The Sun.
London, England, 1862-01-03 00:00:00

t hey carry on an extensive and lucrative trade with
Yeddo, where these articles are held in great esti-
mation. The soil is fruitful and well cultivated,
the climate deliciously mild and remarkably
healthy. This favoured spot is governed by a
Japanese Daimio, who resides at the town and
port of Fatcha ; and, though appointed by the
Government, and paying allegiance to the Tykoon,
he is placed in a very independent position from
the great distance to the capital.
Whilst Admiral Sir James Hope was lately
taking a cruise in her Majesty's ship Ringdove,
having heard favourable accounts of the natural
advantages and capabilities of these islands, and
their sheltered harbour, he determined to look in
there, and he did so; but it was with the greatest
wonder and astonishment that, on doubling the
cape that shuts out the sea from view, he found there
three Russian frigates at anchor, who seemed to
have made themselves quite as much at home in the
island as if they were at Cronstadt. Bustle and
activity prevailed everywhere on shore, boats were
drawn up on the beach and undergoing repairs,
stores were being landed and warehoused, sailors
were exercising with small arms, and to crown all,
the imperial flag of Russia was floating from the
summit of the buildings, which were separated
from the native town and surrounded by strong de-
fensive works.

When Sir James inquired into the particulars
of this new Russian establishment, he was
informed that they had asked permission of the
Daimio to repair their boats on shore and build
a house for the better accommodation of their
sick people, which had been readily granted; but it
appears that the repairs of their boats were never
finished and their invalids never got well, though
looking remarkably healthy ; and the one building
originally intended for the hospital had gradually
increased to several, which were well fortified, and
whose occupants—even when the frigates were out
cruising—were strong and numerous enough to
overawe the native inhabitants and keep them in
check. The Russians acknowledged all this, but
added that they had orders from their admiral, who
was gone to Japan, to remain in that harbour till
his return, though they were unable to say when,
or if ever, this would happen.
The fact is that Russia views with anxiety and
jealousy the daily increasing influence and com-
merce of England in China and Japan, and as she
cannot openly compete with British enterprise, she
has recourse to this underhand way of pushing for-
ward her advanced posts. It may here be stated
that Tsu-sima is not one of the ports of Japan
opened by treaty for foreign trade,and still less for
the admission of European ships of war, and by thug
occupying the island under such a specious pretext,
Russia may not only provoke the animosity of Japan
but exasperate the people of that country against
all European rations generally, which in the pre-
sent excited state of the population and their de-
cided wish to back out of their engagements, and
shut themselves up again from the rest of the world
as was the case previous to the conclusion of the
treaties, is a thing to be avoided as much as pos-
sible, and especially by using the utmost caution
not to give that jealous nation of Japan any fresh
cause of complaint.

Were such an event to occur, Russia would have
little or nothing to lose, her commercial relations
with Japan being of a very trifling nature and in-
considerable value ; but in case of a war she would
be in possession of a very important position, which
might easily be rendered impregnable by a little
engineering talent and Russian military skill. She
would have in this advanced post a formidable
strategic advantage, within easy distance of her
own ports on the Amoor, from which she could re-
ceive her supplies of stores and ammunition, whilst
the sheltered security of the bay affords the most
desirable facilities for a coal depot, and a convenient
point of rendezvous for her ships of war, from which
they might with great facility undertake offensive
operations in Japan, and as easily retire, in case of
need, to refit their vessels and take on board fresh
stores of ammunition, coals, provisions, and water.

It is impossible to ascertain whether Russia really
entertains any such deep laid plans of ambition and
future aggrandisement ; but as such a course of
proceeding would be quite in harmony with the his-
tory of her traditional policy, it is not beyond the
range of possibility or even probability. It can,
therefore, only be considered in the light of a pub-
lic benefit to give open warning, and allow other
nations to place themselves on their guard, as fore-
warned is forearmed,—Daily .Noss.