Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-28
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iyered lecture on this subject, in the saloon OF
| odd-Feows' Hall. Although The weather was
| unfavorable-rain falling at the time--lhere was
large attendance of both ladies and gentlemen.
| Mr. Taylor spoke without notes, but in man
| ner which showed that he possesses an intimate
| acquaintance with the theme, derived from books,
and actual observation of the country and lis in
habitants, including the movements of the gov
ernment. officials, whose attention TO strangers,
in their business of espionage, is not of an at
tractve and pleasant character.
The lecturer commenced by drawing contrast
between the Chinese and the Japanese. They
are dissimilar in complexion and in their general
appearance, the latter presenting better symme-
try of person and more polished manners The
Chinese are mere mtators, adhering to ancient
forms Of industry, and obliyious 10 progress. AS
a case in point, he related anecdote TO the eff
feet that the authorities of one OF the depart
| menis undertook 10 have small steamboat con-
| structed, after the model of an English vessel.
The machinery was initiated TO the most exact
particular, but the only difference between the
original and the copy was, the English steamer
moved and the other did not While the Chinese
are stod and Indifferent and ignorant the Japa-
nese, on the contrary, are intelligent, lnquisuve,
and exhibit TO an astonishing extent, spirit OF
inquiry, and are susceptible of the highest degree
of improvement
The Dutch, he said, in return for the Limited
trading privileges which they enjoy are under OBJ
legation TO furnish the government with all the
| news Of the outside world; and he stated, in
confederation of this TRUTH that of the Ameri-
-. -. e L.
| of the battles Of Mexico from that source, and of
| other current events. The officials likewise
showed some knowledge of our affairs, asking,
| among other questions, whether Mexico was still
| in existence, and pointing out, on the map, the
locations Of New York; Washington, and other
| cities and familiar places.
| The Japanese, he repeated, remarkably OBJ
servant and inqusitive, and even the interpreter,
stealing away from the duties Of his Office, ran up
| TO large gun the flagship Of Commodore
Perry, and measured its calibre by thrusiing his
head into The muzze
Mr.. Taylor accompanied the party that explored
the Island Of Loo Choo, dependency of Japan.
He represents the southern part of the island as
paradise, so far as concerns the natural appear
ance ofthe country. AT every step they were be-
set by government officials, who went IN advance
of the Americans inform the inhabitants OF their
approach. Ia consequence, entire villages were
deserted, as though apprehensive of evil The
party, if we remember--for we took no notes OF
the ecture-conssted of eight persons, well
| armed, and carrying with them the American dag,
which they planted, for awhile, directly in the
vicinity of the governors palace; and al night,
when they retired 10 rest they let "the stars and
stripes" fly from their quarters, which, in all cases,
were houses at other times occupied by the lin
Grating government officials, making the tour of
the island They always set guard and so did
the japanese, and on one occasion they saw
cloud Of dusky faces peering at them through the
doors and windows. A waive of the hand of
Japanese spy, however, caused the inqusitive be-
holders 10 retire.
Mr.. Taylor paid deserved compliment 10 Com
modore Perry for his well-matured plans for OBJ
tanning an interview with the Japanese, and
adverted to the failure of other similar enter
| prises. He said, in this connection, that the
Japanese defensive forces had been overraied /;
that, enjoying two hundred years Of peace, they
have made no progress in the art of war that
they still have the old matchbox guns, few guns
of the Tower, and Indifferent ordnance.
He said that, were it not for the system of es-
pionage and the despotic character Of The govern
ment, there could not fail TO be marked and
wonderful Improvement in the character Of the
people; but he looked TO brighter days for that
immense empire. Commerce, the great civzer
would effect what the friend Of man and the lover
OF liberal institutions desires but time is
sary for the wished-for development Of the men
tai nd mechanical resources OF the people. He
smoke, too, Of the rich trade which, eventually,
will grow up between the two countries but for
the frution Of which il is necessary 10 construct
railroad through the backbone Of our territory 10
the Pacific ocean Happy, he remarked, in con-
clusion, will be that man who Witnesses lis
cons summation.
| Although Mr. Taylor spoke for an hour and NJ
teen minutes, we venture to say that he could
have occupied as much time, additionally, TO the
acceptance Of his delighted and sppreciatiye au-
| ditors.
| The lecturer has fine voice, with abundant
supplies Of valuable information at his tongues
| end, arranged in form Of words at once plain,
polished, and descriptive In short, il was good
lecture, aud delivered in an admirable manner.