Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1872-10-04

tne aulacent lSlanuS. On tne llln Vi feD-
ruary, 1854, the United States fleet, now
consisting of three steam frigates, four
sloops-of-war, and two store ships, reap
peared in the bay of Yeddo. Since his
previous visit, the tycoon had died (by
violence, IL was nysteriously reported, in
consequence of the concessions wrung by
the Amercans,) and a protest against
Perry's return in the midst Of the mourn
ing period had intercepted the fleet at Ba-
tavia, whittier ii had been sent by the jap
anese authorities. This, however, was un-
availing; and the commodore demanded a
reply TO the proposition Tor treaty with
the United States.
Alter nearly month spent in diploma
tic parrying with the shrewd Orientals,
formal conferences began at Kanagawa, on
the sth of March, 1854, and adjourned from
day TO day. That convention finally, on
the 3lst of March, concluded the first treaty
with tho United States, opening the ports
of Hakodad and Simoda to trade aud com
merce, and promising relief to shipwreck-
ed or distressed seameu of the United
States at any of the japanese ports. The
fleet remained on the coast for several
months, and in September finally sailed
for bomo.,
The announcement that the United Statos
had made treaty of commerce with Japan
created great excitement throughout the
civilized world. Where other nations had
been baflied for centuries, the Americans
had unexpectedly succeeded by their per-
sistence and cool determination. Repre-
sentatives of European powers were speed
lily sent out TO secure for their governments
the same privileges which had been granted
TO the United States. Consequently, Sir
james Stirling concluded treaty on the
part Of Great Britain, in October, 1854.
Russia perfected similar convention in
the following February; the Dutch in Jan
uary, 1856; and, in 1857, the Hon. Town
send Harris, United States consul-general
at Simoda, concluded supplementary
treaty by which the Americans secured
some additional privileges at the ports al
ready open.
All Of these treaties, however, were COM
paratively resultleis, aifording but few
facilities for trade, and only shelter and re-
lief for shpwrecked seamcn. In the latter
part of 1857, Townsend Harris, then consul
general at Simoda, resolved to go to Yeddo
and negotiate treaty of commerce for the
United States. The Japanese were partly
alarmed aud partly amused at the preten-
sions of this foreigner, who demanded to
see the tycoon. lie was told that it was
impossible, and not 10 be 50 much as
thought Of. He Insisted, and urged that he
had letter which must be delivered to the
august emperor himself. After long and
discouraging delays, he actually penetrat-
ed to Yeddo, and did not leave that city
until he had finished convention-the
famous Harris treaty, which under date of
July 20, 1858, threw open the ports of Kama
gawa, Nagasaki, Neegata and Hiogo 10
trade with the United States. AS before,
the enterprise and success of the Ameri-
cans excited great attention i'll Europe !;
and, while Japan was still sore and shaken
with the turmoil which these astonishing
changes had produced, the great powers
were swilt to follow up the advantages
which the republic had secured for itself.
During ISIS and 1859, similar treaties were
concluded by Great Britain, Russia and
France. In 1850, Prussia made its treaty
and, in 1864, Switzerland secured like re-
lations with the empire. Supplementary
treaties were made from Time 10 time, but
the Harris treaty has continued, from 1851
until now, the basis of all negotiations and
agreements which have followed its con-
summation. Thus, after unnumbered CEN
turies of almost absolute seclusion from
the rest of the world, Japan was opened to
the trade and commerce of all nations.-
Noah Brock in Me Overland Monthly.