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Mr. Burlingame, on his part, understands the languages and peculiarities of foreign nations, and Chih-Ta-Chên and Sun-Ta-Chên, on their part, are conversant with the language and affairs of China. The arrangements adopted in this mission are only temporary, and for the occasion. The measure is an initiatory one, and will not be permanently imitated in the future.

The prince (and members of the yamun) would request his excellency to communicate the contents of this dispatch to the high ministers who have charge of the government of his country, for their guidance in receiving and treating with the ministers representing his Majesty the Emperor of China.

A necessary communication, addressed by the Prince of Kung, and ministers of the yamun of foreign affairs, to the foreign ministers in Peking, and to the secretaries of state of those treaty powers not yet having diplomatic representatives in China. Tung-chih, sixth year, twelfth moon, sixth day, (December 31, 1867.)

Mr. Seward to the Chinese Embassy.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, June 3, 1868.

The undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States, has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a communication from their excellencies Anson Burlingame, of the first Chinese rank, envoy extraordinary and high minister plenipotentiary, and Chi-Kang and Sun ChiaKu, of the second Chinese rank, associated high envoys and ministers of the Emperor of China, in which their excellencies inform the Secretary of State that they desire a time to be named for them to deliver their credentials to the President of the United States.

It is well understood by this government that, owing to the minority of the Emperor of China, the sovereign authority of the empire is now exercised by a Regency. Reserving, therefore, and waiving, though only during the Emperor's minority, the question concerning the privileges of personal audience by the head of the Chinese government, the President of the United States will cheerfully receive their excellencies the high ministers of China, on Friday, at 12 o'clock at noon, at the Executive mansion.

The undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer to their excellencies the assurance of his most high consideration.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Their Excellencies ANSON BURLINGAME,

CHIH-KANG,
SUN CHIA-KU.

Address of Mr. Burlingame to the President.

Mr. PRESIDENT: If you had not already, through the Secretary of State, kindly relieved me from embarrassment, my first duty on the present occasion would be to explain to you how it is that I, who left this capital seven years ago a minister of the United States to China, have now returned here a minister from China to the United States. You will permit me, I trust, to renew, in this formal manner, the expression of my thanks for the kindness and liberality with which this change of representative character and responsibility on my part, has been allowed by the American people. Mr. President, the imperial Chinese government having, within the last three years, accepted the laws of nations as they are allowed and practiced by the western powers, that government has further concluded, if permitted, to enter into communication through the customary diplomatic way with the United States, Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, North Germany, Russia, Spain, and Sweden. This desire of the Chinese government is fully expressed in letters addressed to those powers respectively.

We are charged, at the expense of what might bear the appearance of egotism, to say that there are nine official ranks in China. By way of showing the greatest possible respect to the western powers, the letters to which I refer were committed to the care of myself, of the first rank, and to Chih-Tajên and Sun Tajên, of the second rank, myself

being invested with extraordinary and plenipotentiary functions, and all of us being accredited to you as high ministers and envoys.

We have now the honor to deliver the letter of his Imperial Majesty, which is thus addressed to the President of the United States. In doing so, we obey a charge given us by the Emperor of China to assure you of his sincere desire for your personal health, honor, and happiness, and for the welfare and prosperity of the great nation over whom, by the authority of Heaven, you have been called to preside.

Reply of the President to Mr. Burlingame.

YOUR EXCELLENCY: States, like individual men, have two distinct characters and fields of activity; the one domestic, the other social. If it be true, as I trust it is, that the several political communities of the earth are now more actively engaged than at any previous period in meliorating their respective constitutions and laws, it certainly is not less manifest that they are zealously engaged in meliorating and perfecting their systems of international intercourse and commerce.

The appearance here of this, the first mission from China to the western nations, is in this respect not more singular than it is suggestive. During the first 80 years of our independence, foreign nations generally evinced hesitation, caution, and reserve, not to say jealousy, in regard to advances of the United States. Of late these features have seemed to disappear. There remains scarcely one civilized and regularly constituted state with which we have not formed relations of cordial friendship. So far from seeking to impose fetters upon our commerce, as heretofore, nearly all nations now invite us to establish free trade. Our national thought-that the American continent and islands are rightfully reserved for the ultimate establishment of independent American states— is no longer anywhere contested. Vigorous and well-established European powers now freely cede to us for fair equivalents such of their colonial possessions in this hemisphere as we find desirable for strength and commerce. The inherent right of man to choose and change domicile and allegiance—a principle essential to human progress—is conceded in our recent treaties. These changes, although not less important, are less striking than the extension of our friendly intercourse with the Oriental nations. We have recently opened reciprocal and equal intercourse with Greece, with the Ottoman Porte, and with Japan. China, having accepted the laws of nations as they are explained in our own approved compilation, now avails herself, through your mission, of our friendly introduction to the Christian states of Europe and America. These events reveal the pleasing fact of a rapid growth of mutual trust and confidence among the nations, resulting from a general suspension of the policy of war and conquest, and the substitution of a fraternal and benevolent policy in its place.

We

Your excellencies, we have not failed to appreciate the sagacity with which the Chinese empire has responded to this change of policy by the Christian nations. acknowledge with pleasure the cordial and enlightened adoption of that policy by the western nations, acting in concert with the United States, especially by Great Britain, France, Russia, North Germany, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, and Belgium.

I deem it not unworthy of this occasion to bear witness to the merit of the representative agents whose common labors at Peking have culminated in bringing the empire of China so early and so directly into the family circle of civilized nations, viz., Prince Kung and Wenshian, on the part of China; yourself, Mr. Burlingame, on the part of the United States; the lamented Sir Frederick Bruce, on the British part; Mr. Berthemy, on behalf of France; and Messieurs Balluzeck and Vlangally, on the part of Russia.

Reasoning from the harmony which has thus prevailed hitherto, I feel myself justi fied on this occasion not only in giving you a cordial reception here, but also in assuring you of a welcome equally cordial by the several other powers to which you are accredited. In conclusion, I trust that the intelligent and enlightened Chinese government and people will allow me to build upon this day's transaction an expectation that their great empire, instead of remaining, as heretofore, merely passive, will henceforth be induced to take an active part in the general progress of civilization. There are sev eral lines of navigation between Europe and China. Citizens of the United States have already constructed a road across the Isthmus of Panama, with a line of steam service across the Pacific ocean. In two or three years more there will be added to these facilities of intercourse the Pacific railroad across our own continent, and a ship canal, constructed under French patronage, across the Isthmus of Suez. But there will yet remain, besides all these, and more important than all of them, the great work of connecting the two oceans by a ship canal to be constructed across the Isthmus of Darien. To doubt the feasibility of such a work would imply an ignorance of the science and the wealth of the age in which we live. Your important mission will enable you to contribute largely to the achievement of that great enterprise. I respectfully invite you, therefore, to commend it to the favor of the United States of Colombia, as well as to the government of China and the several European states to which you are accredited.

No. 70.]

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LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
Yedo, December 4, 1867.

SIR: In regard to the opening of a harbor on the west coast of Japan, and to the matter stated in reference thereto in my No. 56, under date of October 22d, I have the honor to inform you that, in conjunction with all my colleagues interested therein by virtue of treaty stipulations, viz, those of France, Great Britain and Holland, I have assented to the opening of Ne-egata, together with the harbor of Ebisuminato on the island of Sado. For the reasons mentioned in my No. 69, and at the earnest request of the Japanese government, we have assented to a delay of three months in the opening of that city and harbor, being assured that by that time (April 1, 1868) all the necessary arrangements will be completed both at Ne-egata and Ebisuminato as provided in the agreement concluded November 26th, a copy of which I inclose, marked No. 1. The entire island of Sado is to be opened to foreigners for travel, with residences and storehouses at Ebisuminato, while there is to be no foreign concession or settlement at Ne-egata, but the whole city is open to them for residence and trade. A sufficient steam and lighter service is to be established between and at the two points, which we think will in a great measure remedy the want of sufficient harbor facilities at Ne-egata. A light-house is provided for at the mouth of the river, and sufficient buoys to mark the passage. Bonded warehouses are to be constructed at Ne-egata, and storehouses at Ebisuminato. I think the arrangements proposed by the Japanese government for the opening of these two places very liberal, and have no doubt they will be carried out. I inclose No. 2, copy of a notice I thought best to issue for the information of American citizens. Hoping that my action in this matter will meet the approval of the President and yourself,

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH.

Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

No. 1.

Arrangements for the settlement of foreigners at Ne-egata and Ebisuminato. ARTICLE I. The Japanese government will construct at Ebisuminato, in the island of Sado, proper warehouse accommodations in accordance with the requirements of the trade, in which foreign imports may be stored rent free for the space of thirty days. ART. II. Efficient lighters shall be constructed for the landing and shipping of merchandise at Ne-egata and Ebisuminato. Lighters shall also be constructed for the safe conveyance of merchandise between Ne-egata and Ebisuminato. A fair charge shall be made for lighterage.

ART. III. In order to facilitate communication between Ne-egata and Ebisuminato the Japanese government will provide steamers for the conveyance of passengers and merchandise, as well as for the towage of lighters between those places. A fair charge

shall be made for these services, but foreigners shall be at liberty to employ steamers and lighters of their own for these purposes.

ART. IV. In case it should be found inconvenient to land and ship merchandise on the sea-shore at Ebisuminato, the Japanese government will open a passage into the lake at the back of the town.

ART. V. The Japanese government will erect a suitable light-house near the mouth of the river at Ne-egata, and place therein a light of the first order. Marks or buoys will be placed on the bar, in order to facilitate the passage in and out of the river. ART. VI. Bonded warehouses shall be erected at Ne-egata in the same manner as at the other ports, and a convenient landing place for the landing or shipping of goods shall be constructed.

ART. VII. Foreigners may freely rent or purchase from Japanese at Ne-egata and Ebisuminato, lodgings, residences, or godowns. They may also freely lease land for their lawful requirements at both these places. No special settlements will be constructed. At Ne-egata foreigners may lease lands within the limits formed by the sea and by the river on the north and east of the town, and on the south and west by the boundary posts of the present jurisdiction of the governor of Ne-egata. Rice fields, arable land, and other ground paying tribute to the government shall not be rented directly from the Japanese holders, without application first being made to the governor for his permission.

ART. VIII. At Ne-egata the limits within which foreigners may go shall be settled at 10 ri, more or less, in any direction from the governor's official residence, according to the positions of the rivers and other natural objects. No limits will be fixed in the island of Sado.

No. 2.

Official Notification.

LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES IN JAPAN,

Yedo, November 27, 1867.

Citizens of the United States are informed that, in conjunction with my colleagues, I have made arrangements with the Japanese government by which the city of Yedo, the town of Ne-egata, on the west coast of the harbor of Ebisuminato, on the island of Sado, will be open to them for trade and residence, pursuant to treaty stipulations, on the 1st day of April next.

R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan.

No. 74.]

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward.

LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
Yedo, December 13, 1867.

SIR: With reference to the state of affairs in this country, I have the honor to send you herewith copy translation of a document received by me on the 6th instant, from Ogasawasi Iki No Kami, (inclosure No. 1) but which I was unable to get translated in time for the last mail by the China. It is a brief history of the principal events which have transpired in this empire in the last 2,000 years, and gives the reasons inducing the Tycoon to resign his authority. It is substantially the same thing related to me by the minister for foreign affairs in my interview with him on the 20th November.

By the kindness of Sir Henry Parkes, K. C. B., her Britannic Majesty's representative, I am enabled also to inclose (No. 2) copy translation of a document forwarded to him by the minister for foreign affairs, giving the latest information we have as yet received from Kioto.

Excitement still prevails to some extent in this city, and the entire country. The government seems to be in a lethargic state; robberies

and murders among the Japanese are occurring every day and night. Armed bands of discharged soldiers enter merchants' houses and rob the inmates, murdering them when opposition is shown, and the government seems to be unable or unwilling to prevent them.

I intend leaving Yokohama on the 21st instant, in the Shenandoah, for Osaka and Hiogo, to be present at the opening of those places. All of my colleagues now in Japan, viz, the representatives of France, Great Britain, Holland, and Prussia, have informed me of their intention of being present at the same time. I trust my action in this matter will meet with approval.

I have the honor, sir, to be your most obedient servant,
R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH.

Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

[Translation.]

In consequence of the important decision, made by our Tycoon of Japan, of surrendering to the Mikado the governmental power which has descended from the ancestor of the Tycoon to this day for more than two hundred and fifty years, we want to relate the real circumstances to all the treaty powers, in order to prevent any current story or rumor from spreading and agitating people in the moment of this great change in the condition of the country.

When we want to describe thoroughly the situation of affairs at the present time, it cannot be perfectly clear unless we briefly relate the past events. Therefore we go back, and relate more than two hundred years ago, in the dark period, the descendants of Tenshin, the ancestor of the country, held the governmental power. We call them by the title of Mikado. After years, the management of state affairs failed in the hands of the Mikados, and then the governmental power devolved upon the Foogiwara family, the ministers at the court.

Though nobles at the court were charged with the civil and military service, they were too vain and weak to wear armor and hold weapons for overcoming rebellion; and when they met with any trouble in the country they entirely relied on the family of the military class, as though they were tusks and nails for them. Under these circumstances, it could not be helped that the orders of the government were issued by many. The principal ones among the family of the military class were the Menamo and Taira families. All the families of the military class in the eastern half part of Japan belonged to Menamoto, and Taira ruled those who lived in the western part.

The disturbance in the years of Hogan and Haygi was caused by the imperial princes having struggled with each other in obtaining the throne, each having engaged one of those two families to his cause. After the ruin of Menamoto's family, Taira was in a prosperous state for twenty years, and about this time the power entirely fell into the hands of the families of the military class.

On account of the tyranny of Taira, which was more severe than it had been in the time of the Foogiwara family, the Mikado overthrew Taira, having engaged as allies the descendants of Menamoto. The Mikado intrusted the management of the military affairs of the whole country to the families of the military class on account of Menamoto's having revenged him upon his forefathers' enemy and protected the court. This was about in the era of 1200 in Europe. He is the first Shiogoon, (commander in chief,) and from whom the line has descended to the Tokoogawa family, which should succeed the office of the Tycoon forever.

Such was the state for about four hundred years; and during that time, though peace and war took place by turns, persons who were charged with the duty of Shiogoon always performed the service of protecting the Mikado in overcoming rebels and preserving the people only, owing to their having had the military power and loyal hearts. There was at times a little peace. Still the whole country was far from the state of perfect tranquillity, as the orders of the government were not issued by one body, and every person exercised a kind of independence, and there was no time of laying down arms, and the people cruelly suffered. For several hundred years no one knew the existence of the supreme master, (Mikado.)

Toashiogoo, the ancestor of our Tycoon, having possessed the great endowment of nobleness and ability, took the pain of exposing himself to battle-fields, and tranquillized the great commotion, and brought perfect peace to the country, and gave easiness to the Mikado, and erected his palace, and greatly added to his property. It is owing

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