Watrer H. Mannursr.
'H. B, M.'s Conaul, Shanghai.
Yue following letter has been addressed by Sir Rutherford Alcock to H. B. M. Consul in auswer to a memorial from Dr, Macgowan urging on the Chinese Govermment the adoption of Teleyraphs.
Pexixo, March 12th, 1869.
Str,—I have received your despatch No. 17, of the 22nd February, with its enclosure from Dr. Macgowan, advocating the expedience of continuing to press upon the attention of the Chinese Government the uses and Denetits of Telegraphy. As to the expediency of this course, that must in some degree depend upon the pro-Vability of any beneficial result following. So far, the effect of all the arguments adduced, representations made, of the advantages to be derived from Railroads and 't pho, hi to encourage any sanguine hopes of progress in this, or any. other, direction.
You may inform Dr. Macgowan, however, that there is no argument in favour ai Telegraphy referred to in lus letter, which has not been repeatedly and earnestly pressed upon the attention of the Mimsters of Tsung-Yamen; and no objection to it, on the part of the Chinese, that has not been met in the way he would indicate, by my colleagues and myself.. You may also add that, of the desire for progress which the Chinese Mission, now in Europe, assured Dr. M: ans countrymen was so ardent and general with the rulers in in China, there is no evidence here. If any hopes are Unilt upon its existence, therefore, I fear there is uothing but disappointment in store for those who indulge in thew "Prefetors of Telegraphie lines, Keailroadts, and other plans for the sudden development of the resources of this country, are but losing ti while the Government here shows no disposition to entertain their projects. L think it is in the are so occupied, that they should know the truth Ue deluded by false hopes, and expectation of changes which are still far in the distance.
ems to be forgotten that all Treaties hitherto male with China, have been such as were dictated by Foreign Powers, and in ance with their views rather than those of tit oth acting party. The revision at present in contemplation will tal under totally different circumstances, Nothing new can find place therein, whicl ix directly contrary to Chinese views of their interest in relation with Foreign Powers, If the rulers of China cannot be male to see the advantage to themselves and the nation, as well as the practicability and safety of Inland Steam Navi tion, Railroads, and Telegraphic lines, or the working of mines, and' residence of merchants in the interior with exterritorial privileges attaching, it is very certain they will not yield to any force of argument and reason, or earnestness of friendly counsel. And if these do not prevail, what other means remain, apart from the employwient of force and means of coercion? But this would be to make the refunul to linten to our agration and demande for increased advantages 8 carte ili." Tt cannot be necessary to remind Dr. Macyowan that, so far as the ultima ratio of Governments and nations is concerned, the United States of America could be no party after the signature of the ''additional ar-tides," and the assurances they contain. It is quite certain they will not force telegraphy, or any other improvement, upon an unwilling Government here. And, may add, it is equally certain that auch a course would be contrary to the tenor and spirit of the instrac~ tions of the British Government, and opposed to the whole course and tendency of public opinion at home. Whatever, therefore, may be the desire of the best friends of China, and of foreign merchants, to nee her advance in the path of progress. and enjoy the increased prosperity which the adoption of the several impro-vernants referred to, would do so much to' secure, I cannot feel justified, in the present aspect of affaire, in holding out any hopes of material modification in the policy or disposition of the Chinese Government in regard to telegraphs, and other similar innovations on established customs and habits.
You are at liberty to forward a copy of this despatch to Dr. Macgowan for his information.
Your obedient servant,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.