The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-03-01


be, from the bull-headed lueubrations of Cheva-
lier Webb
Japan and the Western Powers.
Our last news from Japan was not of very
satisfactory character. There was great stag
nation Of foreign trade, owing chiefly to Amerl-
can gold being rated by the Japanese at sixty
five cents per dollar, and silver itzabus. which
are really worth only thirty-three cents, being
estimated at forty cents. Such an ineouitable
arrangement with regard to the currency is In
itself an insurmountable drawback on the pur-
chase of Japanese wares, and the foreign mer-
chants out there have consequently to rely
more upon their imports than their exports
We, however, trust that very soon we shall
hear of an adjustment Of this vexed question.
by the agency of the late Embassy to this
country, the leading members Of which devoted
considerable attention to the subject, particu-
larry at the Mint in Philadelphia, where they
spent two entire days in witnessing the process
of assaying their various coins. There is no
doubt but that strong party exists in japan
hostile to foreign intercourse, and that ut pre-
sent the country is passing through a revolu-
tionary ordeal in respect of opening the empire
to intercourse with the Western nations. That
the liberal party will triumph in this age Of the
world is certain, but we are sorry to see that
the conduct Of the English Consuls at Jeddo
and Kanagawa has been such, both public and
private, as to give the conservatives fair ground
for good argument In their official capacity
these gentlemen have been extremely arbitrary
and obnoxious, and in private life they have dis
played libertinism which cannot be other
than reproach to the British nation. One Of
these has recently distinguished himself, not
only by the crime of seduction, but Of murder,
for he shot the father of the woman he had
wronged.
The recent exploits of the British
and French in the East are, however, working
such a prodigious effect upon the native mind
that the Japanese stand in ave. and are afraid
to say even bah to the British goose. In this
impression the visit of their oountrymen to the
United States cannot but confirm them for the
Japanese had here afforded them good idea
of the powerful machinery which may be
brought to play in modern warfare, and of the
small chance of deceiving or frightening rs
their canvass Notifications would possess. II
is quite possible, however, for foreign nations
to gain all the advantages Of trade with Japan
without resorting TO threatening policy or
invading the sanctity of Japanese homes, and it
is very discrcditable to do either, and will tend
more to prejudice the entire japanese commu-
nifty, but particularly the conservatives,
against us than anything else. II is
but poor victory If the West
takes advantage Of the weakness Of the East to
commit uncalled for offences against govern
ment and society there 1t is q good thing to
have power, but il is a still better thing not to
abuse it.
The Japanese, we observe, are contemplating
sending an Embassy TO England in the ensuing
summer, but they are for the moment at loss
for a vessel and crew to make the required
voyage. They have asked Mr.. Townsend Harris
if they can get either or both from the United
States Navy, but Mr.. Harris was unable to
answer SO unexpected a question. That, by
hook or by crook, the Japanese will send IN
Embassy to England, we, nevertheless, feel con-
WINGED, and that they will extend the compl-
ment to France and the other nations with
which they have executed treaties Is no
lees probable. They may perhaps adopt
the plan Of killing two birds. or more,
with tho one stone, and allow the Embassy
alluded to to make the round of the courts of
Europe. Such diplomatic excursion would
make the realm of the Rising Sun something
more than a nine days wonder, and very
likely set an example which would be followed
by the Cclcstials Of the great tea land. The
capture of Pckin has elevated Asiatic opinion
Of ''outer barbarans," and increased the pres
not have been able to negotiate the treaty she
did at the close of last year only for British
and French arms. II is the national failing Of
England, however, TO be aggressive rather than
conciliatory. John Bull is easily put into
high state of dudgeon and then he will listen
to nothing but the beat of the drum and the
lannon's roar. England and france have paid
The bill which has bought Russia her tract Of
what was few weeks ago Chinese territory,
and her advantages of communication with all
China; and, emitting the cost of entertaining
the shavcn-hcaded japanese, we shall gain
more in the East by the arts of peace than the
Allies have by rcsorting to war We look with
no jealous eye TO this proposed Embassy 10
Great Britain. The bamboo complcxioncd gen.
tlemen will doubtless be a source Of intense
curiosity, and an ample fund OF amusement
wherever they 60; and it Is to be hoped that
both the visitors and the visited will be the
better for the arrangement. f.
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