Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-02-25
EXPEDITION TO JAPAN.

1t is currently reported that our govern
ment is about to send squadron to Japan
under Commodore PERRY, TO effect some
object which is not made public Within
the last two or three years American sea-
men shipwrecked on the japanese coast
have been treated with excessive cruelty
by the people and The object Of the expe-
dition may be to redress the outrages COM
mitted and exact some security that the
laws of hospitality will not be violated in
future or it may be to effect an amicable
arrangement by which our vessels engaged
in the whale fishery, or otherwise, in the
adjacent seas, may have the advantages of
convenient harbors. From the unusually
large marine force which is to GO out, 1t Is
surmised that something different from
peaceful mission is contemplated; but, on
the other hand, it is stated that the Commo-
dore is unwilling to take such squadron
so far from home without sufficient num-
Der of sea-soldiers to protect his ships from
mutiny, now that the naval discipline is so
much relaxed. The marines at Washing
ton, numbering over 200, have been drilled
with the greatest industry to fiji them for the
service, and some 600 IN all, it is said, are
to Join the squadron. The expedition will
sail during the next month.
The japanese are altogether the most SIM
gular people inhabiting the globe, not ex-
cepting their neighbors the Chinese whom
they resemble in manyrespects. Although
they form large portion Of the worlds pop
ulation, they might almost as we'll live in
another planet, so far as intercourse with
the rest humankind is concerned. For more
than two centuries they have maintained
this condition of isolation. Prior to 1857,
several European nations traded with them
freely, and Christianity was propagated to
some extent in the empire !; but in that year
a violent persecution was commenced and
all European residents, with the exception
of the Dutch, were expelled. Two nations
only, the Dutch and Chinese, are now per-
mitted limited access to their shores and
all natives quitting the country are prohib-
tied from returning on pain Of death. The
Dutch were formerly permitted to roam over
the empire, but are at this time restricted
to small island of about 1900 feet square,
and are subjected to every species Of indiss-
nifty. To prevent foreigners obtaining a
foothold in the country, all persons cast
upon the shores are dealt with very harsh
", and the laws generally are executed
with much severity. Death and Danish
ment are the only punishments known.
The empire consists principally of four
large islands, containing an area OF about
twice the extent Of Great Britain, and the
population is estimated to be about "a ,00O,-
OOO The people pay much attention to
education, manufactures and agriculture
The government is absolute, and is in the
hands of two monarchs-not exactly alter
the pattern of Mr.. CALHoUN's model gov
eminent, as one has charge of the secular
and the other of the ecclesiastical affairs OF
the empire.
Most that we know of this singular Peo-
pie, is from very old writels-thc United
States expedition will probably obtain and
bring back some interesting information as
to their present condition.