The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-12-29
THE MIKADO UNVEILED.
MIR, Sew ards Extraordinary Interyiew with
the Ruler OF Japan.

tbe huier OF JNphus
We published recently an account of Minister
Belongs diplomacy in japan, whereby the
Mikado was induced to grant ex-Secretary
Seward a reception, an honor entii ely without
precedent in the history of the japanese Court
The New York Tribune to-day publishes long
account from a Yeddo correspondent, from
which we take the following extracts:-
THE RECEPTION.
The following personages were present:-The
Mikado, Mr.. Seward, the Prime Minister Mr.
Delong, Chief Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr.
Shepard, 1shibashi, the Sword Bearer, the Mi
kado's Secretary, and the entire Privy Council
(Dai-jo-kwan). The conversation, as prear-
ranged, was as follows:-Mr. Delong briefly
saluted the Mikado and his Majesty as briefly
replied. The Minister then spoke thus:-
have the honor to present to your Majesty the
Hon. William II. Seward, citizen OF the United
States, who, being on his travels in the East, is
having eraclousy invited him to this audience if is
altogether unnecessary that should dwell upon the
character or fame Of this eminent statesm an.
The Mikado next expressed his satisfaction at
Mr.. Stewards safe passage ''across the great
ocean," and Mr. Seward responded in these
Words
Your Majesty Il am deeply impressed with this
and interesting capital Of this populous, prosperous
and emulous empire. pray your Majesty to accept
my earnest wishes for your personal health and
happiness and for the unity, peace, and continued
prosperity OF Japan.
To which, in return, the Mikado-
You have been so long connected with the Gov.
you can make towards promoting friendly inter-
course between Japan and the Treaty Powers, l
trust you will freely make to the Prime Minister.
Mr.. Seward replied
thank yorr Majesty for so kind an invitation TO
confer with his EXcellency the Prime Minister on
intern ational affairs. Your Majesty is aware that
in vs e pPe ezan o o9 atGy sa and bring
studying The adjacent countries in the Pacific
Ocean, and in the Asia,ic continent shall be ex-
peced by the President OF the United States and NV
fellow citizen to avail myself of all facilities which
may be afforded me for learning well as I
can what policy and measures may have a tendency
as well to secure the happiest possible relations be-
tween Japan and the United States, as also to pro-
hemIspheres. With this view shall gratefullV rel
ceve any information or suggestions his EXcelency
the Prime Minister may be pleased to favor me
with, and, in return it will give very high plea
sure to express myself with becoming Difference
but at the same time without reserve.
The Mikado then turned to Mr. De,ong, and
said-
am glad to see you in such good health, fulfilling
the duties OF your office.
The Minister answered.
thank your Majesty for your kind congratula-
tons upon my health and upon my discharge of
the RESPONSIBILITIES committed to me by my Govern
ment. That discharge is rendered easy and plea
SAINT by the courtesy, attention, and frankness of
nent Minister for Foreign Affairs with whom an,
more Immediately brought into relations of personal
intercourse Permit US TO salute your Majesty.
The conference was over, aud the visitors
withdrew. All things considered, nothing could
have been simpler and more satisfactory. The
observations of the Mikado were at least as
cordial as and not particle less spontaneous
than, those which European monarchs are in
the habit of addressing to their visitors, and if
Mr.. Stewards remarks were not distinguished
| by that glowing elOquence with which he has
| sometimes thrilled an American Senate. it must
| be remembered that the occasion was not
| favorable to the logical development of ideas,
and that be suffered under the necessity of re-
peating series of prescribed phrases. His de-
sire to meet the ruler of Japan was gratifed in
the most complete and complimentary manner
Not only was the incident without precedent
| in the annals of this country, but 1t was at
| tended with circumstances that showed an un.
usual abandonment of established customs.
INNOVATIONS UPON PRECEDENT.
1t is true that the Mikado remained seated
durips the interview, but he was entirely un
veiled by screen or curtain. Up to this time
even the foreign ambassadors bad only beer
allowed to look upon part of his person at
| time-the lower eXtremities or the face being
always concealed. And Instead of being sur
rounded by ostentatous embems of power anC
supremacy, his only visible attendants were
single guard and the officer who supplied hin
with the manuscripts containing his share il
| the conversation.