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of signals by which the merchants are informed as to the character and nationality of the coming vessel while she is twenty miles away. The cannon is only fired at the approach of a mail steamer or a man-of-war.
While at Hong Kong I was present at a reception given at the American consulate to the Hon. Mr. Seward. It was very pleasant affair, attended by all the American residents and several prominent English merchants. The venerable ex-Secretary was welcomed very gracefully in a little speech by our consul, D. H. Bailey, Esq., and replied in an address which showed that he has lost none of his ability as a diplomat. He gave the usual credit to commerce of carrying civilization and Christianity to heathen lands, but drew a picture of the future for China in too roseate hues for any one but an optimist, giving the Chinese credit for all the virtues, while he thought them entitled to all the consideration of the most favored nations, He defended the Burlingame policy, which is especially obnoxious to American merchants in China. It was evident that he does not agree with “Truthful James”—
Before leaving Hong Kong for the “up country,” I must express my gratitude to Mr. Bailey and his estimable family for many acts of kindness and courtesy to a stranger. Mr. B is a Buckeye from Cincinnati, a lawyer of ability, and his eminent social qualities and liberal culture render him the most creditable representative of our country abroad that I have anywhere had the pleasure of meeting.
