The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-03-26
The proposed Exp.d,tion to Japan.

The Proposed Expedition to Japan.
We copy the following article from the
Union, which publishes it as the communities
ton of a correspondent. We believe that it
represents fairly the character aud objects of
the expedition about to proceed from this coun-
try to Japan, and appearing in quarter not
likely to be suspected Of parliality towards the
Administration, may serve to correct the exag
gerated and often false impressions that have
obtained currency on the subject:
1--WE notice in many of the communications
which are made from this place to the public press
very extravagant statements in respect to the OBJ
jects which may be supposed to fall within the OBJ
servaton of our squadron in the East Indies. One
would suppose, from the importance attached to
the subject, that are, for the fret time in our
history, about TO send to those distant seas re-
spectacle squadron, and that the consequences may
be other than those of benefit to our commercial
intercst. We are not advised particularly of the
considerations which may induce the Government
at this moment " start such an expedition; but,
assuming the accounts on the subject which
see published to be true, and the description of the
vessels which to compose the fleet to be accu-
ratcy given, there appears to US nothing alarming
or questionable in the facts.
"Commodore Biddle's feet, on the occasion of his
visit to Japan in 1886, had one hundred and four.
teen guns Of large caibre. The feet to be placed
under the command of Commodore Perry will not,
we understand, exceed seventy guns, but the num-
Der Of men will be about the same, being composed,
precisely as ia customary in the navy, TO secure
the proper efficiency to such boat-guns as are
allowed of late to all vessels prepared for service
"With respect to the object of the Government
In adding two steamers and soreship to the force
already in the China seas, it il, we suppose. to
cover greater extent of cruising ground, 80 az to
secure better knowledge of the ports on the
coast Of the Corea, the Yellow Sea, and Japan,
hitherto rarely visited. The very thing to be
avoided is any act which can excite the ap-
prebension Of hostility to the natives who in
habit these coasts, at the same time that they
may be conciliated by kind and respectful
attentions. But, to do this, all who have any
knowledge of the Japanese must see the policy, If
not the necessity. of displaying such force a.
may repel any assault which their prejudices may
prompt. Representations of friendship on the part
Of our Government and people will have no effect
such country, if they are not attended by such
circumstances will leave no doubt of our great
ness and strength. We desire those distant
coasts ports of refuge and refreshment-we desire
also to explore and open new channels of trade in
the Pacific, to extend the commerce on that great
ocean between country and northern China.
and especially between California and the rich
countries Of tae East Indies If this laudable object
oan be promoted by any means which will remove
the strange prejudces of those distant people,
tainly no reasonable expense should be spared in
doing 80; but suppose that efforts of this
kind can be successful without proper display of
the force which eectually shield our overturcs
fror he aAv yer nce 0f whO -
fail to do justice to our motives.
cit il well known that the shipwrecked seamen
on the coast of Japan are subjected to wanton and
atrocious cruclties. far exceeding those once in.
flicted by the Algerines and the Moors. To put
end to this state of things ia the duty less Of
the United States than of all other civilized
tries; and 1t 10 idle to suppose that it be tole
rated that the tribute levied by the pirates
Of the Mediterrapean could be submitted to by
Great Britain and France. Steam navigation, and
the wants of commerce in the Japan seas. will
make the same revolution there that has taken
place elsewhere. Whatever we may say OF the
rights OF those people to surround themselves with
walls to hold intercourse with foreigners, and
to punish enemies all those who may be
cast by the providence Of God on their shores,
we know that such prcjudices cannot be maintain
ed when they are the source of positive injury.
the red Of forests to retire before the supe
rior hardihood and enterprise of our pioneers will
require the people Of the japanese empire to aban
don their Algerine cruelty.
''In view OF such considerations, it strikes US
that the proposed expedition promises to be Of
great public benefit; and we have not hesitated,
therefore. TO speak oft in terms of COMMUNICATION
without any reference to the fact that il 10
foot by Wing Administration. The main point
IL that il should be deprived Of nothing that 10
teris to secure IL succcss-that il should be strong
enough in is equipment to repcl in a becoming
manner any Aggression which il may provoke from
. people ever ready to insult the flag Of the United
States when they can do 90 with impunity.
''The idea that . few vessels of war, mounting
about seventy guns. and possessing crew not OK
coeding In number the rank and file of q regiment
land. are to attack empire OF forty millions,
which has army Of about half 4 million, IL too
psepostesous to be entertained; and yet IL would
seem that such an idea has been in the minds of
many Of those Who have spoken Of this expedition
q Wariike one.
These observations have been suggested to "
by the extravagant statements which have no
ticed in connexion with the preparations that are
said TO be making for sending the expedition TO
Japan. We know nothing Of the views Of the Ad-
ministration the subject; but, seeing that there
10 In the growth Of our trade in the Pacific, and
the great extension Of oor interests In California,
motive for action, We have felt that the occasion
was one which might we'll be seized to open new
markets in the East Indies. and to gain for our
commerce an exemption from the evils attending
the absence Of ports for tho refrcshment of
sells and the protection Of unfortunate sea
men,"
Wing weekly paper. edited and published at Nor
folk, Va, by Messrs. G. w. and r. J. Shields.
We wish IL succese.