The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1860-04-21
The Japanese Embassy.

ers, who complain of the decline of viz
tue, the prevalence of corruption, and the
extinction of patriotism, yet no one who
takes an enlarged view of passing events,
can help acknowledging that humanity is
gradually approaching a higher plane of
existence, and is leaving behind many rel
les of barbarism that have hitherto inter-
fered, materially, with its progress. While
it is true that many abuses yet remain that
need correction, and that still .
ssMan's inhumanity to man
Makes countless thousands MOURN
We can, nevertheless, point out clearly the
mile-stones that mark the progress of the
age. -e A'itG ..,.r
One of the most cheering evidences of
the correctness of this position is furnished
by the Embassy now on its way from Ja-
pan to Washington. For ages has that
highly -favored isle been closed against all
foreigners; its people unknown; its civili-
zation not appreciated, and its mechanical
ingenuity almost entirely neglected. Every
attempt that was made to form an acquaint-
ance and open commercial relations with
this isolated community, was coldly repuls-
ed, and only seemed to increase the tenacity
with which it held 70. its old customs and
ceremonies. Unmindful Of Northumberland
in the mighty improvements and changes
that were going on in the world around
them; not caring to participate in the bene-
fits likely to accrue from the introduction
of these improvements among their people
the japanese refused to disseminate the
knowledge they had gainedin those Particu-
lar departments of industry for which they
have become justly celebrated.
For ages, tie little oyster-like island was
undisturbed. The nations of Europe, busted
with the discovery, exploration, and Poop
ling of the wilds of America; the discus
sion of political theories, and the establish
ment of new systems of government; the
opening of new and the enlarging of old
channels of trade-paid but slight attention
to the selfish little community.
But in the noon of the Nineteenth centu-
ny, the question arises and is freely discuss
ed: "What right has a nation or commu-
nifty to refuse to have any intercourse with
other nations2 What right have they to be
unsociable and unfriendly2' Discussion
with an energetic people like our own, al
ways results in action. Theories are prompt
ly tested by practice. Consequently several
ships of war were soon on their way across
the ocean to ascertain Why the Japanese re-
fused to hold commercial relations with
our own and other nations Of the earth
Some of the more startling improvements of
the age-such as telegrapIls aud locomotives
Were placed on board the fleet 10 demon
strate to the islanders the great improve
ments of which they We're depriving them
selves by their selfish aud foolish course.
As was to be expected, an entrance to
the island was effected, an acquaintance
with its people formed, and an exchange of
the commodities OF the two nations consum-
mated. A commercial treaty was drawn up !;
Embassy is on its way to visit our country,
composed of some of tLe principal citizens
of the island, bearing with them, as
the intelligence from California Informs us,
a vast number of costly presents for our
Government. This Embassy is well pleased
with the attentions shown them, and avora-
bly, disposed toward us. The generous and
enthusiastic manner with which they will
be greeted, wherever they land in this
country, can not fail of having a proper in
fluenee upon the minds of the Embassy, the
members of which will return to their coun-
try thoroughly convinced Of the power as
we'll az friendly disposition of the United
States. asa A
Thus, without the shedding of one. drop
of blood, have we found our way to the
heart of kingdom, shut up for ages to
such enterprises, and initiated a commerce
that will be of incalculable benefit to both
nations. @a
Forming commercial relations with Japan
and China, constitutes the redeeming fea-
lures of Mr.. Buchanau's Administration,
and will be about the only measure to which
its friends can point with any feelings Of
pride esa .H.a.s'