Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-06-12

ancient custom OF putttnB W uettn hhy ouo-
Iect who had visited any other country, and
have sent an Embassy to cultivate the friend
ship Of the United States, and our Govern
msnt and people are receiving them with
demonstrations so extravagant as to convince
them that our affections have been quite un-
occupied before we made their acquaintance,
and that they are the object Of our first love,
yet, to Japan, the opening Of intercourse
with foreign nations has been nothing but
the beginning Of troubles, which justify all
their ancient and traditional apprehensions
of danger, and must vindicate in the minds
Of the Japanese--if there were any doubts on
that score-their ancient policy Of seclusion.
Their treaty with the British has given an
opening TO the insolent and domineering |
spirit which characterizcs that nation in Its |
dealings with Oriental nations; forced con-
struetiong Of the provisions Of the treaty are
made, or the provisions are enforced IN the
harshest manner, so as to endanger collision |
with the people, which, the Japanese can
readily see, would be used as pretext for
new concessions, and for indemnity for the
past and security for the future. 1t Is proba-
bic that the approximations which these diff
culties with the British excited in the Japan
sse Government were the chief cause Of the
Embassy to the United States, from whichthey
may hope for alliance and protection against
England; and, by their reported comments, II
would seem that the great interest which they
manifest in all our military arms, arises from
their anxiety to provide means of defense
against the British. Our commerce offers
nothing desirable to the Japanese. Their
government has probably submitted to the
opening of intercourse with foreign countries
from the fear that it would be forced upon
them, and from conscious inability to resist
The measure was resolved upon in the face Of
the violent hostility of the people and ofa ma
jority of the hereditary princes; and the gov
ernment has TO contend at the same time
with the arrogant demands of foreign nations,
and with the prejudice of Its own people,
whose hostility against foreigners is ready to
break out against even the proper fulfllment
Of the treaties.
The signing of the American treaty with
Mr.. Harris excited general commotion, and
caused the disgrace of all concerned in the
negotiation, even down to subordinates. The
feeling among the majority Of the Damios,
the great hereditary princes of the empire,
was so violent that the lives Of the chief min
listers were in danger. This was appeased by
the dismissal of the ministers, but the new min
;stry found itself compelled by circumstances
to sign in succession treaties with most of the
great powers Of Europe, each more liberal
than its predecessor. 500 teJ 20 ''
The Japanese troubles reported in our
telegraph dispatches yesterday, were prob
ably caused by the question of foreign inter-
course. They must fll the Embassy with
lively apprehensions, and in that country,
where beheading or disemboweling seems
the least that can be done to mark any differ
ence of opinion or change Of policy, the re-
turn of the Embassy may simultaneously
terminate their official and their vital exis-
tence. 'I.f| ..ii fI.lt
One of the first of the blessings which the
Japanese derived from their treaties was q
cur ency question with the British Minister,
showing that currency questions belong to
progress in civilization. Provision was made
by the treaty that all foreign coins shall pass
current in Japan for corresponding weights
in Japanese coin, gold for gold and silver for
silver, and the Japanese Government agreed
to exchange with British subjects, Japanese
for British coin without discount for recoin-
age. The Japanese acquaintance with foreign
money was confined to the silver dollar.
This treaty contained kink that would de-
plete the whole nation of its specie without
exchanging adollars worth of its commodi-
ties. While gold in Europe and America
bears relative value TO silver Of fifteen to
one. In Japan it is legally current al
the rate of Eve to one. This answered
we'll enough 50 long as there was nc
foreign trade, or while it was confined
to barter; but now a silver dollar wher
exchanged for Japanese silver coin, gainet
three times its relative value for exchang,
for Japanese gold. The Empire woulC
have been swindled out of its gold in
short time, and then out Of its silver, fol
there was the same relative difference be.
tween silver and copper coins. The japanese
endeavored to modify their currency TO pre-.
vent this cheat This created great financa
disturbance at home and caused also, con
slant protests from the British Minister, whC
insisted on the sanctity Of treaties. This il
one of the frst impressions made on th'
Japanese mind, the blessings Of foreign in
tercourse and Of commerce with civilized
nations. The latest advices on this currency
question are contained in the following ex
tract from the British Minister, Mr.. AlcoclS
to Lord John Russell, dated November II
1859
"Our own people, and the foreigners gen
orally, utterly reckless of the future, inten
only on profting if possible, by the preser
moment to the utmost, regardless of our treat
les or future consequences, are tohol!y ef
gagged just noW in shipping of all the gold et1
reney Of Japan" Itft ttf ttlf
Besides this currency question, the jar
anese have had a contest with Mr.. Alcoc
on the manner of ratiiying the treaty, tn
British Minister insisting on performing
with the vcersmony Of marching guard
marines into the sacred precincts of the off
eial quarter, performances not only offensiv
to the japanese Government, but wbic
might involve them in serious difficulties 0
account of the prejudice ofthe people agaip'