Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1868-12-02


while there are others who would for evet
adhere to the old and abstin1te policy o.
sealing up the entire seahoard. This very
feeling on this subject was the source OF
the troubles which sprung up in Japan IN
1863. A strong party insisted upon the
immediate closing up OF all the ports.
The buildings Of the British Legation at
Jeddo, which had just been completed. were
burned down; large numbers OF angry and
excited men swarmed around those ports
where foreigners were congregated, threat
ening to trample in the dust men. IN
and children of the barbarian race. hut
the wise and temperate action of the Ty-
coon allayed the excitement and restored
order.
The distinctions in Japan between peo-
pie and officials are very great. Caste IS
not the same as that which is known in
India but the barrier is always wholly
impossible between the common people
and the nobility. All persons and officials
of rank wear two swords old men. wealthy
and retired merchants, wear one sword.
The short sword is the peculiar sword for
defending personal honor. Ladies of rank
also carry a small sword or dagger for self
QefcnSe OF DISQUALIFICATION, iiNe thetT iOTlS.
who perform the hari-kari (the happy dis
patch) when certain forms of disgrace
overtake them.
The people are more digniied. intelli-
gent. self-reiiant. generous, AMI hospitable
than any other Eastern or indian people.
The fashions of the japanese never change:
fastidiousness in dress is not prevalent, and
nudity is not uncommon.
The transportation of burdens through
the interior is done by coolies. who traverse
the empire from one en- to the other. The
temples If religion are in sons instances
of great mlrn ieenca, AMI are situtted
anil scenes Of the most ex1rSite beauty.
The ingenuity Of the J1oanese yves
them claim TO he called the Yankees Of the
East. Fer no lels of coo'neSs an patience
thew excel. and politeness they are ahead
of the French. The muses. Of the women
are low in stature. AMI more Ike saves of
burden than helpmates Of their lords.
Some Of them in the higher ranks are very
finely formed. and with teeth Of pearly
whiteneas. The moment, however. that
they marry. their teeth are Pm. in mourn
ing. dyed blacSer tha1 the hlackest ebony.
It is very likely n custom inteniel to draw
I DalDi1iG uiSfiOcti01 net WteU I've UttFFftu
and unmarried, anil thus running away
With another mans wife hacomes a very
lift ,ult and dangerous % ration for a
known bachelor. Tobacco is smoke by
al classes, even hv women. The common
neople are neither very rich nor verv poor.
As a nation the Jap1nese have mfdA more
progress in eight years than the Chinese
m 6fty. The Chinese do not Understand
steam-engine the .Japanese are quite at
home at il. The Chinese will never. if
they can avoid it, adopt a foreign custom:
the japanese are ever disposed IN adopt
any practice they deem useful. Some of
their pnhlic process'ons present n the eve
IF the foreigner a uni1 T., Hlfrnfl :ent. AMI
unparalleled appearances. Among the
amusements is the tournament. practiced
w the daim;os. Boar limiting has its
votaries; travelling shows of all kinis are
70 be met with, bnt No circus has vet made
its appearance. The first was
at Yokoham, during our rebellion.
japanese Tommy. So we'll known in this
country, was managing editor. The largest
gold coin is the chang. as large as the palm
of the hand. and worth eiehty-two dollars.
There is great respect shown TO the dead
IN Japan. Inc cema'ery at Je11o en-
braces over six hundred acres. AMI is fllesf
with monuments and mausoleums Of great
beauty and richness. There is every rea-
son to hope that Japan will be drawn into
vet closer and more confidential relations
with this country and if only the same
wise. conciliatory, and humane
policy be persisted in which has already
American transactions with Japan.
no other nation will secure so much of the
confidence and respect of this highly intel
ligent and interesting people.