barian envoy submitted to reason, and being at a loss what to say, was willing and agreed to have the objectionable clauses expunged."[1] An examination of Tsiyeng's extended memorial shows that it was his own ignorance of international law and the usages of nations that made Mr. Cushing's first treaty draft a labyrinth of mysteries to him. The latter, after he had concluded his negotiations, spoke of his Chinese colleague in high terms as "a liberal-minded statesman." Possibly Mr. Cushing might have modified his estimate of his character had he been aware of his report to the emperor. It will be seen that Tsiyeng's later career did not justify it.
Although the special duty which brought Mr. Cushing to China had been accomplished in the signing of the treaty, he remained for some time to care for theinterests of the American residents. Among other matters he concerted an arrangement with the governor-general for the extension of the grounds of his countrymen at Canton, the construction of a solid wall about the factories, the erection of gates to the foreign settlement, and the establishment of an efficient police for its protection and the enforcement of sanitary regulations.
The coming of the mission was the innocent cause of much trouble to the Cantonese and foreign residents, for the squadron which bore it also brought to the American consul a new flagstaff and weather-vane. About the time of its erection sickness prevailed to an unusual extent in Canton and its vicinity, and it was
- ↑ 1 Montgomery Martin's China, 424.
