The Hawaiian gazette., 1872-06-12
Japan Correspondence.

j
sassnate the Mikado, at the Imperial Castle il
Yedo. 1t was at first supposed by many tina
this wns the result of deepaid plot to overthrow
the Mikado's Government but the truth of tn,
affair is that band of ten men dressed in whit
garments, and termed yanaJuSli "a class con
nected with the priests, being melted by SON,
religious illusion, sought admission within the
front gate of the Castle but in passing the guart
they were ordered back, and as they still persist
ed in forcing entrance within the inner walls
bloody encounter ensued in which. four of the
aggressors were killed, one wounded and five
taken prisoners.
Another conspiracy nearly through.
out the Empire, and having for its purpose the
determination of all foreigners in Japan-hns
since been discovered in Yedo, and about 100
yontns apprehended. The coup de grace was to
have taken place week or so since, when all the
open ports were to have been made the scene of
a sanguinary massacre of the barbarians !" but
fortunately, the conspiracy was discovered end
this timely discovery in all probability prevented
q serious outbreak. But notwithstanding this
enaeHte-notwthstandin the disaffection still
existing in the country, and the avOwed hatred
to foreigners by certain cliques-it is pretty GER
tain that there is no impending danger to for
eigners except where they are few in number, as
in Yedo. At Yokohama Hiogo, etc, the for.
eign element would be too strong for gang of
frenzied, fanatical soldiers; and besides, their
purpose would invariably be discovered by the ma
tive authorities who are friendly to the foreign
cause Still the country cannot be said to wear
the most serene aspect.
One of the most disastrous caamites to which
Yedo has been subjected occurred early this
month. A terrible conlagntion broke out in
that city on the Sd inst, and for magnitude and
destructive power it bid fair at one time to rival
the Chicago calamity. As it was, over 5000
buildings were destroyed, more than 10000 per-
sons rendered homeless, and most of them PENN.
less, eight men killed and 81 wounded The total
loss is estimated at 81 $4,000 The raging ele-
ment spread over Al streets, commencing with
Government buildings, which suffered greatly
but as usual, the poor class of houses formed the
bulk of the prey to the a-deyouring flames, and
the number of poor people needing relief reached
$4,000. The Chiji of Yedo was jealous in pro-
yiding for the immediate necessities of these un-
fortunates, who we're thus literally thrown into
the streets, and furnished them with rice, etc He
was of course unable to meet their requirements,
and upon his suggestion every official gave day's
pay toward the general relief of the sufferers. The
Japanese of Yokohama and Kanagawa also raised
a subscription, and the Soi-diSi,utt public men OF
Yokohama held a meeting for the purpose of
mooting the desirability of rendering assistance
but owing to the facts regarding the fire being
greatly exaggerated in the first reports, it was
thought by these gentlemen philanthropists that
it was unnecessary to tender the assistance
proposed The japanese are philosophic people.
Beneath the greatest Affections they invariably
manifest degree of lortitude which might teach
foreigners how to suffer without complaining. 10 |
see thousands of suffering families camped out in
harsh weather, and to note their air of calm sub /
contentment, reflects upon them a nobility of |
character truly gratifying
The Exhibition at kioto is producing a great
stir among natives, and trfug hustle III the for
eign interest. Elaborate preparations are being
made for the accommodation and entertainment
of visitors to Kiotc Hotels have been fitted up
by japanese, and other important arrangements
made in anticipation of large influx of foreign
ers, but they will undoubtedly be disappointed.
Although many would like TO visit the sacred
- 3
$500 for the qualification, and at the exorbitunt
rates that will be charged for everything it will
cost little less than that amount to go from Yo
iohama even, and of course much more from
China, etc. Besides, the British Consul at Kobe
requires $500 to be deposited with him by intend
ng visitors as guarantee of good conduct, and
The other Consuls request bond for the same
mount. This is done with view to prevent the
presence of bad characters but one would sup
pose that passports issued to persons of known
rood character only would meet all the require
neuts of extreme caution.
Contrary to public expectation the line of rail
way between here and Yedo is not yet open to
rafiic, owing chiefly to the non-completion of the
fridge at Logo. To speak mildly, this prolonged
leay is anything but creditable to those connect
ID with the enterprise. and it would appear that
here is something fundamentally wrong in the
manner in which the work is being carried on.
The japanese are proverbial for bad management
nd procrastination but it may be that they are
Unfortunate in the selection of foreign assistants
q their undertakings However, as prelude to
pening portion of the railroad, trial trip was
made yesterday by train as far Sinagawa IA
oint some few miles this side of YedoJ, and the
pening of this portion of the line is announced
Or next month. The line of telegraph between
'okohama and Nagasaki is reportad to be draw
lg near completion. Nearly all the posts are put
p, and all that remains to be done is to stretch
nd set up the wire, so that three or four months
I'LL probably see telegraphic communication es-
lblished over that portion Of the Empire.
The Bluff Garden Show, which took place on
he Sd inst. passed of satisfactorily and reflected
reat credit upon its promoters. The principal
xhibts comprised cows, calves, pigs, sheep, goats,
ogs, poultry and flowers. The exhibition doubt
ss proved as interesting to natives as it was .
ratifying to foreigners. The Japanese are I'M {
orting foreign stock with a view to improve the 1
reed of cattle, etc A series of flower shows are