p= rahe 0 (Tey a TSS a ae ED CORNELL UNIVERSITY | LIBRARY THE WASON COLLECTION THIS BOOK IS THE GIFT OF Nixon Griffis ‘ornell University Library “iT NEW JAPAN, LAND OF THE RISING SUN; ITS ANNALS DURING THE PAST TWENTY YEARS, RECORDING THE REMARKABLE PROGRESS OF THE JAPANESE IN WESTERN CIVILIZATION. By SAMUEL MOSSMAN, AUTHOR OF ‘CHINA; ITS HISTORY, INSTITUTIONS, AND INIABITANTS,” ‘OUR AUSTRALIAN COLONIES,’ ETC. ETc. ETC. WITH MAP. LONDON: JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. 1873. The right of Translation is reserved. LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. 1853. GENERAL ASPECT OF JAPAN TWENTY YEARS AGO—ISOLATION OF THE CoUN- TRY AND PropLe—Dvurcu Factory at De-sima—CommoporE Prrry’s’ EXPEDITION FROM AMERICA AMICABLY RECEIVED . . . . . CHAPTER II. 1854. CoMMODORE PERRY RENEWS FRIENDLY NEGOTIATIONS WITH’ AUTHORITIES — First TREATY CONCLUDED WITH AMERICA AT KANAGAWA—INTERCHANGE oF PRESENTS— Ports oF SIMODA AND HAKODADI OPENED. 5 “ CHAPTER II. 1855. ADMIRAL POUTIATINE, ENVoy FROM RUSSIA, ARRIVES— DESTRUCTION OF Smropa By AN EarTuquakKE— WRECK OF THE FRrRicaTE ‘ Diana’— Russian TREATY CONCLUDED Z Fi : - : 7 P . ° CHAPTER IV. 1856-57. ATTEMPT OF DuTCH ENVOY TO EXTEND OLD TREATY OF NAGASAKI UNSUG- CESSFUL — JAPANESE HATRED OF FRENCIL AND PORTUGUESE . < ‘ CHAPTER V. 1858. GREAT BRITAIN AND FRANCE CONCLUDE TREATIES OPENING THE Ports oF KanaGawa, NaGasaki, Haxopapt, Hiogo, OsaAkKA AND NEE-n-GaTA — DEATH OF THE “TYCOON,” OR SIOGOON , ‘ A . z . a 2 PAGE 18 42 61 lv CONTENTS. CHAPTER VI. PAGE ANNALS OF MEpDI@VAL ENGLAND AND JAPAN SIMILAR— COMPLICATED IMPE- RIAL AND FEUDAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT UP TO THE PERIOD OF NEGO- TIATING TREATIES WITH FoREIGN POWERS . 4 ‘ : . . 88 CHAPTER VII. 1859. Mr. Aucock, H.M.’s MINnisTrER FOR JAPAN, ARRIVES— BRITISH AND AME- RICAN LEGATIONS ESTABLISHED AT YEDO— CONSULATES AT KANAGAWA — ForEIGN RESIDENTS AT YOKOHAMA — ASSASSINATION OF THREE RUSSIANS 98 CHAPTER VIII. 1860. ASSASSINATION OF A LINGUIST AT THE British LEGATION— DUTCH AND PRUSSIAN TREATIES SIGNED AT YEDO — GOTAIRO OR SIOGOON-REGENT, ASSASSINATED — BRITISH MINISTER HAS AN AUDIENCE OF THE Si10oGoon . 113 CHAPTER IX. 1861. ASSASSINATION OF THE AMERICAN SECRETARY OF LeGATION — Four ENvoys STRIKE THEIR FLAGS — ATTEMPTED MASSACRE OF THE BRITISH LEGATION 125 CHAPTER X. 1862. JAPANESE DIPLOMATIC MIssION SENT TO EUROPE— ANOTHER MURDEROUS ATTACK ON THE British LEGATION— ASSASSINATION OF Mr. RICHARDSON — Exopus or Darmmios AND RETAINERS FROM YEDO . : 4 » ABs CHAPTER XL 1863. . DECREE TO EXPEL FOREIGNERS — NEW BRITISH LEGATION BUILDINGS aT YEDO BLOWN UP— AMERICAN LEGATION DESTROYED BY FIRE — ARRIVAL OF British SQUADRON IN YEDO Bay — INDEMNITY FOR OUTRAGES PAID - 156 CHAPTER XII. 1863 (continued). AMERICAN, FRENCH, AND DUTCH SHIPS FIRED ON FROM BATTERIES AT WEsT ENTRANCE TO INLAND SEA—THESE INSULTS AVENGED — BoMBARDMENT or KaGosima —- SATSUMA SUCCUMBS — ASSASSINATION OF A FRENCH OFFICER . ; . é : . 5 ‘ Fi 17 bo CONTENTS. Vv CHAPTER XIII. 1864. PAGE RETROGRADE PoLicy OF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT — BOMBARDMENT AND CAPTURE OF THE NaGato Forts, AT SIMANOSAKI, BY THE ALLIED SQUAD- RONS . . ‘ : % “ ‘ : . : - 186 CHAPTER XIV. 1864 (continued). Cuosiu OF NAGATO SUCCUMBS, AND GOVERNMENT TO PAY AN INDEMNITY — NaGaTo TROOPS ATTACK THE MiKapo’s PaLace aT Kr1oTO— PROGRESS OF OPEN PorTs ‘ ‘ : 3 e 7 3 ; : we TES CHAPTER XV. 1865. CONTENTION BETWEEN TWO FEUDAL FACTIONS FOR SUPREMACY IN THE STATE — THE SIOGOON LEAVES YEDO TO VISIT THE MIKADO AT THE OLD METRO- POLIS OF KIOTO js * < : : . : . a » 211 CHAPTER XVI. 1865 (continued). Sir Harry PARKES INSTRUCTED BY EARL RUSSELL ON BritisH PoLicy IN JAPAN — ALLIED ENvoys aT OsakA BAY RECEIVE CONSENT OF MIKADO TO THE TREATIES : ‘ é ’ . i > 7 . 223 CHAPTER XVII. 1866. CONTENDING FACTIONS ARMING WITH FOREIGN Wark MatTéRiEL — ENGAGE- MENT AND VICTORY OF NAGATO Forces —SATSUMA ENTERTAINS THE British MINISTER . ‘ 7 . . % é i ‘ - 239 CHAPTER XVIII. 1866 (continued). DEATH OF THE SI0GOON IvyEMOcHIT AND ELECTION oF Srors-Basar (YosH1 Hisa)—Nacaro Forces INVADE BuZEN AND HOLD ir — ARMISTICE — Fire AT YoKoHAMA— PRoGRESS OF PORTS . . . ‘< ‘ « 257 CHAPTER XIX. 1867. THE NEW SIOGOON INSTALLED — DEMISE OF THE Mikapo Osa-H’ro — Suc- CEEDED BY HIS SON Mut-su’ro— RECEPTION OF ENvoys By THE 510G0ON y . . a i é . 295 AT OSAKA 7 ‘ 5 ‘ vi CONTENTS. CHAPTER XX. 1867 (continued). PAGE COMBINATION OF DAIMIOS TO OVERTHROW THE SI0GOON — HE RESIGNS NOMI- NALLY TO THE MikaDO—COMMERCE AT THE PorTS— LARGE FLEET OF STEAMERS SOLD . i , . ‘ : 3 : . : . 288 CHAPTER XXI. 1868. RETROSPECT — STATE REVOLUTION — CIVIL WaR BEGUN — DECISIVE BATTLE or FusHIMI— DEFEAT AND FLIGHT OF THE EX-SIOGOON— ATTACK ON ForricNERS AT KoBE-H10Go NEW SETTLEMENT . “ e 3 . 3803 CHAPTER XXII. 1868 (continued). MASSACRE OF FRENCH SEAMEN NEAR OsAkA — YOSHI HISA ABANDONS THE STRUGGLE, WHILE THE NORTHERN DAIMI0S CONTINUE IT UNDER IDZU WITH Success — DESPERATE CONFLICT AT YEDO . - . ‘ F . 315 CHAPTER XXIII. 1868 (continued). MIKADO Now SOLE MoNnARCH or JAPAN— AUDIENCES TO TREATY ENVoys — New Ministry — Stratus oF “VULGAR” PEOPLE — INSURGENTS DEFEATED —Mixapo ENTERS YEDO IN STATE . . . % ‘ 5 . 328 CHAPTER XXIV. 1868 (concluded). TREATY POWERS NEUTRAL — DIFFICULTIES OF NEW GOVERNMENT — PRo- GRESS AND STATISTICS OF YOKOHAMA, NaGasaki, Hiogo, aND OsaKI— — HakoDaDI CAPTURED BY THE INSURGENTS a eo ge : . 3845 CHAPTER XXV. 1869. Crvin Wark ENDED—MiIKADO GIVES AUDIENCE TO ENvoys oF TREATY Powers — Ponicy OF CENTRALIZATION FORMED BY NEW GOVERNMENT — DIFFICULTIES OF THE SITUATION . . 3 3 . . . 3866 CHAPTER XXVI. 1870. THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT AND LEGISLATURE PURSUE ACTIVELY THEIR Work oF REFORM—COoUNTRY IN A TRANSITION STATE—TRADE AT TREATY PORTS DULL . ; F < r 2 ‘ : « 08 7 CONTENTS. vii CHAPTER XXVII. 1871, PAGE FEUDAL TERRITORIES CHANGED INTO ImpeRIAL Doxarns — Damnos MADE GOVERNORS — RECONSTRUCTION OF THE GOVERNMENT, CIVIL SERVICE, AND ARMY — MINT OPENED 4 5 ‘ 7 . 404 CHAPTER XXVIII. 1872. EMBASSY FROM THE MIKADO TO THE TREATY PowERS In EUROPE AND NortH AMERICA — RECEPTION BY PRESIDENT GRANT AT WASHINGTON — Her Masesty, QUEEN VICTORIA, RECEIVES THE AMBASSADORS IN AUDIENCE AT WINDSOR CASTLE . 0 5 ~ 427 CHAPTER XXI1X. 1872 (continued). EXTRAORDINARY PROGRESS IN JAPAN DURING THE YEAR — THE MIKADO VISITS THE ARSENAL, LIGHTHOUSES, Mint, anp TREATY Ports— SarIs- FACTORY RETURNS OF FOREIGN TRADE : ‘ z ‘ ~ 445 CHAPTER XXX. 1873. EUROPEAN CALENDAR SUBSTITUTED FOR JAPANESE ONE — SUMPTUARY DE- CREES— REMOVAL OF NOTICES PROSCRIBING CHRISTIANITY — FINANCE — RETRENCHMENT — EMPRESS RECEIVES LapIEs — TREATY WITH CHINA — EMBASSY RETURNS FROM EUROPE— CONCLUSION . . ‘ . 461 TO THE BINDER. The Map of Japan to be placed at the end. NEW JAPAN. CHAPTER I. 1853. GENERAL ASPECT OF JAPAN TWENTY YEARS AGO — ISOLATION OF THE COUNTRY AnD PreorpLeE—Dvutcu Facrory at Dr-simaa—Commopore PERRY’s EXPEDI- TION FROM AMERICA AMICABLY RECEIVED. § 1. The land of the rising sun. § 2. Accounts of its early history unreliable. § 3. Recent events form authentic records throwing light upon its past history. § 4. General aspect of the Country and People twenty years ago. § 5. Supposi- titious case of the British being isolated as the Japanese were. § 6. Exclusion of Japan for upwards of two centuries. § 7. The Dutch factory at Nagasaki. § 8. The Chinese factory at Nagasaki. § 9. The question of opening-up Japan discussed. § 10. America fits out « naval diplomatic expedition to Japan. § 11. Departure of Commodore Perry, and arrival in Yedo Gulf. § 12. The squadron anchors off the town of Uraga. § 13. Interview with a local official. § 14. Preparations to ‘resist any hostile attack. § 15. Boat party reconnoitre and survey part of Yedo Gulf and Bay. §16. Preliminary negotiations amicably arranged. § 17. Reception of Commodore Perry by a Japanese envoy. § 18. Purport of the President’s letter to the Emperor. § 1. “The land of the rising sun.” —Such is the poetic designation which the Japanese give to their romantic group of islands in the far East ; and as they are a people with a strong element of hereditary aristocracy in the body politic, having an ancient system of heraldry, their national flag represents the orb of day emerging from the sea. This title and emblem are significant of the geographical position of Japan, and the essentially maritime avocations of the people. Looking towards the east, and venturing on the broad bosom of the Pacific Ocean, the ancient Japanese navigators saw nothing beyond but an expanse of sea which seemed boundless, and out of which they observed the sun rising daily on their voyages, without revealing the limits of the ocean boundary. It was natural, therefore, that the founders of this maritime nation should consider their land B 2 NEW $APAN. [Cuap. I. the eastérn ultima thule of the earth. It is many thousand miles across that wide ocean, before the mariner sees the land of Colum- bia looming on the horizon. Yet there is evidence to show that some of the early Japanese navigators, driven by the terrible typhoons that sweep over their waters, had entered the great North Pacific drift current flowing to the east—as observed by Krusentern and Kotzebue—and reached the coasts of California and Mexico. ‘They could not return again to their native land against the current, so those involuntary explorers were in all probability the founders of the Mexican dynasties, of which the famous Montezuma was among the last monarchs. When Cortes arrived in Mexico he was received by the king and his sages as one whom they expected from the land of their ancestors in the far distant west. Hence it may be said that the Japanese were the first discoverers and founders of America. Even at this day the remnants of the aboriginal races of California and Mexico have been recognized by intelligent natives from Japan, as de- scendants of their ancestors whose boats had been carried by currents or driven by tempest from their native shores. This is an interesting subject for inquiry, but it is beyond the legiti- mate scope of this sketch of its recent history. At the same time it shows that from an early age the Japanese islanders were among the first explorers and colonizers of the North American continent, across the Pacific, as the British have been foremost among the colonizing nations across the Atlantic. § 2. Accounts of tts early history wnreliable.—Notwithstanding the numerous historical and descriptive accounts of Japan and the Japanese, which have appeared from time to time, a com- prehensive and authentic history of the country, its people and institutions, has yet to be written in a European language. For this to be undertaken by a foreigner, competent to do it | justice, he must not only be a Japanese but a Chinese linguist, ' and have access to the national archives, written chiefly in the latter character. Indeed, it is averred by those best able to judge, that this is a task impossible for foreigners to accomplish, at least unaided by native students of history, so that when such a work does appear, it will most probably be from the joint labours of both. Hitherto the information gleaned from native sources concerning its history has been for the most part mythical, meagre, and unreliable. Some writers accuse even the officials, with whom they have come in contact, of direct Cuap. I.] ; NEW FAPAN. 3 falsehood in answering inquiries concerning their system of government and the nature of their political institutions. ‘These accusations we do not wholly endorse. Whatever charges may be brought against them in the way of tergiversation, savour more of omission than commission. As Sir Rutherford Alcock puts it: “The incorrigible tendency of the Japanese to withhold from foreigners, or to disguise, the truth on all matters great and small, and consequently the absence of reliable eluci- dation of their character, institutions, systems of government,” constitutes a great obstacle in getting at the facts. From this and what others have observed, it is abundantly evident that they are, like most Asiatic races, naturally of a secret and suspicious disposition. Hence their undue reticence towards foreigners inquiring, or prying into the past history of their country, its present condition, and the future policy of the Government; as straightforward replies might divulge matters that would compromise the safety and welfare of the realm. § 3. Recent events form authentic records throwing light wpon past history—Meanwhile events have transpired in Japan, of which we have a fair amount of authentic data, to furnish a record of its recent history that it is desirable should appear in a collected form, such as will be found in this unpretending volume. The Author lays no claim to the high functions of a historian, but he will endeavour to place before the reader a clear and succinct narrative of the most important occurrences in its recent annals, culled from the best authorities, that it may not only elucidate its present condition, but throw light upon its past history. Twenty years ago (1853), Japan was almost a terra incognita to foreigners, and its Government one of the most exclusive among the exclusive nations of the far East, in forbidding intruders, at the point of the sword, from holding intercourse with the people. Now all this is changed. The country and its resources are being rapidly opened up, and treaties of amity and commerce have been concluded with the leading Foreign Powers. But what is more important still, the Government are reforming the whole body politic of the realm, after the model of European civilization; while it is dis- carding many of its most ancient social, political, and religious institutions, which have ruled the national destinies from time immemorial. An unvarnished record of the events which developed this extraordinary transformation, chronicles a chap- B2 4 NEW FAPAN. [Cuap. I ter in the history of the world, unexampled in ancient or modern times. In the following summary of these annals, it will be seen that this marvellous revolution and progress has been the result of the vigorous action maintained by the re- presentatives of Treaty Powers, whose policy it was to break down these barriers of exclusiveness and open up the country to universal civilization for the benefit of the Japanese as well as themselves. It is with pride that we find the British re- presentatives among the foremost in this work; while those of the United States of America were the first to initiate the line of policy it indicates. § 4. General aspect of the country and people twenty years ago. —At the period referred to, the Japanese realm might be appropriately described as a vast royal domain, encircled by the natural walls of an iron-bound coast, lashed by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Within this boundary and on the adjacent waters, the inhabitants were nearly independent of extraneous supplies of life’s necessaries or luxuries; and stringent laws were in force prohibiting them from having any commerce with foreigners, without the sanction of the authorities. The rulers of the realm held despotic sway over the people; while the wealthy nobles disported themselves on their estates, revelling on the princely incomes they derived from the industry of a semi-enslaved peasantry. Jealous of “outside barbarians,” the Government refused all intercourse with Foreign Powers, excepting the representative of one petty European state; who accepted the privilege under humiliating conditions, and within circumscribed limits, which they had monopolized for upwards of two centuries. During that period the representatives of other Western nations in vain attempted to open up friendly intercourse with the authorities, or gain access to the interior of the country. Although something was known about the people and their rulers, yet it was of a limited character, and that chiefly relating to their condition in olden times. On the whole, Japan and the J apanese at that time were enveloped in mystery. The most extravagant tales were told by imaginative travellers of the splendour of the Imperial Court, and the boundless wealth of the nobility, which actual observation has proved to be gross exaggeration. N evertheless these travellers’ tales served to excite the curiosity, not to say the cupidity, of foreign traders and adventurers, as well as Cuap. I.] NEW FAPAN. 5 governments, to share in the riches of this undeveloped field of commerce. Hence it was mooted among statesmen and diplo- matists in Europe and America that the time had arrived when it was necessary to take the initiative in sharing in the traffic hitherto monopolized by the Dutch. § 5. Supposititious case of the British being isolated as the Japanese were.—In order to realize the exclusion of foreigners from Japan, and its isolation from the civilized world twenty years ago, let us suppose a similar state of affairs to exist in the British Isles; which approximate remarkably to the Japanese group, in numbers, area, and population. Imagine the numerous commodious harbours and anchorages that indent the shores of Great Britain and the lesser adjacent islands, being closed against all foreign vessels, and traders of every nationality excluded from their ports; so that London, Liverpool, Glasgow, and other great shipping marts of com- merce were restricted to a coasting trade with small craft, few exceeding a hundred tons burthen. Suppose Ireland to be restricted in the same manner, with the exception of Cork harbour, where two foreign ships only were allowed annually, at an interval of six months between each, to enter that port, for trading purposes. Let us imagine, if we can, that the Sovereign and Government of the United Kingdom ruled the people with despotic sway under a sanguinary code of laws; and that the Japanese were a free and independent people governed by a Constitutional Monarchy and engaged in foreign trade all over the world. Then suppose that they had a trading com- pany, sanctioned by their Government, who were the owners of these vessels, and entitled by treaty to monopolize this limited commerce, under conditions so degrading and humiliating that the traders of no other nationality would accept them: that on coming to an anchor the ship, cargo, and crew, were put into the hands of the authorities to be at their disposal; that the company’s managers, clerks, and warehouses were confined to a small islet in the harbour, and that only the head men were allowed to travel as far as London, once in three years, accom- panied by an armed escort, with costly presents to the Sovereign, by way of tribute, in payment for the privileges granted to trade with the people. § 6. Exchision of Japan for upwards of two centuries.—-This imaginary isolation of our own country from the comity of 6 NEW FAPAN. [Cuap. I. nations, and the limitation of its foreign commerce to a few traders from Japan, however impossible it may seem to us, who live in the freest, greatest maritime nation on the earth, its ports open to all traders without restriction, nevertheless was precisely the condition of the Japanese realm, and its relations with the Netherlands Trading Company at the beginning of 1853—from which date these annals commence. A competent writer in the ‘ Asiatic Journal,’ shortly before that time, briefly sums up its anomalous condition as follows: “Japan has for two centuries, since the simultaneous expulsion of Christianity and the Portuguese, a.p. 1640, been hermetically closed against foreigners of all climes, Asiatics as well as Kuropeans, with the exception of one Chinese, and one Dutch factory, both esta- blished, and in fact imprisoned in one seaport town; and of these exceptions, the limited number of the Dutch factory, of which alone we know anything, have been gradually reduced, whilst their visits to the capital have been in like manner restricted. During this long period no intelligence respecting this insular empire has been attainable, save when some scientific physician, visiting the Dutch factory as its allowed medical attendant, gleaned such scanty facts as his Japanese acquaintance ventured to impart, in violation of their solemn obligation to reveal nothing, which stimu- lated rather than appeased the appetite of those Europeans who desired to be acquainted with a country so remark- able for the originality of its political institutions, the peculiar character of its people, and a form of civilization neither European nor Asiatic, and apparently altogether indi- genous.” § 7. The Dutch factory at Nagasaki.—In our imaginary sketch of a Japanese trading station at Cork, as analogous to the Dutch factory at Nagasaki, we have hit upon a remarkable geographi- cal similitude. The ports are both situated on the secondary islands of each group, about the same distance from their capitals, and the finest harbours on their coasts; while the latter will bear away the palm from the former, not only for its superior advantages as a port for ships of the largest tonnage, but the picturesque scenery on its shores. But these advantages of trade and pleasure were sparingly enjoyed by the few Netherlanders resident at, or visiting the port. When the Japanese Government began to entertain jealousy and dislike Cuap. I.] NEW FAPAN. 7 of foreigners, the first measure taken, at the instigation of those feelings, was so to situate them that they could be con- veniently watched. For this purpose the Europeans and their commerce were restricted to the ports of Nagasaki and Hirado, about sixty miles apart; the former being open to the Portu- guese, and the latter to the Hollanders, where for a short time both enjoyed comparative freedom in their intercourse with the authorities and the people. In consequence of the effects of religious propagandism by the Portuguese Jesuits among the converts, tending to usurp political authority, it was necessary to confine their residence and operations to the smallest possible compass. With this view a novel site was projected for the factory, so that it could be completely shut off at any time from the mainland, and an artificial islet was directed to be built close to the shore in front of the town of Nagasaki. The Emperor’s pleasure being asked as to the form of the future island, he unfolded the ever-active fan; and, accordingly, in the shape of a fan was the islet constructed. The name given to it was “De-sima,” signifying “ Fore Island,” from de, “ fore ” or “ante,” and s¢ma, the common Japanese name for island. When the Portuguese were finally expelled from Japan, the Dutch were transferred from Hirado to Nagasaki, and ordered to take up their abode henceforth on this islet, where they remained for upwards of two centuries, more like prisoners than freemen, under the surveillance of the authorities. How- ever, they were allowed to build dwelling-houses and warehouses after their own designs (but no stone to be used), and furnish them in the European manner. This fanciful piece of ground, reclaimed from the sea, was about 600 ft. in length, by 200 ft. across, and only a few yards from the shore. The island and town were connected by a stone bridge; but a high wall, on the top of which were placed iron spikes, prevented the dwellers in either from seeing those in the other. The: view of the bay, teeming with life and bustle, was indeed open to the residents in the fac- tory, secluded as they were ; but the prospect was only a distant one, no Japanese boat being permitted to approach the island within a certain prescribed distance, marked out by rows of stakes, Two water-gates, on the north side of the island, were opened to let in the Dutch ships when they arrived, and were at all times kept shut save at the egress and ingress of these vessels. The bridge was closed by a strong gate, where a guard-house 8 NEW ¥APAN. [Cuap. I. stood constantly occupied by a body of police and soldiers, who alike prevented the Dutch from leaving the factory without permission, and the entrance of Japanese visitors, except the privileged officials and others appointed as servants and workmen, and only then at stated hours,—every one pass- ing in or out, foreigner or native, being searched by the guard. The native servants were obliged to leave the factory at sunset; and not allowed to enter in the morning until sunrise. An exception was made to this rule in the case of a few women of loose character from the lowest class, who were permitted to have intercourse with the factory men and seamen; but a public proclamation, in the plainest and coarsest terms, announced that no respectable female could set foot upon the island. There were many other stringent rules and regulations, confining the operations of the Netherlands Trading Company and the movements of their officers at the factory, of even a more humiliating character, which we refrain from parti- cularizing, as these are not necessary for the elucidation of our subject. What has been given is from the most reliable authorities, and will serve to furnish the reader with some idea of the thoroughly exclusive policy of the Japanese Government towards all foreigners, .before the advent of their new foreign relations, which now commands our attention. § 8. The Chinese factory at Nagasaki—We add here a few particulars concerning the Chinese factory at Nagasaki. It was situated in the town, within a walled enclosure, entered by gates, but there were no restrictions to the ingress or egress of the inmates by day or night. There were about seventy-five dwelling-houses and the same number of warehouses, chiefly built of bamboo, and divided by narrow streets into twelve blocks of buildings. This quarter was named Ta-jin yasiki, or the premises of the Chinese. The usual number of residents was about one hundred, who all resided within the walls of their enclosure, but these were increased by the crews of geyep trading junks, each of which made two voyages annually, These imported medicines, woollen and cotton fabrics, and other articles of Chinese or foreign manufacture, and exported lacquered ware, copper, beche-de-mer, and other produce. The Chinese were allowed much more liberty than the Dutch, being able to walk through the streets of the town at their own convenience, and to carry on their small trade with the in- Cuap. I.] NEW Y¥APAN. 9 habitants unmolested. ‘They were, however, under the control of four headmen among their number, who were responsible to the authorities for their good behaviour, and who superintended the discharging and loading of the junks at their arrival and departure. Special customs duties were imposed on the Chinese trade, like those levied on the Dutch, both of which were royal perquisites. Interpreters, custom-house officers, door-keepers, and others, were similarly appointed by the Governor of Nagasaki to the Chinese factory, as they were to that of the Dutch, but there was not the same surveillance exercised by these officials over the everyday movements of residents and visitors, while the headmen were not obliged to carry tribute to the rulers at Yedo. However, their exclusion from all other ports was as rigid as against Western foreigners ; showing in unmistakable terms that the policy of the Govern- ment was Japan for the Japanese—* one and indivisible.” (9. The question of opening-up Japan discussed—The un- satisfactory position of Japan, and_its-relations with a petty European state, to the exclusion of all the great Western Powers, was frequently the subject of discussion among states- men, diplomatists, and naval commanders, who had surveyed portions of the Japanese coasts. The question was how to open up legitimate intercourse with the Government according to international law and usage. They knew not much about the internal regulations of the country; they knew, however, that it had for centuries isolated itself, as it were, from the world, and persisted in excluding foreigners from intercourse ; that but one European nation was allowed to approach for purposes of trade, and that repeated efforts made by others for a similar privilege had uniformly failed of success. But they knew, too, that it possessed valuable productions, and ought to be brought into communication with the rest of the world. By some, indeed, the proposition was boldly avowed that Japan had no right thus to cut herself off from the com- ° munity of nations, and that what she would not yield to national comity should be wrested from her by force.* Great Britain and France were very chary in initiating a practical solution of the question, as they were at that time involved in the intricacies of the still greater problem of the same nature * «Commodore Perry’s Expedition to Japan, by Dr. Hawks. 10 NEW $¥APAN. [Cuap. I. in China, which culminated in a costly and sanguinary war. Russia was less chary, and showed her usual aggressive policy by deliberately annexing some portions of the northern isles of the Japanese group, contiguous to her recent acquisitions in the Amoor territory. It was conjectured that this was a step on the way to acquire by force of arms from a state, impotent in modern warfare, further possessions, if not to subjugate the Japanese Islands. Such a prospect roused the suspicions of the American Government, who resolved to forestall the act by despatching a naval expedition to Japan. § 10. America fits out a naval expedition to Japan.—The United States Government, considering the wealth and im- portance of California, and that its seaboard on the Pacific was in the same latitudes as the Japanese Islands, concluded that they were more nearly interested in their development than any European nation. As they deemed it politic that this should be done by legitimate means, they resolved to despatch a naval expedition thither, under the command of an able officer, empowered to conclude a treaty of amity and commerce between the “Japanese Emperor” and the President of the Republic. Accordingly, they appointed Commodore M. C. Perry to the post, as not only the most capable officer in the navy, but because the mission was resolved on chiefly at his earnest recommendation that it should be undertaken, and without delay. Commodore Perry, in common with other members of his profession and with the rest of his countrymen, had his thoughts directed to the subject, with especial reference to the pro- babilities of accomplishing the object in view.’ He knew that there must be causes for a state of things so singular as was presented in the complete voluntary isolation of a whole people, and his first object was a is to obtain a correct history of the past career of Japan. ZFor this purpose he mastered all that he could derive from books, and found that the exclusive system of Japan was not the result of any national idiosyn- crasy, but was caused by peculiar circumstances, long since passed away, and was in fact in direct opposition to the natural temperament and disposition of the Japanese people. He also found, in a careful examination of the repeated efforts of other nations to break down the barrier that shut them out, what he supposed to be the secret of their failure. Peculiar circum- stances in the then political condition of the power seeking Cuap. I.] NEW FAPAN. II admission ; the rivalry of different nations striving to thwart each other; the indiscretion, not to say arrogance, of some of those entrusted with the mission, who sought to bully a brave people into acquiescence with their wishes; a miscon- ception of the true character of the Japanese, who readily distinguished between obsequious servility and a manly spirit of conciliation, founded on the principle of doing what is kind and just, but pot submitting for an instant to what is insulting and wrong ;fall these seemed to him to be the elements of failure, clearly to be traced, in a greater or less degree, in the efforts that had been made.* § 11. Departure of Commodore Perry and arrival of the expe- dition in Yedo Gulf—When the Dutch heard of the proposed American expedition, they saw that their days of monopolizing foreign trade in Japan were numbered. With a view to make the best of the situation, their diplomatists made advances to the United States Government, proffering their good offices in assisting to conclude a treaty with Japan, upon a mutually advantageous basis. This doubtful offer was politely declined by the Americans, who had resolved to go single-handed into the venture. Accordingly Commodore Perry started on his mission in November, 1852. At first it was intended that he should have a powerful squadron under his command, but there was so much mismanagement and delay in fitting out the vessels that he took his departure in the ‘ Mississippi’ steamer only. After a long but prosperous voyage, the ship, calling at various ports on the way, arrived in the Bay of Yedo, together with the ‘Susquehanna,’ the Commodore’s flag-ship, and two sloops of war, the ‘Saratoga’ and the ‘Plymouth,’ which had joined him en route. As he intended, Commodore Perry pur- posely avoided entering the Bay of Nagasaki, or having any communication with the Dutch factory at De-sima, in case the president might claim to have favourably influenced his negotia- tions to conclude a treaty. Nevertheless, they did advance such a claim afterwards, but without the slightest foundation, according to satisfactory evidence. 4} ot § 12. Squadron anchors off the town of Uraga.—On the after- noon of July 8, 1853, the American squadron came to anchor off the town of Uraga, situated on the western shore of Yedo * (Perry's Expedition to Japan,’ by Dr. Hawks. 12 NEW $APAN. [Cuap. I. Gulf, a short distance from its entrance. Previous to anchoring a number of smart-looking craft had been observed coming from the shore in pursuit, as if to arrest the progress of the ships. These guard-boats struck every one with admiration of the perfection of their lines, which resembled those of clipper yachts. They were constructed of unpainted wood, with very sharp bows, a broad beam, a slightly tapering stern and a clean run. ‘Their crews, numbering in some of the larger boats thirty or more, were tall and muscular men, who propelled them with great swiftness through, or rather over, the water, for they seemed to skim upon its surface instead of dividing it. As they neared the ships, gestures were made to allow their com- manders to come on board; but the Commodore had given express orders, both by word and signal, that no Japanese should be permitted to do so, unless he had business in hand, and that such persons be limited to three at a time, with access only to his flag-ship. This plan of restricting native commu- nication with the officers of the expedition at the onset’ Was pre-determined by its_commander so as to exercise an~é degree of exclusiveness with that of the Japanese, and-to_per- mit the functionaries only to communicate directly with the ‘Susquehanna.’ Moreover, Commodore Perry resolved that he himself should have no personal interview with any official unless he was of high rank. His policy was to assume a reso- lute attitude towards the Government, as he believed it the best to ensure a successful issue to the delicate mission with which he had been charged. ~(He was resolved,” says Dr. awks, “to adopt a course entirely contrary to that of all thers who had hitherto visited Japan upon a similar errand— o demand as a right, and not to solicit as a favour, those acts f courtesy which are due from one civilized nation to another.f/ § 13. Interview with a local offictal—The arrival of this armed squadron in Japanese waters, and lying at anchor within a short distance of Yedo, the seat of government, caused consider- able consternation among the officials at Uraga. But they were scarcely taken by surprise, as they had been advised of the approaching expedition through their despatches from the capital, and these in advices from Nagasaki furnished by the Dutch. After some parley with an interpreter, who spoke Dutch, the Vice-Governor of Uraga was permitted to come on board the flag-ship, and was received in the captain’s cabin, CuapP. I.] NEW $APAN., 13 where a conference was held with the Commodore through one of his staff, but he studiously secluded himself within his own state-room. This functionary was informed that the Commo- dore had brought a letter from the President of the United States of America to the Emperor of Japan, and that he wished a suitable officer might be sent on board his ship to receive a copy of the same, in order that a day might be appointed for the Commodore to deliver the original. ‘To this he replied that Nagasaki was the only place, according to the laws of Japan, for negotiating foreign business, and it would be necessary for the squadron to go there. In answer to this he was told that the Commodore had come purposely to Uraga, because it was near to Yedo, and that he should not go to Nagasaki. Seeing the firm attitude and armed strength of these strange foreigners, the Vice-Governor took his leave, saying that in the morning an officer of higher rank than himself would come from Uraga, who might probably furnish some further information. § 14. Preparations to resist any hostile attack—In order to be prepared for the worst in case the Japanese showed a hostile front, Commodore Perry caused the ships to be kept in con- stant readiness to repel an attack, and the crews to be exer- cised as thoroughly as if upon the eve of an engagement. That a watchful eye was kept upon the squadron was abun- dantly evident. Armed boats were observed rowing hither and thither, seemingly with the object of quietly watching the movements of the strangers ; but they never came near the squadron, and were not by any acts of the authorities forced upon the recognition of them, by the Americans, as guard- boats. Three or four rockets were thrown up from the opposite shore during the afternoon, which were supposed to be signals for some purpose or other. When night came on, the presence of the ships in their waters was evidently keeping up a lively apprehension on the part of the Japanese on shore. Beacon fires were lighted on every hill-top, and along the coast as far as the eye could reach; while during the whole night the watches on deck could hear the tolling of a great bell, as an alarm-bell or signal of some kind. The bay was otherwise as quiet as an inland lake, and nothing occurred during the evening to disturb its tranquillity. When, however, the nine o’clock gun of the flag-ship—a 64-pounder—was fired, 14 NEW ¥APAN. [Cuape. I, the report reverberated loudly throughout the hills on the western side of the bay, and apparently created something like a commotion on shore, for here and there the fires were ob- served to be immediately extinguished. There seemed, how- ever, no reason to expect any interference, although every precaution was taken.fThe ships had quite a warlike aspect, with sentinels stationed fore and aft, and upon the port and starboard gangways; with a pile of round shot and four rounds of grape at each gun; muskets were also stacked on the quarter decks, and the boats provided with carbines, pistols, cutlasses, and other weapons, besides plenty of ammunition. § 15. Boat party reconnoitre and survey part of Yedo Gulf. —Early next morning the Governor of Uraga came on board the flag-ship, accompanied by his interpreter and several officials. He was received by three officers next in rank to the Commodore, who still refused, in accordance with his policy, to receive any one but a “counsellor of the empire.” After a long discussion, it was arranged that the Governor would send a communication to Yedo, asking for further instructions, and wait a reply in three days’ time. Meanwhile, in order to improve the occasion, an armed boat with surveying apparatus was sent from each vessel, to take soundings in the harbour. The hydrographic reports were of the most favourable cha- racter, as deep water was found close in shore towards the head of Uraga Bay. A good view was obtained of the fortifi- cations, which did not seem of a formidable character; their position and armament were such as to expose them to an easy assault. The surveying party next proceeded up the gulf towards the Bay of Yedo, this time accompanied by the ‘Mississippi’ under steam, partly to protect the boats and partly to overawe the authorities. This movement created great sensation both on land and water. In the distance on the eastern shore large numbers of soldiers were seen to march down from the higher ground to the beach, and there embark in boats, which put off in the direction of the surveying party. In proceeding towards the Bay of Yedo numbers of govern- ment vessels appeared, warning off the intruders; but they were not deterred from making a series of deep soundings all the way to Yokohama Bay, where the foreign settlement and port of that name is now situated. The party returned to the anchorage without any mishap. e Cuap. I.] NEW FAPAN. 15 § 16. Preliminary negotiations amicably arranged.—On the day appointed for the return of an answer to the Governor’s communication with Yedo, that functionary came on board with his suite; and, after a lengthened conference, produced a letter of credence from the Siogoon (or “ Temporal Emperor,” as he was erroneously designated), appointing Idzu no-kami, a noble of high rank, to receive the letter of the President of the United States, and bring it to Yedo. In the course of the conference, the Japanese dignitaries showed their great regard for ceremony, by adverting to various minute points of etiquette in reference to the approaching reception. They announced that all their functionaries would be dressed in official costume, and not in the clothes worn on ordinary occasions. A spacious temporary building was being erected on shore as a reception hall; and the day fixed for the grand interview was Thursday, July 17th. § {7. Reception of Commodore Perry by a Japanese envoy.—The place appointed for the reception, and delivery of the letter and credentials, was situated nearer Peete ree has than Uraga Bay, so that the squadron got under weigh on the morning of that day, and anchored off the shore where the temporary erection stood. The Governor and his suite came on board the flag-ship, to guide the Commodore and his escort to the landing-place. A signal was then hoisted from the ‘Susquehanna’ as a summons for the boats of the other ships, and in the course of half an hour they had all pulled alongside with their various officers, sailors, and marines detailed for the day’s ceremonies. “The launches and cutters numbered no less than fifteen, and presented quite an imposing array; and with all on board of them in proper uniform, a picturesque effect was not wanting. \ These boats took their departure with the ship’s cutters containing the two bands of the steamers, who en- livened the occasion with their cheerful music. When halfway towards the shore, the thirteen guns of the ‘Susquehanna’ fired a salute, announcing the departure of Commodore Perry, who, stepping into his barge, was rowed off to the landing-place. Here a hundred marines were drawn up on one side, and a hundred small-arms men on the other, with a hundred other supernumeraries, forming a double line from the beach to the building. Behind and skirting the beach, upwards of five thousand Japanese infantry and cavalry well equipped, and 16 NEW FAPAN. [Cuap. I. armed with native weapons, rendered the scene imposing and martial. When the Commodore landed, a procession was formed, with the United States’ flag and broad pennant borne before him; and two boys bearing the boxes which contained his credentials and the President’s letter. A Japanese guard escorted him to the house of reception, which he entered with his suite. As they ascended to the hall, the two dignitaries, who were seated on the left of the entrance, arose and bowed, and they were conducted to chairs provided for them on the \ right. The interpreters then announced the names and titles of the high Japanese functionaries as Tosa Idzu no-kami, and Ito Mami yo-kamé, signifying that they were Daimios or nobles | . of the fitst” class. hey were both men of middle age, the former apparently about fifty, and the latter some two years younger; both gorgeously dressed in robes of heavy silk brocade, with elaborately wrought figures in gold and silver embroidery. After a brief pause, the Americans were seated, when the interpreter announced that the envoys were ready to receive the letters, and that a scarlet case was there to place them in. Upon this, the Commodore beckoned to the two boys to advance with the two handsome boxes containing them. Two stalwart negroes followed them, and opened the boxes, taking out the letters, to display the seals and writing, which they laid upon the lid of the Japanese box—all done in perfect silence. Accompanying the letters in English, were transla- tions in Dutch and Chinese. This was explained to the native interpreter, when he thereupon prostrated himself before Ito, who gave him a roll of papers, which he handed to the Commo- dore as the Imperial receipt for his documents. After a silence of some minutes, he directed his interpreters to inform the envoys that he would leave with his squadron in a few days for China, and return again to Japan in the spring of 1854, with an increased squadron, hoping to conclude an amicable treaty with the Government. He was then informed that this brought the ceremony to a close; so he rose to take his leave, and as he departed the two envoys, still preserving absolute silence, also stood up, each making a grave and formal bow. The whole interview did not occupy more than twenty minutes, when the procession was re-formed, and the Commodore with his escort, returned safely on board their vessels. § 18. Purport of the President's letter to the Emperor.—At Cuap. I.] NEW FAPAN. 17 that time Millard Fillmore was President of the United States of America, and he wrote to “His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan,” whom he saluted as a “great and good friend,” addressing him in a friendly strain; of which the salient points will be found in the following extracts :—*I have directed Commodore Perry to assure your Imperial Majesty that I entertain the kindest feelings towards your Majesty’s person and Government, and that I have no other object in sending him to Japan but to propose to your Imperial Majesty that the United States and Japan should live in friendship, and have commercial intercourse with each other... .. We know that the ancient laws of your Imperial Majesty’s Government do not allow of foreign trade except with the Chinese and the Dutch ; but as the state of the world changes and new govern- ments are formed, it seems to be wise, from time to time, to make new laws. There was a time when the ancient laws of your Majesty’s Government were first made. About the same time America, which is sometimes called the ‘New World,’ was first discovered and settled by Europeans. For a long time they were but a few people, and they were very poor. They have now become quite numerous; their commerce is very extensive; and they think that if your Majesty were so far to change the ancient laws as to allow a free trade between the two countries it would be extremely beneficial to both. The United States reach from ocean to ocean, and our territory of Oregon and State of California le directly opposite to the dominions of your Majesty. Our steamships can go from California to Japan in eighteen days... .. The United States constitution and laws forbid all interference with the religious or political concerns of other nations. I have particularly charged Commodore Perry to abstain from every act which could possibly disturb the tranquillity of your Imperial Majesty’s dominions. .... The only objects for which I have sent Commodore Perry, with a powerful squadron, to pay a visit to your Imperial Majesty’s renowned city of Yedo are—tfriendship, commerce, a supply of coal and provisions, and protection for our shipwrecked people..... Washington, November 18, 1852.” 18 NEW $¥APAN. [Cuap. II. CHAPTER II. 1854. CoMMODORE PERRY RENEWS FRIENDLY NEGOTIATIONS WITH AUTHORITIES — FIRST TREATY CONCLUDED WITH AMERICA AT KANAGAWA — INTERCHANGE OF PRESENTS — Ports or Simopa AND HAKODADI OPENED. § 19. Renewal of American relations with Japan in February 1854. § 20. Com- modore Perry maintains a firm attitude. § 21. Commencement of treaty nego- tiations at Yokohama Bay. § 22. Landing of the Americans in warlike array. § 23. Preliminary conference to negotiating a treaty. § 24. Presents brought by the expedition for the authorities. § 25. Model locomotive and electric telegraph exhibited. § 26. Inordinate curiosity of the Japanese. § 27. Shrewd remarks of Dr. Hawks on the leading points in the national character. § 28. Unsatisfactory note from the Commissioners. § 29. Commodore Perry persists in securing an independent treaty. § 30. Presents from the Emperor and Commissioner to the Americans. § 31. Great feast on board the Commodore’s flag-ship. § 32. The United States treaty of Kanagawasigned. § 33. Japanese return banquet to the Americans. § 34, The Commodore and party walk inland, and sail up to Yedo Bay. § 35. Squadron enters the Port of Simoda. § 36. Description of the town and environs. § 37. Authorities obstructive and refractory. § 38. Indignation and stern remonstrances of the Commodore. § 39. Further annoyances, but all ultimately remedied. § 40. Interesting incident with two Japanese scholars at Simoda. § 41. Results of the visit to Simoda deemed satisfactory. § 42. Voyage from Simoda to Hakodadi. § 43. Picturesque aspect of the town and Bay of Hakodadi. § 44. Free intercourse with the people and liberty on shore granted. § 45, Clean and quiet aspect of the port and its inhabitants. § 46. Departure from Hakodadi. § 47. Perry’s expedition departs from Japan. § 19. Renewal of American relations with Japan in 1854.—At the urgent request of Commodore Perry the squadron under his command was reinforced, so as to present a more imposing fleet, comprising the steamers ‘ Susquehanna,’ ‘ Powhatan,’ and ‘Mississippi’; the sailing ships of war, ‘Macedonian,’ ‘ Van- dalia, ‘Lexington, and ‘Southampton, and the store-ship ‘Supply.’ The place of rendezvous before proceeding to Yedo Gulf was the harbour of Napha, in the Loo Choo Islands, where the Commodore had made arrangements for storing coal, and obtaining supplies for the squadron. Before sailing from this port he was informed by the officers of a Russian squadron in Cuap. IL] NEW $APAN. 19 Japanese waters, that the Siogoon, or “temporal Emperor,” had just died. This was semi-officially notified to him by the Datoh Governor of Batavia in a letter to the Commodore, wherein it was stated that the superintendent of the factory at Nagasaki had been requested by the Japanese Government to inform the Americans that it was not desirable for them to return to Japan at the time appointed, as they feared that under the circumstances, caused by the decease of the “Emperor,” the appearance of the squadron might create confusion, as the native authorities expressed themselves. At first the Commodore was inclined to treat this as a ruse to obstruct his negotiations; but even granting that it was true (which was proved subsequently to be the fact *) there seemed to be no reason for delay, and he was not to be deterred by such unforeseen circumstances from prosecuting his important mission. Accordingly, in February, 1854, the squadron took its departure from Napha, and on the 18th sailed into the Gulf of Yedo, where it came to anchor twelve miles higher up than before. At that time the shores were clad in the rich green livery of summer, which presented such a picturesque aspect to the ever-varying landscape. Now the frosts and winds of winter had swept the foliage away, laying bare the quaintly-built towns, the rudely constructed fortifications and rocky head- lands; while the snow-capped, volcanic mountain, Fusi Yama, Bel lar are ccf RE * On this head Sir Rutherford Alcock writes As fellow “ When Commodore Perry first arrived (in 1853), Minamo\to jeshi/ had reigned seventeen years as Tycoon. He is said to have been a prince of energy and experience, and to have carried weight in the Council of Daimios. . . . . The President's letter, it was resolved, should be received, and a year’s delay was demanded for time to , assemble a great Council of Daimios. A few days after, the Tycoon died suddenly. The following is said to be the palace chronicle of the mode of his death. Mina- motto’s Prime Minister was Etzized ‘no-kami, a stout defender of old laws and customs; aud he, it is said, conspired with other Daimios then in the capital, as to the means of saving the country from foreign influence. alt was agreed that the Tycoon should be poisoned ; and some charge Etzizen no-kami with views of aggrandisement for, himself, as future regent, the Tycoon’s only son being of infirm mind. But when the cup containing the poison was presented to the Tycoon by one of the officers who had been tampered with, something roused the suspicions of the destined victim, and he threw the cup with its contents into his attendant’s face, who instantly drew his sword and ran him through the body, | killing himself immediately afterwards. Etzizen was loudly accused by the - Tycoon’s followers ; and he also performed the Hara-kiru. Minamotto Yesado, the son aforesaid, succeeded his father, and kamon§ no-kami became regent; that office being hereditary in his family whenever ne reigning Tycoon shall be incapable of governing.”—‘ Capital of the Tycoon,’ vol. i. ‘ Cc 20 NEW FAPAN. [Cuap. Il. TL towered grandly in the distance to the height of 14,000 feet above the sea. § 20. Commodore—Perry_maintains a firm_ attitude —When 4 the Governor of Uraga and his colleagues saw the squadron \sail past their town towards Yedo, they were in great tribula- tion, and lost no time to board the flag-ship to request the Commodore to return with it to his former anchorage. ‘This, he informed them, through Captain Adams of the ‘Powhatan,’ he would not do, as it was not a safe harbour for his large ships. Several days elapsed in the attempts of the officials to induce he Commodore to have an interview with a high functionary t_ that town, but—he firmly declined, eeidines, however, the aptain of the fleet with a letter explaining his reasons for not oing. Seeing that he could not be moved from the firm and rogressive policy he had assumed from the first, they com- promised matters, and arranged that the next place for con- ducting negotiations would be at Yokohama. Accordingly the squadron cast anchor in that roadstead, where it was increased by the arrival of the ‘ Saratoga,’ while the Japanese commenced at once to construct a wooden building for the proposed con- ference. § 21. Commencement of treaty negotiations at Yokohama Bay.—The 8th of March was the day appointed to renew nego- tiations. At the anchorage abreast of Yokohama there was just sufficient room for the whole squadron of nine ships to take up their position in line of battle; the guns of the several star- board broadsides commanding an extent of shore equal to the entire range. At an early hour there was an unusual stir on land preparatory to the ceremonies of the occasion. Bands of flag-bearers, musicians, and pikemen manceuvred in order, here and there, glistening with their lacquered caps, bright-coloured costumes, crimson streamers, showy emblazonry coats of armour and burnished spears. Soon a large gaily painted barge came down the bay from Kanagawa, with the Japanese Commissioners on board, followed by an immense number of craft of all kinds, each with a tassel at its prow, and a square- striped flag at its stern. The day was fresh and clear, and everything had a cheerful aspect, in spite of the lingering wintry look of the landscape. § 22. Landing of the Americans in warlike array—On their part the Americans had made every preparation to distinguish Cuap. II] NEW FAPAN. 21 the occasion of their second landing by all_necessary parade, knowing the importance and moral influence of such show upon so ceremonious a people as the Japanese. Accordingly the “Commodore issued orders to the effect that all the marines that could be spared from duty should appear in full uniform; that the bands of music from the three steamships should land, and all the officers and sailors that could possibly leave. When mustered they numbered about five hundred of all ranks, fully armed, embarking in twenty-seven boats, and landing in good order. The Commodore followed in his barge, under a salute of seventeen guns. On stepping ashore he was received by his officers, when they walked in procession to the building. “The bands now struck up some lively tune, and the marines (whose orderly ranks in complete military appointment, with their blue and white uniforms and glistening bayonets, made quite a martial and effective show), presented arms. ... . A group of richly costumed Japanese guards, or retainers, with banners, flags, and streamers, were gathered on each side of the treaty- house. As the Commodore and his suite passed up between these, they were met by a number of officials, who came out and, uncovering, conducted them into the building. As they entered, by a preconcerted arrangement, howitzers, which had been mounted on the bows of the larger ships’ boats, that were floating just by the shore, commenced firing in admirable order a salute of twenty-one guns in honour of the Emperor, which were succeeded by a salute of seventeen guns for Hayashi Daigaku no-kamz, the High Commissioner, and the hoisting of the Japanese national flag from the masthead of the steamer ‘Powhatan ’ in the bay.” * § 23. Preliminary conference to negotiating a treaty—Upon entering the temporary structure the Americans were agreeably surprised to find a spacious hall, laid out with taste, and warmed by copper braziers full of burning charcoal. As they took their seats, the five Commissioners, with their interpreters and attendants, entered from an apartment which opened through an entrance at the upper end of the hall. They were august- looking personages, and their grave but courteous manners, with their rich flowing robes of silk, set them off to the highest advantage. Their first proposition was that an adjournment * Perry’s ‘Expedition to Japan.’ 22 NEW FAPAN. [CHap. II. should take place to a small apartment, which would accommo- date ten persons comfortably. This was acceded to, and here the conference began. The Chief Commissioner handed the Commodore an answer to the President’s letter. Without referring to its contents (which were evasive and unsatisfactory), the Commodore at once broached the question of a treaty being entered into between the two nations, on the basis of the one ratified by the American and Chinese Governments—a copy of which was handed to the envoy. This was accompanied by two notes carefully drawn up by Commodore Perry, setting forth the advantages that would accrue to Japan as well as America, by friendly intercourse between the two nations. Moreover, he asked for such a treaty, not as a boon, but as a right that had become positively necessary, concluding with an implied hostile attitude, by saying, “Indeed, I shall not dare to return to the United States without carrying with me satis- factory responses to all the proposals of the President, and I must remain until such are placed in my possession.” The Commissioners here asked for time to have the documents translated into their own language, before taking them into consideration and reference to higher quarters. This ended the conference, and the Commodore and escort took their departure, after inviting the chief dignitaries to visit the flag- ship, an invitation which they politely accepted. § 24. Presents brought by the expedition for the authorities.— While the wily diplomatists were consulting how to circumvent the proposals of the Americans, ostensibly put forward as entirely pacific, but ee than moral force, the natives and visitors began to minglé somewhat freely. Although the Japanese authorities were still very jealous of any intercourse on the part of the Americans with the people, and did all they could to prevent it, still there was necessarily a good deal of intermingling. The ships were being daily supplied with water and provisions, for which the government officials were now authorized to receive payment; but they in- sisted on conducting all the transactions themselves, and pro- vided their own boats and labourers for that purpose. but that which caused the most friendly intercourse, with bath officials and populace, was the livery Then Prong by _ the Americans, and exhibition6f them to the people. These consisted of a large variety of articles for warlike and pacific Cuap. II.] NEW FAPAN. 23 purposes, chiefly the manufacture of the United States; each lot arranged for presentation to the “ Emperor,” Commissioners, or general distribution. His “Majesty ” was apportioned cases of rifles, muskets, swords, and several baskets of champagne ; the Commissioners came in for some of the same wine, besides sherry, maraschino, cherry cordials, and whisky, showing that the donors studied their well-known bibulous tastes; while for no specified parties there were duplicate packages of most articles, besides books and agricultural implements. The presents filled several large boats, which left the ships escorted by a number of officers, a company of marines, and a band of music. A building adjoining the treaty-house had been suitably constructed and arranged for the reception of them, which was done with due formality by the Chief Commissioner and his colleagues. A number of American officers and men, selected for the purpose, were diligently engaged daily in unpacking and arranging them for exhibition. § 25. Model locomotive and electric telegraph exhibited. — But the present that created the greatest interest among this naturally intelligent people, both high and low, was a good- sized working model of a railway engine, tender, and car, put into operation on a circular track of rails. They watched the result of arranging and putting the machinery together with an innocent and childlike delight. All the parts of the mechanism were perfect, and the car was a tasteful specimen of workman- ship, but so small that it could hardly carry a child of six years of age. The Japanese, however, were not to be done out of a ride, and as those who ventured were unable to reduce themselves to the capacity of the carriage inside, they squatted on the roof. It was a spectacle not a little ludicrous to behold a dignified functionary whirling around the circular railway at the rate of twenty miles an hour; clinging with a desperate hold to the edge of the roof, grinning intensely with a kind of laughing timidity, and his body shaking convulsively with his loose robes flying in the wind. In like manner they observed the working of the telegraphic apparatus; the wires extending nearly a mile ina direct line, one end being at the treaty-house, and the other at a building expressly allotted for the purpose. When communication was opened between the operators at either extremity the learned officials were greatly amazed to find that in an instant of time messages were conveyed in the 24 NEW FAPAN. [Cuap. II. English, Dutch, and Japanese languages from building to building. Day after day the dignitaries and many of the people would gather, and, eagerly beseeching the operators to work the telegraph, would watch with unabated interest the sending and receiving of messages. § 26. Inordinate curiosity of the Japanese.—In their exclusive state of existence, and apparent desire to remain for all time happy in their ignorance of the outer world, it was at once con- cluded by foreigners that the Japanese as a race were deficient in the faculties which prompt mankind to intellectual inquiry. Experience has proved that this was not only an erroneous supposition, but that they are among the most inquisitive people in the world. This was first demonstrated by them in their free contact with the Americans, where they “evinced an inordinate curiosity; for the gratification of which the various articles of strange fabric and the pieces of mechanism, of in- genious and novel invention, brought from the United States, gave them a full opportunity. They were not satisfied with the minutest examination of all things, so surprisingly wonder- ful as they appeared to them, but followed the officers and men about, and seized upoh every occasion to examine each part of their dress. The laced caps, boots, swords, and tailed coats of the officers; the tarpaulins, jackets, and trousers of the men, all came in for the closest scrutiny ; and a tailor, in search of a new cut or a latest fashion, could not have been more exacting in his observations than the inquisitive Japanese, as he fingered the broadcloth, smoothed down the nap with his long delicate hands, pulled a lappel here, adjusted a collar there; now fathomed the depth of a pocket, and again peered: into the inner recesses of Jack’s toilette. They eagerly sought to possess themselves of anything that pertained to the dress of - their visitors, and showed a peculiar passion for buttons. They would again and again ask for a button, and when presented with the cheap gift, they appeared immediately gratified, and stowed it away as if it were of the greatest value. ... When visiting the ships, the functionaries and their attendants were never at rest; but went about peering into every nook and corner, peeping into the muzzles of the guns, examining curiously the small arms, handling the ropes, measuring the boats, looking eagerly into the engine-room, and watching every movement of the engineers and workmen as they busily Cuap. IL.] NEW ¥APAN. 25 moved, in and about, the gigantic machinery of the steamers. They were not content with merely observing with their eyes, but were constantly taking out their writing materials (their mulberry-bark paper, and their cakes of ink and hair pencils, which they always carried in a pocket within the left breast of their loose robes), making notes and sketches. They had all a strong pictorial taste, and looked with delight upon the pictures shown them, but their own performances appeared rude and inartistic.” * § 27. Shrewd remarks of Dr. Hawks on the leading points in the national character—In the narrative of this pioneer expedition to introduce Western civilization into Japan, Dr. Hawks, its historian, has not only performed his task faithfully, but has interspersed his subject-matter with shrewd comments on the national characteristics of the Japanese that almost amount to prescience, as events have transpired, in the fruition ot the seeds that were sown by its astute and far-seeing leader, Commodore Perry. “The Japanese,” he remarks, “are, un- doubtedly, like the Chinese, a very imitative, adaptative, and compliant people; and in those characteristics may be dis- covered a promise of the comparatively easy introduction of foreign customs and habits, if not of the nobler principles and better life of a higher civilization.” How this prediction of future progress in Japan has since been verified is patent to the world, surpassing the most sanguine expectations of foreign statesmen and diplomatists. Moreover, Dr. Hawks remarks: “Notwithstanding the Japanese are so fond of indulging their curiosity, they are by no means communicative among them- selves. They allege, as a reason for this provoking reserve, that their laws forbid them to communicate to foreigners anything relating to their country and its institutions, habits, and customs. This silence on the part of the Japanese was a serious obstacle to acquiring that minute information about a strange people of whom curiosity is naturally on the alert to know everything. Much progress will, however, never be obtained toward a thorough knowledge of Japan, until men of intelligence are established in the country in the character of consular agents, merchants, or missionaries, who may thus be enabled to acquire the language, and mingle in intimate social * Dr. Hawks in Perry’s ‘ Expedition to Japan.’ 26 NEW ¥APAN. [Cuap. II. relations with the people.” This prediction has not yet been fulfilled, but we believe that the day is not far distant when we shall obtain a thorough knowledge of Japan through the foreign residents indicated by Dr. Hawks. § 28.—Unsatisfactory note from the Commissioners——While the subordinate officials and the people were thus fraternizing with ‘ the officers and men of the squadron privileged to go on shore, the Commodore and the Commissioners renewed their negotia- tions. A note from the latter to the former contained_a reply to the proposition that a treaty should be entered into on the basis of the one with China. The articles providing that the Japanese should succour American shipwrecked mariners, and furnish supplies to passing ships were “to be granted without hesitation. But as to opening a trade,” the document went on to say, “such as is now carried on with China by your country, we certainly cannot yet bring it about. The feelings and manners of our people are very unlike those of other nations; and it will be exceedingly difficult, even if you wish it, to immediately change the old regulations for those of other countries. Moreover, the Chinese have long had intercourse with Western nations, while we have had dealings at Nagasaki with only the people of Holland and China. Beside them, it mattered not for us to trade with those of any other land; and this has made our exchange of commodities very small. The ships of your country, therefore, [may] begin your trade at Nagasaki during the first moon of our next year, where they can procure water, coal, and other supplies; but as our ideas of things, and what we each like, are still very dissimilar, as are also our notions of the prices or worth of things, this makes it indispensable that we both first make a mutual trial and examination, and then, after five years, we can open another port for trade, which will be convenient for your ships when passing.” § 29. Commodore Perry persists in securing an independent treaty—This obstructive note would have been disheartening to most men, but net-so_to_the gallant Commodore ; who resolved to urge his point of having one or more ports open to American commerce, and ignoring Nagasaki more strenuously than ever. On the 17th of March, he met the Commissioners according to appointment at the treaty-house, as on the maugural day of the conference, accompanied by his inter- Cuap. II.] NEW ¥APAN. oy preters, secretary, and several of his officers, but all military display was dispensed with, and so it was with the Japanese envoys, although the negotiations were carried on with the same grave formalities in the inner chamber. Hayashi, the chief dignitary, opened the day’s business by asking whether the Commodore was satisfied with their reply to his propo- sitions for a treaty. He said it would be best to discuss the counter proposals of the Commissioners seriatim. This was agreed to, and the first three propositions concerning the treat- ment of American seamen wrecked on the coasts of Japan received his assent, excepting that one or more ports must be substituted for Nagasaki, and that such persons should enjoy all the freedom granted to the natives. The fourth proposition, that Americans at Nagasaki “shall have no intercourse with the Dutch and Chinese,” received the curt reply that “the Americans will never submit to the restrictions which have been imposed upon the Dutch and Chinese, and any further allusion to such restraints will be considered offensive.’ The other three propositions were unimportant, but all were con- secutively discussed with the replies, the Commissioners in- terposing with great pertinacity all possible difficulties, and contending that the laws of the empire were of such a ‘character as positively forbade the concessions demanded. With equal pertinacity the Commodore declared emphatically that he would not think of accepting Nagasaki as an open port for his countrymen to be subject to the degrading restrictions submitted to by the Dutch, and that he should expect in the course of time five ports in the principal islands to be opened to the American flag, meanwhile he would be content with Uraga. 7Finding him so resolute, and that all their cunning devices to bend him from his purpose were of no avail, they formally proposed that Simoda, a port at the outer entrance to Yedo Gulf should be substituted for Nagasaki, and that Hako- dadi in the island of Yeso should be open to American vessels in want of provisions, wood, and water. This last concession “betokened a favourable prospect for a successful issue to the great purpose of the expedition,” Dr. Hawks remarks; “and the Commodore now looked forward with sanguine expectations to an early consummation of his labours in the formation of a satisfactory treaty.” § 30. Presents from the Emperor and Commissioners to the 28 NEW ¥APAN. [CHap. II. Americans.—Bot. rties were apparently satisfied with the concessions made and accepted; and accordingly there was a Setieral tienen oF