The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1863-09-17
Japan and AmerAa.


learn that the troubles of Great Britain
and the United States with that country
have but begun. All the elements of war
exist in the dificulty-British residents
murdered-an attempt to entrap and des-
troy an American steamer-a British
frigate fired upon-a demand from the
japanese Government that all foreign
nalions should withdraw from the open
ports, and, in retaliation for these outrages
and violations of treaty, the destruction of
japanese forts and villages by British
troops, and an engagement between bat
teries and the American steam frigate
Wyoming. War, in fact, is virtually be-
gun, and war of that bitter kind which it is
not easy to stop by negotiation.
The trouble begun last march, when the
admiral of the British East India Squad
ron appeared before Kanagawa to demand
of the japanese Government an apology
and the payment of one hundred thousand
pounds as the penalty for permitting the
murder of British subjects. Twenty days
were given for compliance with these de-
mands. These passed, and the japanese
asked for an extension of time. 1t was
granted by the English charge Pafares,
anG they again postponed compliance
On the Goth Of June the settlement was
referred to the admiral. On the 24th the
money was paid, but with it the japanese
representatives brought the following i'm
portant news from Miaco, the new capital
of the Empire: The Tycoon (friendly to
foreigners was held captive by the Micado,
the spiritual Emperor, and some of the
more powerful princes; the Micado re-
quested foreigners to abandon the open
ports, with the intention of restoring to
Japan its olden seclusion and solitude
among the nations. To this request the
reply was a declaration by the foreign
ministers that the ports were opened by
treaty, and simple promise chat the
matter should be referred to the Govern
ments concerned. Rapidly upon these
events followed those outrages alluded to,
and the punishment inflicted as retaliation.
The American steamer Pembroke was
fired upon by japanese vessels on the 25th
of June the English frigate Medusa was
attacked in the same inland sea on the 18th
of July. On the Goth of July the
Wyoming blew up japanese steamer,
and silenced nearly all the forts of the
Darnio. On the 9th of July the British
steamer Credia had three hours engage
ment with the forts in Simconseki straits,
destroyed them, and burned the neighbor-
ing villages. These are the latest facts we
have received.
The American part in this difficulty is
important. Our flag was the first fired
upon, and an American vessel was first to
exact the penalty attaching to the outrage.
The commander of the Wyoming has
been blamed for his action, but In our
opinion was justified by the necessity of
maintaining the honor and interest of his
| country. The lives of American residents
IN that country, the wealth of American
commerce in those waters, are not lightly
to be risked, and the vast distances which
separate Japan from America make it
impossible that our soldiers and sailors,
who are trusted with the honor of the
flag In those far-away seas, should refer
such cases to their Government and wait
for official instructions. When the Penn
bloke was fired upon treacherouslv, the
Wyoming did right in furnishing the
offenders. The experience of all civilized
countries, in dealing with these semi
barbarous nations, should teach us the
danger OF a forbearance which is certain
to be misunderstood
The condition of Japan can be closely
inferred from the few facts we have gath,
cred. The Government of the Tycoon no
longer rules the Empire, and the policy
OF the nation is now hostile to foreign
intercourse. Many of the chief princes.
originally opposed to the opening of the
ports to foreign trade, have determined to
|
suppress 1t, and it is their independent
action, not the order of the Government,
which caused the attack on British and
American vessels. 1t is no. to be expect
ed that England, or France, or America,
will consent to yield these rights which
they have obtained by treaty. and if the
Japanese continue their unlawful attempt
to gain by force what they cannot get by
negotiation, declared war will BE the