Author Bio: Emperor Ch'ien-lung wrote this letter to King George III in 1793 to express how he felt about the list of requests presented by the Macartney. The Mactarney wrote to the Ch'ien dynasty regarding trade extrnsion and envoy change, but the Ch'ien court found the requests ridiculous. Throughout Ch'ien-lung's response to King George III, he seems angry and flabbergasted as to how the Macartney's could have possibly imagined that the requests would somehow be suitable for the dynasty. His bias is mainly against the Macartneys, since their ideas of social peace seem to vary from the Ch'ien court's. He is very condescending in his piece, believing that China is superior to all countries surrounding it. He treats the foreigners as if they are below him.
Date/Context: Written in 1793, this letter discusses the idea of different trade routes and conceptual ideas to help stabilize the economy and social activity of the ancient dynasty. It specifically talks about the request for possession of a small island near Chusan, the nation's worship of the lord of heaven, and the small sight of an area in Canton city, followed by Ch'ien-lung denying all of the requests. These requests made by the Macartneys demonstrate our understanding of countries and land features throughout the world and how the possession of them represent more power, and how following certain religions will help unify groups and connect people from different cultures.
Summary: This article is a response to King George III's request for several items made by emperor Ch'ien-lung. King George wanted to expand the trade with China, which until then, could only be conducted by foreign traders through Canton while under strict regulations. Ch'ien-lung is opposed to all of the circumstances George requests, so he rights back describing why all of the situations are unfit for East Asia. First, the emperor says that he is flattered how the King took time to acknowledge these things and bring them to his attention. He offers numerous gifts at a banquet to honor the Macartney's and what they have recognized for China. Next, he says that he must decline his requests, because they do not align with all European actions, and that the Macartney's must adjust to China's superiority just as everyone else does. Ch'ien-lung then delves into an explanation of the different societies, and explains that there is such a difference in the laws and manner of the people in each community, so it would be practically impossible for there to be an adjustment where everyone is satisfied. The emperor explains that although it is an inconvience to them, they are going to have to accept that China already has established a powerful society with the rules in place, and it cannot be altered. Ch'ien-lung does not completely disregard King George's requests however, he sends an embassy across the sea bearing a memorial. This shows how the emperor chooses to still honor the fact that he requested these things, he just does not show enough respect to actually allow him his requests. Ch'ien-lung then goes into an explanation on the use of resources such as porcelain and silk, describing how important they are for european nations, and how once again, it is of the region's best interest for things to remain as is. Towards the end, the emperor brings up the three big requests asked by King George: a small island, worshiping heaven, and land in Canton City, followed by a description of why none of these requests can work. He issues a mandate on why each subject will not be suitable for the nation, and why the emperor cannot grant the Macartney's their wishes. Lastly, Ch'ien-lung explains the consequences if the family does not follow through with his decisions, and explains how once again he is in control of the most superior land in East Asia.
Key quotation: "Our dynasty's majestic virtue has penetrated unto every country under Heaven, and Kings of all nations have offered their costly tribute by land and sea. As your Ambassador can see for himself, we possess all things. I set no value on subjects strange or ingenious, and have no use for your country's manufactures."
This document is written in a very formal manner and is immediately reflective of the 1700's, the time in which it was written. It begins with, "You, O King, live beyond the confines of many seas..." This is not a modern form of speech and clearly defines the time period of the source. Moreover, the emperor repeatedly emphasizes "our" throughout the piece. "Our dynasty", "our celestial empire", and "our manners" are used frequently throughout the letter and seem to be strategically placed to insist on the unity of China. This makes the country appear as a stronger and more fortified unit that does not need the support of any other nation. This justifies his decision to decline the expansion of trade. Furthermore, the emperor's tone seems passively hostile and he comes across as overwhelmingly arrogant and self righteous. He writes, "I have shown them high favour and have allowed them to be introduced into my presence." This implies that King George should consider himself lucky that the emperor even set aside the time to see the envoy, which is the initial display of his arrogance. Later in the letter, he says, "If you assert that your reverence for Our Celestial dynasty fills you with a desire to acquire our civilisation, our ceremonies and code of laws differ so completely from your own that, even if your Envoy were able to acquire the rudiments of our civilisation, you could not possibly transplant our manners and customs to your alien soil." This statement puts the Chinese people and their ways on a pedestal and essentially deems them far too complex and superior for any other country to adopt or even understand. Lastly, toward the end of the document, the emperor says, "If other nations, following your bad example, wrongfully importune my ear with further impossible requests, how will it be possible for me to treat them with easy indulgence?" In is statement, Ch'ien-lung is essentially scolding King George for inconveniencing him by simply proposing an opportunity that could have potential benefits for both sides. The letter is riddled with examples of the emperor's arrogance and low regard for any country but his own. On another note, Kaleigh's analysis and summary of this document are very complete and thorough. Her summary touches upon all of the key issues presented in the writing and does not omit any crucial information. In addition, Kaleigh addresses a very good point about the bias of the author. She mentions that there are two opposing ideas of social peace in play, which contribute to the animosity present in the letter. The only aspect of this source that I felt was not fully addressed by Kaleigh's analysis was the sheer demonstration of arrogance and simply rude statements made by the emperor. Kaleigh mentions that Ch'ien-lung was "flattered" by the king's propesal and "chooses to still honor the fact that he requested these things." I disagree with this point because the letter seems to portray the emperor's sheer disgust with the request by the king and does not seem respectful in any way.
ReplyDelete