The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1872-08-07
Japan Correspondence.

] The public has at least been gratlted by the
opening OF the railway between Yokohama and
/ Sinagawa, and a month or two more will proba-
bly, suffice for the completion of the line as far
/ Yedo. The first passenger train started on the
[ 18th inst, the line being opened without cere-
mony. Six trains each way are now traversing
| the road daily. The distance between the two
points is about fifteen miles, thirty-fve minutes
being the time occupied in the transit and the
charges are for first class SI.5O, second class 81,
and third class Soc Everything seems to work
satisfactorily, the only complaint worthy of notice
I being that the fare is too high.
The Japanese in their national progression
seem to be adopting the liberal ideas and spirit OF
independence which characteuses their foreign
friends, and the people occasionally become
verv demoustrative in their opposition to any
thing like despotic rule. This has been frequent
ly exempliied of late. The principal s4se of CT
tatou is n riot of the peasautry 10 ssSeral villages
contiguous to Niigata. in consequence, it was
said, of a tax being letied upon them to defray
the cost of new canal The military were
called upon TO quell the disturbance; several Of
the rioters being killed and one or two officials
wounded. Ii has since been asserted that the
eueme had purely political import, seditiOn
having been spread among the inhabitants by
rouias. A government explanation states that
40 600 persons were concerned in the outbreak,
A feud recently occurred at Karatz between
two clans, who though nominaIy united were
still enemies, and their hostility seems to have
eliminated in dispute for the possession Of
some 10000 ras, accumulated taxes placed in
the local treasury. One clan seized the money,
and Immediately sent it of to their couireres at
Yedo. The rivals could not tolerate this and at
once sent party in pursuit. Succeeding in cap.
turing the freebooters, they took possession of
the treasure, but instead of returning it to the
treasury, simply divided" This very irregular
proceeding will doubtless be inquired into by the
government, and steps taken to prevent the repe
titon of such outrageous acts.
The encroachments Of the Russians have prov
en- a strong stimulant to exerton on the part Of
the Japanese Government in developing the re-
sources of the Island of Yesso. The attention
this Island is now receiving might reasonably
have been expected years ago. The recent i'm
portations Of stock from America are designed
for YesSo, as also various agricultural imple-
ments and the engagement OF foreigners, headed
by Gen. Capron. to superintend aud assist in
bringing the island under successful cultivation
aud to raise superior breed Of cattle, speaks
well for the enterprise. A large number of Jap.
and Gen. Capron sailed in the Z. 5. S Colorado
yesterday. The japanese have not hitherto paid /
much attention to stock raising, especially horses
but they will now in all probability, cross their /.
breeds by foreign stock, aud make the improve
meut, in the course Of time, almost general.
The success of the Kioto Exhibition has fallen |
greatly short of the anticipauons of its pro-
moters; still much good has resulted from it, |
especially to the Kioto traldes-people whom it .
was especially designed TO benefit. 1t is purPosed .
to make it an annual event. The number of .
foreign visitors to the sacred city is still small
though general satisfaction is expressed by
those who have seen its sights aud beauties.
Another fire has occurred at Yedo, 200 or 300 .
houses being consumed by the flames. The
elements surely have design on that unfortunate
city; there is seldom fire unless a strong wind
is blowing to spread the devouring monster, and
seldom strong wind unless a fire courts its
strengthening blast
BY some strange fatality, the Regatta Day at
Yokohama is invariably wet, and the last one
proved no exception to the rule. The morning
broke with heavy, Opaque clouds hanging omin-
ously over the harbor, and not a breath of air
ripped upon the water. As the hour approached
for commencing the sport" % a. NJ few
Catspaws played upon the listless sails of the
anxious yachtsmen, and as the morning advanced
a continuation of light airs enabled the compet-
ing boats to fan" over the course. The pulling
races of the afternoon had one advantage in the
weather-smooth water-but the rain set in"
pitessly, and the only tOerable refuge was the
p. NJ. S. 5. Golden Age Tiffin was spread on
board the steamer, and the scene was graced by
the presence of number of ladies' the s S.
Colorado's band envening the dali aspect which
the weather lent to the occasion by discOursDg
merry strains of music. In the abstract and
especially HS iSSdius IHS pu'vuS iaSes' IHe Iee-
gatta was success, nothing but the unproptiaus
weather marring the enjoyment and interest of
the day. The .. S. 5. Colorados boats carried
off the prizes for men-of-war's gigs and cutters,
beating the French and German boats easily
No British man.of-wars boats participated in the
Regatta this year
Much satisfaction has been expressed by many
residents here regarding the increased subsidy to
the P. NJ. 5. S. Company. The bi-monthly
service has now fairly commenced. The Colo
-ado arrived from San Francisco on the sth inst,
lnd the Japan is due on the oath. The America
arrived from HOngkOug on the 18th, and leaves
'or San Francisco tomorrow, the Odd at noon
RIO JANEIRo advices say the balancing of ac-