which would bring the imperial government to terms, and he strongly recommended to the Secretary of State that the United States should coöperate with the allies in the policy determined upon, France having definitely resolved to participate with Great Britain in the proposed military expedition. Dr. Parker suggested that an active campaign might be avoided, and China brought to accept the demands of the powers by the temporary occupation by them of different portions of territory. His plan was that France should take possession of Korea, Great Britain of Chusan, and the United States of the island of Formosa, and hold them as hostages till a satisfactory settlement of all questions was attained. At this day such a scheme seems quite visionary and impracticable, but it was known to Parker that only three years before Commodore Perry had made a similar recommendation respecting the Lew Chew Islands in connection with the Japanese negotiations.

But such schemes did not in any way harmonize with the peaceful policy at Washington. Not even could the daring act of the navy in destroying the Barrier forts to avenge the insults to the flag disturb the equanimity of the government. Secretary Marcy wrote Dr. Parker that the President very much doubted whether there was sufficient justification for such a severe measure, and thus stated his views: "The British government evidently have objects beyond those contemplated by the United States, and we ought not to be drawn along with it, however anxious it may be for our coöperation. The President sincerely hopes. that you, as well as our naval commander, will be able

to do all that is required for the defense of American citizens and the protection of their property, without being included in the British quarrel, or producing any serious disturbance in our amicable relations with China." Such instructions were so contrary to the views of the minister that it was well that their execution should be intrusted to a new representative.

A change of administration had occurred on March 4, 1857, and a month later a new minister to China was appointed. This action was not taken because of any dissatisfaction with the incumbent, but it appears to have been brought about by the exigencies of domestic politics. Dr. Parker retired from his post in August, and returned to the United States, thus ending a long and useful career in China. He made his residence in Washington up to the time of his death in 1888, and was active in scientific and religious circles. Hon. Hugh McCulloch, secretary of the treasury under three presidents, who enjoyed his society and friendship in these later years, says: "No man can look back upon a long life with greater satisfaction than Dr. Parker. No foreigner had better opportunities than he of becoming acquainted with the Chinese, their habits, and the character of their government; and no one could have used these opportunities to greater advantage, both to China and to the United States." 2

1 S. Ex. Doc. 22 (cited), 1083–1278; S. Ex. Doc. 30, 36th Cong. 1st Sess. p. 3. In giving his instructions to the new minister, the Secretary of State wrote: "This change is not intended to cause the slightest censure upon him [Parker]. He has discharged his duties with zeal and fidelity, and is entitled to the thanks of the government."

Martin's Cathay, 27; Speer's China, 421; Littell's Living Age, Oct.

The successor of Dr. Parker, William B. Reed, of Pennsylvania, secured his appointment mainly because of political considerations, having supported the election of Mr. Buchanan to the presidency, although of the opposite party. He was, however, a lawyer of considerable prominence, and proved in most respects fitted for his difficult duties. The title of the American representative in China had heretofore been that of commissioner, - a somewhat anomalous grade in diplomacy. In order to give Mr. Reed all the dignity and influence which might accrue from his rank, he was commissioned as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary.

In view of the threatening state of affairs in China, with England and France joined in hostilities against the empire, his instructions were prepared with much care, and set forth the attitude of the United States with precision. The objects which it was understood the allies had in view were enumerated, and stated to be in accord with those desired by the United States. These were, first, the residence of foreign ministers at Peking, reception by the emperor, and intercourse with an accredited ministry of foreign affairs; second, an extension of commercial intercourse and a better regulation of the internal tariff on imports; third, religious freedom for foreigners; and fourth, measures for better observance of treaty stipulations. The minister was directed to coöperate by peaceful means with England and France to secure these ends, but to confine his efforts to firm representations and appeals to the justice

1859, p. 384; Men and Measures of Half a Century, by H. McCulloch, New York, 1888, p. 265.

and policy of the Chinese authorities. He was reminded that his country was not at war with China, and sought only to enter that empire for lawful commerce.

With these instructions was inclosed a copy of correspondence had with the British government, in response to an invitation of the allies to join in their hostile expedition. In it attention was called to the fact that the executive branch of the government of the United States was not the war-making power, that military expeditions into Chinese territory could not be undertaken without the authority of Congress, and that the relations of the United States with that country, in the judgment of the President, did not then warrant a resort to war. The policy of the United States was one of peace; it had no political views connected with that empire; and, owing to the difference in manners and traits of national character, true wisdom seemed to dictate moderation, discretion, and the work of time in the attempts to open China to trade and intercourse.

When Mr. Reed arrived in Hongkong, November, 1857, he found the allies almost ready to begin hostile operations. Lord Elgin, -a British statesman of noble family and large political experience, returning from a successful term as governor-general of Canada, had been assigned by his government to the political management of the campaign, and with him was associated as the French representative Baron Gros, a diplomat of high reputation. Upon making known to the allies the tenor of his instructions, Mr. Reed reports their surprise and disappointment, as they had been "encouraged in the most extravagant expectation of coöperation on our

part, to the extent even of acquisition of territory," and that the English were especially "irritable at their inability to involve the United States in their unworthy quarrel." But he states later that Lord Elgin had not at that time been informed of the character of the reply to the invitation to join the allies, and that after its receipt their relations were more cordial.

The first duty of Mr. Reed was to seek an interview with the imperial commissioner Yeh and make an effort to open negotiations for treaty revision; but he was doomed to the fate of his predecessors. This polite but obstinate official, " on hearing that an officer of the highest fame and reputation with such kindly feelings " had reached China, " was extremely desirous of having an interview," but since the destruction of the suburbs by the British "there is really no place where to hold it." As to negotiations, there was no occasion for them, as the existing treaty was satisfactory and beneficial, and did not require alteration. Thus the minister was informed that the especially designated diplomatic representative of the emperor could not meet him, nor would he consider with him the business of his mission.

The blow which the allies had been preparing fell upon Canton in December, 1857. It was a second time captured and sacked. Yeh was made a prisoner and sent to Calcutta, where he died within a few weeks after his arrival. This official had established an unenviable reputation for incivility, obduracy, and hatred of foreigners, and upon him had been placed the responsibility for the unsatisfactory condition of international relations. But at the capture of Canton the documents