so far as that forwarded with despatch 1987, which, (it will be remembered), declared that my conduct as Governor of Hong Kong entitled me to the praise of being "living Buddha, whose rule we hope to hear praised in many happy homes, and under whose benign shadow a grateful people may securely rest!
I have the honour to be,
3. My Lord,
Your Lordship's Most Obedient Humble servant,
SMarkem
THE GRAND SECRETARY LI AND INTERCOURSE WITH NEIGHBOURING STATES.
The following is a translation of an article from the Wa Tsz Yat Pa (a Hongkong vernacular paper) in reference to Li Hung-chang and Governor Sir George Bowen.
King Sun of T's'ai once asked Mencius:-" Is there any regular way of maintaining intercourse with neighbouring states?" Mencius replied: "There is. But it is only the perfectly virtuous ruler who can be serviceable to a large country with a small one, as Tang served Kot and King Wan the Kwan barbarians; and only the wise ruler who can, with a small country, serve a large one, as King T'ai served the Hunn-yih, and Kau Ta'in, the U." He continued: "He who with a large country serves a small one delights in Heaven; he who with a small state serves a large one stands in awe of Heaven.
"He who delights in Heaven, will affect with love and protection the whole empire. He who stands in awe of Heaven will affect with his love and protection his own kingdom." These words mean, it is said, that the perfectly virtuous man is liberal in mind and sympathetic in heart, making no selfish distinctions as to the size and strength, weakness and insignificance of states, and, consequently, even if a small state should be disrespectful, he still treats it with consideration; on the other hand, that the wise man is not a mere theoriser, but also a practical man of the world, and so if he is assailed by a large state, he will not neglect the courtesies with which he should treat it.
These remarks were made during that time of strife when the "Seven Martial States" struggled for supremacy, and the "Five Princes" arose in rapid succession. A declaration of war against one of these might only have resulted in defeat, and a truce, in breach of faith; whilst courteous treatment they would have regarded as a sign of weakness. The immediate object, then, of King Sun's question was a desire to allay strife and secure peace. Still the answer of Mencius furnishes a guide for the friendly intercourse of future generations.
And indeed there has been scarcely an age without its foreign foe. In the Han dynasty there were the Huns; in the Tong, the Thibetans; in the Sang, the Tartars; in the Ming, the Japanese. All of these struggled for victory, and were all alike in this respect that they started with war and ended by entering into friendly alliances. Had there been no one able to act the part of mediator, how could doubt and suspicion have been changed into mutual alliance, war and strife into peace? And how could Princes of little virtue and worth have become subservient to those of great? This task was never undertaken by a man of another stamp.
And in looking over the pages of the past, we cannot refrain from expressing our admiration of Li Hung-chang's conduct in this respect. He undoubtedly is the pillar of the Chinese Empire, and is held in great esteem by all nations. In his conferences with strangers, he is affable in demeanour and compliant in disposition, neither displaying temper nor vaunting his attainments. He is neither too humble, nor too overbearing, and in his intercourse with foreigners he is just while courteous. In manner he is attractive and of a winning appearance.
Thus, in the Annam-French question, though empowered to act, he made no display of his power; and when Russia and England entered into friendly alliance, he was not afraid, though single-handed, in the face of two such great powers.
At the present time friendship exists amongst the rulers of all nations, and all countries are at peace. But had it not been for Li Hung-chang's power of appreciating the probable consequences of a situation and of taking the measure of the times, how could the various countries of Europe be now enjoying a state of peace? Verily, Liang-shang is an adept in regulating his intercourse with neighbouring nations!
We may behold an example of his courtesy in the visit of Governor Bowen to the Capital. Sir George Bowen is a Colonial Governor, on whom the people depend for life and protection, and who devotes himself unremittingly to the service of his Queen. Though he has been in this Colony less than a year, his praises are sounded on all sides.
During an interval of leisure from the affairs of Government, he betook himself to travel, journeying over much rough country to visit the Great Wall, and enduring many hardships to discuss matters of importance to China and foreign nations, thus rendering himself a pattern worthy of imitation by the people, and the object of the deep respect of the neighbouring (Chinese) Empire.
He was entertained most courteously by the Grand Secretary, (Li Hung-chang) as a mark of respect and esteem. The French Ambassador, M. Tricou, and Sir Harry Parkes were also among the honoured guests; the former was treated with all politeness; while between Li Hung-chang and the latter there seemed to exist deep feelings of mutual attachment.
The entertainment could not have been of a more pleasing nature: mutual compliments were interchanged, which were productive of good feeling between both parties; and as nothing was left undone in the way of politeness, the good understanding which already existed became still more marked.
This made Governor Bowen feel quite at home, and enabled him thoroughly to enjoy himself after his long travels. Li Hung-chang's conduct on this occasion exemplified the Confucian saying, "Treat people from afar with indulgence and the princes with kindness," and the ability of the Grand Secretary and the culture of the great Minister clearly manifested themselves.
It is contended by some that in acting thus, Li Hung-chang is wrong, for being a man of exalted position and high reputation, why should he, they argue, be so afraid of foreigners and so demean himself by entertaining them? These people seem to forget that it is the duty of a liberal-minded Prime Minister to act justly and openly with all men, and that one of his deep-rooted beliefs is that self-sufficiency brings hurt, and humility gain; and that, although China is now at peace with the various nations, any want of respect either in word or deed might easily cause an outbreak of hostilities.
Look at the Annam question. Popular opinion is in favour of war, whilst Li Hung-chang alone expresses himself in favour of peace, which is an illustration of how the peace of nations can be maintained by the decisive policy of one man in dealing with the affairs of his own country.
It is a desire to adapt himself to the necessity of the occasion that prompts Li Hung-chang to be straightforward in word and pacific in action. He who can adapt himself to circumstances is called a hero, and it is for this very reason that, in reviewing the state of affairs in China, we praise Li Hung-chang for knowing how to maintain a friendly intercourse with neighbouring countries.
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