The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-02-12
Our Frigate Niagara Correspondence.

UNITED STATES STEAMSHIP NIAGARA,
SKA, JAPAN, Nov. 30, 1850
Noa,ear vieao Of he City of Jedo-7ae Reception Of
the Bn6ussy--7he appearance Of the Srrts-Duies Of
he Press-The Lodgings and Meals Of III: Anefean'-
The Tyoors Pauace-Intresting Ceremony at the Regents
PaJace-Ths Banque-The Vices Of the Japansss- Their
Pubic AmuSeraents-Rem1rks heir Hiaory AMI Coz
ernment, dc,
What We saw and heard during weeks residence in
the city OF Jeddo shall relate with all the fidelity and
exactness which peculiar to Mariners nduging as
little In flight Of the imagination the novel aud inter
esting scenes which may describe will possibly Per
nit AT an early hour OF cold and cloudy day In tho
month Of November, left the ship, and after long
and strong pull in one OF best boats passed be
tween the forts and landed at the government stars
where officials with two swords in attendance to
conduct quarters provided by the Tycoon and
which were the same recently occupied by Lord Elgn
and suite As in this country there hotels travel
lers entirely dependent the hospitality Of their
friends in whose private houses they entertained or
else n the apartments Intended the purpose which
are attached to each Of the temples.
Passing rom the landing TO the Keogee Temple, we
but little to attract notice, save the numbers Of the
most hdeous aud rcpusve black tee,hcd women, with
children before behind their backs and not there in
short everywhere dogs OF the most NANCY and wodsh
appearance who gapod, and stared, aud howIed, and
showed their teeth and would, doubtless have bitten
but for The attendant officials whose power they do
not fail 70 recognise onward went through streets
narrow muddy and odoriferous until arrived at the
temple gate which opened aud entered the sacred
precinct Tho grounds neglected and the buildings
diapidated, but artisans busly al work. renovang
and improving The destructive influence ofagc however,
forbade the idea OF perfect restoration Honored riches
IN this hcathen fame occupied by Amida and Ten
sio da zen the god and goddess whom the Niphoncse
particulariy delight to worship. The altar was sur
rounded with votivo offerings evidences Of The piey
pentcnce Of the true believers, while the Bones IN
monotonous cadencos chanting the Liturgy OF Bu iht
Many OF the rites and services recalled the cerem )ues
Of the Papsl church. although It s said they boast
much higher antiquity. Prayer by Ipoxy gives employ
numberess priests, and from w's~t we saw and
heard during weeks residence In temple grounds We
hould infer theirs not life OF nglorous
Their polite and courteous they m tncsssi
great pleasure in showing their temple and on leayiag
presented us with book containing the history OF taT
iavorite god and goddess
After this visit we we're introduced 20 our lodgings.
which, II not magnificent destitute OF comforts,
which pertook o. mixed American and japanese charac-
ter. Our meals were scryedan the sye Of the country
md atsinner the piece D. was
which brought on the table ia ver,abe wash DO WI
and the water In teapot Glasses were scarce AMI OF
wine there was but little customarv
on our part had anticipated such omissions ami we csle
racd nrst dinner in the imperial city ~ Jeddo With
sherry and champagne. The servants provided were
rivl oblieing and attentive and soon fell into our
ways which could not have been otherwise than strange
10 them. The beds we're not rosy, but with some al.
ditons brought from the ship, 10 tho way Of Shoots
blankets aud pillows they made quite comfortable
We had, however, waking moments, when our ears
were greeted with the nccssant services OF the temple
Che sublime and solemn tones OF tho organ the very
Sounds Of the bells and the monotnous chauuts o. the
priests, some of whom are always dutytho altar Is
never deserted
10 tbs morning lhr IA Reeneens wore ready IN at.
tel1s1cs WIZ horses AMI na1Hons-a species % p1an'