Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-01-09
From The Friend of China, Oct. 81.
INTERESTING FROM JAPAN.

INTERESTING FROM JAPAN.
A United States Convention Nth Japan-Consul
General Hurris and our Trade in the East
UNITED STATES CONSULATE GENERAL
SIMoDA, Japan, July 6, 1857.
SIR-I have the honor to transmit. for your in
formation, copy of a convention that have made
with the Japanese. 4....5.t,
It is proper that should inform you that the re-
lative value of gold and silver quite different
in Japan to what they are in other parts of the
world
In the United States the relative value of gold to
silver is l to 16, but in Japan it is to 18th,
so that although the Japanese give the same weight
of their gold coin as the foreign coin they receive
yet, owing to the difference of relative value, loss
Of more than 70 per cent. foreign gold, as
compared with silver.
To illustrate the operation of the third article of
the convention, would state that where Americans
heretofore paid 500 in silver they will now pay
$34 Ia
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
TOWNSEND HARRIS.
To JAMES KEENAN,, Esq,
United States Consul. Hong Kong
For the purpose of further regulating the inter
course of American citizens within the empire of
JAPAN and after due deliberation, Townsend Harris,
Consul General of the United States of America
within the empire of Japan, and Inowouye, Prince
of Sinano, and Nakamoera, Prince of Dewa, Gov
errors of Smoda, all having full powers from their
respective governments, have agreed on the follow
ing articles, to wit
Art. l. The port of Nangasaki, in the principally
of Hizeu, shall be open to American vessels, where
they may repair damages, procure water fuel, pro-
visions, and other necessary articles, even Goals,
where they obtainable.
Art 2. 1t being known that American ships COM
ing to the ports of Simoda and Hakodade cannot
have their wants supplied by the japanese, it is
agreed that American citizens may permanently re-
eide at suruda and Hahodade aud tho eo-orns.e"t
of the United States may appoint vice consul to
reside at Hakodade.
This article to 60 into effect on the 9TH day of
July, 1858.
Art. g. In settlement Of accounts the value of the
money brought by the Americans shall be ascer-
tanned by weighing it with Japanese coin (gold and
silver itsebues)-that is, gold with gold, and silver
with silver; weights representing Japanese coin
may be used after such weights have been carefully
examined and found to be correct.
The value of the money Of the Americans having
been thus ascertained the of six per cent. shall
be allowed to the Japanese for the expense Of re-
coinage.
Art. f. Americans committing offences in Japan
shall be tried by the American Consul General or
Consul and shall be punished according to Ameri-
can laws. ...
Japanese committing offences against Americans
shall be tried by the Japanese authorities and pun
shed according to japanese laws.
Art 5. American ships which may resort to the
ports of Slmoda, Hakodade, or Nangaski, for the
purpose of obtaining necessary supplies or to repair
damages, shall pay for them in gold or silver coin,
and if they have no money goods shall be taken in
exchange.
Art. 6. The government of Japan admits the
right of the Consul General of the United States to
20 beyond the limits of Seven Ri, but has asked him
to delay the use of that right except in cases Of
emergency, ship-wreck, &C., to which he has as
sented.
Art 2 Purchases for the ConsulGenera or his
family may be made by him only or by some mem
Der Of his family, and payment made to the seller
for the same, without the intervention of any ia
panese official and for this purpose Japanese silver
and copper coin shall be supplied to the Consul
General.
Art g. As the Consul General of the United States
of America has knowledge of the japanese langu.
age nor the Governors of Simoda a knowledge OF
the English language, it is agreed that the true
meaning shall be found in the Dutch version OF the
articles 80
Art g. All the foregoing articles 60 into effect from
the date hereof except article q which shall 60 into
effect on the date indicated in it.
Done in quintupcate leach copy being in English,
Japanese and Dutch) at the Goyosso of Simoda, on
the 18th day of June, in the year of the Christian
era, 1857, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the s1st, corresponding to- the
fourth year of Ansei, Mi, the fifth month, the 18th
day, the English version being signed by the Consul
General of the United States of America, ard the
Japanese by the Governor of S;moda
TOWNSEND HARRIS.