Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1904-12-31

which the opening was accomplished,
To have opened Japan by the use OF
armed force would have been a COM
paratlyely easy matter, and Perry was
doubtless inclined to give his warshlps
little exercise But he wac held IN
check by bis Instructions from Wash
ingt0n, which prohibited the use OF
force Consequently, he used the dip
lomatlc method Of effectug his pur-
pose, and his firm dlgnihed attitude
during the treaty negotiations gained
many friends for America.
But after Japan was forced into the
arena OF world-polltics her position was
as incongruous as before the opening
Of the country. She had no Diplomats
and her rulers were ignorant OF the
ways OF the diplomatic world, Fortu-
nately for Japan, however Townsend
Harris was appointed consul general
frcm America, For some years pre-
vlous 10 his appointment he had been
engaged as a merchant IN the oriental
trade and from personal observation he
had become thoroughly acquainted with
the eastern question. Moreover he
completely understood the mysterious
workings Of the oriental mind and its
unique business methods, Ills pr
vices to Japan were many and valua-
bic. lie gave them their first lessons
in diplomacy and international law
theoretical as well as practical lie
also taught them how 20 organize their
consular service and many other gov
elumentai matters
Another magnanlmous act Of America
was the return OF the ShimonoseN IN
demnIty. Through this incident Amer
lea received the sum OF S5s5, l2o Wake
the damage she suffered only amount
ed to Sl9.92O. Four nations-Amerlca,
England, France and Holland-had eX-
torted an immense indemnity from ia
pan, and the representative Of England
ON the court OF indemnity Insisted that
ali four nations should share equally.
For this reason the share Of America
was far IN excess Of the actual loss SUI
tanned and many Americans protested
against the unjust treatment OF japan
Finally. Il was suggested to MI Arinorl
Morl. charge d'affaires OF the japanese
legation I'm Washington. that the IN
demui,y might be returned, and he as
sured his American friends that II re-
turned. II would be used for education
nj purposes ON Feb 92 1883 Congress
voted to return the indemnity, In the
meantime the money had been vested
I'm government bonds and the sum OF
S7s5, 900, representing the principal ana
interest. was returned TO It's rlghttul
owners.
Another great American diplomat IN
the Japaueee service was Judge John
A. Bingham. who was minister az To-
l,lo from iSfe 10 1885. He was also a
friend 20 Japan. and he continued the
policy OF assistance begun by Harris
lie was the first 10 break away from
Diplomatic Concerts" by means OF
which several powers would unite 10 !
make unreasonable demands on weak
er opponents, threatening war In case
of refusal. when Japan issued Gus
tom regulations In 1874 without con- |
snltlng the powers the diplomatic rep |
resentatvcs loudly criticised japan for
exercising her undouhted right OF SOW
ereignty fy some mysterious system |
Of logic the foreign representatives
considered II their Inherent right TO
confirm Japanese laws. and from their
point OF view any Interference from '
the emperor of Japan should not be
tolerated. Minister Bingham, however.
defended Iapan's right 10 establish
custom regulations even though they