Year: 1862

This distinguished diplomatist, who arrived
here by the Persia, left town yesterday for
Washington, where he goes to settle up his 40
counts in connection with the Japan mission.
1t is his intention, We understand, to retire from
public life and to settle quietly down in his
native State-New York We cannot allow .
diplomatist who has rendered such important
services to the country to pass from the field Of
public utility without offering to him that tri-
butte to which his merits entitle him.


Mr. Harris has passed the last fourteen years
in the East, in the service of the government.
No man employed in similar missions ever ex-
hibited more thorough knowledge of Oriental
peculiarities, or more consummate tact and skill
in dealing with them. Wherever he has been
he has always rendered himself acceptable to
the ruling powers, has thereby been enabled to
accomplish things that others had abandoned in
despair, and left behind him an impression SO
favorable to the American character that it has
invariably smoothed the path of those who
have succeeded him. The last Eve years he
has spent in Japan, where he obtained
from that jealous government some of the most
important treaties that we have ever entered
into with any Eastern Power. II was through
bis exertions that the Tycoon was prevailed
upon to send the embassy here which excited SO
much interest throughout this country and Eu-
rope, and which has since been followed up by
another mission of similar character to Eng
land and France. 1t is true that since the first Of
these events trouble has sprung up between the
Japanese and the foreign residents in that en-
pire, which at one time promised to end disas-
trously. Much of this was to be traced to the
old traditional prejudices against foreigners orr
ginally created by the interference of the Chris
tian missionaries with the religious habits and
notions of the people, but more to the dictate
rial tone and blundering stupidity Of the Eng
lsh Minister, who undid by his conduct great
part of the work of conciliation which had been
effected by Mr.. Harris Let us hope that the
new light that will be shed on the motives and
interests Of foreign Powers by the embassy now
in Europe will convince the Japan
ese Of the wisdom Of cultivating more friendly
and liberal relations with all the world. Should
undoubtedly, in great part, belong to our late
worthy representative, who was the first to sug-
gest and who has always since steadily encou-
ragged, the policy Of establishing diplomatic re-
lations between japan and all the great mari
time nations.


Looking to these and other valuable services
performed by Mr.. Harris, and taking into the
account the admirable judgment and perfect
propriety of conduct that have marked the
whole Of his diplomatic career, we cannot but
regret that he should feel it necessary to de-
prive the country of the aid of his talents at
this critical juncture. As the laborer is worthy
Of his hire, SO also s the faithful and long tried
servant entitled to his rest and no one, there
fore, will grudge to Mr.. Harris the repose that
he covets. 1t will not render the long hours Of
leisurely reflection which we trust he is destined
to enjoy less sweet to know that he carries into
his retirement the esteem, respect aud gratitude
of his countrymen.