The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-06-01
THE RECEPTION OF THE JAPA-
NESE BY THE PRESIDENT.
GORGEOUS AND IMPOSING CEREMONIAL.


morning, on their way to the Presidents
house: They rode in open carriages.
Twenty-6 five uniformed policemen were in
front, and the same number in the rear,
while the marines and ordnance men march
ed on each side of the vehicles to the music
of the Marine Band.
The chief Prince was arrayed in a rich
brocade purple silk sack, with ample over.
hanging sleeves, and trowsers of the same
color. The other two dignitaries were in
green, of similar texture and fashion. They
wore caps like ladies, inverted capes, fas-
tened on the crown OF the head by strings
passing under the chin. They carried pixies,
halberds and emblems of their rank. The
inferior officers wore small hats, consisting
of round band, with triangular crowns,
also tied to the head by strings under the
chin.
The prominent points were occupied by
anxious spectators, and the streets were
crowded with multitudes, following them to
the Presidents house.
Meanwhile, in the East Room had assem-
bled brilliant company, among whom were
the New York Municipal Committee, who
came hithe- to invite the Japanese to visit
that city.
Contrary to the programme and expecta>
ton, there was large attendance of ladies,
who accompanied the members of Com
gress and Others holding prominent public
POSITIONS.
The navy officers formed in line in the
East Room, prominent among whom was
Capt. Tatnall, while the army officers
formed another line, Lieutenant General
Scott being prominent, together with his
staff.
Between these lines was an open space
about twenty-five feet wide, to be the scene
of the grand presentation.
The interest was intense, and the usual
stir characterized the preliminary pro-
ceedings.
The folding doors were opened at noon,
when the President of the United States en-
tered, accompanied by the cabinet officers.
They took position on the east side, facing
to the west.
Secretary Cass retired to the ante-room
and returned with the Japanese Commits
sioners and their attendants, who made
several profound bows as they approached
the President and cabinet.
Then one of the japanese opened series
of paper boxes, one within another, and
produced several letters, which were handed
to the President, and by him to General
Cass.
The principal Japanese then addressed
the President as follows:
ADDRESS OF THE JAPANESE.
His Majesty the Tycoon has commanded us
that we respectfully express to his Majesty the
president IF tho tod toto in nc
follows:
Desiring to establish on firm and lasting
foundation the relations of peace and commerce
so happily existing between the two countries.
That lately the Plenipotentaries of both coun.
tries have negotiated and concluded treaty.
Now he has ordered US to exchange the rati-
fication of the treaty in the principal city of
Washington.
Henceforth he hopes that the friendly rela-
tions shall be held more and more lasting, and
will be very happy to have your friendly feeling:
That you have brought us to the United
States, and will send us back to Japan in your
man.Of.war.
Having delivered their message they re-
tired, bowling to the President and Cabinet
repeatedly on leaving their presence. They
soon, however, returned, bowling profoundly
as before, when the President addressing
them as follows, Mr.. Portman interpreted
to the Japanese interpreter, and the latter
communicating with the principal envoy:
REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
give you a cordial welcome as representa-.
tves of his Imperial Majesty the Tycoon of
Japan to the American government. We are
all much gratified that the first Embassy which
your great empire has ever accredited to any
foreign Power has been sent to the United
States. trust that this will be the harbirger
OF perpetual peace and friendship between the
two countries. The treaty of commerce, whose
ratifications you are about to exchange with
ductive of benefits and blessings to the people
both of Japan and the Unit ed States. l can
say for myself, and promise for my successors,
that it shall be carried into execution in faith
full and friendly spirit, so as to secure to both
countries all the advantages they may justly
expect from the happy auspices under which it
has been negotiated and ratified. I rejoice
that you are pleased with the kind treatment
which you have received on board of our yes.
sells of war, whilst on your passage to this
country. You shall be sent back in the same
manner to your native land under the protec-
ton of the American flag. Meanwhile, during
your residence amongst US, which hope may
be prolonged. so as to enable you to visit the
different portions of our country, we shall be
happy to extend to you all the hospitality and
kindness evidently due to the great and friendly
sovereign whom you so worthily represent.
The President handed them copy of his
address, and then shook hands with them.
The subordinate Japanese officers were
also brought in and introduced.
Captain Dupont was prominent in this
part of the ceremony.
The Cabinet officers were presented in
the following order Mr.. Cobb, Mr.. Floyd,
Mr.. Toucey, Mr.. Thompson, Mr.. Holt, Mr..
Black, and their relative official positions
briefly explained.
Lieutenant General Scott was next intro.
duced, and they warmly greeted him, evil
IDENTIFY delighted with his fine, commanding
appearance, and in view of his public posi-
ton.
General Cass asked for Vice President
Breckenridge, to introduce him. but be was
absent.
Speaker Pennington, as Speaker of the
House, was next introduced to the distin
guished visitors.
The Japanese again repeated their pro
found bows, when the impressive scene
closed.
General Cass privately said, referring tt
their ample trowsers, "that they would lool
better with hoops"
The crowd slowly dispersed.
The japanese returned to their hotel il
the same order in which thew went to tn