The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-08-17

Progress and COmmercial Develop
mont I'm Experimentation Policy and
Interests In Asia.
There appears to be sufficient authority for
the statement that the Mikado Of japan really
contemplates visiting Europe and the United
States. This news comes recently and authori-
tatively from Japan. The Mikado was making
journey through tho southern portion of his
Empire, and whom this shall be ended he will,
it is said. embark for Europe. and, after hav-
| ing visited that Continent will come to the
United States, from whence he will return
home by the way of San Francisco and
the Pacific Ocean. The announcement of such
remarkable event would astonish US if any
thing could be regarded very astonishing in
this eventful age. A few years ago only the
Japanese Empire was like sealed book to the
rest of the world. Foreigners, who were
regarded as barbarians were excluded from
the sacred soil Of Japan. Foreign intercourse
was interdicted, except on the very edge of
the Empire at one or two ports and with only
few traders specially licensed. The Japan
ese were really more exclusive and suspicious
and jealous of foreigners than the Chinese.
The Mikado, who was looked upon as
demigod, and who has been all along the
spiritual chief-the Pope or more than Pope
of Japan, was too sacred q person for profane
eyes to look upon. But the surprising and
unparalleled revolution in Japan within the
last few years has made wonderful change
Our readers are informed of the facts gener-
o11xy so To- 20 kha Lott
of this remarkable history. The Mikado, as
is known, is still the spiritual chief Of Japan,
and is regarded with much reverence as such,
though he has, since the deposition Of the
Tycoon and the Daimios, become the secular
ruler as well. This is the religious potentate
and Emperor of forty millions of people or
more who, it is said. intends visiting Europe
and America. We should sooner have expected
the Pope of Rome to leave Italy and cross the
SEAS Yet, when we look at the character,
liberal views, love of knowledge progressive
ideas and ambition Of this young Mikado. we
should not be astonished to see him in the
United States. The important embassies that
have been sent from Japan to the Western ma
tons, and which were here recently, were in
tended, it is reported, to prepare the way for
the Mikado's visit
Now in view of the Mikado coming here or
Of even entertaining such a thought, our gov
eminent ought to extend cordial invitation
to him and to offer the finest national ship
the Wabash, for example-to bring him across
the Atlantic. Let this be done in the name of
the government and American people, and in
the proper dignifed way, agreeable to Japanese
ideas, and it might have the effect of inducing
the Mikado to come if even he should be un-
decided. As the guest Of the government and
with government officials TO accompany him
and to advise his movements, he would not be
annoyed by undue curiosity of the people or
be subject to the "bombastic reception
which British contemporary cynically says
were given here to the Japanese Embassy.
He could be as free or as reserved as he might
please, and due respect would be paid to his
character and position. just as much as there
would be to the Pope were he to come to
America He would receive, doubtless the
most considerate and exalted attentions in
Europe, and this great nation could show him
as much respect, though less ostentation,
perhaps, than the Transatlantic monarchies.
The Mikado, though young man, is one of
the most liberal and progressive rulers Of the
world, and would appreciate the hearty repub-
lican welcome we should give him. But
apart from the proper courtesy that should DO
extended to so distinguished person there
would be profound and far-seeing policy in
making him the guest of the nation in the
manner we have proposed. There is some
thing of republican basis to the institutions
of Japan, and the late revolution. which has
thority as well as spiritual, has enlarged that
and made the government more popular. We
may imagine, then, with what interest he
would view the working Of republican institu-
tons in this country. Though he may be,
from his education and position, inclined to
favor something of the absolutist or monarchi-
cal principle Of government, and though he
might be somewhat impressed with the gilded
encourage of royalty in Europe, he would not
fail to notice the universal freedom, happiness
and prosperity of the United States. He would
in all probability see that this happy condition
and the wonderful progress and future of our
country arc the result chiefly of free govern
ment, in which all the people participate.
1t is evident from the liberal conduct of the
Mikado and the surprising changes he has
made in Japan that he desires above all things
the improvement and welfare of his people.
Would he not, then, leave the United
States with more enlarged views Of lib
erty and progress than he can obtain in
Europe? He would go home. probably
with determination to initiate as far as prac-
tcable and as consistent with his own position
the principles Of government he would find
operating so well here: A fresh impulse would