The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-12-07
THE AMERICAN CONSUL AT YEDDo.
Tile Jugglers Of Japan.

is writing series ofintcresting letters the Phla
delphia Ledger from Japan. In his last he gives
an interesting account Of the first interview of Mr.
Harris, United States Consul at SnIoda with the
Emperor Of Japan at 1eddo, the imperial capitol.
He says:
The manner in which Mr. IT. and his secretary
went to Yeddo is interesting. The Emperor sent
him body guard OF 120 men, and had comfortable
houses put along the road for him to pass the
nights in He also sent him large sedan chair,
carried by II bearers, and 50 rcomy that he put
mattress into it and reclined at full length when
he was tired of sitting 1t is only about 10 miles
from this place to Yeddo, but the country is so
rugged; and the roads 50 Lad the first part of the
way, that they were seven days in accomplishing
the distance Every night they stopped at one of
the comfortable houses which had been prepared
crjressly uon his account and after early break
fast, resumed their road. Upon arriving at
Yeddo, they were lodged in the most commodlous
quarters treated with the greatest respect and at
tenton, and granted interviews with the Empe-
ror. The reader is of course aware that every
one, who has heretofore approached the Emperor,
has been required to do "pon his h"ees. This
custom they were determined to adhere to In the
present case; but. somehow or other, it had never
before been so difficult to "bell the cat" Who
was to speak to Mr. Ii H- about 1t Z" that was the
question: Finally japanese Douglas stepped Tor
ward and offered to brace his huge shoulder to the
cd man in Japan; but then he upon the most
intimate terms of both social and political lntere-
course with ''the American Legation" lie there
fore called upon Mr. Ii. and commenced the attack
by begging that he would not be offended at what
he was going to say.
"Certany notv' says that gentleman But he
has an inkling of what is coming; and look OF
sudden and unusual gravity causes Douglas to
tremble Instead, therefore Of broaching the sub
bo borC hat FIXcollcncV
not be offended at something which he, Doug
las, has been oydrrcd to say" and then-couehs,
and looks behind him.
"Certainlv not!' and an increase of gravity in
the Consular face Corresponding increase OF
nervousness on the part OF Douglas. Grand tab
leau, in which the American eagle is supposed to
dominate. Final desperation of Douglas, and out
! bursting of the secret.
Mr. Harris listened quietly and kindly to all he
had to say, and then replied with his usual judg-
| ment and frmness of manner He told him that
| he was anxious to do everything that was consls-
tent with self Prospect to do honor to the Emperor
but that this thing was out Of the question, and
had better not be referred to again. ''Were Nippon
to send Minister to my country" he sald "he
might approach our President i'll any manner he
saw fit. lie might kncel and knock his head
AGAINST the foor or he mi ght low to HIM and
shake hands There we allow every one perfect
liberty; and it is bat right, therefore, that L be
allowed the same here"
"Very we'll ! Very wei! " replied Douglas, half
apoloseticay. And thus settled this question
'.tor !" remarked MIR Il.
Mr. Harris speaks most Interestingly Of the feats
of the iugglcrs, and Of the theatres Of Yeddo, as
well as of the extensive stores. He says that the
Prince of Cnano (Cinano no-kami) to whose par
ticular care it seems the Emperor confded his COM
fort and amusement, fancying that ho was having
dull time in the immense house that had been ap-
propriated to him, called up some of his Jugglers
to perform before him and help him pass 1t. One
of them was the "Anderson" of Japan-hIs feats
were so wonderful that I am almost afraid to write
them. wish it distinctly understood therefore
that | am only repeating whot Mr. H"7T'S totd as
and rtut are consequently JcEicre. Here are some
of his featS:
No. l. He took an ordinary boys top spun it in
the air caught it on his hand, and then placed 1t
(st spining) upon the edge of a sword near the
hilt Then he dropped the sword point little and
the top moved slowly toward IT. Arrived at the
very end the hilt was lowered in turn and the tol
brought back As usual, the sword was danger
ously sharp.
No. was also performed with the top. lle
snun it in tic air. and then threw the end O
the string back toward it with such accuracy
that it was caught up and wound itself already
for a second cast. BY the time it had done th
it had reached his hand and was ready tor another
spin. IT.,
No. 3 was still performed with the top. There
was an upright rolc, upon the top OF which wa
perched little house with very large iron
door The top spur, made to Climb the pole
knock open the said front door, ard disappear
4 As we'll as remember the hand end OF the strinE
was fastened near the door 81 that this was almos
a re, ctition Of the sc!t-w,ntiIng feat.
But feat No i was something even moro aston
isbinr than all this He took two paper butter
= flies. armed himself with the usual paper fan
threw them into the air, and tanning gently, KEEP
them f1vine about him as if they had been alive
> Gle can make them alight whenever you wish
: Try him - remarked the kani iprince) throuG
the Interpreter.
d Mr. H-re requested that one might alisht upo
5 each ear of the juggler. No sooner expresse
, than complied with. Gentle undnlatons OF tn
:, fan waved them slowly to the required points, an
there left them comfortably seated. Now, whethe
this command over pieces of paper was obtalne
: simrlv bv currents of air, or by the power OF
concealed magnet, Mr. H could not tell or az
certain One thing, however, was ccrtain-h
a pOIrer Herc.
Of Let us turn from iugglcrs to theatres 1t seen
that there are only four of the latter IN eddo an
- = that they are all alongside of each other Henc
~ if a japanese on the edge of the city, wishes
1t attend one of them. he must take some foot exc
e else before being able to do So say that he mu
I'd walk. for no one but the princes in Japan ae a
lowed to ride as general rule, and they ''''tS "a
L IL.