The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-02-06
Mew Japan, Says Okurna,
Thanks IT, s., It's Teacher
Kingdom, He Declares, Was Victim of Foreign In
science and Aggression Until Friendship of This
Country Helped It Rise to Greatness.


with the United states tina, such a treaty
has ever been concluded. though subse-
quently some amendment was introduced.
Again II was under the influence OF
American spirit that Gen. Grant kindly
mediated between China and japan In
1879. So was II when President Roose-
welt successfully e~ndeavored to bring the
Russo-Japanese war to a speedy close.
Not only that. Japan had her frst lessons
In diplomacy from the United States OF
America. The treaties concluded with
England. Russia. France and Holland
were all modelled from the aforementioned
American-Japanese treaty OF 1853.
Grateful TO Americans.
I'VE car never be too grateful toward
T. Harris. who always assisted Japan
with openhearted friendship in the days
OF her infancy. while at the same time
we can not too strongly condemn the
objectionable blindness OF the Japanese
to have assassinated the senior minister
II OF the Tokugawa Government for the
meaningless charge OF sacrificing the ma
tional interests to the convenience of the
United States. Again. consider what an
American Minister did when an Ameri-
can translator in her legation service
was killed in Akabane. Toxic. by a po-
litical fanatic. The representatives of all
the other States not directly concerned
with the affairs withdrew from Toxic to
Yokohama in the sense Of blaming the
Japanese authorities for not afording
sufficient protection TO foreigners. In
stead of following their examples Mr..
Harris. the American Minister. took a
very considerate view OF the matter. say
ing that the matter was OF purely private
concern. and therefore that the Govern
ment had nothing 10 do with II. with
admirable indifference and courage he
continued to reside in Toxic.
Other European countries that have
sent their missionaries could not at all
compare with the United States in num-
Der OF their agents and grandeur of
ideals. Therefore. 1t is never unjust 10
say that Japan is indebted to the United
States in the highest degree for her
progress and advancement in the path
OF modern civilization.
when Shimmi ~Burgonokami wen. TO
the United states as the first Japanese
envoy. In 1860. for the exchange OF
treaty r~atiications. the American ton-
gress voted for the reception expenses
OF sJO,000 to welcome the envoy and his
suite. who were ~rwhelmed by the
warmth OF friendship and the manner OF
reception. Each state. hearing the news
OF their arrival. also invited them az
their public guests. To them the trip
was an endless chain OF surprises Tele-
graphs. railways. factories. schools.
printing Offices. newspapers and every "
th!ng else dazzled their imaEinst!ons
and so impresslvely wrought upon their
spirit that after they came home they
, took the initiative to introduce Amcri-
can civilization In Japan.
AN act OF friendship on the part ~
the United States which left an indelihlc
impression in the memoir OF our coun-
trymcn was shown In connection with
the indemnity 81 500. 000) Japan was
forced To pay for the reckless lombard
ment OF American. British. French and
Dutch warships, an act that was coIn.
mitted by the pro-eXclusion faction Of
the Choshu clan. The amount OF $3.50
900. due to the United States. did not;
much please her Congress. who con.
demned IL as an unjust booty not sus-
ceptible of honorable acceptance. The
sum. after remaining adrift for some
time owing to the absence of recipients.
was finally placed in deposi, with q
certain bank in New York. In 1853. 1t
was returned TO the japanese Govern
ment with 10000 added as interest.
Such a noble act can in fact be expected
only from a COUNTRY with American
standards Of international morality. Il
shows what a lofty ideal OF justice an !
friendship Americans cherish among
themselves.
TIE ac. subsequently, gave rise TO q
discussion among the japanese Govern.
ment Officials as to the proper way Of dis
poslng Of the amount 80 generously given
back. My own proposal was fortunately
approved and accepted, and 1t was APP
piled for the improvement Of the Yoko-
hana harbor works. which therefore
should he considered ~ an everlasting
souvenir OF the American friendship.
=" "
when We review our modern history
We find Japan on the verge Of ruin
toward the end OF the Tokugawa
d. nasty, absolutely defenceless and ey-