New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-03-08
The japanese Embassy.

WASHINGTON, March 4-The Japanese
embassy were presented to the President
today, and a complimentary speech made
by the Japanese Minister introducing the
embassy, followed by an address from
Prince lwakura, and response by Presi-
dent Grant. The members of the Cabinet
were present, together with all the army
and naval dignitaries in full uniform. to-
gether with Vice President Coltax, Speaker
Blaine. etc. The following is the address
of the ambassadors to the President, de-
livered by 1wakura:
His majesty. the Emperor of Japan our
august sovereign, has sought, since the
achievement of our national recOnstruc-
ton, to attain more perfect organization in
the administrative power OF his govern
ment He has studied with interest the
results attained by the Western nations
Having a sincere desire to establish per-
manent and friendly relations with the
foreign powers on a still closer footing. he
has commissioned us, his ambassadors eX-
traordinary, to all powers having treaties
with Japan. Upon the soil of your country
we first present our credentials, delivering
to you personally the letter of our au-
gust sovereign at this public official
audience. The objects of the mission
with which we are charged by our
government are somewhat set forth in
this letter. We are authorized to consult
with your government on all international
questions, directing our efforts to promote
and develop wide commercial relations, and
draw into closer bonds the strong friendship
already existing between our respective peo
pie. Tins we hope to gain fresh impulse i'll
the paths OF progress, gaining good from
every form of civilization. This we shall
aim to do. While in the exercise of strict i'll
tegrity advancing our own national inter-
ests so trustingly contded by a generous
ceive Your kind cooperation in facilitating
the task assigned by our government. We
gladly avail of this happy meeting to con
vey personally to your excellency our sill
cere wishes for your continued prosperity
and happiness: and as national repre-
sentatives, we extend the same wish to all
the people of the United States.
The President then responded:
Gentlemen, | am gratitied that this coun-
try and that my administration will be dis
tinguished in history as the first which has
received an embassy from the nation with
which the United States were the first to es-
tablish diplomatic and commercial inter
course. The objects which you say have
given rise to YOUR mission do honor to
the intelligence and wisdom of your
sovereign, and reflect credit on you in
having been chosen as the instruments for
carrying them into effect. The time must be
nation can keep apart from all others and
expect to enjoy prosperity and happiness,
which depends more or less upon the mutual
adoption of Improvements not only in the
science Of government, but III those other
sciences and arts which contribute to the
dignity OF mankind and to the national
wealth ana power. Though Japan is one
of the most ancient OF organized comIuu-
mites, and the United States rank among
have made some improvements ON the
political institutions of the nations from
whom we are descended. Oar experience
leads us to believe that the wealth, power
and happiness OF people are advanced by
their encouragement of trade and COM
merclal intercourse with other powers. by
the elevation and dignity of labor, by the
practical adaptation of science to manu-
features and arts, by the increase of facili-
ties of frequent and rapid communication
between the different parts Of the country,
by encouragement OF immigration which
brings with it the varied habits
and diverse genius and industry of
other lands, by free press.
by freedom of thought and conscience and
liberal liberation in matters of religion, not
only to citizens. but all foreigners resident
among us 1t will be a pleasure to us to
enter on that consultation on international
questions ID which you say you are author
lzed TO engage. The improvement of com
mefclai relations between our respective
countries is important and desirable, and
can not IAN TO strengthen the bonds which
unite us. Will heartily cooperate in so
desirable an object. Your kind wishes for
me personally. gentlemen, are cordially re-
cipfocateo. trust that your abode with
us may be agreeable to you, and NAV con
tribute TO more intimate acquaintance and
intercourse between our respective peo-
pies"
The utmost interest was manifested bv
the large company present IL these exer-
cises.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies. a
formal introduction was given to all the
officials present, those representing the sew
eral departments being presented in grou,,s
10 the strangers. AT the conclusion OF the
colIrtesies the members Of the embassy
were escorted into the Blue Parlor to be in
troduced to the ladies of the executive man
sion and the Cabinet officers families, to-
gether with others who had been invited to
be present President Grant, with Prince
Iwakura or his arm, led the way, followed
by the Cabinet officers esccrting other laem-
beers of the embassy. Some time was passed
in the Blue Pallor in the exchange of social
courtesies, an interpreter being present to
assist il the conversation.
At the banquet speeches were made by
Iwakura, Mr.. Brooks, General Banks. ado,
the Imperial Chancellor, Governor tia, Min
lister De Long, Mr.. Mori, Congressman
Wood, Sargent, Kelly, Dawes and Kerr,
and Ben Perley POore. The entertainment
continued to late hour, and was in the
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