New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1857-01-06
Interesting from Japan-Breaixins into the
Empire.


Empire.
letter to the New York Tiues gives an interest
ing account of the landing and reception of the first
American Consul in Japan. The letter is dated from
the u 3 trigate San Jacinto Commodore Armstrong.
which carried Consul Harris to simoda 1t savs:
On the lst of September Commodore Armstrong
and suit, accompanied by Mr.. Harris waited on the
% Governor, Wnen an interesting conversation took
place interesting because it illustrates the feelings OF
the japanese Government on the subject Of inter
course with foreigners. After the usual compliments
tn the Governor wished to know why the United
States Government had sent Mr.. Harris to japan and
what his functions were:" Mr.. Harris-s'I am sent
by my Government to act as Consul General for the
same IN the empire Of Japan My duties are to look
after the rights OF those American citizens who may
nave commercial dealings with this country to pro
tect and care for the interests Of American seame in
this part Of the world and see that there is no in
fraction Of the laws Of Japan by the above, and to
act, in Short in the capacity of Magistrate or Gov
l do not know the secrets of my Government.
and want direct immediate reception. or a dismiss
SAL Goyernor-'The Government of Japan thought
it could take care of shipwrecked and admin
lister justice He could not see the necessity Of
Consul did not know that the United States was JUS
titled in sending one, and wished to know WHY one
had not been sent to Hakodade also. Had you not
better return with the Commodore ?" Mr.. HI
came out for both places, and Should circumstances
require it. would 20 there. shall not return with
the Commodore Cow But the distance Cto
Hakodade) Is very great as are also the obstacles to
/ >
the distance or difficulties are, | should 60. Gov
CTo Commodore Armstrong)-'What are your in
sstructions in this r?' Com My orders are
to see Mr.. Harris here and land him. That is one
part of my duty Gov Had you orders to use
force if the Japanese Government did not choose to
receive Mr.. Harris:'' CON-" Ny orders were to see
Mr. harris IS here and land him. That is part Of my
duty (Rather equiyocal) Gov Where are YOU
gong alter yon Leave simoda, and when do you
eayeE Com-"I shall go to Shanghai, and shall
leave when have landed Mr.. Harrs.'
tJaTa Il -aps,tt ,J11
eating and drinking, by invitation of the Governor
On the Sd Of September, Mr.. Harris left US o, good
on which occasion we manned the rigging and
cheered the ship. The Japanese Government have
located him III small fishing village called kakizaki
about three-fourths OF q mile from Simoda. This
say they, IS temporary arrangement. They have
fitted up Buddhist Temple for his abode, and he is
comfortably fixed no doubt, as far as quarters are
concerned. The difficulty with him viii he to get
enough to eat.
To-day, at s:l2 P. NJ, the American Consular flag
was unured for the first time in the mystical empire
of Japan. This was event of historic Importance
one Of which we may be proud as a nation
Another letter dated Oct. A, says:
l am obliged to give you additional news from
Japan which have learned since our arrival at this
port On the 18th of last month, H. NJ steamer Hor-
net arrived here from Nagassika for which port she
sailed on the 9th inst, with the London Jnly mail
She there found the English Admiral, with the squad
ron snugy at anchor in the inner hrbor of the city
where they had been for some days-a favor not ac-
corded to any nation for near two hundred years
except the Dutch and Chinese. l said accorded y
but it was done in this way The chain which the
japanese keep stretched the entrance to the
inner harbor, not having been let down. the Barra
conta-a steamer having the Tigue, one of H. N.
ships in tow-ran against it at full speed and broke
| it, much to the surprise of the Japanese
After anchoring the Tigue she went after the onIy
remaining ship of the squadron, and brought her
abreast of the town. The Admiral's mild and firm
bearing did wonders with the Japanese They seeing
what kind of man they had to deal with conceded
everything the Admiral asked for-his officers land
ing and roaming at will where they pleased They
found the Government officials most attentive and
civil, and their wants were supplied without the
slightest difculty-rather a contrast to last wears
visit when there were thirteen ships of war and thew
not permitted to land. think we can safely saw that
the great scarecrow, japanese excusiveness is no
present to the japanese Government, in the shape
OF paddle-wheel steamer.