The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-03-30

The Japan squadron thus embraces thirteen YES
sells, vz.:-One ship of the line, four steam frgates.
one razee frgate, three sloops Of war, one brig Of
force (incuding those of the store ships) number
ing about three thousand three hundred men, in
addition to seven hundred marines, which will bring
the effective force of the squadron up to four thou
sand, exclusive Of officers. The steamers are each
provided with two Paixhan shell guns Of the largest
calibre, fixed on revolving carriages SO as to sweep
the horizon, which will discharge shells of So and
will carry two brass field pieces, for shells canister
shot. The brig of war Porpoise, and the sloops OF
war Saratoga, ST. Nary's and Vincennes. will mount
50 Founders. The Vermont will carry long AIS on
her lower deck, long 32's on the second and short
ISIS on her upper.
From the successful experiments Of the Bril-
fish, in their war with China, on the opium
question, we should say such feet as this,
manned by American sailors and marines,
would be fully competent not only for the pur-
pose Of bombarding the Emperor Of Japan into
the most likeral commercial treaty, and any
other concessions which might be demanded,
but for the absolute conquest and annexation"
of his whole empire, if thai were deemed to be a
measure demanded by the progressive spirit Of
the age.
Three vessels of the squadron have already
sailed-the Mississippi, from this port, on the
oath November last; the Powhatan. from Nor
folk, on the l4th February, and the Vandalia,
from Philadelphia. on the 9Th March-and
others are in course Of preparation. The COM
mercial powers Of Europe, in contemplation of
the extension Of the general area of commerce,
and science, and civilization and Christianity,
into the fruitful and populous islands of the
Orient, have approved Of this expedition, in the
highest terms. We believe that the people of
the United States, by common consent, ap-
prove 1t. as redeeming, progressive fea-
ture of the otherwise retrogressive or stand
still policy of the late administration. We
have anticipated, from the strength Of this ex-
pedition-from the intelligence courage. skill
and discretion of the commander and the officers
connected with the squadron-from the men Of
science associated with the enterprise. and from
the leading objects in view--that results of the
highest Importance to commerce, to science,
and to civilization, would be accomplished from
this great national adventure. Contemplating
the early connection Of New York with San
Francisco, by railroad across the continent and
the simultaneous, if not earlier, connection by
steamship between San Francisco and the east
ern shores Of Asia, we had learned to regard
the Japan expedition as but necessary preli-
minary movement to the full consummation Of
this vast chain of trade and travel reversing
it's ancient movement round the circuit of the
globe.
But it appears that the administration does
not abandon the Japan expedition solely because
it is regarded as incompetent for the objects as
signed it, but because the uncertain state of
things in Europe may require all our disposable
ships Of war nearer home. What does this
mean? What's in the winds Is John Bull
to be ousted from Central America--Y oung
Hickory assuming the responsibility or is the
Tehuantepec treaty to be enforced by the home
squadron! or are certain unliqudated balances
between us and the authorities of Cuba to be
redressed by the bombardment of Havana? 1t
was intended. in addition to the main objects
of the japan expedition, that it should take out
q locomotive and railway cars, and ten miles of
railroad iron, to give the Japanese start in
the world, and telegraphic apparatus and ten
miles Of wire. to connect the Emperor's palace
reotype apparatus, and splendid barge for his
Imperial Majesty and his imperial harem to
take their afternoon airing in upon the waters
ofthe sparkling bay Of Jeddo, and fifty boxes
of domestic goods and ladies' finery, and many
other things. And what else than the dire por-
tents of war flaming along the horizon could
induce General Pierce to disappoint the royal
japanese Of this expected visit Of the American
squadron. with its welcome presents?
Gentlemen Of the universal peace societies,
prepare for war! The honor and the dignity
Of this nation are to be maintained and if the
Japan expedition is to be recalled you may rely
upon it there is something In the wind But
is it the Monroe doctrine, or Cuba or Tehuante-
pee, or intervention. What is in the winds
SHORT AND SWEET. - Messrs Phelps and
Lamb, two members Of Congress from Missouri.
took it into their heads recently, to address
letter Of nearly column in length to Col Ben
ton, their colleague in the next Congress, ask
ing for information on various points in refe-
renee to the policy Of Missouri democrats in
supporting the administration. 1t was suspect
ed their policy was to trap Old Bullion but
the following reply which he gave them settled
the business.
COL. BFNToN's REPLY.
WASHINGTON Cry March 10 1853.
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