altered without grave cause; but inasmuch as the circumstances of the several ports of China open to foreign commerce are different, experience may show that inconsiderable modifications are requisite in those parts which relate to commerce and navigation; in which case the two Governments will, at the expiration of twelve years from the date of said convention, treat amicably concerning the same, by the means of suitable persons appointed to conduct such negotiation.
Observance of this treaty.
And, when ratified, this Treaty shall be faithfully observed in all its parts by the United States and China, and by every citizen and subject of each. And no individual State of the United States can appoint or send a minister to China to call in question the provisions of the same.
Ratification.
The present treaty of peace, amity, and commerce, shall be ratified and approved by the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, and by the August Sovereign of the Ta Tsing Empire, and the ratifications shall be exchanged within eighteen months from the date of the signature thereof, or sooner if possible.
Signatures.
In faith whereof, we, the respective Plenipotentiaries of the United States of America, and of the Ta Tsing Empire as aforesaid, have signed and sealed these presents.
Date.
Done at Wang Hiya, this third day of July, in the Year of our Lord Jesus Christ one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, and of Taoukwang, the twenty-fourth year, fifth month, and eighteenth day.
TSIYENG, (in Manchu.) [l. s.]
C. CUSHING, [l. s.]
Tariff of duties.
The tariff of duties to be levied on imported and exported merchandise at the five ports.
The duties which it is agreed shall be paid upon goods imported and
exported by the United States, at the custom-houses of Canton, Amoy,
Fuchow, Ningpo, and Shanghai, are as follows, the articles being
arranged in classes, viz:
