New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-08-18

The monthly budget OF news from Japan,
which we receive by the arrival of the regular
mnf steamer at San Francisco continues 20 be
of great interest Japan, which fifteen years
ago was an entirely unknown land, ana by
| many a leading newspaper OF the world not
| even mentioned ofiencr than once or twice q
| year, has now become ono Of those counties
! from which public opinion, both in America and
! Europe. is anxious to receive fall and regular
intelligence. The news brought 10y the Colorado
again presents some important points.
The wal between the Mikado and the Tycoon
is still in full rage. An attack made upon
leddo. the Capital of the Tycoon, by the army
of the Mikado, on the 9TH Of July, proved sue
ccssful. after bloody fight lasting two days.
The Takugawas, the family to which the Iy-
coon belongs, were entirely routed. and hall ot
Ycddo burned. Bat further in the South the
chief champion of the Tycoon, Prince Aidzu
gained complete and very important victory
over the two foremost supporters of the Mikcdo,
Princes Satouma and Chosin. The latter were
deserted by several Daimios, and subse-
aucnfly Chosin himself declared his intention
of Withdrawing from the contest. This would
seem to give the Northern Daimios, or the
Marty Of the Tycoon, a very decided ascendncy.
The latter, however, are willing TO make peace
with the Mikado OH honorable terms. They
have proposed to leave the settlement of all
differences TO the arbitration OF the United
States. England, aud france, and they bind
themselves for the faithful execution of the
arbitrament. Thus it is again the party of the
Tycoon which shows due appreciation of the
supeIior civilization Of foreigners. They have
l.. tg.. a I'll inc Gf.in lIs
intercourse with foreign countries, especially
with the United States, and the reports OF the
great success of the Chinese ambassadors ia
the United States cannot fail greatly 70
strengthen this progressive feeling. In cOnnec-
ton with the brilliant success of Mr.. Builin-
game, this offer by the Japanese for American
mediation foreshadOws the predominant iIfu
ence which our country must ere long exercise
upon the whole Of Eastern Asia.
The greatest opponent of the intercourse
with foreigners and of every progressive meas
ure, is Prince Satsuma. lie is the chief adyi-
ser OF the yodng Mikado, and the supreme
commander of his army. He has just given an
other proof of his determined hostility to all
that is foreign, by publishing proclamation
condemning all native Christians TO death,
Several executions have already taken place.
The native Christians naturally feel profound
sympathy with the foreign Powers, to whom,
after two hundred years Of persecution, they
owe the first prospect of Q better future. The
rigorous measures employed against them, in
spite of the very earnest circumstances Of the
foreign cOnsuls, seem TO confirm the
reports of the agents of the French
Government who report that, notwithstanding
the unprecedented cruelty with which the Ja-
panese Government has endeayored to exter-
inmate them, during 200 years the Christians
have secretly maintained themselves, and are
so numerous that in one single district alone
they number upwards of 100000. A curious and
grand movement of large masses of the native
population toward The Roman Catholic Church
to which two hundred years ago many humid
red thousands of japanese belonged, is eX
pected 10y the French, as soon rs religious toll
Grafton may be granted
All this shows that Japan is in process Of
transition. In many respects, Japan is better
prepared for rapid progress than China, and it
requires only great statesman to close fully
and forever the uncivilized period Of her his
tory and to secure to her an era of thorough
fpforu