Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-03-30
~- o-s From Putnam's Mag azine.
JaDan-past Experience.

.--~ ~+i o From Putnam's eazine.
Japan-Past Experience.
All past experience shows that the japanese
Court will not feel the arguments of humanity un-
less stirred up by the wholesome spur of argu.
ments, plunged into them from the heel of dread.
full war;. To prove this assertion, it is necessary
to review only the attempts of our own govern
ment with Japan. ixe
In 1897, the American ship Morrison arrived
at Japan from Macao, having on board Japanese
sailors who had drifted in storm, and had been
cast away near the mouth of the Columbia River,
in Oregon, and had been taken thence to Macao.
The Morrison had taken out her armament to in
dicate her peaceful and benevolent mission. But
all this was of no avail. The Japanese dragged
their cannon (Which are said to be very good and
placed them in battery on the shores; the striped
calico canvass was stretched in front, in token
of war, (Which the sailors call "putting the bate
ry in petticoats!'') and the Morrison was fired at
and driven off the japanese coast. This happen
ed in the bay of Jeddo. The edict of 1887 was put
in force, which runs thus: t,All Japanese who 5eS
turn from abroad shall be put to death.'' That
1PiosooIioh HiilSh CsCiy government OWeS " llS
faithful subjects, was refused by Japan to its own.
Calamity was accounted crime; and the kindest
of benevolent Christians were punished as con-
spirators! In 1S45, three japanese were carried
to Ningpo, in China, by the United States frgate
st. Louis. These men had been blown across
the ocean five thousand miles, all the way to
Mexico. The poor fellows dared not 60 home to
a. g.. Al
edct of 1887! In 1916, the United States sent the
Columbus, Of ninety guns, and the sloop-of-war
war Vincennes, to attempt to open navigation,
| and to secure protection to our merchantmen and
whalers. The ships were Immediately surround
ed by triple Gordon of guard-boats no one went
on board; water and food could not be bought;
and, after waiting tedious interval, the reply
was brought from Jeddo, I" No trade can be allow
ed with foreign nations except Holland!"
In 1s49, American seamen were wrecked on
the stormy coast of Japan, from the American
whaler Lagoda. The United States ship Preble
was despatched for their rescue. After many pre-
texts and delays, the American Captain (Geisen-
ger) limited day when the seamen mast be bro't
on board. The Japanese authorities understood
the. threat, and the shipwrecked mariners were
promptly restored to their country's flag. Nc
Farlane states that since 1S49 it is reported that
some other American whalers have been wreck
ed on that coast, and are confined in bamboo Gag
es, suffering captivity like the Russian captain
the imperial navy, Golowin, few years ago.
Some English and American sailors have been
put to death for simply landing on the coast. 1t
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crime. We know that lawless men may violate
the laws and deserve doom. But while human
ity has tear to shed, or voice to artculate, or
an arm to WELD, she will protest against ma
ton claiming neutrality for her harbors, and yet
refusing all intercourse with other nations;, cut
ting herself off form the charities of national fell
lowship, and yet insisting on rights founded in
the laws of nations; shutting her ports against
shipwrecked sailors, whether her own people or
foreigners; refusing ships supplies, for money,
after long voyages of danger and privation; and
driving from her shores, with gunpowder and ball,
the weary navigators of Gods seas who would
seek repose and shelter from the storms and
waves. Japan demands distinguished considera-
ton and civilized dealing from the nations whom
by her barbarlty, she insults! This "dog IN the
manger" policy, which Japan practices, the world
will not now submit to. ~"
Japan lies on the high road of nations. She
must not make herself a barrier. there. She must
sell her coal; she must evnce towards US, ut least
the old suto morality of Coniucius, and live virtu
ously; do right; be civil be prudent; preserve a
good conscience. And may we practice the same,
and better virtues, under the benign Christian
maxim that comprehends all virtues, +" Do as you
would be done by.'
The fleet under Commodore Perry consists of
nine ships, of which seven are ships and steamers
of war, from the largest size to sloop. The ex-
celent letter of the President of the United States
has won the admiration of Europe. The expedi-
ton is commended by Europeans as worthy of
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