The national Republican., 1861-02-09

OF the Japanese among the Asiatic nations"
Before proceediG TO the discussion OF the
main subject before him, the lecturer proceed
ed to correct some errors that had arisen in the
popular mind with regard to the visit cf the
American Com missioners in June, 1859, at the
time Of the battle between the Chinese and the
English, in which the former bad been success.
ful. When they visited the city of Pekin, they
we're all treated with the greatest respect al
though one Of the prisoners taken ia the con.
Aict with the English, was an American. The
English Minister came TO zee the American Min.
lister in just such carriage as it had been rep.
resented in this country the American Minister
had come in. The subject of kneeling before
the Emperor, as was the custom in that coun-
try, was debated with the utmost freedom on
both sides, and the great objection of their
mission was obtaincd-that of exchansn and
ratitying treaties. Moreover, the whole expense
OF the stay of the American Commissioners was
paid by that Government, which amounted to
$500 per day, or $4,000 for the thirty days
they remained there.
Addressing himself to the main topic, Mr..
W. remarked that his own acquaintance with
the Japanese people had commenced twenty
three years ago. Japan, like the Chinese EN-.
pire, is heather country. 1t is divided into
four large islands, besides several smaller ones.
Its area is about l5O, 900 square miles, of shich
the three principal islands make liz, 900 square
miles. 1t is about two.thirds as large as the
State Of Texas, or the whole Of the State of
California. There are few countries equal to
this, either for the beauty of scenery, the mild.
ness of its climate, or the fertility Of its soil.
By recent treaties, several OF its principal
towns have been opened to trade with foreign.
ers, some of whom now have their residences
there. Among these are the principal city Of
Yeddo, which is about the same latitude as
Raleigh, North Carolina. 1t is o very genial
and healthy country. There are a great many
volcanoes, some Of which have been celebrated
in history, and numerous sulphur springs. 1t
is without doubt very densely populated coun.
try, though there is no way of determining the
amount with any degree Of accuracy. 1t has
been estimated by those best capable of know.
ing, at 4e,0O0,O0O, the greater part Of whom
for farm hands and mechanics, was about
twelve cents day.
Like the Spaniards, the japanese were proud
and vindictive. They were also q very polite
| and obsequious people, and very licentious.
| They were not so democratic in their institu.
| tons as the Chinese, neither were they so in.
dustrious in their habits, or so mild in their
| dispositions; and yet they show qualities
which, if properly improved, would greatly ex-
alt and enoble them.
The Japanese plan ofhavinga "go.between
to arrange the prelimnaries for marriage, is
very similar to that Of the Chinese. Female
influence in this country is not so great as in
China. Polygamy is allowed in both countries
The people are very sociable with each other.
Each town has its annual patron saints day,
in the celebration of which all the inhabitants
join. On these occasions, the people have a
| varv nuripua habit of p,blinn oknrTlx ~ aft
night, at the sea.shore, and sending little boats
off, with light inside, which has very bril-.
liant effect. The Japanese have very pecu-
liar custom of sending piece Of fish or sea-
weed with all presents, which signifies that they
hope the receiver of the gift is we'll.
Rice and fish are the great staples, though a
great amount Of wheat, barley, and buckwheat,
is grown. Fish to the Japanese, is what roast
beef is to the Englishman, or saur kraut to the
German.
The dwellings are built Of wood, and there
are no chimneys or windows. The streets are
wider than they are in China. At the ends of
streets are gateways, which are closed every
night.
Their religion much resembles that of the
Chinese, but it has much greater influence over
the minds Of the people. The temples are clean,
well lighted, and very numerous.
which is much in vogue. In Japan, the priests
are not SO dependent on the people as they are
in China being sustained by the princes and
officers of the Government.
CT. Allen and M. B. Adams are at the Ma.
tional
Hon. H. W. Hilliard, of Alabama; G. s.
Boutwell,, G. l.. Ward, G. F. Almy, j. J. Robin.
son, Mass; Hon. G. Bancroft and Dwight
| Tou,,,o,A
David Wilmot, j. M. Butler, George J. Richie,
and W. Elliot, Pa; J. B. s. Alexander and j.
L. White, U. s. A., are at Willards'.
The INDIAN Trust BoNDs-The House trust
bond investigating committee have completed
their labors and will probably make their re.
port in a few days. The investigation does not
implicate any one outside Of those known to be
connected with that affair."
Me- Carlisle, counsel for Governor Floyd,
upon the indictment against him for malfeas.
ance in Office, has interposed demurrer in the
case, predicated upon law introduced by
Speaker Orr during the Mattesoa corruption
investigation, providing that any parties ex.
amined before the committee shall be exempt
from indictment and punishment on any mat.
ter testified to before such committees.
A RUMoRED DUEL.-There are rumors Of a
hostile meeting between Senators Johnson, of
Tennessee, and Wigiall, Of Texas. Mr.. Wig
fall shot the brother of Preston s. Brooks, in
Charleston, some years ego, in street fight.
COMPANY B, UNION REGIMENT, First Ward J
This company held quite large meeting last
evening, at their armory, adjoining .Winder's
building. Several new members were enrolled
and the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of the company
are hereby rendered to Sergeant Buell., for his
efforts in periecling the company in the Hardee
drill.
After transacting other business of minor