New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-12-29
THE MIKADO UNVAILED.
MR.. SEWARD IN JAPAN.

KNOTS WERE INTERPRETATIONS kEhAI'h'
ARRANGED BEFOREHAND--soLEhN fELiCi-
TATIoNS.
YEDo. Oct. 9.--Mr. Stewards brief visit to tnis
country was an event which, If the health OF the
eminent Statesman had permitted, would Doubtless
have been made the occasion for series OF brilliant
social demonstrations on the part OF foreign resi-
dents. Although he was able TO accept but ie"
courtesies from Americans or Europeans IN foKo-
hama. the unprecedented circumstance OF ms IN
yitation by the Mikado Of the Empire to an IN
terview in which all the ngid fcrmaiities which
have hitherto obstructed free intercourse VIVID
strangers were for the FIRST time laid aside was prop
ably sufficient compensation for the LOGS OF iNeueI
festivities Of more familiar kind. Balls, dinners,
and pc.nics manifestations OF private esteem anu
popular admiration which may be encountered WIN
ont the fatigues of an Asatc pilgrimage; but 70
enjoy the hospitality of Mikado, end to DC wei
coined with cordiality 10 an imperial presence whlch
has never before in all history been unreservelly
unyailed to foreign observation are experiences too
novel and too striking TO fail TO g1atify the most
ambitious seeker Of new sensations. That MIR. sew
ard was greatly pleased with the unusual compli-
ment he did not hesitate TO declare 1t ~ said that
the desire he's fixed itself somewhat firmly IN his
mind of personally visiting, during his tour around
the world, the sOvereigns Of the various nations
with which his diplomatic career has made him ac-
quainted II this be 50, his first step has been
very happy one. Nobody, of course, can say how
far his success may may not have been matter OF
surprise TO Mr. Seward, but il may certainly be
affirmed that fortnight ago, the idea of such re-
ception as that to which he yesterday admitted,
would have been dismissed without discussion by
almost every foreigner in Japan
WHY THE INTERVIEW WAS ACCORDED.
That il was in direct contradiction to all the ira
H., e. and
as a matter of course, everybody who feels an in
terest in the matter has his especial theory in ex
PLANTATION of the anomaly. Some favor the suppo-
sition that the desire to gain favorable and con-
ciliatory word from him Mt the Russian capital IN
regard TO the vexed Ssghaleu question was the Sc.
cret cause Of the concession Others discover in 1t
recognition of the singular service rendered the
present japanese Government by the State Depart
ment In 1867 when the ex-Secretary by sancti0ning
the Withholding Of the stonewal from its real pur
chaser the Tycoon, and permitting it's transfer to
another authority materially assisted the projects of
the ecnspiIatOrs who acted in the MikadO's name,
and who succeeded in placing the young monarch in
a POSITION Of actual as well as nominal supremacy
That the Mikodos Government might well be ami
mated by feelings Of very deep gratitude toward all
who were concerned, however indirectly, III that
extraordinary transaction Is easily understood; but
of acknowledging the obligation would hardly
commend itself to the japanese mind, 1t Is more
probable that tho present Administration is really
disposed TO relax the severity OF old usages
a was ready TO welcome any fitting oppor-
tunty Of removing those barriers of restraint and
secluson which have ceased to the purpose for
which they were established. The first movement
in this direction during the visit Of the Duke OF
Edinburgh, when the most rigorous OF the anclent
formalities were dispensed with; and although less
violent transition than that involved In passing
directly from guest possessing the double distlnc
ton of royal blood and a captaincy in the British
navy to one whose claims to distinction are purely
Republican and at present unofficial would perhaps
have been preferred. The greeting was offered with
very good grace. and. owing in great part to the
representations Of Minister belong, who heartily
seconded Mr. Stewards desire, was made to assume
C racter of friendlness and familiarity such as the
reception ofHhe English prince at no time called
fOth.
INsPECyrG THE cURIosITRPF JAPAN.
Mr. Seward arrived at Yokohama, in the steamer
from San Francisco, On the night of the 9th Of Sep
TENDER accompanied by members of his family and
by ex-Postmaster. General Randall. These gentle
men were to have been guests of the United States
Minister, but the serious illness OF Mrs. belong
rendered this impossible, and Mr.. Seward accepted
he remained during the greater part Of his visit For
few days he engaged in receiving such calls as
were agreeable to him, and in making short excur-
sions in the negotiating cOuntry-than which
nothing can be more beautiful at this period of the
year The famous statue of the Great Buddha, for
centuries the wonder of the Kanakura Plains, and
the decayed capital Of the valiant YOitomo, whose
past glories have been ehsnted, more or less must
cally by scores of travellers were among the psinci
pal ojects of inspection. While these and similar
diversions we're in progress at Yokohama, Mr. DelOng
wac occupied with the prelirninaries Of visit to
Yedo Before Mr.. Stewards arrival, the Minister had
notified his approach to the japanese officials and
had been requested by them to announce his lending,
the proposed term of his visit, and the time when it
would be convenient for him to come TO the capital
all Of which intelligence was duly communicated in
the following letter:
UNITED STATES LEGATION, Sept. Is, 1870
To heI E1eeitecies tie Ministers for Foreign AFdrs,
DC, de- AS requested by ycu have the pleasure TO in
painted by Postns ster-General Randall arrived here
By the Of ssEs u S s @ S not
day next week that ,ou may think proper to select
Y. g. Minister Resident
Upon the 18th of the month, hi-bashi the chief
Court Interpreter, called upon Mr.. Delong at YokO-
hama. with the following answer:
1.-THE 81 Of the 9th month, al year Mei.
PiP In reply your letter dated September u.s. 1870,
info ming that HIS Excellency William H. Seward (cf
whose high reputation sppriset accompanied by
PostInas erGtneral Randall, arrived here by the
~ yesterday have the honor tO state u
that wish this good occasion 10 invite those
breakfast, at.ll O'Clock October $780, IN En-
rokyan when Prime Minister daisin, and others
Of Japanese Government will be present TO receive
them. We therefore beg u AK that you will be pleased
10 accompany them and psrake OF the breakfast with
them. With respect ae., sAwA, &e., de-.
TERAsEiMA, Dc, De,
Ministers hr Foreign Affairs
Feeling convinced that ceremony Of this sort was
not pre- Ia, in accordance with Mr.. Stewards wishes