Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-11-10
Eae Japan Expedition.

The attention of the whole civilized and com
mercial world has been strongly attracted to the
Expedition which our Government is fitting out
for Japan. The thing is novel in its design, yet
it enliss the sympathies of the most intelligent in
all parts of the globe. The result of the move
msnt remains completely in doubt Yet it is in
accordance with the spirit of the and it belongs
10 species Of progress which the most conservN-
tive may commend and support.
The following, from the London Sun OF Octoher
l9th Indicates something of the interest winch Is
felt In Great Britain for this enterprise, Identified
as it is with the civilization Of the century
"Here is a country OF extraordinary dimensions,
which has been, in political sense, 50 to speak,
Theoretically sealed from the rest OF the nations Ot
the earth during no less protracied an 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 il
must DO observed that the expedition which has
been 50 long talked of, as about to proceed TO ia
pan from the ports of the American republic, has
been only for while delayed mot altogether aban-
doned. The interruption is simply attributable to
that unlucky sqaabble about the British fisheries,
which appears to be undergoing the process of an
amlcabe settlement, owing TO the better Judgment
of MIR. Webster and the energetic resolution of
Lord MalneSbury. Almost immediately may be
anticipated, therefore, the intelligence that the
vessels engaged in the undertaking already speci-
fled have set out for their very singular place OF
distinction.
SIT is impossible not to wait with peculiar ca
gerneSS the result of this 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 i
balloon to soar off to one of the planets under the
direction Of some experienced erUnaut Nor can
the comparison be regarded as in any way so very
extravagant seeing that Japan is to the rest of the
world almost as untrodden a region as the surface
OF the moon, or Of Jupiter. Seriously speaking,
we may assert that we know rather more about
the inhabitants of the Flying Island than about the
hitherto almost inscrutable and nearly fabulous
japanese. GolOwnin, it is true, has given us an
account of tho latter, but an account by no means
50 categorical or explicit as that furnished in refer
ence to the former by Lemuel Gulliver. The
wonder is how this ignorance could have 50 long
survived the application Of the steam engine to tbs
purpose of navigation"
II is becoming to the enterprise and spirit Of thi.
Republic that il should lead in this work of explo
ration and adventure. The British had their wal
with China; and the results of it, whatever might
90 s1AV VI 'ito C1SO WHICH, PtOuuCeu IL, udFe beS
in the main favorable to extended trade and to the
growth of commercial interests Cur expedition
to Japan bears no hostile aspect. 1t goes upon q
mission of friendship. The letter of President
Fillmore to the EmPerorof Japan breathes no SEN
timents than those of kindness and cordiality. Il
barbarian pride or prejudice should choose to mis-
interpret this friendly missive is enough to know
the squadron composingthe expedition will be able
to make the flag of the Republic respected, and
that If pacific introduction to japanese civiliter
cannot be had, the favor of an acquaintance may
be demanded under the auspices Of Artillery as
master of ceremonies.
In any view of the matter this Expedition, we
should think, must be productive of useful results
Japan, haretoloro excluded almos; entirely from
intercourse with the rest Of the world, contains a
population of some thirty or forty millions The
imperial cities of the Empire vie with London and
Paris in point of population, magnfceuce 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
that such populous and productive Empire should
continue in condition of Baltimore
.4mericaa.