The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-07-14

BY the Pekin we have received papers from
Hong Kong to the 9Th, and from Singapore 10 the
l 9Th inst. The most important intelligence mas
already appeared in Saturday evening paper,
namely. The conclusion of a treaty between The
Americans and the japanese. Some particulars.
extracted from The Friend of China, will be found
below. The Americans have obtained two ports
for trading, and coal station. japan yields
plenty OF coal, and it will be brought from the
mines for the use of steamers. The most imPor-
Tant fact that has ransPired is that the Japanese
hSve expressed their willingness to make CONNER
cial treaties with any other nation which may seek
them, provided j. is done peaceably.
To what are we to attribute this entire change
of policy Why has this long sealed empire
opened at the touch of Commodore Perry! We
suspect that The war in China with the English
made profound impression upon the japanese.
They saw The utter inability Of that vast empire
TO contend against Europeans, and dreaded IN
volving their own country IN calamities like those
which had befaIlen their neighbors. So long as
the foreigners kept away Voluntarily the restrictive
system answered; bu, the instant demands were
made for admission, backed by naval force which
could not he opposed, then the necessity of con.
ciIiation became manifest. The Japanese are well
aware that the Americans and English are not
Jesuits in disguise, and do not fear from them
renewal of the disorders which caused the expul-
Protestant missionaries to teach there is another
question, aud it would be imprudent TO urge this
upon them at present but that their hatred OF
Christianity, which was entirely political, viii! be
ultimately overcome by free intercourse with Euro
peans is to be doubted. 1t seems 10 US evident
that had our government taken steps TO procure
admission to Japan Immediately after the ratifca-
ton of the recent China treaties, they would have
met with reception similar to that Of the Ameri-
.oI l.,
was long ago said that there is ambassador
whose persuasive powers are equal to those Of
line Of battle ship, and Of this the speedy settlement
with the Americans is a proof
1t is singular that the Japanese should deny
having made any treaty with the Russians. Can
the assertion have been a mere piece of Russian
intended 10 cover future aggression
Not unlikely. The European nations would have
no means Of ascertainng The falsehood Of the as
sertion, and had the Russians, under the prcience
Of cession, invaded and taken possession Of the
Japanese portion of the Kurile Islands, the Euro.
pean Powers would have had no right OF interfer.
ence. Had Russia remained on good terms with
her neighbors, this would probably have been her
step in advance in Asia, Persia being reserved
for more convenient opportunity. This scheme,
or any other. which may have been plotted, for
acquiring portion or the whole Of the Japanese
territories, is now defeated. Diplomatic relations
having been opened with one maritime Power, |
which will no doubt soon be extended to two or
hree more, accurate Information will be obtained
IF the proceedings Of the Russians, and their ag
yressions instantly stopped. The accumulation Of
Russian ships in the Chinese waters points to some
such objects for they never can have been sent
out contemplation of q war with France and
England in which they could OILY hope to avoid
capture by instant flight TO the desolate ports OF
Eastern Siberia. But to cover Decentralization
IN the southern Kurle Islands, or any other part
If the Japanese territory, such squadron would
oe necessary and sufficient.
Calcutta Englisltnram.