The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-01-19
INTERESTING FROM JAPAN.

seas. commodore fOOte, OF inc y. o
| sloop-of-war Portsmouth, makes a volu-
minous report of his visit to Hakodadi, one
of the principal sea ports of japan. from
| which we copy the following interesting
! statement of that strange almost unknown
| country:
Agreeably to the orders of Commodore
Armstrong. Commander Foote sailed for
japan on the Goth of August and on the
9TH of September anchored near Vandalia
Bluff, in the outer harbor of Simoda. Sew
eral Japanese officers Of high rank went on
board, with the Governors respects and a
welcome to Japan. The American Consul
very good terms with the authorities.
A few days after their arrival Comman-
der Foote called ON the Governors Of Simo-
da, accompanied by the Consul General
and four ward-room officers, and was re-
ceived with great courtesy and apparent
cordiality. The japanese inquired, with a
good deal Of interest, how the President Of
the United States regarded Japan. They
China, it's cause and probable results, and
expressed the hope that the japanese would
some day visit America for the purpose Of
education and obtaining a knowledge Of
many things in which they confess their de-
fciency.
Commander Foote stated to the G ovarnors
that the American men of war would in
future visit japan more frequently. In
view of the efforts of the Consul General in
framing treaty with the Government, and
the prospect of being admitted to a confer
ence at Yedo, the frequent visits of a naval
force seem almost indispensable to success.
The japanese are evidently strongly i'm
pressed with our power. 1t is the frequent
display of this power, rather than its use,
which will secure to US commercial privi-
leges far beyond those hitherto accorded to
any nation.
The inner harbor is, according to the re-
port of Com. Foote, too small to admit of
more than FIVE or six vessels obtaining a
good anchorage. The outer harbor he con-
oidors wholly unsafe, a heavy swell is
continually setting from the Westward,
and great danger and Inconvenience is ex-
perionced in getting thence out to sea.
With the exception of rice and large
quantities of lacquered ware, Simoda offers
but little encouragement to trade. while its
confined harbor renders it of less value for
commercial or other purposes. The well
sheltered harbor of Osaea, the port of entry
for Wilaco, and for which consul Harris is
now regulating, ought, in the opinion of
Com. Foote, to be substituted for that of
Simoda.
1t appears that the coal at Simoda is
wholly supplied from the island of Kinsin,
near the town of Ragasaki. At the time
of the visit of the Portsmouth, there was a
supply On hand of about 1900 tons of
which the price is generally fraction
above Sc per ton. The quality is said to
be good and might prove equal to moder-
ate demand. A greater supply, at less cost
may be found at Nagasaki.
After remaining four days at Simeda,
commander Fsote set sail and reached
Kakodadi after a passage of five days. A
ately sent alongside by the Governor of the
city to ascertain who the new Corners were
and what they wanted. On being answer
ed, the officers expressed themselves salts
fed and went away. A few honrs after
ward Commander Foote, accompanied by
the American Consul General, Mr.. Rice,
called on the Governor and were received
with extreme courtesy. The Governor was
informed that the Portsmouth would need
supply of fresh beef every tive or three days
but answered that such thing could not
be done, since it had never been done be-
fore. He was, however. brought to terms
by the decided action of Commander Foote,
and promised to supply bullecks whenever
they were needed. The Governor soon
returned the call of Commander Feete, and
seemed delighted with all that he saw.
The Bay of Kakodadi is spacious and
easy of access. The harbor is completely
land locked, is about twelve fathoms deep
and will contain two hundred sails. The
anchorage is perfectly secure at all times
These advantages, combined with the
healthiness of the climate, the means of OBJ
tanning supplies. and the kind disposition
of the people render Kakodadi a most de-
sirable station for a man of-war while, its
position as to California, its importance to
Russia large trade is opening with the
Amoor river, the mineral wealth of the
island Judging from the quantity ofcopper
used in fastening and ornamenting the junks
and more especially from the samples of
Kako kodadi J added to the coal mines of the
vicinity. together with the general resources
of the country. make it worthy, according
to Commander Foote'S report, of censidera-
ton not only as place of resort of our
men-of-war aad whaling ships, but also
an auxiliary depot for government stores.
Since the arrival of the American Com
mercial Agent, Mr.. Rice. at kakodadi in
May last, four American wbalers and five
merchant vessels have anchored in the har-