Mr. Williams to Mr. Seward
No. 2.]
Legation of the United States,
Peking,
December 23, 1867.
Sir: I have the honor to inclose the
translation of a circular dispatch, addressed to each of the foreign
ministers in Peking by Prince Kung, informing them of the appointment of
Mr. Burlingame as the envoy on behalf of the Chinese government to all
the treaty powers, with a copy of my reply, (inclosures A, B.)
The arrangements connected with this appointment were all made in the ten
days before Mr. Burlingame left Peking on the 25th ultimo, and after he
had made and received his farewell visits with Prince Kung as United
States minister, preparatory to going south for the winter; but it is
probable that the prince and other high functionaries had long debated
the propriety of the step, and Mr. Burlingame’s departure induced them
to bring the matter to a point by selecting him as their representative.
It marks, in a sensible manner, the progress made by this government in
understanding and carrying out its reciprocal duties to the nations with
whom it has treaty obligations. It is likewise a proof of high regard to
him personally, that after an official intercourse of nearly six years
the leading officers of this government should confide in him the
advocacy of their highest interests at foreign courts. The ample powers
given to him prove the importance that they attach to the embassy.
Associated with him are two Chinese commissioners named Chi-Kang and Sun
Kia-kuh, who have been for several years employed in the foreign office
as under secretaries, and are more conversant with foreign affairs than
persons selected from higher posts would be. Two foreign secretaries
have been attached to the mission, viz: J. McL. Brown, formerly
assistant Chinese secretary to the British legation in Peking, and
possessing an intimate acquaintance with the personnel and policy of the foreign office, who holds the
place of first secretary; and Mr. Deschamps, a Fenchman, now in the
employ of the Chinese customs, who has that of second secretary. The
reasons for appointing two co-ordinate Chinese commissioners are given
in the accompanying documents, (inclosures C, D, E,) and appear to me
satisfactory. Six students are also to be attached to their suite, who
expect to remain abroad to learn the English, French, and Russian
languages.
The propriety and benefit of such a diplomatic mission has been
repeatedly urged upon the Chinese government since the ratification of
the treaties of Tientsin in 1859; and Prince Kung and his coadjutors
have frequently discussed its importance and inquired about its details,
since the residence of foreign ministers at the capital. They usually
excused themselves as not ready to do as other nations did in this
respect, while acknowledging its expediency. The mission of Ping to
Europe last year was indicative of their willingness to follow these
suggestions, and its results in making the way more clear are probably
best seen in the present embassy. Some have not entirely approved of
placing a foreigner at the head of it, but it seems to me to illustrate
the practical character of this people to send as its representative one
who would not be liable to the mistakes which would almost certainly be
committed by the fittest and best educated native living. The prince and
his associates begin to feel that, in order to maintain their position,
they must, as he intimates in his dispatch, send envoys to personally
state their case at foreign courts, explain their difficulties, and urge
the reasons for their own policy;
[Page 496]
and they are convinced that none of their own body
are qualified for this office. Their selection of Mr. Burlingame
indicates their persuasion, therefore, that he will do for them better
than they can yet do for themselves. The proposed revision of the
treaties next year is likely to bring up for consideration many
important subjects for discussion, and this has no doubt had its weight
in deciding them to send him before those points are formally
presented.
In order the better to appreciate the progress which this mission
indicates on the part of this government, the terms of their envoy’s
commission should be compared with the two missives sent from the
Emperor to the President in 1858 and 1863, as replies to the letters of
credence presented by Mr. Reed and Mr. Burlingame. The first was dated
June 7, 1858, while negotiations were going on at Tientsin:
I, the august Emperor, wish health to the President of the United
States.
Having received with profound respect the commands of Heaven to sway with
tender care the entire circuit of all lands, we regard the people every
where, within and without the wide seas, with the same humane
benevolence. * * * The minister of the United States has now handed up
the letter under reply, on opening which the expressions of respectful
request still further manifest the same friendly feeling and cordial
sentiments. In it you desire that the minister of the United States may
reside near our court, but there are many things connected with such an
arrangement which cannot be effected without difficulty. Hitherto the
foreign envoys who have repaired to Peking have all come from those
kingdoms which bring tribute, but the United Seates is numbered among
friendly (i. e., not
tributary) nations; and if, on arrival at court of her envoy, there
should unluckily be any defect or untoward thing happen (about
ceremonies) it might, we apprehend, seriously injure the present
peaceful relations between our countries. Moreover, the middle kingdom
has no ministers of her own residing in other kingdoms, and an
arrangement of this kind should be mutual.
The minister of the United States is now at Tientsin, where he is
negotiating with our high officers, and their intercourse has been
mutually agreeable. As soon as their deliberations are concluded, he
should return to Canton to attend to the commercial duties of his office
as usual. This will tend to secure and perpetuate the present friendly
feelings between our countries; and we think you, the President himself,
will be highly pleased with such an arrangement.
The second was dated January 23, 1863, about two years after the foreign
ministers had been settled in Peking:
His Majesty the Emperor of the Ta-tsing dynasty salutes his Majesty the
President of the United States.
On the 25th day of the seventh moon the envoy, Anson Burlingame, having
arrived in Peking, presented your letter, which, when we had read it, we
found to be written in a spirit of cordial friendliness, [breathing]
nothing but a desire for relations of amity that should ever increase in
strength. Our heart was much rejoiced thereat, and the foreign office
has been instructed to show all suitable attention to the envoy, A.
Burlingame.
In virtue of the commission we have, with awe, received from Heaven to
rule, all the world, native and foreigner, must be to us as one family,
without distinction; and in our relations with man we must be thoroughly
sincere in all things. May our friendly relations with the President
henceforth increase in strength, and may both of us alike enjoy the
blessings of peace. The attainment of such objects, we cannot doubt,
would be most gratifying.
The difference in the spirit of these two papers indicates a better
appreciation of its position on the part of the Peking government, which
is even still more observable in the tenor of the reasons given for the
appointment of their new envoy. The government of the United States will
cordially approve of this step; and the Chinese evince their confidence
in our peaceful intentions by selecting the representative of one of the
youngest, thus to introduce the oldest of nations diplomatically to the
others, as well as a desire to engage our co-operation in promoting
their best interests. They still have much to learn respecting the
duties which treaty stipulations demand of them, and respecting the
privileges claimed by Christian nations; but their imperfect
acquaintance with these
[Page 497]
points
should, I think, serve as an argument for bearing with them, and giving
them time to prepare for the inevitable changes rapidly coming on them,
rather than forcing them immediately to introduce improvements,
agencies, and schemes which they cannot manage by themselves, but
imperfectly see the bearing of, and are not yet willing to commit
entirely to foreign hands. In all the provinces of the empire Europeans
are still unknown by sight to the mass of natives, who have a dreadful
idea of their character and designs; and this ignorance is a great bar
to the introduction of steamers, railroads, telegraphs, and machinery,
which the authorities must bear in mind when considering their
introduction.
The preservation of the autonomy of the Chinese empire will be hard
enough amidst all the transforming and conflicting agencies of a
mercantile, missionary, and political character now simultaneously
pressing on it. But I have great hopes that these various agencies will
be best understood by the people at large as they see their beneficial
effects, for I can myself see many things the better among those
portions brought into contact with foreigners during the years since the
treaty of Nanking was signed, in 1842. I do not, however, mean to say
that China should be told to wait, for instance, till she is ready for a
railroad before a railroad is attempted, for the railroad itself will
furnish its own best argument and proof; but that certain influential
native classes, mercantile and political, should be so enlightened on
these subjects that they are desirous to introduce them. Until this is
the case in some measure, foreign nations will fail to compel their
acceptance except by force; and the very urgency to have them adopted
will rather be taken to cover some other design, and the difficulties be
increased.
In view of the present aspect of their position, the leading statesmen of
China have voluntarily arranged this mission to represent them abroad,
and I hope they will have no cause to regret it.
The results can hardly fail to have a lasting influence upon their future
policy and standing among the nations of the earth.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
A.
Prince Kung to Mr. Williams.
[Translation.]
November 22,
1887, (Tungchi, 6th
year, 10th moon, 27th day.)
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith
sends a communication:
Since the time when the treaties with foreign countries and China
were ratified, the friendly relations between the two parties have
daily strengthened. Every matter that has come up for discussion
between the representatives of those nations now living at the
capital and myself has been deliberated upon with so much sincerity
and candor that they have in no case failed to be arranged to our
mutual advantage. But all those countries are separated from this by
wide oceans, and no envoy has hitherto been sent to those lands, and
thus there has been no medium through whom the Chinese government
could personally make known its views to their governments, or
explain its policy. But now, seeing that his excellency Anson
Burlingame, lately the minister residing here from your honorable
country, has such thorough acquaintance with the internal and
external relations of this country, and I myself have such entire
confidence and acquaintance with him, it has seemed to be feasible
for this government now to adopt the customs of those countries who
have sent resident ministers to this, and it would; moreover, be
exceedingly agreeable to me, to commission him as the envoy of his
[Page 498]
Imperial Majesty’s
government to all the treaty powers, to attend to and manage
whatever affairs may arise between them.
I have already stated this matter in a memorial to the throne, and
yesterday I was honored by receiving the following rescript:
“The Envoy Anson Burlingame manages affairs in a friendly and
peaceful manner, and is fully acquainted with the general relations
between this and other countries; let him, therefore, now be sent to
all the treaty powers as the high minister, empowered, to attend to
every question arising between China and those countries. This from
the Emperor.”
A copy of this rescript has been made known to Mr. Burlingame, and
this copy has also now been made to communicate to your excellency,
for your information and action thereon.
His Excellency S. Wells Williams, United States, Chargé d’affaires.
B.
Mr. Williams to Prince
Kung.
Legation of the United
States, Peking,
November 28, 1867.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your Imperial Highness’s dispatch of the 22d instant,
containing a copy of his Majesty’s rescript, appointing the Hon.
Anson Burlingame to be minister plenipotentiary on the part of China
to represent her at all the treaty powers, and conferring on him
authority to manage every affair that may arise between them; and
adding, that this appointment has been made because of his thorough
acquaintance with the whole policy of China, and his peaceful,
amicable management of his official relations and duties.
I have read your Highness’s dispatch with the greatest satisfaction,
noting, in the first place, the commendatory terms in which you
speak of Mr. Burlingame’s conduct during the time that he was the
representative from the United States, and then that his Imperial
Majesty has seen proper to appoint him as his own envoy to the
treaty powers, with full authority to manage whatever business may
arise between China and those governments. This has been done in
order that he may promote the best interests of China, and in every
way bring about a good understanding in all those countries; and I
shall have great satisfaction in making it known to the
President.
Since the ratification of the foreign treaties, his Majesty’s
government has not before appointed an envoy to reside in the treaty
states; but having now of its own free will entered upon this step,
it will be evident to all those nations that China is likewise fully
aware that she, too, forms one of the universal family of
mankind.
I have only to express the earnest hope that the future relations
between her and other countries may gradually become more and more
intimate and friendly, and that nothing may arise to impede or
injure them.
I have the honor to be, sir, your Imperial Highness’s obedient
servant,
His Imperial Highness Prince Kung, &c., &c.,
C.
Prince Kung to Mr. Williams.
[Translation.]
November 27,
1867, (Tungchi, 6th
year, 11th moon, 2d day.)
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith
sends a communication:
Having memorialized the throne, requesting that his Imperial Majesty
would appoint officers with powers to go to all the western nations
to attend to such matters as may arise between them and China, I was
honored by receiving the following imperial rescript on the 26th
instant:
“Let Chikang and Sun Kia-kuh be promoted to wear the button of the
second grade of rank, and let a peacock’s plume be also conferred on
the latter; let these two officers then be sent to all the treaty
powers, qualified to attend to whatever matters may arise between
China and those countries; and let them pay the greatest diligence
to the duties of their office. This from the Emperor.”
I have accordingly respectfully made a copy of the above decree, and
have now the honor to transmit it for your excellency’s
information.
His Excellency S. Wells Williams, United States Chargé d’affaires ad
interim.
[Page 499]
D.
Prince Kung to Mr. Williams
[Translation.]
November 27,
1867, (Tungchi, 6th
year, 11th moon, 2d day.)
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith
sends a communication:
Having memoralized the throne in a supplementary paper, requesting
his Imperial Majesty to appoint J. McL. Brown to be first secretary
to the minister plenipotentiary sent by China to foreign powers, and
M. Deschamps to be second secretary, I was yesterday honored by
receiving the following rescript:
“Let it be as requested. Respect this.”
I have accordingly respectfully copied the above decree, and have the
honor to send a copy for your excellency’s information.
His Excellency S. Wells Williams, United States Chargé Ad’ffaires ad
interim.
E.
Prince Kung to Mr. Williams.
[Translation.]
December 7,
1887, (Tungchi, 6th
year, 11th moon, 12th day.)
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith
makes a communication:
His Imperial Majesty having seen fit to appoint Anson Burlingame,
formerly minister from the United States with [the Manchu] Chi-Kang
and [the Chinese] Sun Kia-kuh, two of the members of the Foreign
Office, to be his envoys to proceed to all the treaty powers with
authority to manage whatever affairs may arise between those
countries and this, the imperial decrees conferring this authority
on them were recently copied and sent to you.
But I am somewhat apprehensive that the foreign ministers in this
capital, learning that his Majesty has commissioned three persons at
once thus to represent him, will conclude that neither of them is to
take the lead in conducting affairs with those nations, and I have
therefore deemed it proper to explain the reasons of this cause in
order to remove all doubt upon this point.
It is the usage among all the great western powers, in the interests
of peace and good will, to appoint envoys to go to each other’s
country to attend to any affairs that may arise; and it would have
been proper, during the many years that peace has existed between
your honorable country and this, for his Imperial Majesty to have,
at a much earlier period, commissioned a high officer to go there
for the purpose of representing him and attending to any affairs
arising between us. But owing to our imperfect knowledge of the
languages and usages of foreign nations, this step has been delayed
from time to time. Now, however, as Mr. Burlingame, a man of honor
and peace, and intimately conversant with our intercourse and
relations with other countries—one, too, with whom the officers of
this government have long had acquaintance and confidence—is willing
to act on behalf of China in attending to her interests, a memorial
was presented to his Majesty requesting that he might be appointed
imperial commissioner to all the treaty powers, and that Messrs
Brown and Deschamps might be also appointed, to be first and second
secretaries of the legation, to aid him in conducting its duties and
accomplishing its purposes.
But if no high officers are sent on the mission from China also,
there will hereafter be no one sufficiently acquainted with the
necessary details to be qualified to receive the post of envoy; and
this consideration induced the Foreign Office again to request his
Majesty to appoint both Chi and Sun as his imperial commissioners,
to go at the same time. This arrangement would manifest the good
feeling existing, and be moreover a means of giving them practice
and experience in their duties. If they could, in this way, add to
the efficiency and dignity of Mr. Burlingame and his two
secretaries, then the completeness of the mission for its duties
would be all that could be desired. When this government at a future
day desires to send her own envoys, she will then have precedents to
follow, and it will be easier to prepare them for their duties.
Everything, however, that relates to the duties of imperial
commissioner in the United States will devolve alone on Mr.
Burlingame, and his decision will be final; but the
[Page 500]
correspondence with the Foreign Office
at Peking will properly devolve on the two Chinese commissioners,
who will at all times consult with Mr. Burlingame in attending to
their duties. In this way the requirements of the entire legation
will he provided for, without difficulty to any part of it. As one
of its members understands the languages and peculiarities of all
the countries he will visit, so do the other two as fully comprehend
the language and affairs of China.
This arrangement is, however, rather a temporary one, applicable at
the initiation of the mission, and is not designed to serve for a
constant rule in future. I have, therefore, to request that you will
inform the Secretary of State of these particulars, so that when
these imperial commissioners reach the United States to transact the
business of their mission, he will be fully aware of their position
and relative duties.
His Excellency S. Wells Williams, United States Chargé d’affaires ad
interim.
