Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-05-25
The American Consul. Genera, .. Ja,an

townsend Harris, Esq, the American Consul
General To Japan, is former New York mer-
chant, Of great skill and ability, and exten-
slvely acquainted with the customs, manners,
and many of the dialects Of the East. He had
passed several years in India China and many
OF the islands that dot the eastern seas and
Wss therefore considered by President Buchsn-
IN the fitting person 10 represent-under the
treaty made by Com. Perry with the Japar ese-
our country at Jeddo, and to negotiate a COM
mercisl treaty with Siam. This duty he per-
formed In a manner entirely acceptable To the
government, and his labors have already re-
snlted in important advantages to American
commerce. From a careful estimate made from
reliable Information, it has been ascertained
that the saving from tonnage duty alone on
American vessels engaged in that trade, in the
hISt two years after the ratification of the treaty
with Siam, had reached nearly the sum of a
quarter of a million of dollars
Mr.. Harris arrived at SimOda in Japan in
the month Of August, 1856 and Immediately
entered upon his duties as consul general His
first efforts were directed to obtaining some
notifications of the existing treaty under
which the Japanese would only receive foreign
coin at the rate of thirty-three cents on the
dollar, and In few months he ACCOMPLISHED
his nrst triumph over Japanese diplomacy
From this time Mr.. Harris steadily directed his
enorts TO extend his personal social relations
among the japanese. His success was remark
able Travellers from all countries have borne
their testimony to the wonderful skill with
which he had adapted his habits and tastes to
the peculiarities of the people among whom he
was to make his temporary home. Unaided
by any display Of military or naval power
isolated from all counsel and aid, he insratiated
himself 50 successfully with every grade of Of
hcial personages that he gradually won his way
to the capitol Of the Empire. His visit was
made upon the invitation Of the Emperor. and
MS progress from SimOda to Jeddo could only
a. q frrrnr Il
was Signalized by a remarkable event. He was
admitted to the presence of the Emperor
1hls honor had been denied to all foreigners
from time immemOrial, and has been conceded
to none since the interview with Mr.. Harris.
VINO remained for several months at Jeddo,
and while IN that city was treated by the Em-
perors own physician, as a mark of distin-
gulshed consideration This interview with
the Emperor was soon followed by the treaty
OF 1888, by which the Empire of Japan was
hnally and efectually opened to the commerce
of the civilized world.
By this important treaty was insured the
liberation of Christianity; liberty to foreigners
10 reside IN certain ports, to build churches
and worship God according to their creeds
without mOlestatiOn; and the abrogation of all
penalties against japanese who may embrace
Cnrlstlanlty In conformity with these pro-
Visions, the missions of the American churches
have already established stations in Japsp.
But the latest diplomatic triumph of Consul
Ieneral Harris remains to be noticed pro-
vision in the treaties of Japan with England
and Russia, which treaties were procured by
the especial and magnanimous intercession of
Mr.. Harris, stipulated that the ratifcations
were severally to be exchanged by embassies
from japan to the several countries interested
In tne result. Each of the foreign governments
entitled TO receive these embassies were natu-
rally solicitOus to be first. The British min
lster was especially earnest on this subject, but
his request was met by provision in a subse-
quent convention made with Mr. Harris, on
the 18th Of March, 1859, which provides that
mo embassy shall leave Japan for any foreign
nation before the mission bearing the japanese
ratification has arrived at Washington" Un-
der this stipulation the embassy is now here