The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1860-05-24
NO. 40.
The Japanese Embassy.

The first Ambassador is only thirty-fve
years old, though he looks like man of
forty y-five or fifty years The second Am.
bassador is all Of fifty-fve, and the Coun-
sellor Of about the same age. All arc
Princes, but not hereditary, and among
the most distinguished statesmen of the
empire. In their manners and bearing,
while there is visible selfrespect and
modest dignity, there could be nothing
more simple and free of self-conceit, dis
play and arrogance
Both of the Ambassadors are rather
tall and thin in form, with long and sharp
faces, and, as with all the japanese, of
dark complexion and jet-black hair, so far
as any is left by the barber, for they have
a singular fashion in dressing the hair, in
which the men eXpend as much care as
the women, and take as much pride and
pleasure in its neat and fashionable ad-
| justment All is shaved off to the very
skin, except around the temples, and low
| down in the back of the neck, from which
! it is brought up On all sides to the top of
| the head and fastened by string, and
then bent forward, well stifened with po-
matum, in queue about four inches long,
and Of the size of ones finger, and pointed
| forward over the front part Of the head,
which is left completely denuded of all
hair. They dress in silk robes, and wear
two swords at their sides, according to
universal usage with the higher classes.
No nation possesses so many elements of
the AnglO-Saxon mind as the Japanese
having the bump called gumption or COM
mon sense in large development, with lit
IL, l., h.
and impulsive-though their books, their
pictures and works Of art show they are
not wanting in taste and imagination.
Among the under-oficers are an artist
and historiographer of the embassy, who
are attached to the Ambassadors The
name of the artist is Yorsida Sagosage-
mon, whose quick and searching eye, with
a face kindled up with sensibility and be-
nevolence, at once indicates that he is 3
poet or painter. Matsmota Sannojio, the
historiographer, about thirty years old, IS
plain and sedate, thinking twice to speak
ing once He might be reckoned among
the philosophers, if we did not know he is
historian.
The doctors are all young men whose
heads are shaven to the quick, according
to the usage of the profession in Japan.
They are often taken for Buddhist priests
or monks, who observe the same practice.
Anatomy and surgery are utterly unknown
in Japan, unless within a few years past
the Dutch Doctor of Nagasak has sue
ceeded in communicating little knowl-
edge to some thirty pupils he has been
teaching under the patronage of the Gov
ernment; and in medicine little is done
beyond roots, and herbs, and charms.
These young doctors, though courteous
aud quiet, seem less intelligent and inquis-
tive than any class of their countrymen
; on board, and evidently command no res
pect from them. lad hoped to be able
to awaken some curiosity and induce them
to commence the study of English on
the long voyage, that they might in some
measure availthemselyes Of the advantages
to be derived from books and intercourse
with the profession in our country, and
5 20 back to Japan prepared to be the ben
| efactors of their race Correspondence o
the Ne1c York journal Of Commerce.