National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-04-21

other powers and peoples that then is
growing disposition on every hand TO recog-
nize her right to assume a position of equal
ity with the powers where she is recognized
in diplomatic relation
It's amosi gratifying fact that The Unitcls
States of America occupies leading place
among the nations which have the most in
tcrroursc with Japan, aud is the fist in
which that Empire has sought TO obtain the
desired national recognition which has
been accorded by the recent convention
signed by the representatives of the two
countries. This convention is intended to
revise certain portions Of existing CONNER
cial treaties and to further extend the COM
mcrcial intercourse between the two coun-
tries. where the most amicnblc relations
have for years been maintained. The tarii
convention Of June, 1866, is to he annulicd
and made imperative so far rs it relates TO
the United Stntes, rs we'll as the provisions
Of the treaty of 1853. From the time when
this present convention shall take effect the
United States will recognize the exclusive
power and right of the japanese govern
mcnt to adjust the customs tariifand taxes,
and TO establish regulations appertnining
to foreign commerce in the open ports OF
japan. As to dues, no difference is to he
made with regard to any foreign nations.
Export duties are to be abolished in Japan,
as they have been in the United States. SO
long ms the first three sentences i'll the first
paragraph of Article vi of the treaty Of
1853, relating TO consular courts, continue
in force, all claims by the japanese govern
ment for forfeitures or penalties for viola
lation Of such existing treaty, rs well rs for
violations of the customs, bonded ware
house, and harbor regulations, which may
under this convention from time to time be
established by that government, shall be
sued for in the consular courts of the United
States, whose duty il will be to try each
and every case fairly, and render judgment
in accordance with the provisions Of such
treaty and Of such regulations, and the
amount of all forfeitures and fines is to be
delivered to the japanese authorities. 1t is
| further understood that the right of con-
trolling the coasting trade Of Japan belongs
solely, and is TO be strictly reserved, to the
! government Of that empire.
These and other minor concessions have
been made to Japan by the United States
under the late treaty, and, by way of reci-
procity, that nation will open two addition
nj ports to the commerce Of this country
one, Shimono-Siki, aud nnothery yet to be de-
tarmined upon. Under this spirit of con-
cession on our part we have secured COM
mercial advantages that are attracting the
attention of the European powers with q
slight nervousness rs TO the rapid progress
we are making in securing alike the conf
dence and friendship of the japanese gov
crnment.
We notice from The statements Of English
journals that the japanese Embassy is NOV
ing to secure from the government of Grea
Britain concessions similar TO those which
have been secured from the United States. /
is evident that the English Ministry will as
sumo to resist the effort made; but In,
stand taken by the japanese il
behalf of II recovery Of its right
is marked by so much firmness that it be
gins 10 excite the public mind, and it i
more than probable that a popular senti
ment will grow up behind the British gov
crnment which will ultimately move ii Il
wiser aud more liberal views and action
than were indicated at the outset Of tn
negotiation. The attitude of the Japanes
Embassy is that of marked Grmness, justice
and determination, and under time an'
patience it is more than probable that tn
dictatorial micn Of the English government
will be eventually relaxed. /.