Year: 1870




New YORK, December %.


The Tribune Yeddo correspondent
writes some particulars OF the Hon.
Wm. II. Sewari's extraordinary inter
view with the ruler of Japan, and that
Seward was greatly pleased with the un-
usual compliment and he did not hest
tate to declare it. 1t is said that the
desire has fixed itself somewhat firmly
in his mind of personally visiting, dur
Jog his tour around the world, the SOW.
ereigns of the various nations with
which his diplomatic career has made
him acquainted. The interview was in
direct contradiction to all the traditions
OF the country, everybody is well aware
and has his especial theory in eXplana-
ton of the anomaly. Some favor the
supposition that a desire to gain a
favorable and conciliatory word from
him at the Russian capital in regard to
the vexed Sagahalien question was the
secret cause Of the concession, and
others discover in it the recog-
milton Of the singular service rendered
present japanese Government toy the
State Department in 1867, when the eX
/ Governor by sanctioning the withhold
/ ING of the Stonewall from its real pur-
chaser, the Tycoon, and permitting its
transfer to another authority materially
assisted the conspirators, who acted in
the Mikado's name, and who succeeded
I in placing the young monarch in a posi-
| ton of actual as well as nominal SUI
premacv. Says the correspondent, the
Mikados government might well lie
animated by feeling OF very deep gra'-
itude toward all who were, concerned,
however indirectly, IN that extraord nary
transaction is easily understood but
apart from the fact that so stralghtfor-
ward a method of acknowledging the
obligation would hardly commend
itself to the japanese mind. 1t is more
probable that the present AdmlnlStra-
( ton is really disposed to relax the Sc
verify of the old usages and was ready
to welcome any fitting opportunity OF
removing those barriers OF restraint and
seclusion which have ceased to serve the
purpose for which they were established


The first movement in this direction
was during the visit Of the Duke Of Ell
inburgh, when the most vigorous and
ancient formalitieS were dispensed with


Although q less violent transition than
that involved in passing directly from
guest possessing the double distlnc-
ton of royal blood and Captaincy in
the British navy to one whose claims to
distinction are purely republican, and
AT present unofficial, would, perhaps,
have been pre- erred. The greeting was
offered with very good grace, and ow-
ING in great part to the representations
OF Minister De Long who heart
ily seconded Mr.. Seward desire,
was made to assume the character Of
friendliness and familiarity such aS the
reception OF the English Prince at
no time called forth. Before Seward ;
arrival the Minister had notified his
approval to the japanese officials and
had been requested by them to announce
his landing, the proposed terms OF his
visit AMI time when il would be con
yenient for him to come to the capital.
The ministers of State were eager TO eX-
tend 10 him distinguished and cordial
welcome, and invited Mr. Seward TO
breakfast, but he declined with dignity
and intimated that he would deal even
congratulations with no less a person
than the ruler Of the Empire himself.
Finally the japanese precedent> We're
violated and the Mikerfo willingly and
very cordially extended to him hearty
welcome. Among the prominent per-
sons at the reception were the Mlkado,
Seward. Prime Minister NJ. De Long
Chief Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr.
Sheppard, Ischibashi, the sword bearer,
the Mikado's secretary and the entire
privv council OF DaVOkman. Iht
speeches were brief but felicitous and
all things considered the conference
could not have been more satisfactory
The observations Of the Mikado were al
least as cordial as, and not less sponta'
neous, than those which European
monarchs are in the habit OF addressing
to their visitors. Stewards desire &C
meet the ruler OF Japan was grstlhsc