The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1872-09-04
Iannn Correspondence.
YOKOHAMA. July G, 1872.

YOKOHAMA, July 6, 1872.
The ?. NJ. S. Colorado arrived from HougkonG on
the 4th inst, and leaves for San Francisco to-mor-
row, having full cargo engaged. From this port
she carries 500 or 900 tons OF tea in which article
brisk business has been done during the month. In
referring to the refreshing activity in business circles
which has characterized the past few weeks, 1t may
be noticed that Yarns especially have been in great
demand, prices st one time advancing rapidly to
high rate. An improvement in the movements oil
shipping especially in the number of arrivals, has
impaired more lively appearance to our haroor,
and with the Frightening summer sun, affairs gen
orally NAV be said to have frightened The L. 5.
frigate Colorado arrived from Hakodate on the lst
inst, and will shortly leave for the southern ports
of Japan Shanghae, etc. Captain jenkins, ii is said,
will take command OF the relieving flagship. The
Z. S S Benicia sailed for San Francisco on the 4th,
having been ordered TO that port by special tele-
gram She will, it is reported, be put out of COM
mission soon after her arrival The British ironcad
Iron Duke Rear-Admiral Shadwell, F. R. A, and
the Despatch-boat Saamis, arrived on the 9th inst
from Kobe, the customary salutes being given.
Mr. B. L. Lathrop, recently appointed Hawaiian
Consul for the North, LEFT by the last mail for Hako-
date The Russian Consulate at the latter port has
been abolished.
Inc DrlElt ana MCdluSI VI tuC 4 ouit
lent viyacity to the receptions, joyousness TO
the booming OF cannon, and gayety to the display
OF gorgeous bunting usual upon this memorable
day. and the inspirited style in which the occasion
was celebrated by the few Americans numbered
among this community speaks highly for the patri-
otc spirit pervading them, which distance and for
eigu associations are powerless to lessen.
The railway is progressing favorably. reduction
Ill. ,4r haan n son G2 15
(about 81 cents), first class sen O. 50 6S cents)
ond class, and SCI, 81 (S2 cents) third class be-
tween Yokohama aud Shinagawa, the reduced rates
to be observed on aud after the 10th inst. Although
the whole management is on the British principle,
yet no dissatisfaction OF importance is observable on
the part of the travelling public and the natives are
taking more kindly TO this faster mode of journey
ing.
Mr.. Watson, the new British Charge d'Affaires,
has Just established very desirable change in Jap
anese Court etiquette. 1t has been the custom for
His Majesty to maintain sitting posture when re-
ceiying foreign dipomatists. On only one occasion
was this form of reception departed irom-on the
occasion of Sir Harry Parkes' presentation to His
Majesty in May 1865 This, however, was preee-
dent for Mr. Watson to act upon, and he objected
to the usual custom as betraying want OF respect
for the Sovereign be had the honor Of representing
II was at first stated that he had declined to present
his credentials unless the observance of the form of
etiquette complained of waived, and the Mi
kado consented to receive him standing This as
ser,ion however was not strictly correct, inasmuch
as Mr. Watson was accredited to the Government,
not to the Aikado and therefore the controversy
regarding the ormaity to be observed on the occa-
sion of an audience would have interfered with
business between the Charge d'Affaires and the
Government His Majesty, however, conceded the
point But one very stubborn opposer of the con-
cesson was found in Terashima Toza, who has late
" been despatched TO England as Resident Am6as'
sador Upon learning, however, that his presenta-
tion to Her Britannia Majesty would be prevented
upless satisfactory solution of the difficulty under
discussion arrived at, he gave way The choice
made by the japanese Cabinet of their Ambassador
TO England is certainly not happy cue, and IeTa-
shima Toza will find it necessary in his foreign
relations, to expand his ideas and overcome many
prejudices.
Particulars are to hand regarding the recent out
break at Ngata and the story Of the wretched lives
of the peasautry can not fair to call up some degree
of sympathy for them under the curse of oppres-
syc rule Not only were they taxed so heavily that
many of them were compelled to leave their homes,
and-almost peuuiless-seek more profitable labor
in other districts but large levies made upon
the men to forced labor in the government work oil
cutting the canal, doing out TO them miserable
pittauce daily scarcely sufficient to provide the bare
necessaries OF lie, and thus compelling them to
neglect work upon their FARMS etc, to their great
pecuniary loss. No wonder they petaoned-al-
though their petition paTtoC more OF the nature oil
a demand for decrease Of taxes and the abolish
meut of forced labor; but the political aspect the
matter took is very surprisng-the overthrow oil
the Government and the expulsion OF foreigners
The unjust oppression, however, was the moving
accident in causing the rebellion. The military
easily overpowered the insurgents, and, the leader
being captured little danger OF another rising in
that district is apprehended, though the authorities
deem it expedieut to keep the q'd UiUt and have
warned foreigners to be in readiness to fly in case of
danger, small steam lighter being at hand for the
purpose.
Wonders upon wonders present themselves. An
American paper states that the Mikado has been
converted to Christianity and also that he has been
taking lessons in agriculture from Gen. Capron until
he excelled his tutor and has therefore discharged
him and all his assistants; and many other reports
equally untrue or absurd are frequent and disgust
ing. But among the recent triumPhs of the Mikado
in oyertepping the bounds of isolation and secluded
majesty, aud eHH,a may be mentioned the fact oi
His Majesty having actually gone to sea! Embark
ing at Shinagawa on the 2Sth ult., and proceeding
down the bay, amid royal salutes, in the Joshui
Maru. he for the first time experienced the doubt
full pleasure of being ahoat upon the ocean wave"
Seven other men-ofwar accompanied the vessel 10
which His Majesty and suite had embarked. The
route proposed is TO Oashima, thence TO Kobe,
Osaka, Kioto, (where he will visit the mausoluem
of his father.) and Najasaka, returning by way of
Atami. The chief object of the tour seems to be
visit to famous temples, mausoleums, etc, and to
observe the improvement the coast in the matter
Of lighthouses etc.
The giant Chang is now presenting in Yokohama
$40 pounds Of animated flesh and bone in one lump,
standing feet high. He purposes sojourniug in
Japan till September, when he viii leave for India
He is now holding levees. As specimen OF natures
freaks in China he is interesting, offering striking
anomaly to the generic Chinamau.
The recent water spout near Verdi on the Pacific
Railroad, is described by letter written on board
of detained train as follows:
A black cloud, described by the men as being the