The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1869-02-20
Japan and the Japanese.

bhphu hhu bhO JaphHCS6S
THE islands of Japan are several hun.
dred in number and generally fertile and
healthy. The seaboard is stormy and in
hospitable, but there are Very many fine
harbors to be found and excellent anchor.
age ground within, Terrific storms and
tvphoons are common to the waters of
Japan. The interior country is abundant.
ly watered, and rich alluvial valleys. mag.
nifcent wood and tab g lands meet the eve
on all sides. The camelia iaponica is often
seen growing to an altitude of sixty feet
the acacia, the camphor wood trees, the
palm trees, the tall cedars, the variety Of
chrysanthemums, rhododendrons, the
orange, the fig and pomegranate are on
every hand, and add intense beauty and
interest to the landscape. The summer
nights are always refreshing on the coast.
In the interior the weather is exceedingly
sultry. The population Of the country
might be about 3S,000.000 of souls. The
population of Jeddo has decreased, owing
principally to the reversal of the ancient
decree by the Tycoon requiring the great
Daimios to retain a large representation
OF their followers at the national capital {;
and then there have been some fearful fires,
burning down whole acres of houses and
destroying an immense number of lives
The ceilings, partitions, doors and win.
doWs of Japanese houses are made of
paper. The true Japanese house is OPEN
ed front and rear, at the rear more partic-
ularly, and parterres of the most exquisite
flowers are trained aroundl the humblest
dwellings.
The Tycoon is the great temporal ruler
Of Japan; he Is COmmander.in.C Chief of
the army and navy; he governs the
Treasury coins all the current money of
the realm regulates the supreme, civil
and Judicial business, and attends to in.
Vulnerable other matters. The accounts
we hear now from japan about the Mi.
kado being deprived Of his share in the
dual GoVernment-the spiritual element
are difficult to rely upon, because jap
anese affairs are mystery thrice mystifed,
and impossible to be fully and clearly un-
derstood and appreciated by foreigners.
There is good deal of dissension among
the Daimios on the subject of trading with
the outside world Some of them favor
throwing open all the ports, while there
are others who would forever adhere 10
the old and obstinate policy of sealing up
the entire seaboard. This very feeling on
this subject was the source ofthe troubles
which sprung up in Japan in 1858. A
strong party insisted upon the immediate
closing up all the ports. The buildings ol
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 for.
eigners were cOngregated, threatening tc
trample in the dust men, women and chill
dren OF the barbarian race, but the wise
AMI temperate action of the Tycoon al
layed the excitement and restored order,
The distinctions in Japan between peo
pie and officials are very great. Caste Ii
not the same as that which is known il
India but the barrier is almost who'll,
impossible between the common people
and the nobility. All persons and official
OF rank wear two swords; old men
wealthy and retired merchants wear on,
sword. The short sword is the peculiar
sword for defending personal honor. La
dies OF rank also carry small sword ol
dagger for selfdefence or sslf-immolation
like their lords, who perform the harikar
(the happy dispatch) when certain form
of disgrace Overtake them.
The people are more dignided, intelli
gent, selt-reliant, generous and hospitabl,
than any other Eastern or Indian people
The fashions Of the Japanese neye
change, fastidiousness in dress is not prev
alent, and nudity is not uncommon.
The transportation of burdens through
the interior is done by coolies, who tray
erse the empire from one end to the other
The temples of religion are in some in
stances OF great magnifcence, and are sit
uated amid scenes of the most exuuisit,
beauty.
The ingenuity of the Japanese give
them claim to be called the yellow Yam
KEGS Of the East, For models of coolnes
and patience they excel, and in politenes
they are ahead of the French. The masses
Of the women are low in stature, and NOR,
like slaves of burden than helpmates o
their lords, Some of them in the highel
ranks are very finely formed, and will
teeth of pearly whiteness. The moment
however, that they marry, their teeth arr
put in mourning, dyed blaeker than th,
blackest ebony, 1t is very likely
custom intended to draw pslpa
BILE distinction between the married
and unmarried, and thus running
away with another mans wife be
comes very difficult and dangerous
operation for known bachelor. Tobacco
is smoked by all classes, even by women
The common people are neither very ricl
nor very poor. As nation the Japanes,
have made more progress in eight YEAR
than the Chinese in fifty. The Chinese dC
not understand the steam engine til,
Japanese are quite at home at it, Th,
Chinese will never, If they can avoid it
adopt foreign custom; the Japanese ar,
ever disposed to adopt any practice they
deem useful. Some of their public process
sions present to the eye of the foreigner
unique, magnificent and unparalleled sp
pearance. Among the amusements Is tn,
tournament practieed by the Daimois
Boar hunting has its votaries travelling
shows Of all kinds are to be met with, bu
no circus has yet made its appearance
The first newspaper was started at Yoke
hama during our rebellion. Japanes
Tommy, so well known in this country
was managing editor
The largest gold coin is the obang, a
large as the palm of the hand, and wort
eighty-two dollars.
There is great respect shown to the dear
in japan.
The cemetery at Jeddo embraces owe
900 acres, and is filed with monument
and mausoleums of great beauty and rich
ness. There Is every reason to hope tina
Japan will be drawn into closer and NOR
| confidential ralations 1yjtb mi, .a,,,.4..
and if only the same dignified, wise, cor
ciliatory and humane policy be persiste
in which has already marked America
transactions with Japan, no other natio
will secure so much Of the confidence an
respect Of this.hiOhly intelligent andi ntel
esting pecple,-NelO York AdDocdts.
Mr.. Beecher on Lying.
In a late number of the New Yor