The Hawaiian gazette., 1873-04-23
Japan.
IrROM OUR own CORRESPONDENT

lFROM OUR OWN TIL
YOKOHAMA, Feb. "a, 1873.
All Christendom will rejoice to learn that the
longexisting edicts against Christianity, among
the people of Japan, have at length been oblit-
Grated from the public notice boards. 1t will be
remembered that the persecution with which ma
tive Christians had been visited were some time
since greatly modified, and that subsequently ad-
ministrators of the law were notified not to
enforce the punishments with which converts
had been threatened and now, the present ac-
ton Of the Government must be accepted as
conclusive evidence of laudable intention to
countenance all creeds. Not to be too eutbusi-
astic upon the subject, this is certainly the
strongest and most gratifying proof OF the pene-
trating and enduring Influence which foreign as
ISOLATION is exerting upon the national mind of
closelycemented friendship, and of unmistakable
confidence in Western civilization.
As the tide of foreign influence flows rapidly
over the empire, the light of Christianity will
probably glow more brightly, and when the oppo-
stion Of the priesthood and the prejudices of the
people are overcome, will work wonders in the
vital advancement of the nation, and, ultimately
in Outstanding the people. Missionary labor
in japan has hitherto been somewhat scant, and,
withal, neither well chosen nor Of that high and
conscientious order which is so essential to the
successful PRONUNCIATION Of Christian doctrine,
and there may be danger Of the immigration of
q class of missions+E labor little suited to
work which, if well and faithfully prosecuted
promises rich harvest. The more recent rela-
tons OF the Japanese with the West bad taught
them that religious federation is an indispensable
qualification to an equality 10 the great family of
na;ious-and as they evidently entertain the in
tention Of shortly throwing open the country
and perhaps cherish the desire Of exercising juris-
diction over foreigners then growing knowledge
has rightly pointed to religions liberty as the
harbinger of future greatness.
Another Exhibition is announced to be held
at Kioto-this time in the Imperial Palace
opening on the 18th of March, and continuing
for sixty days The promoters comprise an as
ISOLATION of residents in the sacred city, and for
eigners viii enjoy the same privileges of visiting
the ancient capital during the period named as
were extended last year. In all probability, the
forthcoming exposition will greatly excel the
previous one, as the japanese now enjoy the ad-
vantages Of some little experience in these mat
tiers. To enhance the programme for the delecta-
ton of visitors, there will be shows of flowers
and plants, exhibitions Of curious animals, and
horse-riding together with singing and dancing,
music, theatricals, wrestling and fireworks.
The steamer Phase recently completed bsr
cargo of exhibits for the Vienna Exhibition. and,
after the embarkation of the Japanese Com
mission and others at Yokohama, sailed for Til
este on the both nit. Other contributions are
to follow shortly. Lana, Vice-President Of the
Japanese Commission to the Vienna Exhibition,
has been appointed Minister-Resident to the
Court Of Vienna.
The railway authorities have decided to lay
down another track between Yokohama and To