The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-11-03
soMErHING ABOUT JAPAN.

SOMETHING ABOUT JAPAN.
The country Of Japan consists Of three
Islands, known as Nippon. Kewsew and
|Sikof, lying d short distance east of the
coast Of China, and about equal in square
miles to England. The population is es-
timated at O,O00,0 600 Of people, who seem
determined to admit no strangers to their
presence; and the singular fact is now
pretty we'll understood, that any attempt to
land upon the shores Of Japan must prove
fatal TO the ~intruders, unless some amicable
negotiation is concluded before hand
The principle Of reciprocity is entirely un-
known there, and the people will have no
dealings with any Of their neighbors. The
whole globe, with the exception Of Holland,
is reckoned unworthy Of any favor. Two
Dutch ships are admitted every year to the
harbor Of Jeddo, and the trader who goes
on shore is required to crawl on his hands
and knees to the Emperor, where the com
mercial exchange Of the w nations is
transacted. The cringing devil is then
permitted to back out from the august pres
ence of his Majesty like a crab from his
hole, and resume his place on shipboard.
| Why this im%pertinent obstinacy in regard
TO other nations is held so sacred, remains
in mystery. .l, osi i,sg4 ,,aId
How long this state Of things is to con-
tinue in this age Of progress and civiliza.
ton, will depend a great deal upon the re-
suit ofthe expedition 10 Japan, now fitting
out by the United States Government which
will endeavor to make that people listen to
reason. if they are capable Of doing So
otherwise, perhaps they will be forced to
submit to a little dictation. No matter
what emergency may arise to any vessel
cast upon her shores, she seizes the crews,
~tortures and murders them. The increas-
ing Of the United States in. the
Pacific ocean demands a port Of entry in
Japan, and this the expedition will endea.
vor to secure. The only place for the Pa
cifc whalers TO run into for supplies or re-
pairs is the port of the Sandwich Islands,
which is along way from the theatre Of h
operations.
The first move made by our Government
to open a negotiation with Japan. accord.
ing to the United States Magazine, took
place about six years ago. A ninety gun
ship. attended by a frigate, cast anchor in
the Bay of Jeddo, They were immediate.
ly surroun ded by nearly four hundred
boats, crowded with armed natives; one
of them boarded the Vincennes, but there
was no collision. The first move having
the semblance Of hostility, made by them
was cut off. by a triple line Of boats. the
communication between the American yes
sells; but being foiled in this attempt, they
tried nothing further. During the fortnight
that the ships remained in the harbor, no
one was allowed to land. A representa-.
ton made to the Emperor was promptly
met by the reply. that "Japan never would
establish commercial relations with any
other country than Holland" Finding
all attempts to open negotiations rendered
thus abortive, the American captain weigh
ed anchor, the fleet Of boats which had
been watching his operations. escorting
him by the way of convoy. A couple Of
years ago, some American seamen having
been wrecked upon the coast, a ship was
dispatched to fetch them away. But nc
sooner had it appeared in the harbor Of
Jeddo. than a formidable array Of the
striped canvass batteries covered the hills
The American continued her course until
a boat came alongside with an interpreter
who, unfolding his chart, pointed out The
precise locality where it was necessary
the ship should anchor. Some natives
then boarded her; but the American cap
tain not being satisfied with their appear
ance, refused to hold any communication
with them, insisting that they were not O
the proper rank. mandarin then arrive'
and with him the negotiations were con
Quoted to a satisfactory issue.
, Having such customers to deal with, W
know OF no better method to bring then
into q sociable mood, than b~y"conquerinI
a peace" which the expedition will assnr
edly do, if all other inducements fail. Per
, haps, in time, Japan will want %annexing
[Nonp.
~r,n ANN ruIE DHSCENT CUTV-