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. Romans, 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. Pcrtman, the English interpreter presen,
on the occasion
After polite reception OF the committee the part Of
the Embassy the latter commenced series Of inquiries
touching commerce. In the 10 which the Princes
seemed 70 take lively interest,
The following the topics introduced by the En-.
bassy
l. As to the nature and objects Of the Chamber of Com
merce and whether IL has any connection with the go.
vernments
exported 10 foreign countriesg
o What were the duties on foreign imporss
What discrimination, II any, Is made between foreign
citizens the United states duties charged
them on importstons from abroadf
whether Foreigners had the privileges and terms
citizens in the purchase Of goodsS
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 common lsborers in Japan the information
very definite but the inference drawn that the prices
were somewhat higher than in China.
Full given TO these and subordinate ques
tons and deep interest evnced the part the
Ambassadors in the replies given especially as to the
magnitude OF the Of this port with China and
with other nations.
In reply to the questions propoundcd by tho committee
the following the substance Of their remarks
L Ina, the mines Of gold, silver and copper Japan
were a monopoly OF the government
That they rarely got out more copper than want
cd for home use and occasionally only did surplus exist
That the coal are owned partly by the govern
meni and partly by wealthy individuals.
mines to any great depth.
That the districts Of Japan were extensive and
that the production could be greatly increased the
foreign demand required H.
That In Japan their preference was for green teas
and that they had doubt whether the kinds Of 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 we're approved
Of the Ambassadors expressed their surprise and plea
sure.
!; Rice IS abwdantly cultivated in japan, and forms
a chief article of food. The export j. generally pro.
vance prices, and thus operate opprcsivcl the
mon people.
whether tea could be packed In the style Chinese
with lining q lead, tho replied that they had lead in
abundance, but il was not applied TO such usc.
In reply TO the question tho production Of raw
silk In japan observed that the cultivate for
home stin going on and that the production
could be largely rtrads with other nations dc
msndcd u.
A. the evening drew near rs Close, Il deemed ady
sable tht detailed series Of inquiries should I've
presented IN writing, 20 which the Committee Of the
Chamber would make fun replies and also submit ques
tons part which would eci, Information regard
ing tho trade and resources OF Japan.
The conversation was carried through the dou
bic irapsat'on by the Japanese and English inter
prefers. and Of course occupied much time and was
not 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.. Pormsn the inter.
prefer, into the English language The committee feel
greatly obliged 70 Mr. Porman for his kind services On
the occasion.
After cordial shaking Of hands with the members Of
the Embassy, the committee took their departure much
yraiihed with the interview