The New York herald., 1871-12-28

American Progress aud Presentations NJ
Court.

American Progress aud Presentations nj
Court.
JEDDo, Nov 19 1871.
The United States nagshlp Colorado arrived and
anchored six miles below the city on The nth inst.
General Capron, CHEF of the American Scientific
Commission here, came up from Yokohama on her,
and soon after came ashore with Admiral Rodgers,
who IS guest of his. w. p. MaDgam, United States
Consul at Nagasak, was also passenger on her
from Yokohama. 1t is understood that he comes
on some business connected with the Pacific Mail
Steamship Company such as building docks at Ma
gasaki for their something OF the kind.
THE MIKADo OUT OF DOORS.
Tie object the Colorado's visit Is unders TODD to
be Tor Admiral Rodgers to have an audience with
the Mlkado When 1t is remembered that only a
few years ago the MikadO was kept
In the strlctest seclusi0n, and that none
OF his own people were allowed to see HIM
except his own immediate attendants and counsel
lors ana chief dignaries OF the EMPIRE the pre-
seutatIon OF an admiral In foreign navy to his
Hlehness becomes an event worth noting as mark
ing one OF the many changes that now going on
In Japan.
The ancient policy OF the Japanese was like the
present one Of the Chnese-to keep their supreme
ruler not only concealed from the view OF all for
eigners but even from the vulgar gaze OF hts own
subjects. So strictly this enforced even up to
from Kioto his former residence, to Jeddo, he was
conveyed III o norimon, with the curtains closely
drawn, and all the people along the road over
which he passed were commanded under the
verest penalties TO shut themselves up in their
houses and If by any means they met with The
mormon conveying the sacred person or the Mikado
they were to PROSTATE themselves with their faces
on the ground, in the presence Of one too sacred
to be looked on by mortal eyes.
AMERICAN PROGRESS.
Our Minister, Mr.. DE Long, was the first tnat sue
ceedcd In breaking through this ancient custom by
long-contnued and persevering Efforts, until finally
he obtained last year an audience with the Mlkado
to deliver letter from President Grant Soon after
his return from Hako-da-te whittier he went last
month on Official business he arranged that Ad-
mlral Rodgers and his principal officers should be
presented to the Mikado.
AS the Japanese are a remarkably punctilious peo-
pie and attach great importance even to small
points OF etiquette some days were consumed In ar
ranging the details OF the presentation.
ADMIRAL RODGERS PRESENTED.
Friday, the 18th OF November having been agreed
on as the important day OF state courtesy, after
several days preliminary negotiation, about twelve
O'Clock said day the officers Of ths Colorado and
Alaska designated to share the honors OF the presen
tation assembled at General Caprons headquarters
where Admiral Rodgers was staying temporarily,
few minutes before one the Mikado's carriage
drove down TO convey Admiral Rodgers up to the
audience chamber. Then he, accompanied by his
sta OF which Captain Ed. J. Nichols is chief, Cap
tain Baldwin, the Fleet Engineer and Paymaster
and number Of lieutenant commanders, neuten-
ants, masters and two surgeons, drove slowly to
the place Of presentation, escorted by q guard OF
Jacomns.
ON THE ANCIENT AND SACRED GROUNDS.
in nj tt0nt m ia q lar fr,rp
out of the military, and at every street crossing
companies OF soldiers saluted the cortege as It
passed. 1t reached the outer moat and walls of the
Mikado's grounds about one O'Clock, and passing
over the bridge through the ponderous gates hoary
with age, slowly entered the outer camp the road
on each side being lined with soldiers with arms
presented.
This being traversed, next came the residences OF
the daimios, ministers OF state and others immedl-
ately surrounding the sacred precincts OF the MI
kados own residence. Then came another Vide
and deep moat and high wall, with massive gate.
Passing through this we entered on the sanctum-
the holy Of NOTES.-The Mkados own sacred soil. on
when so few foreigners were ever permitted to
enter. Here the carriages were stopped, and the
whole company proceeded on loot, marching two
abreast through the winding walks OF beautiful
pleasure grounds
walk OF about half q mile through these
brought the party To a summer house on the bank
OF q beautiful miniature lake. ted by q crystal
stream that alter forming several graceful cascades
on the side OF neighborng hill, nowed gently
ar0und the house into the lake, q few feet below.
REFRESHMENTS.
Having been escorted TO this beautiful spot by
the Mikados Ministers and attendants, the party
was RECALLED with tea and sweetmeats
ONWARD.
The march was tnen resumed In the same order
ana after proceeding through SIMILAR walks, wind
Ing alternately through noble old or the native
forests and beautiful flowers and snrubbery. en-
vened occasionally by artificial cascades formed
by skifully conducting the tiny rls over the rocky
hlsides the whole forming landscape OF Arcadlan
beauty IN the heart Oh the great city OF Jeddo
equaled by few and surpassed Dg none IN any part
OF the world. the party reached the place designated
Tor holding the audience.
THE EMPOWERED SANCTUM.
IL was O small summer house, capable OF holding
about thirty or forty persons.
A the party approached from the south the whole
house appeared TO DO c,osed, with no place oil en-
trance, but on turning the corner the north side
WAS seen To be enre, open, the sllding panels, oi
wnlch Japanese rooms are generaly composed,
having been enrcly removed.
THE IMPERIAL PRESENCB
The Mfkad0 was seen sitting IN the further part or
the room throne Wllfh isNEea