The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-07-12
where they might always be able to pur-


chase it.
"In many other respects commerce be-
tween your empire and our country would
be useful to both. Let US consider we'll
what new interests msy arise from these
recent events, which have brought our two
counties so near together, and what pur-
pose Of friendly amity and intercourse this
ought to inspire in the hearts OF those who
govern both countries"
During the conference on the 9th, Com.
modore Perry mentioned that one Of the
marines had died, aud he was desirous of
having piece of ground pointed out
where this man and any others Of the
squadron that might die in Japan could
be buried. The Commissioners first sug-
gested Nangasaki, and next Uraga; but
on both being objected to, spot near the
place of meeting was fixed upon. An &C.
count of the funeral, by Captain Slack,
the officer commanding the marines is
given in another column, and cannot fail
to be read with interest. We have only
to add that, before the funeral took place,
the Japanese officials came on board to
view the body, for which purpose the coffin
was opened; and after the burial one of
them remarked that, according to the in
scription on the lid, the man was a native
of Ireland, not Of America; but the ex.
planation that followed proved quite salts
factory. In the course of the arrange.
ments for the funeral, the prudence Of
President Fillmore and Secretary Web
ster's assurance on the subject of religion
was shown. The Japanese said they had
observed it with pleasure. and quite un.
derstood the distinction between Protest
ants and Roman Catholics.
Before the interview broke up. the
Commodore mentioned that he proposed
to give his officers leave to 60 on shore
for recreation. To this no great objection
was made, and we believe that within q
few days afterwards several Of the officers
Mr.. Bittinger, the Chaplain made several
excursions among the villages and oorn
fields, which last he found in high cultiva-
ton. The houses were generally thatch-
ed, but those Of the better sort were COW
cred with tiles, having yards and small
gardens within enclosures.
The following day, the same gentleman,
finding the people neither unfriendly nor
indisposed to receive him, and having ob-
tanned leave 10 60 on shore. determined
to visit two large cities some miles off call.
ed Kanagawa and kasacca. and with that
view crossed an arm of the bay, which
shortened the distance by several miles.
He then proceeded through Kanagawa,
supposed to contain two hundred thous-
and inhabitants, and. from the immense
crowds that poured out everywhere to see
the stranger, there can be no doubt of the
population being very great. The crowds,
however caused no Inconvenience or i'm
pediment, for, on a wave of the hand from
the Japanese officials who accompanied
Mr.. Bittinger, the people cleared pas
sage; and afterwards, a messenger having
been sent forward for the purpose, the
people packed themselves at the sides of
the houses, and left the centre of the street
clear for the stranger.
He entered some OF the houses, which
he found primitive in their furniture and
arrangements. but compared with other
Oriental dwellings of the same class, n eat,
clean and comfortable. In some of them
he observed clocks of Japanese manufac-
ture. He also visited several temples,
though smaller than in China, have more
gildings on their walls and orn naments on
their idols. and generally are in better or
der. The priests as we'll as the people
were distinguished for their courtesy. The
cities visited were not only very extensive,
ESTIMATED to be six miles long) but, with
wide, we'll. formed streets. Kasacca is
from fifteen to twenty miles distant. by
land, from the ships; and Mr.. Bminger
being thus necessarily long absent, some
anxiety was felt about him. As he was
returning, Japanese officer put into his
hands an order from the commodore for
all officers to return on board, and shortly
afterwards, courier mounted on a splen.
did black horse, delivered a similar des.
patch, and finding it was understood and
acted on, turned round, and galloped back
again to report the approach of the Amer.
ican officer, who concluded his journey by
torch.light, and found on his arrival tina,
everything that had occurred had been
noted, even the number of buttons on his
coat being recorded.
Four days after the interview the pres.
ents were interchanged, time having been
required to erect places for their reception
Those for the Emperor consisted of among
other things: A railway with steam en-
gine. an electric telegraph, surf boat, 6
life boat, printing press, fine lorgnette
a set Of Audubon's American ornithology
splendidly bound; plates Of American In
dians, maps of different States Of Ameri
ca, agricultural implements with all the
modern improvements. piece of cloth, 9
bale Of cotton, a stove, rifles, pistols and
swords, champagne, cordials and Aneri
can whisky.
And for the Empress (presuming there
is one) a telescope, lorgne.te in gild
ed case, lady's toilet box gilded. scar
let velve, dress, changeable silk dres.
lowered, splendid robe, Audubon's il
lustrated works, handsome set of china
a mantelpiece clock, parlor stove, bo,
OF fine wines, box of perfumery, bo,
Of fancy soaps.
Among the other presents, perhaps tn,
one most valued. was copy of Webster,
complete Dictionary to the imperial inter
prefer. To the high officers were giver
books. rifles. pistols. swords, wines, cloths
maps, stoves, clocks and cordials. the las