The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-22
which she Thought Il advisable 70 establish thsre

which she thought 1t advisable to establish there
were made free ports. England sought no exclus
i've privileges for herself, her commerce her ship
ping she evnced the true spirit Of free trade, which
she adopted as the national policy. From the en-
lightened government OF the United States we can
not but expect equally LIBERAL conduct.
Fortunately the empire OF Japan is sufficiently
extensive, and sufficiently populous, 10 crafty the
most sanguine commercial expectations. 1t consists,
our readers know, of three principal islands be-
sides several smaller ones; the superficial extent OF
which is estimated at $4,000 square miles, aud con-
tains population Of about 17,000G co., Such ia the
country and the people which have for ages been
shut up within themselves, and comparatively IN
known to the rest of the world beyond the coast
outline. OF the valne and variety of the produc-
tons of Japan it would be useless to attempt an as-
innate as It is at present, as we have said terra in
cognita; but We may well imagine that q conntry
which cen maintain so large a population
must be abundantiy productive. In minerals it
is known to De very rich, especially in the precious
metals, copper, and coal. 1t produces tm1er OF
the largest size, and nearly all the fruits
known in the tropical ATTITUDES besides othose
which belong TO more temperate climates Turnips,
carrots melons, &c, we are told, grow spontaneous
ly; and rice, which constitutes the chief food OF the
people, is extensively cultivated. But their most
remarkable production is the rhus yernax, Or var
nish-tree, the juice of which j. so well known in
Europe as Japan varnish. Every spot in these
islands is cultivated with the greatest care and
severe penalty attaches TO neglect in regard to cult
walton.
The China Mail says that one of the leading
features of the treaty entered into with Commodore
Perry is the opening OF three OF the ports of
Japan to the commerce OF the United States, bat
that the japanese autho objected to clause adj
hitting other countries to the same privilege.
Knowing the picious character of the people, and
the isolation in which they have been accustomed to
live, we cannot much wonder at what might at first
appear barren result for such an expedition; but
it was breaking ground where ground was never
broken before, and it was perhaps, judicons in the
American commander not to require too much at
first. The japanese must be brought by degrees to
accustom themselves tn intercourse with Europeans
and to imbibe to some extent European habits,
when we believe they will be found less exclusive
people than the Chinese. One of the chief objects
| OF the American expedition was to make arrange
ments with the Japanese for supply of Goals for
| their steamers passing into the China seas from
California, and, we presume, from Australia In
this they said to have succeeded, and were no
other result to follow it would be an important OBJ
ect gained for navigation, ample supplies OF coal
can be obtained from some of the ports of japan.
But the privilege cannot be long confined exclu-
sively to the Americans.
The japanese will soon come to learn that COM
petition is necessary ingredient in every trade
more especially when they meet with variety Of
European articles, with the merits and value of
which they are at present but partially acquainted.
That the empire of Japan, from its size, the ex
tent of its population, and what is known of the
variety of the productions, is calculated to offer
new field to the commerce of the world, which will
be productive of extraordinary results, is think
very certain; and Commodore Perry may be Justly
proud Of the success which has attended his endei
vors to open this hitherto unknown country to the
enterprise of the civilized would