Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1860-06-01

Although, says the Philadelphia In
aairev, our Washington correspondent
has been unable thus far to obtain any
copies of the japanese dispatches to
their government . gentleman Of this
city has been fortunate to obtain the
| sight Of friendly letter Of one of the
commissioners to an acquaintance 10
Niphon. Uuder promise to conceal the
name Of the writer, he has been author
lied TO publish it, and has kindly placed
it in our hands. We insert it below:
Faox rus sAcakD Cnr o. " Asmsosos.
Most Esteemed Hakodadi:-We
have been invited to visit next in order
the great city of Philadelphia, or, "the
place consecrated to fraternal Affection y
the capital of the province which is the
firth place of the American Tycoon.
Our reception. we are informed, will be
attended with the most august ceremo-
| MES that the city ever offers to its most
distinguished guests. The CounciImen,
after examining our credentials, have
decided to place us on footing with
''the most favored foreign Fire Compa-
MES.
The details Of our reception by the
American Tycoon you have in my for
mer letter. He is called, not Tycoon,
but "President," sometimes, however,
BY strange analogy Of language, "oId
COON" | at first thought this an at
ten pit to pronounce our japanese phrase,
but am assured it is strictly idiomatic,
and implies astuteness and age. 1t Ger
tainly seemed applicable TO the head Of
the nation who received us.
We find it very difficult to comply
with the demands Of our sovereign, for
bidding us to touch the women of this
country. Not from any disposition on
our part to disobey, but from their de-
sire 10 seize us by our hands. They arc
appal emily allowed here the greatest
freedom, but it is only 10 appearance.
Every woman, married or single, is fast
ened 10 a cage Of bamboo or flexible
steel, extending from the waist to the
feet. This seems to be 80 arranged as
to give them no uneasiness, but they
are ashamed Of it, and conceal it under
SO many coverings that it renders their
appearance quite ludicrous. They are
unrestricted as to the upper part Of their
persons, which they are permitted to
expose as much as they wish. This they
seem to avail themselves OF, and on all
occasions of high ceremony wear very
low dresses. AS in all barbarous nations
they slit their ears and suspend from
them ornaments Of gold and silver.
They also paint and powder themselves,
and after greasing their hair, twist it into
fantastic shapes, aud fasten it up with
long pins and combs. Some Of them
would be fine-looking, if they did not
dlsfgure themselves by the hideous aud
vulgar custom Of wearing eyebrows and
keeping their teeth white. BE assured,
therefore, that we are in no danger OF
being captivated by their appearance !;
we feel nothing but regret that the bar
barous ard absurd customs of man
should thus destroy The charms which
cultivation and refinement would so
much improve.
Nothing strikes MS so much as the
want IF respect these barbarians show
even to their highest dignitaries; they
never hesitate to spit before them, and
Il requires considerable activity to pre-
vent being spat upon at all times. The
custom of wearing one sword, it seems,
originated from this cause, as it enables
you to avoid with greater facility the sa-
Iva of your neighbor. Chewing tobacco
is much priced, it seems, from the saliva
it produces, which is preserved, when
possible, in handsome vaces ct porce-
lain, and placed in prominent positions.
None of the Inhabitants do reverence
by crawling on their bellies, except
after the election of a new Tycoon,
when those in search of office come to
the central city and perform that ceremo-
ny. Those who are fortunate enough
to meet with honor from the Tycoon
seldom walk uprightly during their
whole term of office. The unfortunate
applicants become at once censors or
spies upos the others, and their silence
has to be bought at high price. All
public servants have their price, which
rises or falls according to the necessities
of the Tycoon. But shall reserve my
reflections on political topics till l have
another opportunity to address you.
Until then, rest in peace.