Year: 1873

FREE ACCESS TO ALL PARIS OF JAPAN-MiNISTER


belongs ACTION IN THE MARIA Luz CAsE-AC-


KN0wLEDGMENTS FROM PEKING FOR ANTI


COOLIE TRADE sERvICEs-SUPPREsSIoN OF JAP


AERsE RDICTs AGAINST CHRISTIANITY.


FRoM rHg REGUI AR CORRESPONDENT OF THR rmDUNE1


YEDo Feb. 24--At the time of the visit of
the Commissioners from Liu Kiu Gee-Chool last year,
several communications passed between the Japanese
and Chinese Governments concerning the proper course
60 be pursued relation TO the msdeeds OF the Formosa
marauders who the terror Of all peaceful islanders
that part OF the Pacific The "cannibals" they are
nguratvey called by all who have had the bad fortune
TO encounter them, acknowledge allegiance TO any
recognized Asiatic power. They inhaht portion OF the
eastern shore OF Formosa which, believe, no
positive authority is claimed by the Chinese. Indeed
the boundary line Of that Empire the native maps is
usually drawn through the center Of the island When
the appeal for protection first made by the people OF
Lu Ku the japanese oficalswcre inclined TO call upon
China for redress and urge that the task Of Keep
ing in order the dsturbers OF insular peace
should be undertaken by the Government OF
Peking. Tho good Offices Of tho Japanese in releasing
the coolies OF the Maria Luz warranted claim, IL was
supposed for kindred services in behalf of the unpro
tected inhabitants Of the southernmost dependencies OF
their empire A closer investigation modified thls
opinion 20 some extent 1t discovered that China
dsavowed all responsibility for the behavior good or
bad the mixed of pirates who have long been
great annoyance TO that nation as to their other
ncghbOrs That being the case, 1t was suggested that
Japan could do nothing better than send down force
on It's account and give tho "cannbals" lesson
for the benefit OF the archipelago in general There is
always a tOlerably strong party here which is con-
tinualy advocating hostintes of sort against
somebody. partly from conviction that good political
end might be served by finding occupation for the host
OF unemployed "samurai" or old daimiOs' retainers
aud partly from vague desire to assert and vindcate
the yaOrous reputation OF race, matter at whose
coS-cycn at Japan' if necessary Fortunately enough
the leading spirits Of the present Government OF
sufficient agaciy resist these explosive impulses, and
the officials TO whose charge the military departments
have been nrusted chiefly tried warriors Of the
outon of G who know that the pursuit Of glory with
definite prospect OF any other gain is not enyiable
pastmc. Pouring the oil Of their experience the
turbulent of young and indscrcet ambition, they
succeeded in checking the rising tempest in this case
they had already done in that Of Corea. But, time
passed on it became obvious that something must ser
ousy be attempted TO the LiuKiuans from future
molesatiou TIE act Of formally adopting the islands
as one Of the regular provinces OF the Empire Q had
previously been regarded dependency rather of
Satsuma than of the Central GoyernmenO, and trans
forming ruler from king to KuaZOku or Japan
ese peer Cntailed a duty effective protection which
could not bc sighted Nor there any disposition TO
overlook it. Fresh negotiations opened by the
Foreign ONCE, and in the course of the renewed
ination of localities which followed it discovered
that Japan itself might possibly set UP title to the
pOSSeSslOD OF Is HOW Illit question lndb
the smaller islands in its vicinity inhabited by race
distinguished by similar habits and language to the
japanese, and their very obviously Of Jap
anese origin Masicosima lying to the east of Formosa
is japanese in every respect. The names of certain
towns and rivers in Formosa itself are Japanese


This having been fairly established, new idea began
TO shape itself the active mind of the principal for
eign minister Of great courage and bOldness and
one TO believe, who is less restrained by
caution timidity than most OF his associates. The
conviction appears have fixed itself upon him that
the acquisition Of Formosa would be not only brilliant
COUP but also a practical benefit Japan. Probably
willingness TO such striking movement accom-
plished during bis term Of Office is without its
influence upon him. The loss Of barren saghalen is


bitter inction the pride of the sensitive japanese
and the annexationperhaps they would call it the
covery-of fertile and comparatively pOpuous Fornosa
would be considered partial compensation. Probably
il necessary 20 enlarge upon the objections TO the
acquisition outside observers easily discern what
the japanese not disposed to recOcnzethe awkward
consequences of assuming control Of and therefore
sponsiJty for, lot Of semibarbarous tribes which
have become notorious for their outrages upon
mariners of all nations. Various Western govern
monts, among them that OF the United States. |
have at different times undertaken to punish |
the eanuibals for their alleged atrocities but |
have not greatly distinguished themselves by their
action. OF course, the event OF Japan asserting
authority the island all future grievances would
be addressed to Yedo intruscd TO naval exped
tion for summary settlement or non-settlement as IL
might he. But the japanese are extremely confident,
and admit no doubt Of their ability to keep the wild
Malayans under proper subsection. great many
remonstrances been laid before them but without
any effect. The Foreign Secretary Soyezma, is tho
point Of starting Pekng for the purpose of inducing
the Chinese authorities TO surrender their claim TO any
part OF the island preparatory to undertaking its
nation lie goes not ambassador but with all the
weight and gnity of his position Minister which, ii
Is naturally supposed, will additional force to his
representations. II is hardly to be expected however,
that the results OF his mission will rapidly de-
velop themselves Nothing is yet absolutely known
OF the sentiments of the Chinese upon the
question They may may be favorably disposed.
Even they are the inevitable crcumlocution Of their
proceedings will involve innumerabe detentons and
delays; and If they not they viii seek means Of pro-
tractDg the negotiations for generations and dynastes
sooner than yield. SOyezma is slnguine. and
yinced that his erTand will have been accomplished
few weeks so viii be back in ample time TO par


cpate revision Of the treaties Of 1853 ct seq His
absence would certainly be serious misfortune for
Japan as he is thoroughly familiar with the subject and
has both the inclination and the strength OF character to
deal with 1t in the way best calculated to benefit his
countrymen On the other hand there many who do
not share his hopes, and look upon this annexation
scheme as tho fatal Of his hitherto admirable
career OF course il great risk. II the whole busi
ness should succeed, he will be the foremost in
Japan. II should fail. his political existence, at the
least is impcrieG forever.
This important diplomatic movement will have some
effect upon the representative Of the japanese in
the United States. As you long ago informed,
an officer named Uyeno appointed TO succeed
Mr. Mori who was 10 have been provided with
a high place in the Foreign Office at Yedo But
Uyeno was then in the Finance Department,
and as no substitute could easily be found, it
solved 10 defer the change until after return OF