The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-06-26
THE JAPANESE AMBASSADORS AND THE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE..

According 70 appointment, committee Of the Chamber
OF Commerce. consisting Of Mr. Perit, President Mr. Low
Vice President, and Mr. Homans Secretary, hAd con
ference Friday evening with the three Prince Ambassa
DORIS the Governor the Treasurer and two attaches acting
secretaries OF the Embassy The Japanese interpreter
and Mr. Portman the English interpreter present
the occasion.
After polite reception Of the committee on the part
the Embassy the latter commenced series OF inquiries
seemed 70 take lively interest
The foilown ing the topics introduced by the En-
bassy
l. A TO the nature and objects of the Chamber of Com
merce and whether II has any connection with the go
vernment
exported TO foreign counriesy
O. What were the duties on foreign importss
What discrimination, If any, h made between foreign
and citizens oi the United States duties charged
them on importstons nom sbroadf
Whether foreigners had the same privileges and terms
rs citizens In the purchase Of goods7
Whether the government Of the United States has the
right TO prohibit the export Of specific articles To other
4 whether the rates Of freight charged by American
vessels depended at al or affected by the longer
shorter duration OF the voyage
In reply 10 the inquiry 10 the price OF farm hands
and lsborers in Japan, the Information not
very definite but the inference drawn that the prices
were somewhat higher than in China.
Full given these and subordinate qucs.
tons and deep interest evnced the part Of the
Ambassadors the replies given especially as to the
magnitude OF the commerce of this port with China and
with other nations
In reply the questions propounded by the committee
the following the substance Of their remarks
That the mines Of gold, silver and copper in Japan
we're monopoly Of the government
That they rarely 80, out more copper than
cd for home use and occasionally only surplus exist
for export.
That the coal mines are owned partly BY the govern
mcni and partly by wealthy individuals
That there exist no appliances for working the coal
mines to any great depth
That the tea districts Of Japan were extensive and
that the production could be greatly increased II the
foreign demand required A.
That In Japan their preference was for green teas
and that they had some doubt whether the kinds tea
grown IN Japan would suit the American market
When Mr. Low stated that he had received samples
Of the Japan teas and that the qualities were approved
or The Ambassadors expressed their surprise plea
sure
Rice Is sbandantly cultivated In Japan, and forms
chief article of food The export j. generally pro.
vance prices and thus operate opfrssivciy the
mon people.
whether tea could be packed in the style Of the Chinese
With lining Il lead. thu, replied that they had head in
abundance, but II was not applied 10 such usc.
In reply to the question to the production Of raw
silk In japan observed that the cultivation for
hone s,i going on, and that the production
could be largely Increased trds with other nations Dc
msnded a.
A. the evening drew its closc, Il deemed ady
sable th,t detailed Of inquiries should be
presented IN writing to which the Committee Of tho
Chamber would make fali replies and also submit ques
tons their part, which would elicit information regard
ing the trade and resources Of Japan.
The Conversation was carried on through the don.
bic translaiicn by the japanese and English inter.
prefers and Of course occupied much time. and was
no, wanting in animation and the manifestation
OF good feeling. Each question propoundcd by tho
Japanese Was necessarily first translated into the
Dutch language and thence by Mr. Por,msn, the inter
prefer into the English language Tho committee feel
greatly obliged 70 Mr. rortman for his kind services On
the occasion.
After oordal shaking Of hands with the members OF
the Embassy the committee took their departure much
graf fed with the interview