Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1873-03-25
MINISTER DeLoNa.


in this section are still discussing the
contemplated recall Of Hon. Charles
E. belong, United States Minister to
Japan. The reason for such action BY
the State Department does not very
plainly appear, but certain 1t is that
Mr.. DeLong Is not In high favor with
the Department. About the only
tangible reason given for his recall Is
stated to be that he has involved him
self in existing difficulties between
Japan and other nations, contrary to
diplomatic usage. The fact Of the mat
ter Is, Mr.. belong has been represent
Ing net only the United States, but
also, In the absence of other accredited
representation, the Sandwich Islands
and Peru, and complications and con-
tending interests have arisen in which
he could not well avoid being involved.
Tho immediate issue, however, was
brought about BY the action OF the
japanese Government regarding the
Peruvian ship Maria Luz, which, with
q load Of coolies from China, put into
Yokohama In distress. An investiga-
ton on the part of the Japanese Gov
eminent resulted in tho coolies being
taken from the ship and sent back to
China, while the captain was sem
fenced to pay a fine. Mr.. DeLong,
as tho representative of Peru, felt 1t
his duty to defend the captain, aud lie
| therefore did exert himself to a con-
siderable extent In his behalf, even, 1t
Is alleged, e%ndeavoring to use his influ-
once with the Japanese Government to
Induce q modification Of its views and
action in the premises. The Anglo
Japanese press also took up the matter,
and criticised belong quite severely
in elaborate comments. The Yoko-
hama correspondent Of the New York
Tribune also condemned him In severe
terms, inducing editorial comments Of
a similar character in the same paper.
Whether Mr.. belong was right or
wrong in the matter, he certainly does
not favor the Importation Of coolies,
and he has since rendered his resigna-
ton as representative Of the Sand
witch Islands, as he has discovered an
effort on the part Of that Government
to induce coolie immigration, In which
he could net assist. As the represent
alive of the United States he has filled
the position most creditably and with
distinguished homer, and his efficiency
in that respect none have called into
question. We are inclined to think
that In this present matter he may not
be so far wrong as has been alleged,
and that the worst face has been put
upon the matter by those jealous Of his
success. power and popularity. A
correspondent, writing to the San
| Francisco Ana from Yokohama under
date OF February Oath. says:
Minister DeI.oug, has, I see been
charged by the Eastern press with all
sorts Of wrong things in connection
with the Maria Luz affair aud no
friendly voice has said may" Now.
the facts are simply that the British
| Minister and others here urged OIL
Japan to punish the officers OF that
| ship, and dismiss the coolies. Our Min
lister being in charge of the Peruvian
interest. felt that he could not partici-
pate In an onslaught against Peruvian
citizens. He, therefore. remained
quiet until the Captain had been con-
| victed and the coolies set free. when
he asked tho Government to give him
q certified record of the proceedings,
aud q notice OF the law aud custom
under which the same lad been taken,
etc., that he might lay the same before
| the Peruvian Government for It's In
formation. Certainly he could not
have done less. He did nothing to re-
turn the coolies to captivity, or to pro-
tect the Captain ; yet lie has been so
accused by the New York Tribune cor
respondent, who Is a personal enemy.
He thought strongly that Japan was
made n tool to carry out the ideas OF other
Governments, when 1t had no laws OF
its own that this Captain had violated.
All believe that the Japanese Govern
ment Is now realizing how injudiclous-
ly It acted in pursuing the course 1t
| did, and II it has to apologize, pay In
| demnity or fight, 1t will o o realize
that fact, and then it may appreciate
the difference between the counsel
given 1t by It's real or seeming friends.
AS Minister belong did not urge ia
pan into this difficulty, and in no man
ner acted otherwise than a friend Of
Peru, he Is now In good position to
serve Japan by having the confidence
of the Embassy. In the United States
there 10 such feeling against the coolie
business that the press and the public
will never listen to but M side Of any
matter IN which n coolie Is mentioned.
The Price Of Type.