, 1854-08-05
Tho Japanese Treaty.

Widely has American commerce c&icud-
Oh and there is 80 commercial traffic or
mort in which our ships have not had their
mart fGll often the pioneers, and in too
many instances have been left as beaconS to
noipt out the existence of shoals and dan
rers learned only by the sad disaster. Yet
1erhaps, in this sole instance of Japan have
government vessels and treaty paved the
Tay. In all others trade has first cNertcd
lis mighty influence wants. desires and
mutual benefits have been created, which
rendered negotiation easy. But in Japan
old preiudiceS had to be overcome old laws
eyaded or annulled, proud and jealous
people TO be conciliated, and a naughty
Government to be influenced. All this has
been done, all honor to the officers who
have worked the change. The work so
well begun by the irmness and tact of Capt.
Glynn, Commander of the Preble, has been
well completed by the ability Of Commodore
Perry an achievement which, in its result,
cannot be rated too highly in its effect on
this western world, and which it will be no
small glory to the present Administration
70 conduct TO successful issue. n great
point has been gained but the Japanese
are to6 much like their Chinese neighbors
in their habits and negotiations, not to be
ready and willing to avoid all stipulations
which may be unpleasant, or modify others
TO almost a nullity This is the one great
instance where commerce, unaided, will not
make its way. If this treaty has been made
from the presence of force and fear Sfl
compulslon every attempt at traffic wilIbe
hedged in with restrictions, every petty diff
6euity nagnifed 1t may be they are kind
to the shipwrecked mariners, but the facts
that have reached us, and their unwilling
nessto receive back to their homes their
own shipwreked seamen, with their known
eoldness to foreigners for so long period,
give this the appearance of sudden con-
version. that will need much care, kindness
and nursing to prevent relapse, and this
can only be attended too by Government,
which must finish the work so well begun.
A vessel or steamer kept almost constantly
on that station-a Consul appointed Of rare
intelligence and amiability-the least prof
isable perhaps, but most complimentary
consalship in President Pierce's gift-a man
not only able to cope withthe astute Japan
csc of6cials-but sufficient scholar and
commercial man to take full advantage Of
the situation to forward to the Government
and people reliable information and data
on which to build up permanent and prof
liable commercial intercourse. All this is
necessary The seed has been planted but
must now be carefully nursed, or the depot
excepted, Japan may be sealed book for
many years.
A slight addition to the Ringgold Sur
veying Squadron will enable proper charts
and sailing directions to be completed. In
most new countries and new channels OF
trade the smaller merchant vessels lead the
way, grope out the shoals and passages one
by one in time knowledge is gained and
charts are formed. Butin this instance we
trust Government will see the necessity Of
Immediate survey and direction being given.
The large class and value Of the shipping
engaged in the San Francisco and China
trade, the number Of magnificent clippers,
constantly on passage-and the fleet Of val
liable whale ships in the seas contiguous to
Japan, all of which will make the new port
more or less .. stopping place, renders such
immediate survey absolutely necessary.
England in all such cases rapidly marks
out for her merchant ships the safe and
proper course. A new place of traffic found
quickly, on the news, man-of-war, large
or small, is stationed, a survey is in pro-
gress, and all care given to develop it to
Immediate Importance. Such proceeding
has never before been absolutely necessary
for u.s. Our traders have in all cases been
sufficiently shrewd, enterprizing and adven-
turous to beat down the path themselves,
leaving the track fairly smoOthed for Gov
ernment to follow. But, in the case Of these
Japanese, we have much fear that CONNER
cial adventure alone will not answer that
as yet we have not foothold, in spite Of
fair promise, and we shall look forward
withno light interest to the means that will
be taken to carry forward measure so
prudently and satisfactorily commenced.