New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-02-03
National Rights and Duties.


National Rights and Duties.
The EapresS, which has great horror
Of intervention in behalf Of human rights IN
Europe, gees for intervening with an armed
force in the domestic concerns Of the En-
pire Of Japan, because "we want her ports
opened, her uade extended, her interests
developed" Japan, as at present advised,
refuses to traffic, or even to exchange civil
ties with us she does not interfere with
our trading with each other or with other
nations, or with our passing the time Of day
generally as we choose; she simply says
that, so far as she is concerned, she would
rather STAY at home and mind her own busi'
ness without our aid. This, according to
The E1preSS, which adopts John Quincy
Adams's famous theory Of international
rights, is sufficient reason for sending
fleet 30 batter down the japanese towns and
kill the Japanese people until they are ter
rifed into buying and selling, cheating us
and being cheated by us, according to the
wont of civilized and Christian nations
We protest against this doctrine, as not
merely sophistical, inhuman and destruc-
tive Of the only solid ground OF pubic law,
the right of each nation to manage Its own
concerns, but as practically absurd. 1t
would probably be very convenient for the
future lines of steamers between California
or Oregon and China to touch at some
poIt of Japan it is also likely that profit
able trade might be carried on with that
Empire. 1t is very proper also for our
Government TO make efforts to open rela-
tons which may hereafter prove so adj
vantageous. But it would seem altogether
futile to do it by bombardment, fire and car.
mage. on no better ground than our own
good pleasure, and cur desire to trade.
Certainly, War is not the best way into
the japanese good graces. The true
road is much simpler. 1t is by Di-
plomacy. Holland is friendly to us and
deals with Japan. Let the Dutch be our
negotiatois. They are already talking of
it in their own journals. They understand
that they will make more money on. of that
trade when it is thrown open to other ma
tons, than with their present monopoly of
it. They have influence with the Court of
Mako, and could be induced TO use it for
the purpose indicated. Let that be done,
accompanied by the appearance OF an
American fleet in the Japanese waters, and
we presume the desired end may be gained.
| Ii not, there's no harm done.
The Express goes on TO reason as follows
ave argue then, that Japan has no right to bury
her treasures behind her walls, aud 10 imp.ison her
people under tue cover of loa,hlpg and ignorant
superstition Sts mast be made 30 feel kat she
pctrsr ca me sGrth that she has means capacities
and duties and that If she fails in all these, and
fuses 10 be enlightened, it is the duty Of those who
know her, even better than she knsws herself, to
force upon her lie dawning OF q better day
This doctrine has done unspeskable harm
TO the world; it has justified the worst out
RACES in history under Its cover England
ard France have for centuries meddled in
the affairs of other nations. plundering
their people, and keeping the masses
of their own poor and abject. We trust
this country may never adopt it. Our prin-
ciple should be to mind our own business,
and let other people mind theirs. If they
interfere with cur rights, or outrage and
threaten the universal rights OF humanity,
we may call them to account but so long
as they stay within themselves, following
the natural course of their own develop
meEt, we have nothing to do but to respect
their preference and leave them to work
out sheiE destiny in peace. Above all, to
assail thSm for not trading with US, would
be the hight of yillany and meanness.
The Express thinks it is our duty 70
make Japan feel that she is a power on
earth. Giving her tremendous logging
would certainly be new way of bringing
her TO this feeling.