Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-06-15
A NEW ERA IN AMERICAN COM
MERGE Rst

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The great seal Of Japanese secrecy and isola-
ton has at last been broken, and new era in
American commerce has thus been inaugurated.
From the accounts of Commodore Perry's ex
petition published in another column, it ap
pears that he has, in effect negotiated a treaty
with the Japanese commissioners, by which
three ports are opened to American trade, and
provision is made for supplies of coal to our
steamers. The details of this treaty are not
Idefnitively arranged, as the japanese are some
what disposed to procrastination, and as Com
modore Perry was solieitious that it should be
seen by the American minister before finally
arranging it.
1t appears that the Russians were not SO sue
cessful as they affected to be. 1t was repre-
scented by them that they had accomplished
what our commodore failed in. Indeed it was
confidently asserted that they had negotiated a
highly advantageous treaty. The japanese au-
thorities deny this statement. They declare
that the Russian propositions were rejected
but that some hope of success was held out to
them in the event of their returning in year.
That the treaty thus negotiated by Commo-
dore Perry will be mutually advantageous to
US and to Japan, is very certain. We viii gain
the benefits of commerce, while Japan will gain
much more. She viii gain new ideas of reli-
gion, civilization, laws and science. Her peo-
pie will at once be admitted to knowledge
of all the arts, inventions, and improvements,
of which they are now profoundly ignorant.
This treaty will form a new and interesting
epoch in the history of Japan. 1t will be the
FIRST step in the way of breaking up the barba-
rous prejudices of the people against trading
and mixing with other nations.
The Dutch, who have enjoyed some CONNER
cial privileges in japan, do not seem to have
done much to improve and enlighten them.
They do not seem to have introduced among
them any Of the new arts and new inventions
that have wrought such wonderful improve
ments in the oldest and most cultivated coun-
tries. At least we infer this from the childish
establishment they manifested when Commo.
dore Perry exhibited to them the miniature
railroad and the five miles of telegraph he car
ried out as presents to the emperor. The tele-
graph and the steam engine were both put into
successful operation, and filled the Japanese
with amazement.
This expedition Of Commodore Perry was
an admirable conception. The instructions he
received from the State Department, and the
presents sent by him to the emperor, were all
in the highest degree proper and well consid-
cred. The entrance thus effected by our gov
eminent will, we have no doubt be followed
up by all the prominent nations of the earth.
1t is said that Commodore Perry proposed to
extend the advantages secured to us to other
nations, in imitation of the English treaty with
China, but that this proposition was declined
by the commissioners. Many of the Japan
officers expressed q wish to visit America and
Europe. They seemed delighted at the idea
Of a voyage in a steam ship.
The advantages that will accrue to Japan
from this treaty will be incalculable. The idea
Of national seclusion, which has so long gov
erned that empire, will be uprooted. New
views of religion and of the science Of govern
ment will be opened to them. 1t win not be
long before Japanese travellers will visit US,
and emigrants will seek homes on our shores.
They viii acquire all at once what other ma
tons have acquired by slow gradations.