, 1853-03-05
Japan.


Should the new administration in pnrsu
ing more determined course than the pres
ent one, succeed in opening the porls of
Japan TO our commerce, it will be an act Of
universal popularity; an act that will add
millions to our wealth and make our mcr-
camille marine the frs, in the world, not in
the superiority of its construction, for in
that We are already pre-emincnt, but in the
number Of our vessels and the amount of
tonage.
The idea that America would interfere
with the Japan trade, created fear among
the Hollandrrs, and hope with the other ma
tons of Europe, as our liberal policy in
matters Of commerce was well known, and
all Were aware that if America succeeded in
obtaining footing the result would be that
each that chose could profit by it, Thus
when the Wing administration first adopted
the scheme all but Holland hoped now
they all look on in derison at the mouse
brought forth by the mountain.
The HOllanders were so frightened that
the whole sui ject was brought up in the
Dutch Parliament and then created consid-
cradle debate. A portion of the informa,
ton elected during this debate has been
translated for the Tribune from which we
gather the following facts:
King William II, in 1874, endeavored to
obtain a modification OF the exclusive policy
of the japanese so far as Holland was con-
cerned. But the reply was not satisfactory
in fact it was a piece of diplomacy equal
to that of the best civilized diplomat. II
did not grant the coveted boon, nor did it
answer the Dutch arguments, it merely sta
ted that the Emperor did not wish to Change
the ancient usage Of his Empire. It
amounted in effect to an assertion that the
arguments OF no other nation would be
listened 10 either in regard 10 the foreign or
internal commerce Of the Island.
Afterwards, but as is alleged before she
heard America was sending out feet, al
belt the communication by one Of those
strange condolences which sometimes oc.
cur, came on the return of the Dutch vessel
that could have carried out the news), Japan,
through her Holland friends informed the
world that the common principles Of hu-
manity had caused her to alter her laws re-
gardiug the treatment Of shipwrecked mari
ners, and that thereafter such unlortunates
would be kindly cared for. Now this may
oil he meal but it lookS wonderfully as if il
covered cat. II Is possible the Dutchmen
may not have felt interest enough in the
affair To have taken the news 10 their Japan
friends, that an attempt would be made BY |
the Americans to destroy the monopoly ex-
isting between them (the Hollanders) and
the Japanese, and that they. the Americans,
would surely IF ct their Olj.ct unless con-
cessions regarding the treatment of their
counlrymen were made. That the Dutch
men were all uninterested in this is possible
it is also possible the japanese were
struck with a sudden fl of humanity
Whether either is likely to have the case
our readers having the facts before them
can judge for themselves.
In making this communication 10 the
American Nation and the remainder of man
kind, the japanese took especial care to
mention that the liberality in regard ic. sail
oIs was in no manner 10 be construed as in |
any way allowing vessels to touch for com
mercial purposes. And it appears Holland
was in perfect agony until assured by the |
Wing administration that the orders to our
Commodore would not permit any hostile
act upon our part. As soon as this assur-
ancc was given, the mediation of the Butch
men was offered to facilitate the object in
view. To know what such mediation is
worth Il is only necessary to remember that
within eight years Holland failed to gain for
herself what We want, and that her whole
interest is opposed to having the ports of
Japan opened. The broadsde of one sew
enty-lour is worth more than all the media
tons in the world.