Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-03-16
JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES.

JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES.
We have heard but little of late of the expe-l
dition to Japan, which is to be dispatched early
in the Spring. Commodore Perry has been Or
dered to command it, and it will be large squad
ron, composed principally OF steamers OF the
true object of the expedition nothing of an off,
cial character has transpired, bat we presume the
rumors in regard to it, which have recently been
circulating, are in the main correct. IL we sue
ceed in establishing n trade between that coun-
try and our own, it will prove mutually benef-
cal and we are of the opinion that such step
might beconsummated peacefully and with much
less belligerent display, were good diplomatic
agent employed for the purpose.
a We understand that Commodore Perry is now
in Washington, completing the preliminary ar
engagements for the expedition, and receiving at
various times, from the Navy and State Depart
ments, verbal instructions in relation to the
course he is to pursue. If we are to judge from
"the pomp and circumstance with which rumor
is clothing the preparations for this expedition,
it is easy to perceive what the nature of these
instructions is. A fleet composed of several
steamers, backed by frigate and one or two
corvettes, is by no means peaceful demonstra-
ton; and we fear that the effect of the arrival
frighten the poor Japanese out OF their seaport
towns, and out of their wits at the same time,
so that it will be impossible to bring them to
terms in good faith. They may be driven by
their alarm into treaty of some sort, which
they will feel at perfect liberty to violate so
soon as the vessels of war shall have been re-
moved.
In treating with barbarous people, some at
tempts should be made, we think, to obtain their
confidence and good will, before resorting to
force. IL they be treacherous, their treaehery
will appear after a compulsory compact, when
there is no ever visible power to hold them to
their bargain, sooner than after pacific con-
tract. But we do not know that as nation
Japan is treacherous, although she might have
found good instructors in the art in the Portu-
guese, who were once allowed to trade with her.
For the purpose of establishing intercourse
with Japan, squadron might assemble in the
eastern seas, to be governed in their movements
by the good or i'll success of commissioner or
agent of some kind or the good or bad faith of
the people. Should it become necessary, they
might easily be satisfied of our power to en-
force treaty in much milder way than we I'M
derstand is at present contemplated. They
should be made thoro'ly to comprehend our geo.
graphical position, our extent, our power; the
great demand in our country for their produc-
tons and manufactures, and what we can give in
return. And lastly, they should be made to
feel that as a nation we are magnanimous To
make them feel this, we should so act and al
though it might take longer thus to treat with
them,-for all this would probably occupy years
yet our relations would be more likely to re-
main undisturbed We detest the spirit which
urges powerful nation to adopt compulsory
measures with weaker.
AS to the treatment received from the Japan
csc by some American shipwrecked sailors, they
could be made to atone for that, we apprehend
without much difficulty. Great destruction OF
life and property is not necessary for effecting it.
An indemnity of some kind would probably be
made as soon as demanded, and satisfaction to
the utmost extent would be yielded, were nego.
Citations properly conducted.
The Japanese have long had advisers-and
very bad advisers, too---from a Christian coun-
try, and if we cannot peacefully accomplish what
we desire with these people, it is equivalent to
acknowledging ourselves inferior in diplomacy
to that nation who is alone allowed to trade up
on their shores. In our opinion, civilian, OF
well-known ability, with full diplomatic powers
is the proper person to be entrusted with i'm.
portant commercial negotiations. With the ex.
ception, perhaps, of a single ship, the actual
presence OF squadron, to be held in terrorem
for compulsory purposes, is not requisite, but
merely an evidence of its vicinity to give dign
ty and moral weight to the transaction.
N. Y. Times.