The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-09-18

JlOils III JHe Eastern seas. we learn tnaJ Jne)
have several vessels employed in making scien-
tifc observations and photographed surveys
IN those comparatively unknown seas, which
cannot fail to prove highly beneficial to the
navigatOrs Of all nations. During the same
year, it is understood the Emperor Of China
accorded to the Russians the free navigation OF
the great Manchuran river Amur and we an
ticipate the opening by the Car, at no very dis
tant day, of his ports of Northeastern Asia and
the adjacent islands as well as those Of hls
possessions on the Northwestern coast of Amer
lea, to foreign commerce.
In this state of things when the japanese
seas are becoming the highways and thorough
| fares not only for American whale-ships and
merchantmen, but likewise those of other West
ern nations in the peaceful pursuit of their law
full enterprise and commerce, or for geographl-
cal and scientific discoveries, it would appear
to be extremely difficult, if not physically i'm
practicable, for the Supreme Government ut
Nedo to maintain hereafter peacefully and in
yiolately, its exclusive system of isolation and
seclusOn of the Empire from the rest of the
world
The Insular Geographical position of Japan,
her excellent ports and harbOrs dense and III
dustrious population, boundless productive re-
sources, and vast capabilities for commerce; the
superior intelligence and refinement Of her
Princes and Mobiles together with the skill,
energy, and enterprise OF her people, justly en-
title her to rank among the first Asatic Ma
tons. By judcious and timely relaxation OF
her restrictive policy, all these unrivalled natu-
raj and political advantages could be made
available tor conducting IA very extensive and
profitable commerce with the United States
without it may be presumed, compromising
either her Sovereignty National Religion, or
peculiar Institutions
! We have no desire for conquest or colOnlza-
ton. In seeking peaceful commercial inter-
course with Japan, we ask for neither" lands,
forts, factories. nor exclusive privileges with
! Your Imperial Majestys Dominions. We
would solely rely upon the wisdom of the Su-
| preme Government of YedO for that protection
which will enable American merchants and
traders 10 conduct Il legitimate commerce in
the ports Of the Empire and its Dependencies,
which cannot fail to prove mutually beneficial
no both nations. We will engage that our cit
zens. who may be permitted b. visit Japan on
,prllnnv1ers,N ..,,s.A rs,SSfs @,.>I <>iS4ssIG.ss
its Laws. pay the customary impOSts and dues
scrupulously abstain from any interference in
matters of Religion and Government and yield
due Difference and respect to the established
authorities, usages, and customs of the country.
Should it be agreeable to Your Imperial
Maiesty's pleasure to permit your merchants to
resort to our ports harbors and cities, for trade
or send hither any of your subjects to be in
structed in our language, arts, sciences, naval
and military tactics, and engineering, ship
building, or any other branch OF industry they
will receive the most cordial welcome, and
every facility and protection will be readily af-
fDrded to them by the Government and People
Of the United States.
Among the many obvious political and COM
mercial advantages to be derived by Japan
from the proposed intercourse between the two
countries upon the opening of our steam COM
munication with China, she would possess the
facility of acquiring a practical knowledge of
the construction and management of steam
ers, and likewise of the latest inventions
and improvements in the systems of modern
warfare by land and sea, which, with the
indomitablc bravery of her sons, would the
better enable her Supreme Government to place
the country in posture successfully to repel
foreign aggression or invasion, maintain the in
tegrity of the Empire and make Japan the
first military, maritime and commercial
Power in the East. The periodical arrival
of our steamers in the Japan seas would,
moreover, put the Supreme Government of
YedO in possession of the latest POLITICAL scien-
tifc and commercial intelligence from all parts |
of the world much sooner than by the present |
tardy means Of conveyance by the privileged |
Dutch ships from Batavia,
Reposing entire confidence in the prudence,
patriotism, eminent qualifications and intimate
acquaintance with Asatic Affairs, of -,
distinguished citizen of the United States, | have
hin, ot ri 'hino
and have likewise vested him with full power
to enter into any negotiation with Your lmpe-
rial Majesty, having for its object the opening
of the desired friendly and commercial inter-
course with Japan. Our said Commissioner
will await, in China, Your Imperial Majestys
determination upon the subject which, if favor
able, and permission be accorded to him, he
will promptly repair to ledo to obtain from
the Supreme Government an official and au-
thentic record Of such concession privilege, or
treaty, as it might be induced to make to the
freedom and security of American commerce in
its ports and which shall at the same time
guaranty on our part full reciprocity of trade
and protection Of Japanese subjects iii our
ports and lay the foundation of n lasting peace
between Japan and the United States
The American trade with China is conducted
in conformity with our treaty concluded with
the Ia Using Empire, Mt Wanghia, July Sd,
1874, printed copy of which, in English and
Chinese, have the pleasure to enclose herewith
for the information of Your Imperial ajesty.
This Letter Missye will be accompanied with
- packages marked No. -, addressed
respectively to Your Imperial Majesty, contain
ing Charts of the United States Coast Surveys
Maps, Public Documents Scientific and Agr.
cultural Publications, Agricultural Implements.
collection of seeds and medicines samples
and musters of American manufactures &c, as
aro particularly specified in the catalogue there
of herewith | hope they will be received by
Your Imperial Majesty, as small tokens Of my
regard and friendship not for their trivial pc
cuniary value but sent with the view of convey
| ing reliable ormation--Geographica Politi-
cal, Agricultural, Industrial Commercial, and
| Fmancial-rcspecting our country, its bound
Less resources, advanced social progress and
elevated rank in the family of civilized nations
all intended to show what great material adj
yantages might naturally be anticipated to re-
suit to Japan, from the opening of diplomatic
and commercial relations with these United
States of America
| With the hearty assurances of my perfect
regard and friendship. | commend Your lmpe-
rial Majesty to the Holy Keeping of Almighty
God "by whom Kings Reign, and Princes De
cree Justice
Given at Washington, under the Great Seal
of the United States, this - day of March,
one thousand eight hundred and forty nne, and
of Our Independence the seveny-thmd
No. ,.
Letter from Mr. PALMER 10 Hon. JOHN M.
CiAyroN Nccretaru of State TRANSMITTING an
account Of the borbdrom treatment Of The eree
Of the Ldgodd IN Japan, and their rescue by
he Profile +; suggesting that special United
States Mission ruth a Squadron, be sent 10
fedO 10 demand redress compel The japanese
i L.. I,nnI.. Il