The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-18
OUR NEW JAPANESE VISITORS.

Tho Character OF the Delsaation-Their OBJ
jecis-rhe Indemnity Question-The Japn-
nese In the United States. e3HTIs sae
From the Washington Chronicle, Jan. IT.
In view OF the appr0ac ching Japanese Embassy,
which Is expected to arrive In washington about
the LIST OF February, we submit few authentic par.
tlcuars respecting the affairs Of that people in this
country. Ect Hl 9Isw
And first, as to the character Of this diplomatic
delegation. The name Of the leading Ambassador
Is IwaKura Tomonei Vice President OF the Japanese
Ministry and in reality the ruling spirit Of hts gov
eminent. He Is about nrty years of age and Is the
Oldest official now connected with the public AFFAIRS
OF Japan. He does not speak English.
but In his native tongue IS considered an
Impressive orator. celebrated for his strong
indomitable Will He was credited with having done
more than any other man to reestablish the govern
ment OF the Mikado. Three OF his sons have resided
IN THIS country as students for several years. The
second Ambassador is KIDD Takasuke, member of
the Counch Of State; the third, Okubo Toshimichi,
slstant Minister OF Public Works. who has been in
tins country before, where he has many friends and
Mlnis.er OF Foreign Affairs. = a,lT .'.1 5ITi : :
These digniLarles Will be accompanied by eight
secretaries and thirty-One attaches, making In all
an embassy OF forty. four persons, to whom may be
added Mr.. Charles Wolcott Brooks the japanese
be acccnpsSied by humber Of commissioners and and
many private gentlemen, who. with retlnue OF
servants, Will swell the japanese delegation to
about one hundred persons.
After their mission to the United States has been
completed the Embassy propose to visit England,
France, Holland. and all the otner treaty Powers
and intend to return to their country by the middle
I or summer. E
| Among the objects which they desire to accom-.
plish are. first the submission or certain PROPOSE
tons In regard 10 the revision Of the treaties now
existing as between Japan and various foreign Pow.
laws OF Japan conform to those Of civilized nations;
thirdly, to acquaint themselves with the customs Of
Xlf n Utn AG
the adoption OF such as might be suitable for the
people OF Japan and fourtnly to request the treaty
some time alter their return to Japan But para
mount to all these objects will be that OF increasing
japan an9 al Nations tne TOM exist between
10 Is also understood that the Embassy will en-
question between the United States and Japan. BY
many OF the best minds In tins country the idea
that the four Powers SO called. should have de-
manded an indemnity OF $3,O0O,O0O from Japan,
founded upon nothing but preposterous claims, has
been pronounced simply disgraceful. But their
real OBJECT was to obtain irmer foothod In Japan.
Indeed. they suggested that II the late tycoon
would open the port or Simonosekl they would
not demand any money; but that dignitary pre-.
ferred to pay the money, and did pay the lustal.
ments regularly until he Went out OF power. or the
mains unpaid at the present time; ami 1t Is under.
stood that the coming embassy viii propose to ali the
parties Interested mat In lieu OF paying he balance
now due, the Mlkad0 Will declare SimOnOsekl an
open port, and thereby comply with the original
Wishes Of the treaty Powers Interested 1t is further
the government OF Japan Will appropriate the
whole of this sl59oooo to purposes or education Ia
japan, 9a ffNt :.
mas already been paid TO the government vi the
United states we may mention the following int.
resting partlCuars:-rhe total amount Is about
seven hundred aud fifty thousand dollars, ana 1t has
now been lying Idle In the Department OF state at
Washington for about TWO years. the fact that our
government does not know what to do with this
money inclines US to the belief that 1t Is held by
sort or tenure that Is not deemed exactly In keeping
Al any rate, We are pleased TO learn that the
subject has attracted the attention OF Professor
Joseph Henry, Of the Smithsonian Institution, and
That, In his ofncia capacity. he mas submitted a
proposition to Congress- asking that BODY for It's
consent to let the indemnity fund be appropriated
70 the establishment OF great educational institu.
ton IN the city Of Jeddo. In Japan. HIS plan is
most comprehensive, and includes the idea OF
giving instruction IN all the departments OF
great national library. That the feelings or the
Japanese Minister, Mr. Mori should be interested in
TINS scheme Is quite natural ana ne has been assured
and many other men OF influence IN Washington.
From all che data before us IL certain thai the
Japanese government has determined to adopt to
the fullest extent the civilzlng policy OF the West.
ern nations ana that so lar as the civil government
Is concerned ne United States VIII be the model By
which 1t VIII be sought to make Japan one OF the
most prosperous and happy nations Of the earth.
Win regard TO the Japanese now residing In the
hundred, ali OF them In different parts Of the coun.
try hard at work engaged In acquiring The very best
possible education. We learn that In all our best
dents in ability and attention to study and that
they are everywhere commended for their high
toned IDEAS their upright and circumspect conduct.
and gentlemanly manners. As TO the proposition
now pending IN the senate respecting the admission
gracious, II nothing more, TO refuse them admis.
sion, since the records Of the War Department prove
the United states were partially educated In the mi.
iiary schools OF France. .f.. .f Il. ,.....-r 7 -.