CHINA.

Southland Times, Issue 1157, 1 November 1869, Page 3

CHINA.

(FBOM BEUTEB'S CHINA EXPEEBB.) Hongkovo, August 4. It is reported on good authority that the Chinese Government at Pekin refuses to ratify Mr Burlinghame's convention with the "United States, his mission being to states tributary to China. It has come out that the Chinese text of Mr Burlinghame's credentials differs from tbe foreign version, and appoints him envoy to tributary nations. Tbe fact is severely commented upon in the China press. Beflaailnble addresses from the American amt~Bntis!r commumtwiirSlianßludhave been presented to the Hon. J. Boss Browne, United States Minister to Pekin, on his retirement from office, and an equally remarkable reply has been published by him. In these the foreign policy in China is discussed with great boldness and clearness, and revelations are made which proved the mistaken character of the policy lately adopted by the British Government. Mr Browne emphatically denounced the policy of Mr Burlinghame and the Chinese embassy now in Europe. He considers that the Chinese show no inclination to progress, that relations with them on terms of equality are impossible, and that the present yielding attitude of foreign powers tends towards producing a war. He declares that there is no evidence of any special friendship towards Americans, and he sees no advantage in the new treaty made by Mr Burlinghame at Washington. The Daily Press announces the death of Mr Acting-Consul Gibson, and states that bis death was caused by anxiety consequent on the recent troubles. Shanghai, July 30. At the suggestion of the Commissioner of Customs, tbe Shanghai Chamber of Commerce applied to the Treaty Consuls to obtain permission from the Chinese authorities for the erection of a telegraph to the coast, to report arrivals and wrecks of vessels. The Consuls addressed the Toatai, or Chinese magistrate of Shanghai, and their application was immediately refused, on the ground that a telegraph would interfere with the FungShuey, or spirits of the air, and with the agricultural interests of the people. The Toatai also said that the trial of a telegraph some years ago caused the death of some people through spiritual agency, and there is no occasion for a telegraph wire in China. The telegraph lies ready at the Customhouse. _-_—_—«