Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1854-12-11
Interesting from Japan.

From the Honolulu Polynesian.
We are enabled to furnish an outline Of the move
ments of the Mississippi since leaving China. Her
run to Simoda, in Japan, from Hong Kong, was less
than ten days, having reached there on the 2lst
September.
The day before her departure homcward Commo-
dore Perry left for home in the British mail steamer
Ganges by way of Ceylon and Suez. On leaving,
parting salute of seventeen guns was fred by his
old ship and like number by the razee Macedonian
as the steamer passed her. Captain Joel B. Abbott
Of the latter ship, was left in temporary command
of the vessels that now remain in the East India
squadron.
The stay OF the Mississippi at Simoda this time
was about ten days. The intercourse Of her Off
GERS with the officers and people of the place was
marked by much confidence on the part of the
Japanese, and almost by the entire absence of the
restraint and apparent suspicion which had been
evinced on the occasions of the Mssissippis former
visits, and decided change was marked in all
classes. Purchases were easily made of whatever
they had to sell. The shopkeeper was no longer
shy, and made the most tempting display Of his
wares By the aid Of his fingers he would both
quickly and eagerly tell you how many hundreds OF
the copper coin you would be in debt for his match
less laquer or curious lantern His Willingness to
turn an honest penny" from your pocket TO his own
was not at all dubious, and he experienced neither
fatigue nor aversion in sitting at the receipt" Of
the Americans itzeboo.
Simoda, after its selection as one Of the American
ports, was declared an Imperial city, and is no
longer under the immediate government Of the
Prince Of the province Of Idzoo, in which 1t is ST.
tuAted and Is now the place of residence Of some
FIVE imperial officers During the late visit Of the
Mississippi, some of them were absent at Yedo,
but those who remained were very friendly In their
greetings Capt Lee, with suit Of officers, made
an official call on the Lieutenant Governor, where
they were cordially received and entertained with
pleasant edibles, la Japanaise This call was re-
turned by the Governor with suite, when the best
feeling prevailed and an opportunity afforded of re-
turning his civilities.
The big guns of the American steamers must
have aroused up the Japanese the subject Of ord
nance. Ajunk, on her return TO Nagssaki, was
lying in the barbor, that had lately taken heavy
mortar TO Yedo. They had built at Uraga vessel
after OF the American store ships, and singu-
larly painted her red and black.
An officer Of the Susquchanna furnishes the fol-
lowing interesting accounts Of his visit 10 Simoda :
The change VIC noticed on our late visit TO the
port Of Simoda, Japan, most striking to US all
when we reflect for moment upon the exclusive
policy and disposition of the people during our
fret two visits Then the utmost suspicion and In
disposition 10 foreign intercourse prevailed among
all, particularly among the officers and higher
classes Now, we find the most perfect frankness,
confidence and desire 10 be sociable, among an
classes Even the ladies have lost much Of the re-
serve and difidence which formerly characterized
them, and prevented us from having a sight Of
them. Indeed, II was not unusual to sec officers
sitting in the houses with several ladies and gentle
men around them--the former frequently playing a
native guitar else earnestly engaged in CONVEX
saton, eager TO learn the English names Of things,
and the manners and customs Of the people Of our
own country and some expressing warm desire
soon TO be able to visit the land Of their new sc-
quantances.
We were permitted to 20 into the country TO any
distance we wished, and there the peasants were
found just as friendly and socsble they were in
town. and always greeted us as friends.
The town Of Smoda " situated upon small bay
Of the same name, the houses mostly well built
clean, and comfortable. As soon M vessel APP
pears In the oing, one Of the pilots appointed by
Commodore Perry goes out and takes her into port.
The harbor master then goes ON board to ascertain
whether the vessel u moored In a secured position
and 20 render any service IN his power. The In
terpreters, Totonosk and Totoitchilo, with some
other officers soon after 20 on board Also through
whom anything can be obtained which the place
affords. The former speaks the Dutch language 10
perfection, and the English very well; the latter
speaks the Dutch only. The harbor master fur
nishes excellent wood and water At the shortest
notice, and for the most reasonable prices.
In the town are numerous stores containing
silks, satins beautiful grapes every variety Of la
quercd ware, porcelain Of the finest quality TO-
bacco, cut and leaf and numerous other msnufac-
tured articles. These the people arc very wiling
to sell, and at fair rates. They are purchased d.
rectly from the merchants, then sent TO the Gus
tom-house where they are paid for in silver or
American gold coin. Eggs chickens sweet-p
toes, eggplants, and various other vegetables, can
also be obtained ~ a
The foreign articles they most prefer are the
light wines, brandy, loaf sugar, pilot bread, salt
meats particularly hams, all kinds At cutlery and
fancy wares. Cloth and cotton stufs most likely
would find market also from the great fancy they
take 70 those they saw.
" roo are disquieted at anything, you should
consider with yourself is the thing Of that worth
that for II should 20 disturb myself and lose my
peace and tranquility.
pYsuor Trr oraox once said A mood rxord "a