Mr. Burlingame to Mr. Seward
No. 28.]
Legation of the United States,
Peking,
October 27, 1862.
Sir: I have the pleasure to inform you that the
Chinese government has adopted a national flag. It is a dragon flag, to
be triangular in shape, and ten feet broad for the largest vessels, or
between seven and eight feet for smaller craft. The length is
immaterial. The ground color is yellow, and a dragon is painted on it,
the head pointing upwards. The reasons for adopting it are clearly set
forth in the communication which I send from Prince Kung, marked A.
Hitherto there have been individual and local flags, but until now no
national flag. Surely the words “immovable civilization of China” have
lost their significance. By this act the imperial government, casting
down the last shred of its exclusiveness, confronts us with a symbol of
its power, and demands a place among the nations. Permit me to suggest
that it might be well to bring the communication of Prince Kung to the
attention of our naval officers and captains of our commercial marine as
soon as possible.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State,
Washington.
[Page 912]
A.
October 22, 1862.
(Tungchi, first year, instant 8th moon, 29th
day.)
Prince Kung, principal secretary of state for foreign affairs,
herewith makes a communication.
The foreign ships of all nations have the usage of hoisting flags,
each to designate their own country, so that when seen they can be
easily recognized, and known to be national vessels. If any ship
alters its flag, the offender so doing is regarded as a criminal.
The governmental vessels in China have also had their flags to
distinguish them; but a new regulation has now been made, proposing
a dragon flag, to be triangular in shape, and ten feet broad for the
largest vessels, or between seven and eight feet for smaller craft;
the length on the slanting or the lower sides is immaterial. The
ground color is yellow, and a dragon is painted on it, the head
pointing upwards. Made in this shape, it is thought that it can be
instantly recognized.
His Majesty has been memorialized on the subject, and orders have
been already transmitted to the naval officers in the provinces
directing them to act accordingly.
It is on this account that I send this, despatch to your excellency,
in the hope that you will inform the American naval officers and
(the captains of) all other American vessels that hereafter, when
they come across a yellow flag of this description they will
recognize it as the flag of Chinese government vessels, and treat it
as they treat the flags of all other powers, and offer it no
impertinence.
If any person changes this flag or insults it he shall be punished as
a criminal; and no matter what may have been the original cause of
offence or the merits of the dispute, this crime of disrespect or
misusing the flag should first be tried according to law, and
afterwards the other counts of the indictment be taken up. I
earnestly desire that your excellency will give very strict orders
to whoever it may be necessary to instruct in reference to this
matter.
His Excellency A. Burlingame, U. S. Minister Plenipotentiary,
&c.
