The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-04-07

etter sheet, may be obtained at our counting
room.
More than two centuries have elapsed since
japanese ambassador was accredited to re-
present his government at the capital Of
any foreign State. For all that length of
time Japan has been sealed to foreign COM
merce with the exception of some traffic with the
Dutch, who were permitted TO build a small trad
ing factory at Desima, and to freight two vessels
annually Living thus isolated from all the rest
of the world, the people of Niphon Kin SIN, Sit
Kokf and of the innumerable smaller islands ad-
jacent, which together constitute the Empire of
Japan, have lived wholly within themselves and
upon their own material sources. But owing to
the course of events in Eastern Asia, and to the
interchangeable exertions of Mr. TOWNSEND HARRIS
the whole policy of the government with respect
to foreign intercourse, has undergone a complete
revolution. Liberal treaties have been formed with
the UNITED STATES, and with England, France, Hol-
land and Russia. Certain ports have been thrown
open 10 trade and the Christian religion is no longer
placed under an interdict subjecting those who
avow themselves believers in its doctrines TO
torture and TO death. Another step has also
been taken in the direction of progress and in the
interest of Western civilization which is still more
remarkable. When Lord ELGIN asked the Chinese
Commissioner-in-C Chief at Tien-tsin whether he
would be willing to head an embassy to the Court
of st. James, the tenor Of the reply left no hope
that any representative of the Flowery Land
would ever be permitted by his Imperial master TO
kiss the hand of Queen VICTORIA. Even the
japanese officials, when a similar question was
put to them by the English Plenipotentiary,
gracefully excused themselves from undertaking
SO long a voyage. But, Notwithstanding "their
'prodigious respect for rank, !" they have yielded
to an American citizen that which they refused to
Scottish Earl. The japanese Embassy, with
its customary adjuncts, consisting of official spies,
secretaries, draughtsmeu, and numerous retinue,
is now on its way to the United States.
The visit is, no doubt, very complimentary;
but we fear that it will prove not little embar-
RAISING. Sharper contrasts there could not be
than between our habits, manners, customs and
political institutions and those of Japan. Fancy
three lemon-colored Asiatic princes traversng our
public streets, habited in loose thin robes of dark
blue silk, fastened by a silken grdle over loose
pair of trowsers of lighter color, but of similar ma
two swords with richly ornamented belts On the
right, a copper ink bottle and pen holder, and
quaint tobacco pipe and pouch. Imagine, also,
each robe figured like the Tabard of an ancient
Herald, with the armorial bearings which symbolic
the rank of each grandee; upon the head palm
leaf hat upon the feet slippers of rice straw and
then reflect upon the sensation which such strange
ly attired visitors will create, and the crowds by
which they will be followed and josted. When
we consider, too, how sensitive the japanese no.
hles are in matters of etiquette; and how fastidl.
Gus they are upon some points, which being national
habits with pass almost without remark,
are at loss to know how our government will
be able to prevent lis guests from being subjected
to what they have been accustomed, in their own
land, TO regard as gross ndignies, or from
doing things themselves which in Japan involve
no breach of good manners, but which with us are
classed among improprieties. To spit in the
presence of a japanese is Of those grave Of
fences for the commission of which no subsequent
apology can adequately atone; whilst to battle in
public is in his opinion not only cleanly habit
but that is also perfectly correct and decorous.
How shall we recon Gle these differences? 1t
might be possible to induce a Japanese Prince to
take his bath in private; but it would be resented
as an Infringement Of the liberty of an American
sovereign to interdict him from splitting any
where he pleases. We do not know whether the
numerous attendants who are to accompany the
Embassy will tie up their noses as people of their
class usually do when at home but if they had
reason for this practice in the clearly streets of
Yedo they would certainly feel justified in contn-
uing it while passing through the dirtier
avenues of some of our large commercial cities
The use of this lgature is said, however, to add
nothing to the natural beauty of that
important member of the human face
Under any circumstances, it will be, TO
American eyes, an odd and picturesque assem-
blage and will attract a good deal of popular
curiosity. IF the deputaon conforms to the
customs of Japan, shall have ambassadors
whose robes independently of the strangeness of
the costume, are blazoned with the insignia of
their rank; subordinate officials wearing outer
garments of subdued color, but stamped with
the Government mark, somewhat approxmating
in shape to the trefoil; and n numerous retinue,
some carrying on long poles the ''ensigns armo-
rrial'' OF the noble families whose dependents
they are and others bearing, in lacquered portman
teaus, the inevitable umbrella without which no
japanese gentleman of rank ever ventures abroad.
Upon what viands we shall feed some sixty or
seventy Asatics, whose principal diet from time
immemoral has been fish and vegetables is ano
Their delicate point. Of the taste of mutton they
know nothing, pork they despse; roast pig
which ELLA has so quantity immortalized-is ut
terly unknown in their catalogue of dainties; the
tons to their palate; milk they never drink; but
ter they never use, and of the multitude of made
dishes, in which French cookery delights, they are
wholly ignorant Happily, they have acquired re-
GENTLY under the genial tuition of American
and English officers decided taste for sugar-cured
hams and champagne. Of pastry, too, they are
inordinatel fond. So that with fowls and rice,
fish and pastry they will not be really in
any danger of suffering either from hun
ger or thirst, notwithstanding the carte presents
but limited list of delicacies. But whenever
the members of this the first embassy from the far
shores of Eastern Asia that ever was accredited to
a nation upon this Continent, shall make their APP
pearance; whether they come in broadcloth or in
silk; with swords and banners, parasos and ink
bottles, or without them; we trust that they will
for, in the language of Mr.. OLIpHANr, transferred
in its application TO the UNITED STATES, and slight
ly modified; at would be well to remember
''that, while we have achieved great result in
"thus opening to the world prosperous and
"happy community, we have also incurred seriou:
obligations towards them, and are bound not to
'take advantage of their ignorance and nexperi.
fence in their dealings with western nations We
''can only hope to commend civilization tc
''them, or to those whom they represent, by
maintaining a high moral standard in our social
Commercial, and political intercourse"
- The News FRoM EURoPE.-By the arrival of tn,
49, steamer Kangaroo at New York yesterday, W,
have highly important news from Europe Tn
question of the annexation of Savoy to Franc
has been definitely settled by France and Sardini
hat affor A a