Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1851-06-11

For many years attempts have been
made, not only by the United States, hut
by the great nations Of Europe. TO nego-
tate a treaty Of commerce with this thickly
peopled empire; but up 70 this time every
effort 10 induce these curious people to
open their ports to foreign trade, has been
fruitless. The only exception 10 this sim
gular course of policy, has been the gran
ting ofthe exclusive privilege TO two Dutch
vessels annually, Of trading. who, there
fore, with the Chinese merchants, Of
-Nio.po. suppiY the whole empire.
mia. and the admirable situation Of San
Francisco. for the carrying on of,he trade
with Japan. have induced the merchants
Of that port TO cndeayor 10 create an open
ing for trade with that empire, and the op-
perfume arrival at San Francisco, in the
early part Of April, of the whaling baruue
Auckland, with II natives Of Japan, who
formed the crew Of Junk, which was
dismasted at sea, and who were rescued
by the whaler, had augmented their hopes
o< opening communication with that
country. and il was hoped that the United
States steam frigate Sarannah, which was
daily expected from New York, would be
dispatched to convey those people to their
homes.
The importance Of opening communi.
cation with Japan is incalculable, but the
obstacles are not 10 be moderated. Al
ready attempts have been made under
similar circumstances, but have .invaria.
bly, failed. In July, 1887, the ship Nor.
rison, Of New York, sailed from Canton
to Japan, with the crews Of three Japanese
ship-wrecked vessels. but on their arrival
at Jeddo. they were no, even permitted TO
land, and the ship was compelled to take
them back to Canton, and again in 1916,
Commodore Biddlc, who arrived at Jeddo.
in the United States ship of the line Co.
IumJus, expressly to negotiate treaty.
was requested "to go away and not return
any more"
The extraordinary determination Of the
Japanese not to allow European inter.
course, arise, most probably, from their
settled belief that the Europeans wish to
enslave them, as the Spaniards had done
In South America. and the British had
done in India. and the recent British War
IN China. terminating in the extraction
from the Chinese. of immense sums of
"raEsom money" has not tended to di.
minish the intensity Of their opinions.
We trust that spite of all previous fail I
urcs, that our Government will not lose
the present opportunity TO gain the trade
OF a country numbering at least fifty mil
lions Notwithstanding surely worthy Of
On effort. One city alone, Jeddo, is est. |
mated to contain nearly two millions of !
and in the same island. Min.
hon. which is 100 miles long. there are
many other largo cities. The island of
kinsin, which is the next in extent, is 200
miles long. and the other principal island.
likoke. is nearly 100 miles long. Be.
rides these. there are several other Islands
al Of which are thickly populated; the !
whole snperficies Of the empire beino ,
$4,000 square miles. which is nearly six ,
ines the size Of the State Of New York
Is the Japanese are very intelligent, and
AIRY on large inland commerce, it is n
ingulGf that such a people have hereto. S
pre- been restrained from personal inter. d
curse with the world, and we cannot be. t;
eve that it will much longer continue. h
Steam communication in the Pacific. s,
nd the rapid increase of our commerce. G,
'erc, must sooner or later break down \
rot policy which has so long shut out these k
enuttul and fertile lands from the sur. "
ey OF foreign eyes, and VIC hope tina. the t.
me is not distant when those prohibi.iyc Ii
es;rictions which are an insult 10 tho faith
nd honesty Of the world, will forever
ease.