Chap. XXII. HOW TO CARRY OUT THESE VIEWS. 433 



direct communication with the court of Peking, 

 either by means of an ambassador or occasional 

 resident. The Chinese cannot remain much longer 

 isolated from the rest of the world, nor does it 

 seem desirable that they should be so. With the 

 Russians stretching eastward on the banks of the 

 river Amoor, the Americans in California, our- 

 selves in India, and fleets of steamers traversing 

 the sea which washes the shores of this vast em- 

 pire, isolation for any length of time seems out of 

 the question. 



To bring the Chinese within the pale of nations, 

 to extend our commerce, and to open up the 

 country to missionary labour and scientific re- 

 search, are objects worthy of the earnest considera- 

 tion of statesmen, not only in England but also 

 in France, America, and in other civilized Eu- 

 ropean countries who are interested in the welfare 

 of mankind. 



Supposing that the present time is suitable for 

 the consideration of this important subject, the 

 question as to how it ought to be commenced and 

 carried out naturally presents itself. That the 

 Government of China will offer many objections 

 to the plan may easily be predicted ; but the same 

 force which it will be necessary to employ to place 

 our relations on a temporary footing will be suffi- 

 cient to gain these most desirable results, pro- 

 viding we . do not allow ourselves to be outdone 

 once more in diplomacy. 



If we are ever to have a permanent peace with 



