Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-03-05
ITO the Associated Press. /

RECEPTION OF THE JAPANESE EMBASSY.
WASH NGToN, March AT noon to-day the
principal members Of the Japanese embassy, ten
in number. were officially presented to the pres-
dent. Some time before the hour for the recep-
ton, prominent officers of the government who
had been invited to attend the ceremony congre-
gated in the east room. There were present here
members OF the committee on foreign relations
of the two houses of congress, all the members
of the cabinet, Il number OF the officers from the
executive, navy and war departments, Vice Pres
ident CoiaX, Speaker Blaine and Minister De-
long.
Soon after twelve O'Clock, the members of the
embassy, accompanied by Charge de Afaires
Mori, arrived at the executive mansion. They
were in complete court costume which consisted
of purple underskirts and rich black silk over
skirts reaching to the knee, finely decorated.
There were some variations in the costumes ac-
cording to rank, the difference being more par
ticuarly noticeable in the style of hats. Each
carried heavy sword. They entered the White
| house according to rank, and were met by Sec
rotary Fish in the red parlor, whence, after sau-
| tations were exchanged they were escorted into
the east room, and the official ceremony of pre-
| senting their credentials commenced.
Prince Iwakura said: His majesty the cmpe-
ror of Japan, our worthy sovereign, has sought,
since the achievement Of our national recon-
structon to attain Il more perfect organization
in the administrative power Of his government.
He has studied with interest the results attained
establish permanent and friendly relations with
foreign powers, on a still closer footing, he has
commissioned us his ambassadors eXtraOrdi-
nary to all powers having treaties with Japan
Upon the soil of your country we first present
our credentials, delivering TO you personally the
letter of our august sovereign at the public Off.
cia audience. The objects of the mission with
which we are charged by our government are
somewhat set forth in this letter We are au-
thorized to consult with your government on all
international questions, directing our efforts to
promote and develope wide commercial rela-
tons ,sand draw into closer bonds the strong
friendship already existing between our respec-
tive people. Thus we hope to gain fresh i'm
pulse in the paths of progress, gaining good
from every form of civilization. This we shall
aim to do, while in the exercise of strict integrity
TO our own national interests, so trustingIy cuu-
fided by generous sovereign, and shall earnest
ly hope TO receive your kind attention. In IA
ctatlng the task assigned us by our govern
ment, we gladly avail ourselves or this happy
meeting to convey personally TO your eXceency
our sincere wishes for your continued prosperity
aud happiness; and, as national representatives
we extend the same wish to all the people of the
United States.
The president then responded Gentlemen,
am gratitied that this country and that my adj
ministration will be distinguished in history as
the first which has received an embassy from
the nation with which the United States were
the first to establish diplomatic and commercial
interests. The objects which you say have
gwen rise 10 your mission do honor to the intel
ligence and wisdom Of your sovereign, and re-
fleet credit on you in having been chosen as the
instruments for carrying them into effect. The
time must be regarded as gone, never TO re-
turn, when any nation can keep apart from all
others and expect TO enjoy the prosperity and
happiness which depend more or less upon the
mutual adoption of Improvements not only in
the science of government, but in those other
sciences and arts which contribute to the dignity
of mankind and TO the national wealth and
power Though Japan is one of the most an
Gent OF organized communities, and the United
States ranks among the most recent we hatter
ourselves that we have made some improve
ments upon the political institutions of
nations from whom we are descend
ed. Our experience leads us to believe
that the wealth, the power, and the happ-
ness of people are advanced by their encourage
ment of trade and commercial intercourse with
other powers; by the elevation and the dignity
of labor; by the practical adaptation of science
to the manufactures and the arts; by Increased
facilities of frequent and rapid communication
between different parts of the country; by the
encouragement of emigration, which brings
with il the varied habits and diverse genius and
industry of other lands; free press; BY free
dom of thought and of conscience, and liberal
liberation on matters of religion, not only to
citizens, but to all foreigners resident among us.
IL will be pleasure to us to enter upon that
which you say you are authorized to engage,
The improvement of the commercial relations
between our respective countries is important
and desirable, and cannot fail to strengthen the
bonds which unite us. will heartily co.ope-
rate in so desirable an object.
Your kind wishes for me, personally, qentle-
men, are cordially reGproCated. | trust that
your abode with us may be agreeable to you,
and may contribute to more intimate acquain-
lance and intercourse between our respective
peoples.
The utmost interest was manifested by the
large company present in these exercises. The
address Of the Japanese ambassador was de.
livered In a peculiarly musical tone of voice.
AT the conclusion of the ceremonies formal
introduction was given TO all officials present,
those representing departments being presented
In groups. There was no hand shaking, the for.
malities extending simply to stately bowling.
After the cabinet officers and committees of for
eign affairs, the army and navy officers. and
then the officers of different departments were
introduced, all advancing to meet the Japanese
who were standing in the middle of the state
room.
At the conclusion of these courtcsies the
members of the embassy were escorted into the
blue parlor to be introduced to the ladies of the
executive mansion, and of the cabinet officers
families and others.
President Grant with lwakarua on his arm, led
the way, followed by the cabinet officers, escort
ing the other membersofthe embassy Some time
was passed In the blue paror, in the exchange