Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1852-11-16
The Ianan Exueditiou.

The attention OF the whole civilized and com
,aercial world, has been strongly attracted to the
Expedition which our Governments fitting out for
Japan, The thing is uovelin its design, yet it en-
lists The sylnpathies Of the most intelligent in all
parts of the globe. The result of the movement
remains completely IN doubt. Yetit Is in accor-
dance with the spirit of the age, and it belongs 70
n species ofprogress which the most conservative
may commend and support.
The following, from the London Sun of Octo-
Der 10TH indicates something of the interests which
is felt in GleatB Britain for this enterprise. denti
ed as it is with the civilization of the century:
Here is country of extraordinary dimensions,
which has been in political sense, SO to speak,
Theoretically sealed from the rest of the nations OF
the earth, during less protracted ap interval OF
time than the last two centuries. 1t is at length
about to be forced into some communication with
the external multitude, thanks to the generous en-
terprise of the United States Government. For 1t
must be observed. that the expedition which has
been so long talked Of about TO proceed to Japan
from the ports of the American republic, has been
only for while delayed, not altogether aban-
doned. Ill. I
The nterru, ton is simply ttributed to that un
lucky squable about the British fisheries, which
appears 10 be undergoing the process OF an AMIGA
BILE settlement, owing to the better judgement OF
Mr.. Webster, and the energetic resolution OF Lord
pated therefore, the intelligence that the vessels
engaged in the undertaking already specified have
set out for their very singular place OF deStna-
| ton. mad .-,J. .s.,....-.-l. s,..t s.
1t is impossible not to wait with peculiar eager
ness the resultof thus novel and humane enter
PRISE For ourselves we look forward to that re-
suit with some such interest as we might suppose
would be awakened among the generality, were a
balloon to of to one Of the planets, under the
direction Of some experienced 9ronaunt. Nor can
the comparison be regarded as in any way so very
extravaganza seeing that Japanis to the rest of the
world almost as untrodden region, as the sur
face of the moon, or Of Jupiter. Seriously speak
ing we may assert, that we know rather more about
the inhabitants of the Flying Island than about the
hitherto almost inScrutabe and nearly fabulous a
panese. Golownin, it is true, has given an &C.
count ofthe latter, but an account by no means so
categorical or explicit, that furnished in refer
ence to the former by Lemuel CULVER The Won
der is how this ignorance could have SO long sur
vved the application of the steam engine TO the
purpose OF navigation. r---r.
1t is becoming TO the enterprise and spirit Of this
Republic, says the Baltimore American, that it
should lead in this work of exploration and adven-
ture. The British had war with China, and the
results of it, whatever might be said of the causes
which produced it, have been in the main, favora-
BILE TO extended trade and TO the growth of COM
mercal interest.
Our expedition to Japan bears no hostile aspect.
It goes upon mission of friendship. The letter OF
President Fillmore to the Emperor ofJapan, breals
no sentiments than those Of kindness and corGiai-
ty. Ifbarbarian pride or prejudces should choose
TO msnterpret this friendly missive, it is enough to
know the squadron composing the expedition, will
be able to make tie flag of the Republic respect
ed, and that if pacific introduction to japanese
civilites cannot be had, the favor of an acquain-
lance may be demanded, under the auspices of Ar
tillery, us master of ceremonies. .at..
In any view of the matter, this expedition, we
think, must be productive ofuseful results. Japan
heretofore excluded almost entirely from intercourse
with the rest of the world, contains population
of some thirty..or forty millions The imperial CT
ties Of the Empire vie with London and Paris, in
point of population, magnifcence and splendor.-
The country is vastly productive, and affords the
materials of lucrative commerce. 1t is adverse
to the interests OF the world and TO the fellowship
which ought to exist among nations, thatsuch a
populous and productive Empire, should continue
in a condition of isolation.