Tue Imperial Decree of the 11th inst., a translation of which we published yesterday morning, appointing the Inspector-General of Customs to the brevet rank of a Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, in recognition of the valuable assistance and advice given by him during the currency of the Peace negotiations, does honour to the Throne as well as to Sir Robert. It gives him the rank of a Viceroy, an honour which he has well deserved by his fatiring and single-minded devotion to the interests of China; while we honour the Throne for having recognised the value of his services and raised him to a rank which it would not have been thought possible only a few years ago that a foreigner could attain. It is one of many recent hopeful signs that the Throne is really shaking off some of its old illusions and prejudices and opening its eyes to realities; and while we most heartily congratulate Sir Robert, we feel that the Throne in recognising his merits, has coincidentally honoured all foreigners in China and gained a higher appreciation for itself.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.