Waarever may be the faults of Shanghai in other respects, we do not think it shows the propensity which is rather too prevalent in other parts of the world for presenting addresses, in season and out of season, to publi men, If it were 80 inclined, opportunities would not fail. Officials of various rank frequently come, frequently leave, and frequently' pass through the Settlement, without public notice being taken, If anything, we are rather too reserved, and fail to make our voice heard on occasions when it is both our right and our duty to speak with some emphasis, It is the more certain, therefore, that when this rule of silence is departed from, the community means what it does; and this was undeniably the case in respect. of the address presented yesterday to Mr. Seward, Mr, Seward has held the post of Consul-General for the United States at this port, for nearly fourteen years, and has been identified therefore with the progress of the port during the period of its greatest devel-lopment. Itis no idle form of words to say that he has, during this period, shown marked interest and sympathy in its fortunes; and the attendance of large number of residents at the American Consulate, yesterday, is a prov€ that the community cordially endorses the tribute of respect and esteem which was paid him. It ix possible that, if opportunity had been taken to discuss the address more publicly before its presentation, an even more felicitous expression of public opinion might have been arrived at, The opportunity might perhaps have been taken to make the address a vehicle for some political comment, as well as expression of personal regard and confidence. But after all, Mr. Seward is familiar with our requirements. The pending negociations for the ameliorations of our commercial position are sure of his support; he appreciates as clearly as we do, the abstractiveness of searcely add to his interest in either the Woosung. Bar or the Woosung Tramway to have those enterprises commended especially to his notice.—The affairs of the Settlement a not yet on a completely satisfactory footing; the question, for iustaues, of lekin taxation within our limits, remains an open sore; but we recognise our indebtedness to Mr. Seward for his share in much that has been done, and we regret to lose the influence and energy which he has always brought to bear on Municipal questions. We cannot, however, forget that, "as members of the Inrger foreign commanity of China," We have interests which can be greatly forwarded or hindered by the notion of our representatives atthe Capital; and our regret at Mr. Seward's departure from Shanghai is very much modified by the reflection that he will be able, at Peking, to bring his knowledge of affairs and his firmness of character to bear on questions of higher import than he has been able to influence— except indireetly—in his previous office. The able despatches from his pen which have come to light now and again through the volumes of Diploma. tie Correspondence, show how clearly he appreciates the political position and justify us in regarding appointment as calculated to stre very materially the hands of the progressive party at Peking. There is a strong impression abroad, that we are on the eve of considerable changes in China; and without a very definite idea of what is going to happen, people have somewhat the same feeling that they have on the approach of a thanderstorm—that the atmosphere is surcharged. It is true the same fancy has arisen before, and been dispelled. And it is possible that the marvellous vis inerti of the Chinese Government may enable it to drift through its present difficulties. Bat it is satisfactory to know that those on the spot are men able to tuke advantage of opportunities; and we find, therefore, additional reason for congratnlation, that Mr. Seward is transferred to Peking at a moment when experience and ability are likely to be pre-eminently needed, there, Tt only remains for us to cordinlly endorse the good wishes expressed in the address, and to add our hope that Mr, Seward has before hima long career of usefulness in the position he has reached, and for which public opinion so unanimously designated him as the fittest.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.