The New York herald., 1869-02-22
JAPAN.

Independent Course Of the NIiltndo Govern-
mens-Contradictor Statements Rcgn ding
the Peace OF the Country-Commercia Pro-
grcss Of HioGo-Japanese Rowdyism.
HIoGO, Dec. 22 1868.
learn, notwithstanding all efforts Of the reprcsen-
tatves Of England and France to the contrary, that
the Mikado government has marked out an indcpen-
dent line OF policy for itself in the conduct Of its in
ternal affairs, which has been exempned in their
retention Of ex-Lieutenant Grnnel, United States
Navy as Chief Of the Japanese Naval Bureau who has
proceeded to shanghae on business connected with
his oice and still more recently by the appointment
OF General Paul Frank, formerly Of the United States
Army and lately consular agent at this port as
Generalin Chief OF the japanese military forces at
salary Of s12 900 per annum. Both these gentle-
men entered the Japanese service In the capacity
civilians.
1t is stated the reply OF the Mkados Foreign Min
ster to the remonstrances Of the AngloGac repre-
sentaIves in this matter was somewhat after the
following fashion,
ave nation expecting no f.yora q
selves and employ The services Of Of ocers
IN % As o M
staes of America would any have been entertained
internal policy of this empire"
FROM Japanese sources It is stated that the two
DhlniOss LtciiLuI hiiu Gusuu, WuUSc sWOEus nave
hitherto been sheathcd, have quarreed among
themselves and are at present involved In hostili-
ties. The report is circulated here per the brig
Magi, that the Takaguwa-late Tycoon's-Adnra
who, with his command, surreptitiousy dsap-
pearcd from before Jeddo IN October last,
has gone into harbor contiguous to Hako-
dadi with his fleet and taken possession OF the
port after feeble resistance from the troops STA
tion ed there who retired, leaving him In possession.
On the ether hand, It is positively asserted by the
Mksdo's people that the war has terminated and as
evidence OF the fact the troops OF the southern
Prince Toza are returning to their homes. such Is
the generally conflicting nature OF the reports whica
occasionally reach US. The surrender OF Aidzu and
occupation OF his stronghold Is also announced,
which Is presumptve evidence OF the close Of hos
tlllties and the undisputed sway OF the Mikado.
revenue service has been sold TO the Japanese
for the sum OF s500o0 in coin.
We are TO be entertained here with japanese and
Chinese pony races for cups OF rining value during
Christmas week.
Hiogo is fast progressing In commercial impor.
Chsmber ~ eommerce The later BODY has rscenriy
adjusted the tariff OF commissions for the transac-
tion OF business, &c. while the former are fast dram
Ing lighting and policing the settlement, which,
by the accession and perseverance OF its foreign
pioneer element, has In one short year advanced
from its former constitutional ploddn9 condition to
progressive and competitive business centre. the
only drawback to It's more extended commerce at
present being the hated ktrsais or government
when diaposing OF their goods, and cannot be readily
realized, being quoted Ut present at discount OF
tweniyseyen 10 thirty per cent. In some instances
japanese merchants have been arrested and Inn
prisoned for refusing these IN payment; 30 that
government are virtually at their Wits end.
ON the foreign concession, which has all been
fenced OF IN lots by purchasers number OF excel
lent business stores are being erected, and the
japanese Authorities are about building carriage
road from this place 20 Osaka, which ~ TO be some
thirty feet VIDE, and will form most beautiful and
attractive drive, the scenery along beng very In
teresfIng.
Japanese theatre has been erected at Kobe, NJ
which performances are gwen OF the "Pocanon-
tas' order. the orchestral accompaniment beng
strummed out on kind VI banjo.
The following items Will afford some Idea OF the
difficulties occasionally encountered here In pursuit
OF business which are generally the acts OF carousng
two swordcd Yaconinss--
ON the evening OF the sth inst party OF Japanese
came from tea house in Kobe and caused dis
turbancc Ia the street. The noise continuing Tor
length of time without interference proved that
policemen here as elsewhere, when wanted are
non ESQ nrent,is. The leading spirit was unior-
tunarely q man who possessed q sword, whlch ne
Kept brandisnng about Two persons were slightly
weapon wrested from him; he then offered aud
said he preferred 10 commit harSAnrt rather than
part with AZ.
cooue, In the employ OF nrm at osaka, in pro-
ceelng from their oce TO their private residence at
that place, was cut down almost IN trout OF their
house. The statement OF the wounded man s that
he saw two swordet man, with drawn sWord,
cutting away At oDotner coolies legs, and upon ms
demonstrating with the fellow be turned anl ieied
him with one blow of his sword. Tho wound ex-
posing the bone. As the cooic wore European cloth
ing lie states IL es hts belief that the excited officer
instook him for a foreigner, and after making I've
cut Ged.