Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-05-23
THE JAPANESE EMBASSY.


The Princes are of pleasant and intelligent
appearances. The First ambassador is per-
son of middle age, with countenance indi-
eating dignity beyond all affectation, and the
highest refinement. The others are of less
distinguished mien, but all thoroughly agree
able in expression. Their manner of dress is
very similar The hair is shaved from all
parts OF the head, excepting the sides and
back, from which it is gathered in long bands
to the crown, and there fastened with white
string, leaving lock three or four inches
long, which is stifened with oil, and brought
forward to the forehead, where it rests They
wear silk or Grape under-coats, of various
hues, looser robes of the same material, and
mostly blue, being thrown and folded over
them In their belts of Grape thew wear two
swords, one short, (the barrikarri sword, which
no piebeian can make use of } the other longer
These weapons are Of finer steel than is else
where made, and are borne in neatly-wroupht
scabbards of thick skim inlaid with Ornaments
OF gold and jewels. Their trowsers are yery
wide and short, descending only to within FIVE
or SIX inches of the ground, and are made of
SIX, which Is sometimes covered with beauti-
fully embroidered figures of birds and flowers
These trowsers are held up by a fat braid
which rests in the small of the back, and
around which the Grape belt passes. Upon
their feet are white cloth coverings. half sock
half gaiter, closely fitting, and fastened by
cords. Their sandals are of straw. and are
composed of small fat mating for the foot,
ana two cords, one passing over the instep, the
other between the large toe and its neigbbor-
which serve to keep it in his place Another
article which may almost be considered an in
separable part of the dress, is the pine. which
he carries IN the back part of the belt and
which Is brought into very frequent. though
not long sustained use. Three whiffs are the
extent OF japanese indulgence in this luxury
The princes, and most Of the higher officers.
wear watches purchased from the Dutch For
pockets they use part of their flowing sleeves
and the front of their robes above the belt the
customary occupation of which by goodly- sized
packages gives the wearers a protuberance of
stomach quite accountable at first sight The
dresses OF the officers of lower grade are simi-
larly fashioned, but not so rich in texture or
color. Their coats are all marked with the
stamp OF the particular prince whom thev
serve. Some of these attendants have adonteS
leather shoes and slippers, which they found at
Honolulu and San Francisco, and are rather
favorably disposed to the change. The ia
panese have with them, also, certain articles
of wearing apparel which they seldom use
hats of straw and lacker, and overcoats made
OF stout paper, thickly painted, which are quite
durable, ana which are sold in Japan for about
seventeen cents apiece.
Of the courtly and gentle manners of the
japanese ambassadors it is impossible to speak
in too high terms. A perfect grace and suayity
seems to control not only their own movements.
but also those of all who accompany them. II
was not over pleasant to contrast their demeanor
with that of very considerable number of the
Americsns with whom they came in contact
during the last hours of their long VOYAGE.
Rough words and coarse illusions copcerninu
them appeared more rough and coarse from the
unvarying delicacy which they showed We
sometimes hear doubts as to the possibility of
interchange of valuable commodities between
the United States and Japan A few of their
best-informed Turveydrops to impart to us the
secret of their national courtesy, wneld be an
importation which We should find difficulty in
reciprocating.
Their intercourse among themselves is ALWAYS
scIupulously polite. When high officials of
equal rank approach or take leave of one
another, the formal salute is never omitted. In
conversing they take special care to pronounce
the entire name and title of the person thew
address: Their tone is always very moderate.
and never rises to dispute. The relations Of
the inferior officers are different. and are
clearly defined Their obeisances when their
princes pass, near, or address them, yery pro.
found. This is point that is never relaxed
Sometimes the subordinates completely pros-
trate themselves, but even this appears to be
accompanied by no sense of humiliation.