Year: 1863

brief account Of the troubles in Japan growing out Of
the English indemnity demand; stating in conclusion
that fifteen days had been granted the Japanese
in which TO make their reply


But ready did the japanese appear to take up this
quarrel pressed too far and lily prepared after all
did the English find themselves overcome the resist
ance which now seemed probable that the fifteen days
grew into indefinite extension. agreeable 10 both
sides


Repeated conferences again had between the
representatives Of the English and japanese Govern
ments in which the latter exhibited all their native
GOODNESS and imperturbahle patience regardless ofcher
threats or persuasons until they had taken their
fine TO weigh the chances Of peace or war with the
outside barbarisns.


Meantime We had news from Nagasak Of tho repeti-
tOn there of like those through which passed
st this pert the 4th 5th and 9th Of May The Gov
ernor of Nagasah whose patriotic zeal extorts com
mendation from all took the English Charge az his
word when he said il submission coercion. The
brave Governor making secret Of his intentions,
openly declared that inasmuch lie did believe Lis
Government would could meet the demands, be
should regard any official notice that they had been
met inaugurating state war that be should not
wait for the threatened coercion hut he prepared him
self to take the initiative He therefore exhoited all
the foreign residents at Nagasak be ready leave





hostiiiics yet at the time cauonirg them that
he might be able protect them sgains, the lawless
sodiery Of the neighboriug independent chiefs Then
with prsseworhy diligence, he set about the defenses
OF the harbor in which the Princes Of Satsuma Hzcn,
and Chikuzen who have territorial possession adjacent
to the bay OF Nagasak emulaed his zeal until all the
approaches the town bristling with batteries
and pot in condition for formidable attack or defense.
The foreign residents such OF them could leave with
out too much sacrifice made their escape 10 Shanghai


At Hakodada there appears to have been 10 unusual
cOmIno,lOn.


Negotiations dragged on day after day and week
after week tai the original twenty days Of the ultma;um
became than two months oinconclusive diplomacy
On the one hand the japanese reluctant 10 meet
rhst they regarded onerous and unjust demands and
on the other the English hesitated 10 initiate their
threatened measures Of coercion while their allies the
French hsd withdrawn dsgus,ed from the field Of dip
lomacy In this state Of suspense trade was parayzed
and condition Of open would have been scarcely
less disastrous.


1t appeared II the japanese intended finally to re-
fuse compliance with the demands and were only seek
ing to gain time so be better prepared for the
resistance which they ultimately intended. Ills view
was reng:hened by the fact that the Miaco party
with the Mikado OF their head, had openly declared
themselves in favor Of expeling the foreigner ~ any
cost Ills Miaco party, so far az could be learned
was rapidly increasing in strength and for the Govern
rnent o. Foreign Affairs TO comply with the demands
would be expose the Yedo party 20 increased odium
among the already disconenied chiefs.


The tycoon did not return from Miaco promised he
you'd There were whispers tha, he had met the too
common fl,e Of Oriental roy at any
rate there was no longer protense Of biz early
return Whether he was detained az a hostage for the
GOOD behavior Of the Yedo Government. whether he
voluntarily remained nobody knew The former oIin-
ion seemed consonant with the known facts nor
was II unlikely that this but the carrying Out oi
what had long ago been threatened-the removal Of
The seat Of Government 10 Miaco leaving but shadow
of a Court at Yedo.


The anti.foreign party who surrounded The Milado
now pressed their advantages and the first open act
was that Matsdsira, IcAzen no kami the Regent ana
known 70 be friendly to foreigners. was removed from
Office and retired 10 bis princpaity on The western
shores Of Nipon. He was succeeded by Prince Mito,
who had been the rival and unsuccessful asprani for
tbe Tycoonshp on the death Of the late Tycoon and
who now assumed all the powers Of actual Sovereign
and maintains them to this hour. such OF the Googo
or Supreme Council Of State, were not face 70 The
views Of the Miaco party have been removed


At Yedo imperial psoclamaiions and orders Of coune
were issued privately officials, publicly ported on
the wall, pointing 70 determination tic part Of the
Haco faction TO expel all foreigners from Japan M
lions neutral in this quarrel especially Americans who
a.tered themselves that their neutral and friendly posi-
ton would have respect diseo cred that their friendship
and neutrality was rope Of ashes. The suspicion daily
gained ground that the Yedo Government itself while
protesting their drced Of the Maco party their desire
10 put them down. and keep the peace with foreign
nationalitics were playing deeply tTeacheTous part
Subsequent eyents afford undeniabe proof Of this and
no one knows what at last aveted the fate that hang
over the foreign population In TIE month Of May.


Early In the morning Of the 2tn OF May the residence
ofGe Pruyn. the American Minister at Yedo who
had courageousy remained his post burned over
his head involving the loss Of his personal property,
though the archives saved in injured condition
This occurred on dark stormy night after day Of
pouring rain the house being surrounded by the usual
guard of5OO men. and the fire had originated in an
used and detached apartment-thus the suspicion Of
incendiarisn WAS paipable. The American Minister
however still maintained his ground and living with
his son and Secretary in the small single apartment
an outbuildng refused TO leave Yedo until the inme
date preparation Of another residence promised
On the 3Oh after many delays and prevaricatons the
new residence was promised and Gen. Pruyn prepared
30 leave Yedo temporarily or until the promised house
vas in readiness.


On the afternoon Of the day following he was waited
upon by two Governors Of Foreign Affairs. who urged
his instant departure to Yokohama. conspiracy
they said. had been discovered in which body OF 5c
ronfns engaged. that night 10 attack and over
power his guard and take his life The Governors were
extremely urgent, fairly compelling the Minister from
his house, and placing him on board of japanese
steamer in the harbor, which the night following took


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