New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-06-30
JAPAN, CHINA, AND SIAM.
TIE NATURE AND CAUSES OF THE WAR.
lFROM OUR oWS CORRESPONDENCE


YOKOHAMA, Japan, May 29-The principal
topic now engaging tho attention Of the rulers
and people OF Japan IL tho proposal Of the Damios
70 deliver their estates Altogether there about
$50 Of these hereditary Princes All arc landlords IN the
original OF that word. According 20 the japanese
ideas of ownership the Mkado the proprietor OF every
inch OF land In Japan and all others hold their lands
under him. by virtue Of a grant from tins head Of the
nation OF these inferior landholders there have
been thrce classes, the Taicuns, the Dai-
mics, and the Hatamotos The late Taicun
possessed ands yielding him revenue OF 10000 kokus OF
rice One koku Is equal TO about six bushels The rev.
enue OF Damio varies from 10000 TO 100000 kokns OF
rice Those whose revenue is less than 10000 kOkus
are called Hatamotos. Every one Of these, whether
Talcun OF DamlO HatamOto, sends out bis own re-
tanners and collects his revenue from farmers and
others residing within the bounds OF ms own proper do
mIniOns Thus a Hatamoto even, though his income
might not exceed $4,000 seems To have had abso
lutte power over those residing on his lands
as well as the most powerful DGImIO, the
tycoon himself. Hence the whole of Japan has
been divided up into great number OF
larger or smaller sections and each section, though 1t
might not contain than dozen square miles, has
its own lord and ruler who keeps his armed retaners
around him. and Oftentimes administers the affairs OF
his little dominion I'm very arbitrary manner. 10 may
he thought wonderful that In country containing so
many independent aud often hostile rulers broils were
NOT OF more frequent than they appear TO
have been But 1t should be remembered that the Taicun
ready and able TO suppress any quarrelsome spirit
among the Daimos and Hatimotos by conhscating
their lands Fear Of this has. no Doubt In the past,
checked many a turbulent prince who would not have
otherwise been restrained. All the aforementioned
land have their armed rctainers varying
i'm number from few hundred to several thousand,
according to the extent and amount OF revenue collected
from their lands To these retners they pay out raons
OF rice &c. according TO their age, ability and position
head steward often receiving yearly RON Soo 10 SV
enough TO live Such Is true account OF the past
and present of Japan as respects the propueorsp and
NJ
exist long any country without 40 last coming 10 De re-
Sardad on all hands as a great evil This appears 10 be
the view now taken Of IL by the princes aud lords
themselves, who are now moving 70 nave inc Wlolo
system abolished and order OF things instituted
This question will claim large share OF attention from
the Congress 20 assemble 10 1CddO rus congress
or Parliament, what you WILL itself marks an era IN
posed OF advisers OF the several Dalmos VINO WIN ioru
Kind of House OF Representatives not elected by the
people, chosen to represent Daml9 IN TINS new as
semblage Business is to be conducted after tue forms
observed by legislative bodies ln inc west lnoded ~ S
to fall In with of the cherished customs OF Japan
This body will no doubt haze considerable power power
delegated TO IT, but the Miakdo still continues
to DO regarded as the supreme ruler no
provision is made TO pass PHI over ms V9 to
portant business will Immediately be brought before IT,
The great topic demanding inc 9tGnon ., unG
retaners, and the reorganization OF aihlrs on @
probably Influence the Dalmos To consent to TINS meas
ure the fact that mos OF them are deeply IN a9et ana
the MkadO will be expected TO assume their dents anu
make provision for their future support atthe so te
that their retAiners and revenues are handed over
20 him, subject Oh ule IenlONdl Oh lHo Cstp,11H
from Kvoto more generally known az Miac0l 20 ledd0
viii also demand consideration Their relations Win
foreigners are also to be adjusted and defined ana many
other subjects Of grave interest to Japan are 70 be consd
cred In the time the Iokugewa rebels, VINO nave
intrncled themselves at HatOdad are LETT unnoested
French and English claims for Indemnity are not YET
maid What viii be the upshot oi the whole matter Is
hard to say. Some are anticipating cYl war. sun a
event NAV occur one thing appears quite MANIFEST that
is unt great revolution takes place, aud the Japanese
Feudal system is oyertrown, 10 one can prede' any
thing favorable to the prosperity OF this country
EXPECTED RENEWAL OF WAR NEAR HAKODADI
NAVAL OPERATIONS OF THE JAPANESE.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., June 29.-AdmiTal Rowan
reports to the Department from Yokohama date OF
Mayls the expected renewal ofthe civil Japan the