The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-06-24

Rear Admiral John Rodgers, commanding the
United States squadron In Asiatc waters, has
deemed II best that no Information respecting the
operations OF the feet under his command while in
Corea shall reach the people OF this country through
the press When the feet was about to sail for the
Cores the HERALD correspondent at Nagasak1 made
application to the Admiral for permission to accom-
pany the expedition, never for one moment imagin-
ing that he would be refused. Much to his surprise
however. the following reply was returned:-
UNITED STATES STEAMER COLORADO !
FIRST RArEl FLAGSHIP OF AsIArIo FLEET,
NAGASAKI, Japan, May IA, 1871. J
DEAR SIR-In view OF the unknown character OF
the country TO which we are going, and the people
whom we snail meet. after mature reflection and
TO take any members OF the press on this expedi-
ton.
1t Is not unlikely that the present trip may prove
preliminary one, and therefore 1t may be Of the
nrst Importance 10 keep our action and further pur
II anything is published, either here or in the
Atlantic States the purport OF II will be likely 10 find
ITS way back to the Coreans, through the Chinese,
who get access TO the contents OF our newspapers
Guided by these dictates OF prudence and not
from any desire 10 withhold from the press all rea
sonable facilities. am compelled to return mega
tive answer to your application. Very respectfully,
JOHN RODGERS. Rear Admiral,
Commander-ln Chief OF Asiatic Fleet.
To Mr.. -, Correspondent NEW YORK
HERALD. Nagasaki Japan.
To this letter, containing SO many good aud
forcible reasons why members OF the press could
not accompany the expedition, the HERALDs corres-
pondent sends the following letter, in which he
enters protest against the Admiral's decision. We
recommend the correspondence to the notice Of the
press OF the United States.
NEW YORK HERALD ROOMS,
NAGAsAKI, JAPAN, May IA, 1871. I
DEAR SIR-Your favor of the present date has
been received and contents noted.
Although, as q matter or course must submit to
your prohibition Of my joining the expedition to
Corea, cannot do SO without putting IN my urgent
protest against what consider most groundless,
unfair anu discriminating decision.
You say that, IN view OF this being only pre-
lminary trip 1T may be OF the first Importance to
COreans."
In reply thereto would say that do not propose
to cater to the literary taste OF the Corelns by
writing either TO or for them; and how or any one
else can Keep your actions done in the Corea from
the knowledge OF the Coreans l am at loss to
faIhom And your further purposes know nothing
OF. and therefore can give information thereon to no
one.
The argument you use that what might be written
in the Atlantic States might possibly find It's way
back to the Coreans is with all due difference to
apt to wrlte private letter. describing expedi-
dition and everything pertaining thereto when
CANNOT see what harm truthful history OF the ex.
petition could do, even il a published account did
reach the Coreans for they Will be equally with our
selves capable OF judging as TO the truth
1ulness of the account and l was not
aware that the CIRCULATION Of American newspapers,
even OF the NEW YORK HERALD was general either
among the Chinese or Coreans.
Again am well aware that several persons are
going with the expedition, with your knowledge
and consent without being really connected with
the navy or holding any Official position their
names being on the ships books as matter OF form
only.
And, further, understand that photographs
from Yokohama, q subject OF the Kingdom Of
Greece or Great Britain, one who has no claims
whatever on the United STATES government or Its
officers, mas received permission from yourself to
accompany the fleet. do not believe that he has
given you any assurance that the sketches he may
make Will not be published; and, you know, they
might find their way back TO the COrea.
IL Is under these circumstances and for these
reasons that as an American citizen, as q represent
tative OF the press OF the United Staies protest
against your decision. As far as my knowledge
goes this Is the nrst time that the press has been
arbitrarily excluded from joining an expedition OF
the kind you are 10 lead, and i am quite confident
that you are the first American naval officer that
has ever made q discrimination between subjects of
other countries and citizens Of the United States
favorable to the latter With great respect, remain
your obed.ent servant,
Correspondent NEW YORK HERALD.
To Rear Admiral JOHN RODGERS, U. s. N, Com.
manderin.Chle Asiatic Fleet.