Arkansas intelligencer., 1847-09-18
From the Philadelphia North American
TipAJ

JAPAN. =
One OF the most Interesting problems of the
tmes Is the probable fate Of the Asiatc empires
China and Japan, two governments which boast of
the hOaresl age aud most venerable institutions
OF all the kingdoms of the earth, and stand uD in
modern world the only surviving monuments of
It's ancient civilization. reflect on their bisto
ry is TO recall the memory of Psammetichus and
Northumberland the gories of Memphis and
Baby which are now represented by shattered
pillars and mounds of brick, while the contempo-
rary capitals of the far East flourish with ruin.
An instructive apprehension of the superiority
and the dangers of modern civilization long since
taught The Oriental Emperors that policy Of ex
cIuson by which the peril is attempted to be avert
ed. But the opium war and British cannon have
opened the gates of China to the trade and 10 the
designs of Outside Barbarians-and it is aImos,
obvious that, unless the CeIestals should entirely
change their system, and introduce the arts md
policy OF Europe, II cannot be long before the
whole gigantic empire estimated bv many geo.
graphers 10 contain ne-fourth of the entire pnDu
aton OF the globe, lies broken and bleeding under
the feet OF that company of British merchants
winch has slbdued all India into a British pro.
vince.
Perhaps there will be moro than one cOponpror.
France is naval power Russia stands ready bv
the great wall; and when the hunt is up and the
great quarry al bay, there will be SPOTS and TEMPT
'N'CAi surround
bison on an American prairie.
In the meanwhile Japan. more alarmed. but os
yet, more fortunate, becomes still more deterniin
ed TO perSevere IN excluding the foreigners who
nave under her eye, struck so severe Il blow of
her continental ncighbor. Her insued situation.
ner rocky shores and shallow bays, and a popula-
ton more vigorous md martial and Government
more resoluIe. and, perhaps more enlightened than
those OF China, seem 10 promise her better pro-
lection; and. which, there is every evidence. the
wAo!c trading world is resolved must bo in some
way or other brought to an end.
hlghIy cI'lIIsed people, variously estimated
at from four.eenrio forty five millions of sonIs
industrious and ingenious. and with country fuil
OF agricultural and mineral resources. is tempt
ing object to both traders and politicians The
prohibition increases the cupidty; and there is
some feeling of wrath at the pride. at the inso-
lence oil assumed superiority, not to speak of the
violence and contempt, with which Japanese Kubo
| repols all foreigners from his doors. The mis-
sionary and the whaler, the trader and the man.
of-wnr-the bark bearing his own shpwrecked
subjects. and the frIgain carrying messenger of
government-aII meet the same reception.
| Hostile paratiOns-refusal of official COM
municatons OF permission to land, of a.! civilites
and hospitalltes beyond, perhaps, an occasional
commissioning giI of wood and water-are fol
lowed by stern lujunctIons 10 depart and polite or
threatening requests never TO return. The Rri-
tIsh, the French, the Russians, the Americans.
have all made attempts, of late frequently repeat
ed to open political and commercial relations with
/ Japan but always in vain.
| The Dutch are still allowed their annual vow
age 10 the remote port of Nngasali, and their
pretty little factory on the mole of Dpznla but
even they are permitted apparently. for no other
/ purpose than that the Japanese government NAV
keep up just so much communication with the
world as will apPriza ii of the design and move.
mehts OF foreign powers. In the meanwhile. it
builds tortIhcatmns all along the coasts and sta
tons commissioners and Interpreters i'm every port
equally prepared to repeI warke attacks or the
visits of peaceful ambassadors. We are told that
the king of Holland, during the Chinese war.
wrote to the hubo. urging upon him the wisdom
and necessity of opening his ports to the COM
merce of the world, and thus securing the friend.
ship instead of inviting the hostility Of the Chris
tan naval power.
The Japanese monarch delayed answering for
two years. which were devoted To strengthening
his armed defences and then vouchsafed reply,
| indicative of shrewdness and unaiterabe resulu.
ton" have watched the events that forced n
change of measures in China. To enjoy peace
| must exclude foreigners. 1t is easier to keen a
dixie in preservation than to prevent the ecIar1e.
ment of broeches, when once made have CIV.
en- orders accordingly; and the future will prove
that my policy is wiser than that of China''
! And upon this policy he acts, aud doubtless will