Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-06-15
The lanan Enellilnn-


ratvc of Commodore Ptrry's second visit to Japan
The objects Of the expedition have been triumphant
" accomplished, and some of the ports of that dis
ant country will be hcnceforth open the trade and
commerce of the citizens OF the United States y
treaty, it appears, had not been actually concluded
at the last accounts, but the basis of one, it is conf
IDENTIFY stated, had been fully agreed upon. No rca-
sonabc doubt, therefore, need now be entertained Of
the fact.
In defiance Of the savage onslaught OF the ERqui-
rer a short time ago, upon Commodore Perry, whom
it characterized stupid inefficient, and wholly nm.
fit for the GRAND upon which Mr. Fillmore sent him,
he has successfully refucd its misrepresentation Of
his character, and come oil more than couIueror.-
He has achieved signal triumph in the prosecution
of most difficult and delicate undertaking. And the
skill and ability with which lie has discharged the
grave duties entrusted to him, entte him to the graf
tuic of the whole country.
That the United States should have been the first
to accomplish work to which the energies and di-
plomacy OF European Governments were so vigilant-
~ and patiently directed and without success, is Pc
culiary subject for national felicitation. Not
Russia, for which the Enquirer entcrtains such adj
miraton, able to compete with in the race
We bold, sagacious, daShinG, go-a-head people,
and it is not surprising that we should get the adj
vantage of the mighty Car, adrOit and unscru-
pulous as he is known to be, in the of the means
he employs to accomplish his ends. We trust there
FORE the Enquirer will promptly rctract its charges
against Commodore Perry, and unite with us in
gra.uatin, him and the country upon the eminent
success Of his expedition
No one. We presume can anticipate the far-reach.
Il - r
our commerce. They battle all speculation, and put
conjecture at defiance. We mentioned a pregnant
fact the other day, which may possibly foreshaiow
state of things of which but few now dream. We
referred to the number of. Chinese, who IA.
plly finding their way to this country, and settling
upon our Western possessions. This appears to us
t. be the most singular circumstance in the history
of the age That this wonderful people, who, for
many long centuries, have shut themselves out from
ali intercourse with the world and have steadily
chung their strictly stationary habits and policy,
should be suddenly inspired with desire to emf
crate, and cast their lots among strange race thus
indicating purpose to abandon their stupid cxclu-
svesm, and wholly reform their ways, is among the
most significant signs OF the times, and amounts TO
an almost incXpljcable anomaly. But the triumphs
of commerce and liberal principles have barely COM
mepced. We know not what day may bring forth
We know not what momcntous and astounding
changes lie hidden only little way in the future
We think, however we can see some of the results
OF the present revolution in China and the ex ension
of our commercial relations with that country and
Japan We believe tide OF emigration will shortly
set in from the West to this country, compared with
which that which has long been rolling in from the
East will appear almost Insignificant. Once let the
fever of emigration seize upon the Chinese popua.
ton, it seems already to be doing, and man can
predict what acccssions we may receive from that
quarter in the course of very few years. Judging
from p,esent Indications it is not without the range Of
probability that the ovcrpopulous districts of China
will eventually unburIen themselves upon our shores
to extent little dreamed of at the present moment
And then the unprecedented spectacle will be cxh-
bitcd OF two mighty streams Of emigration one from
the East and the other from the West, pouring into
and meeting in the New World-the common magnet
of attraction for the people Of every race language
and cline upon the face Of the wide earth What is
To be the ultimate destiny Of great country If
SIC remain united and harmonious and true to IN.
principles profess the boldest Imagination is too
feeble to conceive. We have future unless we viii.
fully blast il 10y crimes and follies, more
magnificent and glorious than ever before vouch.
saied to any people, or probably will be again.
We almost realize the ulfilmen of the prediction
we published yesterday that in the progress Of years
it iS plainly destiny a nation ito be superior
t. all others, and that the world gradually come
under empire; not by means OF ia,cless oioisnce
bu. partly by what must be allowed to be just con
quest, AMI partly by other Kingdoms submitting
themselves voluntarily to it, throughout a course Of
ages, and claiming its protection after another,
in successive cxigcncies"
Such we say, may be our destiny if we prove not
wanting in patriotism, in truth, in courage, in con.
sistent devotion to right and principle Providence
has ever signaly favored US, through every success
siye stage and exigency Of our national existence.
down to the present moment. 1t may, therefore.
have reserved for higher duties aud nober achieve.
nents than any other nation. But this destiny is to
be accomplished not by the intrgucs or violence Of
Ftllibusterism, bu, 10y the influence Of n wise exam
pc--not by unjus. conquest, but by mastery in
activity"
We conclude by directing attention to the nara
tive referred to, relative to the Japan expedition,
which will well repay pcrusal.