the gov
eminent and people Of China
Missionaries are reported to have
said that the name American has Of
ten proved to be a veritable aegis to
them in time Of popular excitement.
Though the Burlingame treaty was en-
acted three years after Lincolns death.
every line Of it is in perfect accord
with his enlightened and humane pol
Icy. "A
ITO Lincoln may BE- applied the
words the Chinese historian applies 10
the Incompatible Yao. greatest Of the
early rulers in China, Thus it Is writ
ten: 4
His beneyoience was boundless.
his wisdom was profound. To any one {
approaching him he had the genial
warmth OF the sun--when viewed at
distance he seemed to have the mys-
-erious ways Of the clouds.
Though occupying the highest sta
lion he was not naughty. though con-
trolling the whole resources Of the na- ,
ion he was not lavish Justice was {
he guiding principle Of his action. No {
oleness was written on every lineament
If his face I
"of Lincoln as well as Of Yao
I may truly be said the wnrId hns |