New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-06-30


Whether the Japanese nation will derive from
the Embasiadorial visit to the United States just
brought to conclusion, all that enlightenment
which some of our enthusiastic journalists antici-
pate from it, may perhaps be doubted Do the
whole, the ambassadors and the people in their
suite have not enjoyed the best opportunities for
learning. They will leave us, we apprehend, with
rather confused ideas and hardly in state to con-
vey to their fellow-countrymen any very precise
notions on the subject of the great Republic.
Perhaps the extensive collection of presents and
purchases which they carry back with them, will
DO more than anything else to awaken the curiosity
oftheir fellow countrymen, and to arouse DISPOSE
ton for commercial intercourse with nation
which has 80 many things to sell and to give.
So far az relates to this matter of trade, it
is unfortunate, that among the attendants on
the Embassy there were no representatives of the
commercial class. Some Of the members OF that
class in Japan, as in China and India, exhibit
great skill and shrewdness in the management OF
their business, and acquire very large fortunes.
But, as in Europe during the feudal times, they
are considered as constituting an inferer Glass; and
have no weight in political point of view. Yet
the observations of one or two Japanese mer-
chants or shopkeepers might have been of more
value in the way of promoting commercial inter-
course than those of the whole Embassy as actually
| constituted.
There is no doubt that we should be able to sup
ply the Japanese with many thing they would like
well enough to have. The great difficulty on their
part is likely to be how to pay for theni-what to
furnish us with in exchange. 1t is suggested that
Japan produces both silks and teas, and that both
| these articles might be exported. 1t seems very
doubtful, however, whether in eitoer the japanese
could compete with China. In fact, silk goods
| from China have been for two centuries regular
article of import into Japan. II japan is not
able to supply her own wants in this natter, how
can she be expected to produce silks for export
With regard to teas, the power Of the Chinese to
supply the demand as it constantly increases
stands much in the way of getting up a
new tea trade from Japan, which at
| best would be only slow and gradual process
| Such trade as may grow up with Japan seems
likely rather to be carrying trade between her
p0fts ana tnO6e OF Sulna anu tnc OtncI uoBuUOIlug
countries, than direct commerce between her
and us.
But, though the actual trade to Japan should not
count for much, still many advantages may flow
from the communication opened with her. 1t is q
convenience to our whaling vessels to be able to
obtain supplies in her harbors and as her Shy ness
wears off, she may come to furnish them with
bands as well as with provisions.
The renewal of hostilites between the French
and English and the Chinese is rather an unfortu-
nate circumstance in the present apparently vacil
atirg ate Of the Japanese mind on the subject Of
foreign intercourse. The anti-intercourse party
will be apt to argue that if foreigners are ooce
allowed TO establish themselves in The country, the
same result from it may be expected there
apparent in China. And it mus! be confessed that
thus for no very great benefit seems to have
accrued to China from her extended intercourse
with foreigners.