The investiture of Shang Han, applied for in 1807, was completed in 1809. At the same time an imperial rescript was sent to Lew Chew from Peking, confirming the father of Shang-han in the regular line of kings, although he had died before he had had the opportunity to make the usual application for investiture. More lately, in 1866, Shang Ta, who had come to the throne, applied for investiture, which was granted to him. From 1655 to 1866, therefore, the Lew Chewan kings received investiture from China.

The investiture so granted was not a careless ceremony or performed secretly. The procedure followed in the instance of Shang Han in 1809 will illustrate the point. The petition asking for investiture was car ried to Peking by two envoys, and two imperial envoys were appointed to carry to Lew Chew the imperial proclamation of investiture, and other official documents. A copy of the proclamation is appended to this dispatch, and also a copy of the imperial patent, or commission. Certain presents were also sent to Lew Chew. The manner in which the action of the Imperial Government was received is stated in a further representation sent up to the throne of China by the King, as follows: Your servant, attended by the whole body of officials and dignitaries, and a concourse of people, met the envoys in the Pavilion of Grace, where we humbly implored long life and perpetual peace to the august sacred person. I then received the proclamation and patent, and deposited them in the envoy's hall. Having selected a lucky day [October 1], I first took the mandate commanding that the late Shang Ching, my father, be installed as King in the regular succession, and then the edict ordering that worship be paid (on your behalf) to the former King, Shang Wan, and to my late father, Shang Ching, and fulfilled every particular. On the 15th of November I reverently received the proclamation and patent of investiture, which confirms your servant as King in the Central Mount; and accepted the dragon-embroidered satins, and also the variegated silks and other articles, conferred on the Queen. Your servant then, with all the officials around him, prostrated ourselves on the ground to give thanks for such bounty. I then begged the envoys to let me have the two documents to put in the archives of the kingdom, among its precious things, and asked them to examine the old records to satisfy themselves that all had been done properly. They did so, and I have put them in our treasury.

It would be difficult to conceive a procedure more formally directed to the purpose than that which has been described. The application to the Emperor of China is precise in all its parts. The Emperor's responses are equally precise, and the ceremonies at the capital of Lew Chew are performed in the presence of "the whole body of the officials and dig nitaries and a large concourse of people."

It is not possible, then, that there is any mistake about the matter. The kings of Lew Chew having observed for a period of two hundred years the practices described, acknowledged in the clearest manner a certain dependence upon the Imperial Government inconsistent with the idea that the state was a feudatory of any other power.

The first case of investiture mentioned in the petition of Chang Han took place in 1655. It was a "remote ancestor" of his who was so favored, but it appears from Chinese records, as Dr. Williams points out in the article to which I have already referred, that a Lew Chewan prince sent an embassy to China in 1373, and that the Emperor Yungloh bestowed investiture on Bu-nei, King of Lew Chew, in the year 1400. Dr. Williams mentions further that during the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644) Lew Chewan embassies came to China sometimes twice a year, sometimes once in five years, but that during the present dynasty they have come once in two years. The embassies thus sent up have not been purely political, and the tribute which has been brought to China has not been a money payment, significant of dependence, or a feud

atory condition. And herein consists one of the most interesting facts in the relations of China with the surrounding petty states.

Manchuria, the home of the present dynasty; Mongolia, divided into a number of jurisdictions, all owing direct allegiance to China; Thibet, in which an imperial commissioner is resident, each have relations with China peculiar to themselves; but Corea, Lew Chew, Siam, Annam, and Burmah have sustained relations with their great neighbor which, although singular, may be described in a few words.

It appears to have been the practice of these states to send up complimentary missions to Peking. They may be called complimentary because they have been voluntary both as respects their times and the matter carried with them.

The embassies have brought, in fact, what may be more properly styled presents than tribute, the extent or value of which has depended upon the ability or generosity of the given ruler, and not at all upon the demands of the Chinese Government. And not only is this true, but it is true, further, that the Chinese practice has been to give presents in return. The latter point you will find illustrated in the papers regarding the investiture of Chang han sent herewith.

It has been suggested that the relationship thus indicated has an analogy to the middle-age experiences of Europe, when the Pope was considered in a manner the dispenser of imperial honors, but the example is not a good one, for the reason that the prerogative of the papacy was held to grow out of the regency conferred upon the Pope as the representative of Heaven upon earth, while the regard paid to the Emperor of China would seem to be a natural recognition of his position as an earthly potentate of extraordinary sway, and his benevolence in leaving to the petty states around him a complete autonomy of their own.

It is not too much to say that it has been within the power of China for a very long period to overrun and subdue these petty states. The fact that she has not done so is creditable to her rulers, and might very well draw from them expressions of gratitude and respect. A great people filling all their territory to the limit of its sustaining power, but remaining for centuries self-contained, regardful of their own dignity and place, but regardful also of the rights of the petty powers about them, is a spectacle not very common in the history of the world. It is one upon which we may pause to raise the question whether a state capable of such conduct has not, for some reason, a poise and balance of judgment and temper greater than we have been in the habit of attributing to her, and which entitles her to a large measure of respect and esteem. Something similar to the deferential intercourse observed between China and the surrounding petty states has existed between the Turkish Empire and the inferior powers of Central Asia. Vambéry says:

It was the practice in the middle ages for the three Khanates of Turkestan to receive as investiture from the Khalif of Bagdad a sort of court office. This old system has not been abandoned even at the present day, and the princes, on their accession to the throne, are wont still to solicit, through the medium of an extraordinary embassy to Stamboul, these honorary distinctions. The Khan of Khiva assumes rank as Cupbearer; the Emir of Bokhara as Reis (guardian of religion); and the Khan of Khokand as Constable. But the bond which unites them with Constantinople goes no further.

*

The analogy is not perfect, of course, but it illustrates the disposition of rulers of less importance in Asia to look up to those whose position is of greater importance, and to place themselves in an attitude of respect by assenting to forms which imply a certain dependence.

I am not sure that the Chinese Government would admit that their relations with Lew Chew do not indicate a more decided dependence than

I have described. The facts, however, are those which I have set forth. That is to say, the Chinese have no resident officers in Lew Chew; they assess no taxes there, nor any determined tribute; they do not require the Lew Chewans to assist them in war; they do not consider themselves bound to assist the Lew Chewans; they do not concern themselves about her internal affairs; they receive presents from the King, and they make presents in return. On the other hand, their investiture of the Lew Chewan kings is something more than a mere recognition of them. It is a reward for loyalty on their part, and a declaration of a disposition to respect their nationality, and the sovereignty of their rulers. We find the situation singular, no doubt, but so, in our eyes, are many things which are common in Asia. So long as Asia is practically polytheistic, polygamic, and autocratic, while the West is monotheistic, monogamic, and constitutional, we need not feel surprise at divergences of any sort between their ways and our ways. While this is the relationship be tween China and Lew Chew which existed for a very long period, and which has only been put an end to by recent acts of Japan, against which the Lew Chewans have protested, China acknowledges, on the other hand, that Lew Chew has been required to deliver to the Prince of Satsuma, in Japan, for a very long period, an annual contribution of produce, understood to be 8,000 piculs or about 500 tons of rice. It may be stating the case too strongly to say that China makes this acknowledg ment, but at any rate, as I understand the matter, she does not deny that this was the case. Beyond this, however, China makes no admissions, and so far as I can judge, believes there are no admissions which she should make.

In asking, therefore, that Lew Chew should be permitted to revert to its ancient constitution, the Chinese would expect the Lew Chewans to send up their missions as in the past, and to grant investiture to their kings, but would not object to the continuance of the tribute heretofore sent to Japan.

It is very possible that China and Japan may not be able to maintain such an attitude toward Lew Chew as I have indicated. The Japanese could receive their tribute, but they might, at any moment, object that the simple recognition of the Lew Chewan King, implied in the ancient form of investiture, had been wrested from its proper significance, and used to reduce the King to vassalage. If, then, the two governments would agree to give up all claims in Lew Chew, the one to abandon its demand for an insignificant amount of tribute, and the other the politi cal forms which have been customary, each agreeing to respect the independence of the islands, the situation would be more logical in our view, and less likely to lead to further complications.

The Chinese may or may not attach political importance to the possession of Lew Chew by themselves or by the Japanese. I do not think that they have considered that part of the question, or care about it. It can add nothing to the importance of either state to reduce the islands to its control. They are small and distant and their defense would be of serious concern in case of a foreign war. But with the Chinese the point of pride is tenaciously held. They believe that Japan, without prior consultation with them, and by methods pursued in a covert manner, has subjected to its control a petty state, their dependency. It is deemed an affront to them in the face of their own people and the world, as well as an outrage upon the innocent islanders. So the Chinese do not take the matter at all quietly, and their resentment is of a sort which will last a long time.

The interference of General Grant took place under these circum

stances. He was appealed to with great anxiety by China, and he promised to speak to the Japanese, not by way of discussion or condemnation of their acts, but to represent the unwisdom of any poiley which would estrange the two countries. He was on safe ground in promising to do this much for China, and he appears to have performed his task with tact. What may come of it cannot yet be told.

I have, &c.,

GEORGE F. SEWARD.

[Inclosure 1 in No. 531.]

REQUEST FOR INVESTITURE.

Your Majesty's servant Shang Han, grandson of the King of the Central Mount, in Lew Chew, respectfully memorializes the throne, requesting that he be confirmed in his succession to the princely station, which will at once encourage him in his loyalty, and render illustrious the statutes of the empire.

Your servant is well aware that his little state lies in the far distance, and is only like a foot of ground for size, yet even away in mid-ocean it has an established gov ernment, and during successive generations its rulers, having received investiture, have here guarded the frontiers.

I look up to the imperial benevolence, vast and expanded beyond expression, and am profoundly sensible that all here are unable adequately to express our thanks. My remote ancestor, Shang Chi, was indebted to the favor of the Emperor Shun Chi for conferring on him the diguity of King, in A. D. 1655, and granting him a royal seal, which constituted him King in the Middle Mount, and forever tranquillized his maritime feudality.

His successor, Shang Ching, was indebted to the letters patent and proclamation of the Emperor Kang-hi, who, in the year A. D. 1683, thereby constituted him the King. His son, Shang Shun, died when he was the heir; and the next in succession, Shang Yih, deceased before he could apply for and receive investiture.

The next was Shang King, who, through the bedewing favor of the same Emperor, was confirmed in his seat in the year 1719. At the same time the deceased Shang Yih was retrospectively recognized as having been legitimate King.

Your servant's high progenitor, Shang Muh, recently received investiture in the year 1757, from the Emperor Kien Lung.

His son, Shan Cheh bade adieu to this world while still heir-apparent, and left the succession to his son, Shang Wan, who, by the high favor of Your Imperial Majesty, was installed as King in the Middle Mount in the year 1801, and fulfilled the duties of his princely station with reverence and diligence One morning he fell sick, and the remedies of the physicians were powerless to arrest his disease; he departed on the long journey in August, 1803.

Your servant's father, Shang Ching, had no opportunity to ask investiture, for he suddenly left the world; and I, a mere youth, am called on to succeed to his post and take the inheritance.

As the obligations of a feudal prince are strict, I dare not style myself so without authority. Therefore, to perpetuate the kingly power and observe the requirements, I now request Your Majesty's investiture. I shall then be able to salute your decree in this sea-girt spot, where I keep ward over your frontier, and bow down before your command in this wave-worn corner of your realm, whence I can send up my tribute and my reverence.

I have now specially commissioned my personal minister, Yang Kih Tien, with the councilor Liang Pang Pih, who are to hasten to the vermilion ante-room to hand in this memorial request.

Humbly prostrating myself, I look up to ask that the sacred kindness may grant to me, as it was granted to my predecessors, that an imperial envoy be sent here to perform the ceremony of installing me in my kingly dignity.

On Your Majesty's part, such an act will render more illustrious the fullness of the statutes. On my part, it will invite me to more reverence and obedience in every particular. It will, no doubt, strengthen this remote possession for generations to come, and, honored by the crowning blessing, Your Majesty's favor will continue through succeeding ages unimpaired.

I humbly implore the penetrating glance to rest upon my memorial, and beg that the proper board may be required to carry my desire into effect. Your servant will await the arrival of these orders in trembling expectancy, and now carefully prepares his memorial for your imperial hearing.

Dated in the reign of Kia-King, 11th year, 8th moon, 7th day (or about September 1, 1809).

[Inclosure 2 in No. 531.]

Proclamation of the investiture of Shang Han as King of Lew Chew, in the thirteenth year of Kia-King (1809).

In virtue of having received in course the behest of Heaven to exercise the post of Augustus over the world, we hereby make this proclamation:

To the end that We may magnify the instructions which We have received, and fulfill the statutes that require Us to tranquillize those who live in remote countries, and sedulously cherish those who are weak, that thus the people on and beyond our frontiers may be securely established, We do now greatly commend your earnest efforts to place yourselves under Our sheltering wing. You have thus manifested your hearty joy and satisfaction at this protection, and have hereby continued in the inheritance of your fathers. Your envoys have come to the court of ceremonies with their offerings and presents, and it is eminently right that this distinct recognition should be made known.

You, O! Kingdom of Lew Chew, receive your dignities from the Middle Civilized Empire. Though you lie like an islet in the waste of waters, you have received bounties large and abundant, and though a mere ocean-bank, your land is still confirmed to you.

You, O! Shang Han, grandson of the last King of the Central Mount, following your illustrious predecessors, have received their heritage that you may promote the welfare of your country and perpetuate the valor of your race. Your filial duty to them is an earnest of your loyalty to Us, for (by your envoys) you have strictly performed every rite of fealty in Our coronation palace, and the Golden Kraken can rest quietly in his ocean bed. You have fully exhibited through them your reverence, as they have come to our vermilion hall with the pleasure that the gamboling porpoise meets the wind. Robed in their courtly apparel, these envoys did not delay in presenting their gifts in Our court, and the products of your country proved in their hands the allegiance of Our frontier.

Now, therefore, as these masters of libations have made known to Us the desire of their Lord to be confirmed in his heritage, We have specially appointed Tsi Kwan, a revisor in the Han-Lin Academy, to be Our chief commissioner, and Fei Tsz-Chang, an under secretary in the board of works, to be Our second commissioner, to take this proclamation to you, O! Shang Han, and confirm you as the King of Lew Chew in the Central Mount.

Do you, all ye officials and laborers, ye scholars and people, together take him by your strength and reverence him in your hearts, that thus the prosperity of your state may be perpetual.

We look to you, O! King, to rule your people in peace, and unite all among them who are just and loyal to your sway. We hereby appoint you to be their ruler, that you may maintain in vigor the relations of a liege fief.

You are to be diligent in co-operating to promote peace and order along our frontier, and thus prove yourself worthy of the thrice-repeated commendation now bestowed upon you. Preserve unimpaired the inheritance of your country's happiness, and be content that in the imperial palace dwells one who will not forget his kindness.

It is for these ends that this proclamation is now made. Let all, King and people, hear and know it.

Dated in the reign Kai-King, 13th year, 8th moon, 1st day (about September 1, 1809).

[Inclosure 3 in No. 531.]

The patent investing Shang Han as King (of Lew Chew) in the thirteenth year of Kia-King.

I, the sovereign Emperor, hereby make known My commands to Shang Han, a grandson of the King of Lew Chew in the Central Mount.

Whereas, your ancestors have for generations kept the outskirts of Our realm as a protective feudatory, sedulous to present their tribute at the proper time, and having all been honorable, worthy, and just persons, who have tried to follow that which is decorons, and maintain the proprieties of their stations, have thus approved themselves to Our constant commendation, and their illustrious fame has in consequence become known through all ranks of Our officers:

Now, therefore, having in course succeeded to the inheritance, you have sent your messengers to request Our commands. They knocked at Our frontier passes on their way, and have at last reached the court of ceremonies, whose officers have greeted them. Their strong desire was to reach this goal with their presents; hastening on their journey away from the waters where the sole-fish abounds. From those distant