Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1860-05-25
GistoriGal.
FIRST JAPANESE VISIT TO A
FOREIGN NATION.

The LateHigencer quotes from volume
by Mrs. Caddell entitled "A History Of
the Missions in Japan and Paraguay, +"
an account Of former embassy from
japanese princes to the Pope. 1t was
brought about by Father Valigan, Wis
general of the missions of Japan,
and consisted of "two young Princes,
Mancio Ito, nephew and representative
of the King of Bongo, and Michael,
(his new name as a convert, who went in
the name and under the authority of the
Kings of Arima and Omura. 70 these
were subsequently added two other no.
bles, none Of the four being more than
sixteen years of age, but wise and pru-
dent, as indeed their subsequent conduct
proved, beyond their years"
1t had been previously arranged that
in order to facilitate their journey, and
escape the observation of pirates, who
abouudedi in these unfrequented seas, they
should travel without any such train as
would otherwise have bclitted their rank.
Father Falignan, therefore, took only a
few Of their pages, with Jesuit father
and brother, to assist them on their voy-
age; and thus attended they sailed from
Nangasaki on the 25th Of February,
1882. X X
They were received Cat Goa) by the
Portuguese Viceroy of the Indies with
all imaginable courtesy and kindness
nor was this favorable feeling in their re-
gard confined in its exhibition to the pal
ace, for they were welcomed to the city
/ by universal public rejoicings. The arch
bishop showed them every fatherly atten-
ton in his power, and the jesuit fathers
sent deputation of their scholars to con.
graduate them on their arrival com.
pliment with which the young ambassa.
doris appear to have been particularly de.
lighted. The Viceroy himself selected
the best and strongest vessel which sailed
from Goa that year for their passage
and besides magnificent gold chain ant
reliquary which he presented to each, ht
placed three thousand crowns Ga mag
niicent outfit for that period at their dis
posal for the expenses of their journey
Their voyage to Europe proved as fortu
nate as that to the ludies had been tn,
contrary; and without any adventure
worth recording they cast anchor in tht
Tagus on the 10th Of February, 1884
just two years after their departure from
Nangasaki
Intelligence Of their approach hat
already been conveyed by one Of the fas
sailing vessels of the Indian fleet, am
Lisbon was prepared to receive them il
the most magnificent manner. From
motives Of prudence, however, Fatbe
Malignan had forbidden any public de
moDstration in their honor at first ant
worn out by the fatigue Of their lonl
voyage, the Princes themselves were glaC
to take refuge from all ceremonial in til,
protested house of the Jesuits. Thu
morning after their arrival they waitet
on Cardinal Albert, the governor of thu
kingdom, to whom they presented cal
of horn, fashioned in their own country
and richly set in silver The few follow
ing days were spent in examining all tina
was most superb in the way of churches
and palaces that the city could boast of
and then from Lisbon they went to Ebo
ra, to visit the Archbishop. Immense
multitudes focked hither 10 behold them
and when they entered the sacred build.
/ ing the whole congregation burst int
tears Of joy to see them bow down before
the altar, ambassadors as they were from
heather nation, and sent hither ia it,
name and at its bidding to acknowledge
before heaven and earth the universal
sovereignty Of the one true God.
The next point Of interest in theii
travels was Madrid. Philip ii received
them 10 the midst Of bis family, embra.
chg them ai1ectioDately, ard bidding his
children do the same. BY the Kings
orders, they we're then taken to see every
thing most worthy of notice in Madrid
and its enyirons, the Escurial, the arse
nal, the treasure-rooms, with their in
calculablo wealth Of jewels, &c; and on
their final departure for Italy Philip came
in person to take leave Of them at the
College. his royal muni6cence following
them even to the port from whence they
were to sail. their journey through the
! rect Of bis dominions being made entire.