GJarnell Httiaersitg iCtbrarg CHARLES WILLIAM WASON COLLECTION CHINA AND THE CHINESE THE GIFT OF CHARLES WILLIAM WASON CLASS OF 1876 1918 Cornell University Library E 184.J3L29 3 1924 023 249 943 Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924023249943 THE JAPANESE IN AMERICA. THE JAPANESE IN AMERICA. BY CHARLES LANMAN, AMERICAN SECRETARY JAPANESE LEGATrON IN WASHINGTON, :-^ LONDON: LONGMANS, GREEN, READER, AND DYER. 1872. CHISWICK I'Rl'SS: PRINTED BY WHITTINGHAM AND WILKINS, TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE. CONTENTS. Past I. The Japanese Embassy Page 1 Paut II. Essays ly Japanese Students. The Students in America ... ... 67 The Practical Americans . . ... 80 The Chinese Ambassador in France ... . . 86 Co-Bducation of Boys and Girls . . .... 93 Oriental Civilization . . . . 97 History of Japan . • 102 Christianity in Japan .... 108 The Strength and "Weakness of Eepublics .... 112 Japanese Costume • ■ 119 A Father's Letter 123 The Memorable Year 129 Expedition to a Eomish Church ... ... 136 George Washington 141 Public and Private Schools 145 Baid on the Missionaries 153 Christmas 162 Japanese Poetry 165 vi Contents. Part III. Ufe anil Besowces in America- Page Preliminary Note ... 177 Introduction ... 178 Official and Political Life 182 V Life among the Farmers and Planters .... 199 *^ Commercial Life and Developments . . . . 228 Life among the Mechanics . 246 Keligious Life and Institutions . 259 y Life in the Factories 292 Educational Life and Institutions . . ... 312 Literary, Artistic, and Scientific Life . ... 331 Life among the Miners 351 Life in the Army and Navy ; 363 v/ Life in the Leading Cities 374 Frontier Life and Developments . .... 390 Judicial Life 398 Additional Notes .... . . ... 405 PREFACE. ' HE first object of this volume is to give an account of the Japanese Embassy re- cently accredited to the several Treaty Powers and now visiting America^ on its way to England. The whole work, however, consists of three parts. The first ia devoted to the history of the Embassy, giving a detailed account of the objects of the mission, and the reception it has met with in the United States from the Govern- ment, Congress, and various corporate bodies in all the leading cities on the Atlantic coast which have been visited. It also supplies many interesting par- ticulars of the personal character and past career of the chief members of the mission. The second part consists of a collection of essays written by Japanese Students. The third gives a description of Life and Resources in America, prepared under the direction of Jugoi Arinori Mori, the Japanese Minis- ter in Washington. With regard to the last divi- sion, it should be stated that it was recently printed Vlll Preface. in a separate volume for circulation exclusively in Japan ; that a translation into the language of that country is also in course of preparation ; and that the present republication has the hearty co-opera- tion of the Japanese authorities at Washington. PAET I. THE JAPANESE EMBASSY. PAET I. THE JAPANESE EMBASSY. ^N NovemTaer, 1871, His Majesty " Mont- sohito," the Emperor of Japan, gave a dinner to the nobles of his empire, in his palace at Tokei, and made to them the following address, translated by Noriuhi Gah : "After careful study and observation, I am deeply impressed with the belief that the most powerful and enKghtened nations of the world are those who have made diligent effort to cultivate their minds, and sought to develope their country in the fullest and most perfect manner. " Thus convinced, it becomes my responsible duty as a sovereign to lead our people wisely in a way to attain for them results beneficial, and their duty is to assist diligently and unitedly in all efforts to attain these ends. How otherwise can Japan advance and sustain herself upon an independent footing among the nations of the world ? 4 The Japanese in America. " Prom youj nobles of this realm, whose dignified position is honoured and conspicuous in the eyes of the people at large, I ask and expect conduct well becoming your exalted position, ever calculated to endorse by your personal example those goodly precepts to be employed hereafter in elevating the masses of our people. " I have to-day assembled your honourable body in our presence chamber, that I might first express to you my intentions, and in foreshadowing my policy also impress you all with the fact that both this government and people will expect from you diligence and wisdom while leading and encouraging those in your several districts to move forward in paths of progress. Remember your responsibility to your country is both great and important. What- ever our natural capacity for intellectual develop- ment, diligent effort and cultivation are required to attain successful results. " If we would profit by the useful arts and sciences and conditions of society prevailing among more enlightened nations, we must either study those at home as best we can, or send abroad an expe- dition of practical observers to foreign lands com- petent to acquire for us those things our people lack which are best calculated to benefit this nation. " Travel in foreign countries, properly indulged in, will increase your store of useful knowledge, and although some of you may be advanced in age, unfitted for the vigorous study of new ways, all may bring back to our people much valuable in- formation. Great national defects require imme- diate remedies. History of the Embassy. 5 " We lack superior institutions for high female culture. Our women should not be ignorant of those great principles on which the happiness of daily life frequently depends. How important the education of mothei-Sj on whom future generations almost whoUy rely for the early cultivation of those intellectual tastes which an enlightened system of training is designed to develope ! " Liberty is therefore granted wives and sisters to accompany their relatives on foreign tours, that they may acquaint themselves with better forms of female education, and on their return introduce beneficial improvement in the training of our children. " With diligent and united efforts, manifested by all classes and conditions of people throughout the empire, we may successively attain the highest de- grees of civilization within our reach, and shall expe- rience no serious difficiilty in maintaining power, independence and respect among the nations. " To you, nobles, I look for endorsement of these views ; fulfil my best expectations, by carrying out these suggestions, and you will perform faithfully your individual duties to the satisfaction of the people of Japan." On the 12th day of January, 1872, Jujoi Arinori Mori, the Japanese Charg^ d' Affaires in Washing- ton, addressed a letter to the Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State, from which we extract the fol- lowing paragraphs : "I have the honour to inform you that I have received dispatches from my Government, communicating the information that a Special Embassy from the Tenno of Japan to the 6 The Japanese in America. Government of the United States would soon arrive in this country. On what particular day they were to sail I do not know; but I presume they will reach Washington about the close of the present month. . . . The objects to be attained by this Embassy will be fuUy stated on a future occa- sion ; butj in the meantimOj I may remark that one of them will be to increase the friendly relations already existing between Japan and the United States." On the morning of January 15th, the steamer America arrived at San Francisco, having on board one hundred and seven Japanese passengers, of whom forty-nine constituted the Embassy, while the remainder consisted of five young ladies and fifty-three young gentlemen and servants, whowefe accompanied by the Hon. Charles E. De Long, American Minister to Japan, and his family, and W. S. Rice, Esq., Interpreter of the United States Legation in Japan. The oflEicial list of officers composing the Embassy is as follows : Ambassador Extraordinary. NAMES AND RANK. OFFICIAL POSITION IN JAPAN. Sionii Tomomi Iwaktjba , . . Junior Prime Minister. Yiae-Anibassadors Extraordinary. Jussammi Takatossi Kido . . Council of State. Jussammi Tossimitsi Okubo . . Minister of Finance. JusMe HmoBTjMi Ito .... Acting Minister of Public Works. JusMe Massotjka YamAgtttsi. . Assistant Minister of the Foreign Affairs. History of the Embassy. 7 First Secretaries. NAMEa AND RANK. OFFICIAL POSITION IN JAPAN. Taskazou Tahabe Foreign Department. NoElUKi Gah Foreign Department. Atsnobou Shioda Foreign Department. Ghen-Itsieo Potjkoutsi . . . Treasury Department. Second Seoretauries. HiEOMOTo WATAif ABE .... Foreign Department. Teemori Oomatz Foreign Department. Tadas Hyash Foreign Department. Keuieo Nagano Foreign Department. Third Secretary. QuANDo Kawage Foreign Department. Foivrth Secretaries. Massatsne Ikeda Educational Department. Tadatsne Ando Foreign Department. Private Secretary to Ghief Amhassador. KouNiTAKE KouME Clerk to the Legislative Code. Attache. Tassi NoMotrRA Foreign Department. Oommdssioners connected with (he Ambassadors. Jushie Takanobi Sassaki . . . Acting Minister of the Judicial Department. Jussammi Mitsiiomi Higassikouze Chief Chamberlain of the Imperial Court. Jugoi Akitossi YamadA . . . Brigadier-General of the Imperial Army. Mits-Aki Tanasa Commissioner of the Bu- reau of Census, Trea- sury Department. FotrziMAB Tanaka Chief Clerk of the Edu- oational Department. Tambyossi Hiba Commissioner of Dock- yards, Public Work Department. The Japanese in America. Gorn'missioners connected with the Ambassadors. NAMES AND RANK. OFFICIAL POSITION IN JAPAN. Vice Governor of Hiogo. Deputy Commissioner of Revenue. Assistant Director of Ce- remony, Impl. Court: Tadakats Outsmi Secretary to the Gover- nor of Kanagawa. NoBouYossi Nakatama . . Yassoukaz Tassouea . Jushie Tassotjnaka Itsoutsotjzi Officers attached to the said Commissioners. TossiKAZou Waxatama HissoM Asi . . . MOKIKAIA OKI . . Kazounari Souguiyama noeiyas tomita Nagamassa Yo Io . Kasoumitsi Haeada NoBiTsouGoxr Nagayo Nagamoto Nakassima Massatsna Kondo . Wabo Imamouka . klmihiea outsimotjba Takato 0-Sima . . foukou oueitj . . Takb-Akiba Nakano SlGUETOSSI OkA-OuTSI ToSSINABI HiEAKA . HouMiAKiBA Nagano TSOUNEMITS MOUEATA YOSSINAGA TaKATSOTJZI HiKOTAS KaGAWA . Treasury Department. Treasury Department. Treasury Department. Treasury Department. Treasury Department. Treasury Department. War Department. Educational Department. Educational Department. Educational Department. Educational Department. Educational Departm.ent. Public Works Departmt. Public Works Departmt. Judicial Department. Judicial Department. Judicial Department. Judicial Department. Imperial Court. Imperial Court. Imperial Court. The formal reception of the Embassy took place on the day following their arrival at San Francisco, and the kind wishes of the citizens and the hos- pitalities of the city were tendered to the distin- guished strangers by the Mayor, the Hon. William Alvord. By special request of the Board of Super- History of the Embassy. 9 visorsj the Mayor was also requested to address a letter of welcome to the Embassy, which was accordingly done on the 18th, and in which he remarked as follows : " As the nearest neighbour, on this Continent, of the Empire of Japan, the people of San Francisco feel a special pride in welcoming you to our city, the landing-place, in America, of an EmTsassy whose labours are doubtless destined to be followed by results in the highest degree interesting and important in their bearings upon the progress and enlightenment of all nations, and especially to the commercial prosperity of Japan and the United States. The Board take pleasure in extending to your Excellencies every facility for visiting and examining our public insti- tutions, and cheerfully place at your disposal all means of information, trusting that your stay here wiU be agreeable, and that the great objects of the Embassy wiU be achieved by bringing into nearer intimacy the ancient and modern civilizations, ce- menting still closer our mutual relations of trade and commerce, and strengthening the ties of inter- national friendship." The Press of San Francisco, in a body, paid their respects to the members of the Embassy, and were treated with attention. A committee of citizens also waited upon the digni- taries, and in reply to an address of welcome from R. B. Swain, President of the Board of Commerce, the Chief Ambassador replied, through an inter- preter, as follows : " Gentlemen : Being commissioned by His Im- perial Majesty, the Tenno of Japan, to visit all the Treaty Powers, we have reached your city on our 10 The Japanese in America. way-j and have been greatly pleased at receiving so warm a welcome upon tlie threshold of your Con- tinent. We receive it thankfully^ as a distinguished honour paid to our sovereign and our country. " Commerce^ following in the path of our first friendly relation, has been an active agent in draw- ing our respective countries nearer together, in the strongest bonds of friendship. Our people have, by its means, become acquainted with the civiliza- tion of more enlightened nations, and they now seek to advance themselves in a knowledge of the arts, sciences, products, and mechanisms of western nations. " The true spirit of our mission is to establish peaceful relations more firmly, and to see how greater privileges may be granted in the true interests of a righteous government and a free people. " Our mission being one of investigation, we shall inspect with pleasure your manufactures and machinery, your colleges and schools, and your system of justice ; and as these are to become the guide of our nation in the future, this study will be one tending to promote our national welfare, and, as commerce is reciprocal, may be of future direct interest to your city. " Your kind offer to share with us your acquired inowledge, and exhibit to us your various indus- tries, we gladly accept, and shall not fail to note them carefully, and aim in the future to establish with you active intercourse and practical results. " We assure you, that as soon as His Imperial Majesty, the Tenno of Japan, is informed, from our History of the Embassy. 11 letter, of your generous hospitality, he will un* doubtedly testify his eminent satisfaction, and the hearts of the whole people of Japan will feel deeply gratefal." In the erening of the same day, the citizens of San Francisco gathered around the Grand Hotel and gave an admirable serenade, and, on being called out on the balcony, the Chief Ambassador, as before, delivered the following address : " Citizens of San Francisco : It is now a recog- nized fact ia Japan, since the conclusion of the treaty between the United States and our country, that our true prosperity has greatly increased with our new commercial intercourse. Our advancement in the arts and sciences of western nations we now consider a substantial benefit to our nation, and desire that with every increase of national inter- course there shall be an increase of international friendship. " With a view of hastening these restdts, and further facilitating the instruction of our people in the civilization of western nations. His Imperial Majesty, the Tenno, has commissioned us to visit aU those countries having treaties with Japan, in the capacity of Ambassadors Plenipotentiary, first visiting your country. The warmth of our recep- tion is unquestionable proof to us of the friendship of Americans, and I assure you it is more than echoed in the hearts of our people. " Your expression of feeling, when announced to His Imperial Majesty, will be made known through- out Japan, and assist in cementing a mutual friend- ship between our countries, which it is the wish of 12 The Japanese in America. the Japanese people should constantly increase^ as by intercourse we get to know each other better." On the same day the Chief Ambassador, on behalf of the Embassy, sent a telegram through to Nagasaki, Japan, announcing to his Government their safe arrival in this city, and the cordial recepr tion they had met with. This dispatch went direct to Hongkong, whence it was transmitted by cable to Nagasaki. He also sent word across the continent to his three sons, who are students in Eutgers College, Brunswick, New Jersey. An answer was received just as he had concluded his first address to the American people. It announced the good health of his sons, and their joy at his safe arrival in this country. The contents and the occasion combined to render him exceedingly happy. During the whole of their stay in San Francisco the members of the Embassy were treated with marked kindness and cordiality ; but the great event of their visit was a superb banquet, which was given to them by the leading citizens, at the Grand Hotel, on the 23rd of January. After the preliminary toasts had been disposed of, that of " Our Distin- guished Guests" was proposed, when the Chief Ambassador rose, and was greeted with prolonged applause. He. spoke in his native tongue. Mr. Tadas Hyash then read the following remarks in English : " Gentlemen : I earnestly desire to express, on behalf of the other members of this Embassy, and in my own behalf, our warmest thanks for all the kind honours you have shown us. The particulars History of the Embassy. 13 of our reception, and the princely hospitality of your banque't this evening, will be sources of great gra- tification to our Emperor and his subjects. " The relative situation of this port to Japan is such that your prosperity will be the promoter of our civilization, and we hope our progress will con- tribute to enrich your city. We promise our best exertions to uphold and increase friendly relations between our countries, by which, in future, we will have many mutual interests. The gratitude I feel for your great kindness is beyond my power of ex- pression. Governor Ito, one of our ambassadors, wiU respond more fully in our behalf." The Vice- Ambassador Ito, in furtherance of the response, read the following words in a clear voice, so as to be distinctly understood by all present : " Gentlemen : Being honoured by your kind generosity, I gladly express to you, and through you to the citizens of San Francisco, our heartfelt gratitude for the friendly reception which has every- where greeted the Embassy since its arrival in your State, and especially for the marked con^pliment paid this evening to our nation. " This is perhaps a fitting opportunity to give a brief and reliable outline of many improvements being introduced into Japan. Pew but native .Japanese have any correct knowledge of our country's internal condition. " Friendly intercourse with the Treaty Powers has been maintained (first among which was the United States) , and a good understanding on the part of our people has increased commercial re- lations. 14 The Japanese in America. " Our mission, under special instruction from his Majesty, the Emperor, while seeking to protect the rights and interests of our respective nations, will seek to unite them more closely in the future, con- vinced that we shall appreciate each other more when we know each other better. " By reading, hearing, and by observation in foreign lands, our people have acquired a general knowledge of constitutions, habits, and manners, as they exist in most foreign countries. Foreign cus- toms are now generally understood throughont Japan. " To-day it is the earnest wish of both our Go- vernment and people to strive for the highest points of civilization enjoyed by more enlightened coun- tries. Looking to this end, we have adopted their military, naval, scientific, and educational institu- tions, and knowledge has flowed to us freely in the wake of foreign commerce. Although our improve- ment has been rapid in material civilization, the mental improvement of our people has been far greater. Our wisest men, after careful observation, agree in this opinion. " While held in absolute obedience by despotic sovereigns through many thousand years, our people knew no freedom or liberty of thought. " With our material improvement, they learned to understand their rightful privileges, which, for ages, have been denied them. Civil war was but a temporary result. " Our Daimios magnanimously surrendered their principalities, and their voluntary action was ac- cepted by the General Government. Within a year History of the Embassy. 15 a feudal system^ firmly estabUshed many centuries ago, has been completely abolisbedj without firing a gun or shedding a drop of blood. These won- derful results haye been accomplished by the united action of a Government and people, now pressing jointly forward in the peaceful paths of progress. What country in the middle ages broke down its feudal system without war ? " These facts assure us that mental changes in Japan exceed even the material improvements. By educating our women, we hope to insure greater intelligence in future generations. With this end in view, our maidens have already commenced to come to you for their education. " Japan cannot claim originality as yet, but it will aim to exercise practical wisdom by adopting the advantages, and avoiding the errors, taught her by the history of those enlightened nations whose experience is her teacher. "■ Scarcely a year ago, I examined minutely the financial system of the United States, and, while in Washington, received most valuable assistance from distinguished officers of your Treasury Depgf tment. Every detail learned was faithfully reported to my Government, and suggestions then made have been adopted, and some of them are now already in practical operation. In the Department of Public Works, now under my administration, the progress has been satisfac- tory, Eailroads are being built, both in the eastern and western portions of the Empire. Telegraph wires are stretching over many hundred miles of our territory, and nearly one thousand miles will be 16 The Japanese in America. completed within a few months. Light-houses now line our coasts, and our ship -yards are active. All these assist our civilization, and we fuUy acknow- ledge our indebtedness to you and other foreign nations. i " As Ambassadors and as men, our greatest hope is to return from this mission laden with results — valuable to our beloved country and calculated to advance permanently her material and intellectua;l condition. " While in duty bound to protect the rights and privileges of our people, we shall aim to increase our commerce, and, by corresponding increase of our productions, hope to create a healthy basis for this greater activity. " As distinguished citizens of a great commercial nation, prepared for business, desirous of partici- pating in the new commercial era now dawning auspiciously upon the Pacific, Japan ofiers you her hearty co-operation. " Your modern inventions and results of accumu- lated knowledge, enable you to do more in days than our fathers accomplished in years. " Time, so condensed with precious opportunities, we can iU afford to waste. Japan is anxious to press forward. " The red disc in the centre of our national flag shall no longer appear like a wafer over a sealed empire, but henceforth be in fact what it is designed to be, the noble emblem of the rising sun, moving onward and upward amid the enlightened nations of the world." This response was repeatedly interrupted by History of the Embassy. 17 « applause and cheers, and when he sat down the clapping of hands was deafening. The next toast, " Our Eelations with Japan," was responded to by Hon. C. B. De Long. His re- marks were as follows : " Gentlemen : The toast that I am called upon to respond to is one about which I would most love to speak with freedom, but it is at the same time the one of all other subjects that I, as American Repre- sentative to the Empire of Japan, am least at liberty to discuss. " I will venture a few words, however, in the hope of not transgressing my instructions, and yet, in part, responding to your call. " What were our relations with that Empire in the past, and what are they now ? No intelligent Japanese or American can ever hear the name of Commodore Perry mentioned with indifference. His gallantry first bore down the outer walls of seclusion that had walled that Empire in from any but the most limited communication with other powers, for unknown centuries of time. Under his auspices the foothold was gained which is revolu- tionizing that land. " To-day what do we behold ? " Under the wise administration of His Imperial Majesty, the Tenno, we see thirty odd millions of people marching at a ' double-quick' into full fellowship with foreign states. " The reign of his Majesty, signalized by its en- lightenment, must make its own history for ever illustrious. In this noble and unprecedented work of reform it is but proper to add that his Majesty c 18 The Japanese in America. finds most able and effectual support from the counsel of the noble Ministers of the Empire, some of whom it is our good fortune to be able to meet and honour in our land. " The mighty change, from our relations as they were to our relations as they are, is so sudden, so complete, so very wonderful as to be bewildering. " Allow me to note a few of the prominent land- marks in this road of reform upon which this nation is travelling. The Japanese Government has been .centralized by the abolishment of Daimiates, thus resolving its political condition from one of num- berless and comparatively small principalities into a consolidated nation of over thirty millions of people, containing over two millions of men born to the profession of arms, — men whose martial valour none who knows them doubts, and who are rapidly being armed, uniformed, and drilled with the best of arms, under the tuition of the best of foreign military teachers. " But the other day his Majesty received his fleet of ten steam- vessels of war, including two powerful ironclads, and in a few days a flying squadron, com- posed of three of his Majesty's vessels of war, will sail to circumnavigate the globe. " A railroad completed and in running order, from Yeddo to Yokohama, conveyed these gentle- men, our noble guests, on the commencement of their journey. " Telegraph lines in working order, operated by Japanese operatives, are already constructed, and more contemplated. " Light-houses and light-ships have been con- History of the Emoassy. 19 structed at all necessary points along the Japanese coast, where well-kept beacons guide and welcome commerce in safety to their ports. " An Imperial Mint, complete in all of its appoint- ments, has coined millions of dollars of the precious metals, and is still in active operation. " A dry dock has been constructed in which, but the other day, one of the largest of our vessels of war, the flagship Colorado was docked, with all her guns in position, and repairs to her bottom most successfully made. " Hundreds of the young nobility of Japan are being educated in our own country and in Europe. A college, numerously attended, is in full operation in Yeddo, under the jurisdiction of an American gentleman, assisted by European and American subordinates. " Private schools are numerous throughout the Empire, conducted by foreigners, and with me come five Japanese ladies, seeking foreign culture, and marking by their advent the promise of a most noble reform. " Thus I might proceed, and enumerate, at a great length, the evidences of this nation's progress, but I feel that more extended allusions are not necessary in the face of the one great fact that meets us here, face to face to-night, in the presence of this noble array of Japanese dignitaries, representing, as they do, not only all departments of that Govern- ment, but the dignity of the throne itself — a throne which, but yesterday, as it were, was one of the most secluded and mysterious on earth. " Who of you all, gentlemen, can fail to see in 20 The Japanese in America. this sight the harbinger of greater events still to foUoWj that shall place Japan, in a very brief future, in complete alignment with the most advanced nations of the earth ? We are proud of the past, proud of the present, and confident of the future. In this spirit I am sure the whole heart of the American nation will leap up to welcome the noble Ambassadors of our sister nation." The advent of the Embassy on American soil called forth a large number of hearty editorials of welcome in the San Francisco papers, but the most satisfactory one, on account of its authentic facts, appeared ia the Daily Evening Bulletin; and no apology is needed for introducing a portion of it in this place. " Japan is to-day, all the circumstances of her previous condition considered, the most progressive nation on the globe. Less than twenty years have elapsed since the first treaty was made by Perry in 1854, for harbours of refuge for shipwrecked sea- men and supplies for vessels in distress, and still less since the treaty was made by Minister Harris for purposes of trade. Prior to the period named, the penalty of death was visited upon Japanese who had had intercourse with foreigners, and trade was simply impossible. The government of the empire was in the hands of a number of Princes, or Daimios, who nominally ruled in the name of the Mikado, but practically in their own right. Each Daimio had his armed retainers, who wore the uniforms and marched under the distinctive banners of their chief. The Mikado was termed the spiritual Emperor, and had his own court at Kioto ; while the Shogoon, or History of the Embassy. 21 Tycoon, which title was hereditary in the Tokagawa family, exercised temporal authority at Teddo, under the Gorogio, or Council of State, composed of some of the Daimios of highest rank. The distinctions of caste were rigorously enforced, and feudalism, in its most ultra form, was prevalent throughout the empire. This state of things prevailed less than twenty years ago, since when more radical changes have taken place than in any other country known. " Among the principal changes, there has been an entire revolution in the system of government, the Mikado having become the active head of the temporal power. The entire system of feudalism has been swept away, and all the forces of the em- pire, both on land and sea, have been consolidated, and are fed and clothed in European style, and paid from the national treasury. The Government pos- sesses a large fleet of war and transport steamers, among which are the Stonewall, and other iron-clads and rams. It also has constructed a stone dry-dock that will admit steamers of the largest size, with ways for repairing smaller vessels, and foundries, ma- chine-shops, and forges, capable of doing the largest class of work, the machinery used being the best obtainable in Prance, at a cost of over two million dollars. This establishment gives employment to eighteen hundred men, about a score of them being foreigners and the remainder Japanese. The go- vernment is also building a railroad, which, when completed, wiU extend from Hiogo to Yeddo, a dis- tance of about four hundred miles. " The government schools at Yeddo contain about sixteen hundred pupils, studying foreign languages. 22 The Japanese in America. three-fourths of whom are under American teachers, receiving an English education. The principal of this school and some twenty sub-teachers are Ame- ricansj while many subjects of other nations are em- ployed in different capacities in other departments. An American fills the highest office that a foreigner can hold under the Japanese Governm.ent — that is. Imperial Councillor, whose duty is to frame codes of general laws for the empire. Four Americans com- pose a scientific commission, to introduce new methods of agriculture, mechanics, mining, roads, &c., while another American has been appointed to revise and organize a system of internal revenue somewhat similar to our own. In addition, during the last four years, nearly one thousand young men of intel- ligence and ability have been sent abroad to study the languages, laws, habits, manufactures, methods of government, and all other matters appertaining to western civilization, the greater part of which is to be introduced into Japan. " Japan, to-day, has a population of thirty-five millions, or within a few millions of that of the United States. Unlike the Chinese, its people readily make changes in clothing, food, manu- factures, and modes of living, when they see im- provement therein. They are, as a race, impulsive, highly intelligent, brave to rashness, cleanly in their habits, have a high sense of personal honour, and are universally polite, from the highest dignitary to the lowest in the land, and withal are kindly dis- posed toward foreigners, especially Americans. Unlike the Chinese, again, the people of Japan are warmly attached to their country, and wUl not History of the Embassy. 23 emigrate on Coolie contracts, the -thirst for know- ledge being the incentive of those who seek foreign lands. A Japanese who can speak and write foreign languages, the English in particular, is assured of profitable employment under his Go- vernment, with favourable prospects of promotion. The law that forbade marriages between the noble and the common classes has been repealed, with the effect to elevate the marriage ties, by improving the moral and social status of woman. The barriers of caste that allowed nobles only to bear arms, or to hold military or civic office, have been modified so that all classes, except the tanners, whose occupation is deemed unclean, are now eligible. " Another important change made has been the withdrawal of Government assistance to the Buddhist religion, leaving it to continue only through the voluntary support of the people. The priests, having no income, have been advised by the Government to enter the army as soldiers, so that Sintooism, which is only a moral code, is aU the religion left for the guidance of the people. This circumstance seems to prepare the way for the introduction of Christi- anity, for it is now well-known that the repressive measures taken by the Japanese Government against it, were mainly caused by its interference with the temporal authority. The Embassy that is about to visit the United States and Europe, will see for themselves that Christianity' does not necessarily interfere with good government, either republican or monarchical; and the young men studying abroad, on their return will take with them additional proof of this, and perhaps themselves be the means of 24 The Japanese in America. introducing the belief in many places where no foreign missionary could reach. It needs only that patience and forbearance be exercised by foreigners in this matter, so as not to excite undue anxiety in the minds of the opponents of Christianity, to insure for it the same tolerant recognition which is accorded all religions in America. " The present situation of Japan appeals strongly to all weU-wishers to the race, that no impediments nor difficulty, either social, moral, political, or re- ligious, be placed in the way of her progress. We need only show her people the effects of western civilization, in a kindly and courteous spirit, without needlessly exciting prejudices in so doing. The natural intelligence of tjie Japanese, which has no superior, will satisfy itself, and work out the problem of what to introduce in their own country, to a con- clusion satisfactory to all concerned." Before leaving the Pacific coast, an incident oc- curred which must not be omitted in this place. Charles Wolcott Brooks, Esq., the Japanese Consul in San Francisco, was ofiiciaUy informed by the Ministers, that his administration of their affairs had been so faithful, his salary should be increased to the extent of two thousand Mexican dollars, and that they were anxious to have him accompany them on their mission to Europe, — so that he thus became a member of the Embassy. In view of the fact that the Embassy is accredited to aU the Treaty Powers, it might seem strange to some that an American was selected to accompany the mission, but it should be recollected that Mr. Brooks had been eighteen years in the employ of the Japanese Government, History of the Embassy. 25 six years as commercial agent, and twelve years as ConsuL The very last act performed by the Embassy in San FranciscOj was to sign and cause to be published the following card of acknowledgment — which was signed by all the Ambassadors : " The undersigned, since their arrival in the city of San Francisco, having received from the officials of the State, city, and county alike, and also from all classes, of the people with whom they have the honour to come in contact, the most kind attention and generous hospitality, beg leave respectfully to return their most sincere thanks, with their assu- rances that it will afford them great pleasure to reciprocate the same whenever opportunity offers." The Embassy left San Francisco by railway on the 31st of January, and their first stopping-place was Sacramento, where they became the guests of the Legislature, and on the evening of February 1st were treated to a banquet, on which occasion Gover- nor Ito delivered the following speech : "In acknowledging the generous hospitality of your welcome, we feel from the depths of grateful hearts the honour conferred upon us. His Majesty our Emperor having the noble desire to increase our prosperity and extend our commercial relations with friendly powers, has sent us to your country on this important mission. Our people require much that you can furnish us, and we shall look largely to our nearest enlightened neighbours for those supplies of which we stand in need. The object of our mission is to inspect and examine into the various mechanic arts and sciences which have 26 The Japanese in America. assisted your country in gaining the present high position she occupies before the world. We come to study your strength, that, by adopting wisely your better ways, we may hereafter be stronger ourselves. We shall require your mechanics to teach our people many things, and the more our intercourse increases the more we shall call upon you. We shall labour to place Japan on an equal basis, in the future, with those countries whose modern civilization is now our guide. Tte friendly intercourse of commerce will necessarily draw us closer together, and the State of California will be among the first to receive such benefits as must necessarily flow from more intimate relations. Not- withstanding the various customs, manners, and institutions of the difi'erent nations, we are all members of one large human family, and under control of the same Almighty Being, and we be- lieve it is our common destiny to reach a yet nobler civilization than the world has yet seen. Now, I am sure that you are the advocates of these prin- ciples ; and these hospitalities, so generously offered, we receive as a compliment to our nation, and as the public expression of these magnanimous senti- ments. With thankful hearts, therefore, let us drink to a closer friendship between our countries — one whose benefits shall be mutual and lasting." The Embassy left Sacramento on the 31st of January ; and, on reaching Salt Lake City on the 4th of February, they were blockaded by the snow, and compelled to remain at that place until the 21st of February. During their sojourn there they were comfortably housed, and were treated with History of the Embassy. 27 great kindness by the authorities and citizens. A banquet .was given to the Embassy in that place^ and a toast was offered by the Chief Ambassador in the following words : " On this, the first day of the fifth year of the reign of the Emperor, I propose the health of the President of the United States." Of course, in this connection we must allude to the famous Mormon leader, Brigham Young, but this we do in the language of one of the local papers, as follows : " One of the principal members of the Japanese Embassy was waited upon yesterday by a mes- senger from the ' Prophet Brigham,' requesting the Oriental Prince to call on the Western Prophet. His Highness remarked that it was not etiquette in Japan for persons of his rank, when amongst strangers, to make calls, but awaited the calls of people among whom they may be sojourning. " The Prophet's messenger replied that the Seer and Eevelator was very anxious to see the repre- sentatives of His Majesty, but was sorry to admit that it was impossible for him to do so immediately. The Eoyal Ambassador inquired why the Prophet could not call ? To this the messenger replied that the Prophet was unwillingly confined to his room in charge of a Federal of&cer. The Prince saw the point at -once, and, with a frown, said; ' We came to the United States to see the President of this great nation ; we do not know how he would like for us to call on a man who had broken the laws of his country and was under arrest.' " Their next stopping-place was Chicago, where they remained less than two days, and were treated 28 The Japanese in America. with warm hospitality; and that visit they com- memorated by presenting to the Mayor the sum of five thousand dollars, for the benefit of the poor of that lately devastated city. The correspondence on that occasion was as follows : — " Secretary's Office of the Japanese Embassy, " Chicago, Feb. 27, 1872. " To His Excellency J. Medill, Mayor of the City of Chicago : " SiE. — Permit us to add a small ofiering to the relief fund which the benevolent of your nation have donated to alleviate the distress of those of your people who suffered by the late fire. Kindly accept and dispose of it as your best judgment may dictate. With many thanks for your kind civilities, we re- main, yours respectfully, " Sionii Tomomi Iwakuea, Ambassador Extraordinary of Japan. Jussammi Takatossi Kido, Vice-Amhassador Extraordinary. Jussammi Tossimitsi Okubo, Vice-Amhassador Extraordinary. Jushie HiROBUMiB Ito, Vice-Ambassador Extraordinary. Jushie Massonea Yamagutsi, Vice-Amhassador Extraordinary." His Honour returned the following reply : "To Sionii Tomomi Iwakura, Jussammi Takayossi Kido, and others, of the Japanese Embassy : " Gentlemen. — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of ;|!'5,000 from the Embassy of His History of the Embassy. 29 Imperial Majesty^ of which you are the Chief Envoys, at the hands of Mr. Charles W.' Brooks, Consul of Japan at San Francisco, donated to alleriate the distress of our citizens who suffered by the late calamitous conflagration. Permit me, in behalf of the people of Chicago, to tender you their most grateful thanks for this wholly unex- pected and munificent gift. They will esteem it as an additional proof that the great nation you re- present has enrolled itself among the progressive and civilised powers of the earth, as well as a lively testimonial of the personal sympathy of your Em- bassy for the misfortune of this portion of your American friends. Eespectfully yours, " Joseph Mbdill, Mayor." They left Chicago on the 27th of February and arrived in Washington on the 29th following. At this point it becomes necessary for us to pause for a moment, to glance at the action of the Government in connection with the Embassy. On the 30th of January the Congress of the United States made an appropriation of fifty thousand dollars for the purpose of entertaining the Embassy while in this country, and on the next day Mr. Mori wrote to the Secretary of State as foUows : " In view of the action which the Congress of the United States has been pleased to take in regard to the Japanese Embassy, now on its'way to the Capital, I deem it niy duty, as it is certainly my pleasure, to tender my personal and ofiicial acknowledg- ments. It is not on account of the amount of money appropriated, but the spirit which prompted 30 The Japanese in America. the measure, wMch will gratify the Tenno of Japan, and my countrymen generally. I can assure you, sir, that this princely act will be fully appreciated, and will result, I trust, in making perennial the cordial friendship which now exists between the United States and the Empire of Japan." In a subsequent dispatch which Mr. Mori sent to his Government on the 18th of February, he thus alludes to the action of the American Government, and gives his views as to how the money appro- priated by Congress should be spent : " Owing to the ' snow-blockade ' on the Pacific Eailroad, the Embassy has not yet arrived in Washington, and it is impossible to say how long the delay may continue. It affords me pleasure to inform you, however, that the Government here has made every preparation for extending a warm welcome to the Embassy. The President and Secretary of State have both exerted themselves in the matter, and a prominent person. General William Myers, has been selected to carry out the wishes of the Government. . . . With regard to the ques- tion as to how the money appropriated by Congress shall be expended, I have intimated to the Ameri- can Secretary of State, that it should not be used in paying the hotel-bills of the Embassy, but simply for carrying out any plans that may be devised for their- entertainment." The appropriation made by Congress was sanc- tioned with great unanimity ; but before their final action, the honourable members of the Committees of both Houses, on Foreign Affairs and Appropria- tions, desired some authentic particulars about the History of the Embassy. 31 present condition of Japan, whenj under Mr. Mori's direction, the following notes were prepared : — The influences which have been disseminated among the nations of the East by the various interests of the western nations, have hitherto been injurious rather than beneficial. The people of Japan, as well as all in the Orient, feel the need of increased light in regard to the more elevated interests of humanity ; and this is the chief reason why Mr. Mori cherishes a strong desire to do all he can for the education of his people. The influences alluded to have also done much to keep back from the people of Japan very much of that true spirit of civilization, so eminently characteris- tic of America. And the fact seems now to be gene- rally acknowledged that the Japanese people not only desire to follow, as far as possible, in aU educational and political affairs, the example of the Americans, but that they look upon them as their best friends, among the nations of the globe. A prominent idea with the educated classes of Japan is, that in the very ship which took Commodore M. C. Perry to Japan in 1852, were the germs of Christianity, civilization, and desire for equality and political freedom, and that the seed then planted has been steadily growing from that to the present time. At first, the Japanese were, irom their ignorance of the outer world, unwilling to open their ports to foreigners, or to receive them in their country ; but as they began to see and understand, they gradually yielded up their prejudices. A new spirit animated them, and it was this which brought them to the Re- volution from which they have recently emerged. 32 The Japanese in America. The first concession made by the Japanese was an acknowledgment of the darkness in which they were, and of the superior character of foreign in- stitutions ; and the immediate result was that they desired to cement a closer friendship with foreign governments. They naturally looked upon the United States as occupying the first rank. Then they also wished to consolidate the rarious internal interests of Japan. The late Tycoon was favourably disposed, but, not being the legitimate head of the nation, the people were against him, did not support him, and hence he was powerless, and in due time resigned the Tycoonite. He was not the supreme ruler, because that position belonged to the hereditary Emperor. The great party which opposed the Tycoon con- sisted of the Daimios — the Feudal or Provincial Princes — and a bitter rivalry existed between them. Both were willing to civilize Japan to some extent, but the Tycoon wished to civilize his followers alone, and the Daimios were anxious to secure the same end for their followers. While thus inter- fering with each other, both of these parties were, in reality, coming into a new light. They soon saw the necessity of uniting their interests, and the present movements now going on in Japan are the result of the co-operation of these two elements. To help his cause, the Tycoon sent students abroad to be educated ; and the Daimios, with the same object in view, also sent some of their fol- lowers abroad. Hence it was that the Japanese were soon found scattered among the colleges and History of the Embassy. 33 seminaries of the United States and Europe^ and representatives of both parties — long since recon- ciled — are now in Washington. Originally, there were leaders in both parties who looked into the future, and did all they could to secure unity of action, and it was the late Revolution which settled the question of consolidation. Ever since the Japanese began to throw aside the old restrictions, commerce has been steadily in- creasing, and the present disposition of the Govern- ment is to have the freest possible intercourse with all the world. It was the great ignorance which prevailed among the people of Japan, which pre- vented the development of commerce. The channel is now open, and all that is wanted is to have the people sail into it with determination. The great aim is now to educate and elevate the people. The system of caste has already been abolished. The middle classes, which were for- merly kept back by hereditary pride, are now turning their attention and energies to industrial pursuits. Among the developments which are now going on in Japan, may be mentioned the building of railroads, the establishment of telegraphs, navy- yards, arsenals, and the building of steamships. By competent scholars, English books, in great numbers, are being translated into the Japanese language ; and newspapers — even daily journals — - are becoming a necessity. Hospitals managed ac- cording to Western ideas have been established ; also, institutions for the employment of the poor, and many successful schools. And, by way of showing the zeal of some of the native scholars, it D 34 The Japanese in America. may be stated that there is one man in Yeddo who has educated at his own house not less than two thousand Japanese children, and to-day has a school of three hundred and fifty pupils. The ia- telligent people of the IJmpire are hungering and thirsting after knowledge, and the study of the English language is considered the best means for accomplishing the end which is so strongly de- sired. On the 29th of February, the Japanese Embassy arrived in Washington City ; and at the railway station, the Governor of the Territory of Columbia, Hon. Henry D. Cooke, with several officials, as well as the Japanese Minister and many Japanese students, were in waiting to receive them ; and after the proper arrangements had been made, •the Governor delivered the following speech of welcome : " I take very great pleasure in extending to you and yoiir associates a hearty and sincere welcome to the capital of this country. I trust that your visit here may not only be agreeable to you per- sonally, but that it may result in closer ties and more intimate relations between our two countries. I extend to you, on -behalf of the citizens of the District, its cordial hospitalities. I have now the pleasure of introducing to you General Myers, of the army, who has been intrusted with the pleasant duty of providing for your comfort during your visit ; and I beg also to present General Chipman, the Representative of this District in the Congress of the United States." The address was interpreted by Mr. Mori, to History of the Embassy. 35 which the following response was made by the Chief Ambassador (Mr. Mori interpreting) : " I thank you kindly for yom- remarks and ex- pressions, and have no doubt but the sentiments expressed will be appreciated and reciprocated. I am very glad at having arrived safe, and having met with no accident. I have been informed by Mr. Mori that you have been here some time await- ing our arrival. I thank you very much for taking this trouble, and feel very much impressed by this reception." The preliminaries of the reception and formal welcome over, the visitors were escorted to car- riages, and proceeded to their headquarters, at the Arlington Hotel. Among the students assembled to greet the ambassadors were three particularly good English scholars, who were in Paris, and two of whom were about to return to Japan, when they were summoned by telegram from San Francisco, to report themselves in Washington, to accompany the Embassy in their going round the world. On Monday, the 4th day of March, at noon, the Embassy had an audience with the President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, which was ad- mirably arranged ; and when the proper moment arrived, the Prime Minister read from a Japanese manuscript the following address of their Excel- lencies, the Ambassadors from Japan : " His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, our most august sovereign, has sought, since the achieve- ment of our national reconstruction, to attain a more perfect organization in the administrative powers of his Government. He has studied with 36 The Japanese in America. interest the results attained by Western nations^ and having a sincere desire to establish permanent and friendly relations with foreign powers on a still closer footing, has commissioned us his ambassadors extraordinary to all powers having treaty with Japan. Upon the soil of your country we first present our credentials^ delivering to you person- ally the letter of cflir august Sovereign at this public official audience." Minister Iwakura here presented to the President their credential letter, folded in an envelope some two feet long and six inches wide, and curiously wrought with flowers of gold. The following is the text of the letter : The Letter of tub Empeeoe. \_Oficial Translation.'] " Moutsoukito, Emperor of Japan, &c., to the Pre- sident of the United States of America. " Our Good Brother and Faithful Friend, Greeting : " Mr. President : — Whereas, since our accession by the blessing of Heaven to the sacred throne on which our ancestors reigned from time immemorial, we have not despatched any embassy to the courts and Governments of friendly countries : We have thought fit to select our trusty and honoured Minister Sionii Tomomi Iwakura, the Junior Prime Minister, as Ambassador Extraordinary, and have associated with him lussammi Takayossi Kido, Member of the Privy Council ; lussammi Tossimitsi Okubo, Minister of Finance ; lushie Hirobumie Ito, Acting Minister of Public Works, and lushie Mas- souha Yamugutsi, Assistant Minister for Foreign History of the Embassy. 37 Affairs, Associate Ambassadors Extraordinary, and invested, them with full powers to proceed to the Government of the United States, as well as to other Governments, in order to declare our cordial friendship, and to place the peaceful relations be- tween our respective nations on a firmer and broader basis. " The period for revising the treaties now ex- isting between ourselves and the United States is less than one year distant. We expect and intend to reform and improve the same so as to stand upon a similar footing with the most enlightened nations, and to attain the fuU development of public right and interest. The civilization and institutions of Japan are so different from those of other countries, that we cannot expect to reach the desired end at once. "It is our purpose to select from the various institutions prevailing among enlightened nations such as are best suited to our present condition, and adopt them, in gradual reforms and improve- ments of our policy and customs, so as to be upon an equality with them. " With this object, we desire to fully disclose to the United States Government the condition of affairs in our Empire, and to consult upon the means of giving greater efBciency to our institutions, at present and in the future ; and as soon as the said Embassy returns home we will consider about the revision of the treaties, and accomplish what we have expected and intended. " The Ministers who compose this Embassy have our confidence and esteem. We request you to 38 The Japanese in America. favour tliem with full credence and due regard; and we earnestly pray for your continued health and happiness, and for the peace and prosperity of your great Eepublic. " In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hand and the great seal of our Empire^ at our palace, in the city of Tokio, this 4th of eleventh month, of fourth year of Meiji. " Your affectionate brother and friend, " MOTJTSOUKITO. " JuicHii Saneionii Samo, " Prime Minister." After this ceremony, the Minister resumed, and concluded his address as follows : " The objects of the mission with which we are charged by our Government are somewhat set forth in this letter. We are authorized to consult with your Government on all international questions, directing our efforts to promote and develope wider commercial relations and draw into closer bonds the strong friendship already existing between our re- spective peoples. Thus we hope to gain fresh impulse in the paths of progress, gaining good from every form of civilization. This we shall aim to do while in the exercise of strict integrity to our own national interests, so trustingly confided by a generous sovereign, and shall earnestly hope to receive your kind co-operation in facilitatiag the task assigned us by our Government. We gladly avail ourselves of this happy meeting to convey personally , to your Excellency our sincere wishes for your continued prosperity and happiness, and, History of the Embassy. 39 as national representatives, 'we extend the same ■wash to all the people of the United States." With the last words of the above he bowed very low, and with great dignity stepped back a single pace. The President of the United States then read to the Ambassadors the following reply : — " Gentlemen : I am gratified that this country and that my administration wiU be distinguished in history as the first which has received an Embassy from the nation with which the United States was the first to establish diplomatic and commercial in- tercourse. The objects which you say have given rise to your mission do honour to the intelligence and wisdom of your sovereign, and reflect credit on you in having been chosen as the instruments for carrying them into efiect. The time must be re- garded as gone, never to return, when any nation can keep apart from all others, and expect to enjoy the prosperity and happiness which depend more or less upon the mutual adoption of improvements, not only in the science of government, but in those other sciences and arts which contribute to the dignity of mankind, and national wealth and power. Though Japan is one of the most ancient of organized communities and the United States rank among the most recent, we flatter ourselves that we have made some improvements upon the political institutions of the nations from which we are descended. Our experience leads us to believe that the wealth, the power, and the happi- ness of a people are advanced by the encourage- ment of trade and commercial intercourse with 40 The Japanese in America. other powers, by the elevation and dignity of labour^ by the practical adaptation of science to the manufactures and the arts, by increased facilities of frequent and rapid communication between different parts of the country, by the encouragement of immigration, which brings with it the varied habits and diverse genius and industry of other lands, by a free press, by freedom of thought and of con- science, and a liberal toleration in matters of re- ligion, not only to citizens, but to all foreigners resident among us. It will be a pleasure to us to enter upon that consultation upon international questions in which you say you are authorized to engage. The improvement of the commercial rela- tions between our respective countries is important and desirable, and cannot fail to strengthen the bonds which unite us. I will heartily co-operate in so desirable an object. Your kind wishes for me personally, gentlemen, are cordially recipro- cated. I trust that your abode with us may be agreeable to you, and may contribute to a more intimate acquaintance and intercourse between our respective peoples." The President next introduced each member of his Cabinet by name to the Ambassadors. The officers of the various Departments were then called forward, commencing with the Department of State. After -these introductions were over, the Presi- dent offered his arm to Prime Minister Iwakura, and, with the Embassy, the Cabinet officers, and a few others, proceeded to the Blue Room. Here were stationed several ladies. History of the Embassy. 41 After formal introductions had been made to the ladies, Mrs. Grant, Mr. Mori acting as interpreter, held a very pleasant conversation with Mr. Iwakura And other members of the Embassy. They all remained in the Blue Eoom for half an hour, and then withdrew, bowing very low to the ladies, and not averting their faces until they were in the main corridor of the Executive Mansion. They repaired at once to the Arlington, to pre- pare for a splendid social entertainment afforded them in the evening at the residence of Hon. James Brooks. This dinner was given by Mr. Brooks as a recognition of the handsome courtesies extended to him during his visit in Japan, and was one of the most elegant entertainments ever given in Washington. On Wednesday, the 6th of March, the Congress of the United States, by special invitation, gave the Japanese Embassy a formal reception. Long before the appointed hour the galleries of the House of Representatives were filled to their utmost ca- pacity ; and when, at eleven o'clock, the Embassy arrived at the Capitol, the Chief Ambassador was escorted by the Hon. Nathaniel P. Banks, Chair- man of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, and the other Ambassadors by the remaining members of the same Committee. As they entered the hall, the members and clerks rose and received them standing, and the visitors were escorted to the semicircle in front of the Speaker's desk, the chief Ambassadors taking positions nearest the desk, and the attaches in the rear of them. Amid pro- found silence. General Banks then introduced the 42 TJie Japanese in America. distinguished visitors, and as each name was men- tioned the person designated bowed low. A moment afterward, the Hon. James G. Blaine, Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed the Embassy as follows : " Your Excellencies : On behalf of the House of Representatives I welcome your Imperial Embassy to this haU. The reception which is thus extended to you so unanimously and so cordially by the members of this body is significant of the interest which our whole people feel in the rapidly develop- ing relations between the Japanese Empire and the American Republic. "The course of migration for the human race has for many centuries been steadily westward — a course always marked by conquest, and too often by rapine. Reaching the boundary of our con- tinent, we encountered a returning tide from your country setting eastward, seeking, not the trophies of war, but the more shining victories of peace ; and these two currents of population appropriately meet and mingle on the shores of the great Pacific Sea. It will be my pleasure to present to you personally the representatives of the people ; and I beg to assure you, for them and for myself, that during your stay at our capital you will be at all times welcome to the privileges and courtesies of this floor." At the close of the Speaker's address the Chief Ambassador was introduced, and deliberately un- rolling a parchment, he proceeded to read an ad- dress in his native tongue. At the conclusion of this address, which was History of the Embassy. 43 delivered in a clear and distinct, though not power- ful, voice, and with a peculiar and somewhat monotonous intonation, which made the strange scene the more striking, General Banks, at the request of the Prince, read the following translation of the Chief Ambassador's address, which he re- quested might be spread upon the journal of the House. " Mr. Speaker, and Honourable Members of the House of Eepresentatives of the United States : '^ On behalf of the Ambassadors of Japan, our sovereign, and the people whom we represent, we tender to you our sincere thanks and warmest friendship. We fully appreciate the distinguished honour which places us, face to face, in presence of that mighty power which rules the great American Republic. " Grovemments are strong when built upon the hearts of an enlightened .people. We came for enlightenment, and gladly j6nd it here. Journeying eastward from the empire of sunrise toward the sun-rising, we behold a new sunrise beyond the one we before enjoyed. " New knowledge rises daily before us, and when a completed trip shall have passed in review, an encircled globe shall gather together our treasures of knowledge ; remembering that however we have advanced toward the sources of light, each onward move has revealed a further step beyond. The Government of Japan already appreciates the value of an enlightened policy toward itself and all 44 The Japanese in America. nations ; but our mutual assurances on our return will confirm to the people at large the friendliness of feeling so frequently expressed heretofore, and now so generously exhibited to this Embassy. " In the future an extended commerce will unite our national interests in a thousand forms, as drops of water will commingle, flowing from our several rivers to that common ocean that divides our countries. " Let us express the hope that our national friendship may be as difficult to sunder or estrange as to divide the once blended drops composing our common Pacific Ocean." This concluded, the Embassy faced the body of the Representatives, and the latter -filed past and were severally introduced. The Hon. Schuyler Colfax, Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate, honoured the occasion with his presence, and was the first dignitary presented to the Embassy ; and the Hon. Henry L. Dawes, on behalf of the Representatives, took occasion to say that they had all listened with great pleasure to the speech delivered by the Ambassador; after which the entire body paid an informal visit to the Chamber of the United States Senate, then in session, and were next shown about the Capitol building generally. During the remainder of their stay in Washington, the members of the Embassy were constantly engaged in attending to their business with the Government or in accepting hospitalities, and they left the Metropolis only to enjoy a continuous series of welcoming entertain- ments in the cities of the North, to which they were History of the Embassy. 45 invited by many delegations of distinguished gentle- men. Having now seen that the Japanese Embassy is in the hands of the American Government, and that they are visiting the institutions of the nation, under official escort, and that they are being hos- pitably entertained by corporate bodies in all the leading cities on the Atlantic coast, we proceed to give a few particulars of a personal character. And first, as to the Chief Ambassador, Tomomi Iwakura. He was born in 1825, and is a man of superior abilities. He does not speak English, but has manifested his regard for education by sending three of his sons to be educated in this country. He is the Left-hand President of His Japanese Imperial Majesty's Ministry — Sandeo being the Eight-hand President — and is, in fact, the princi- pal working executive officer of the Japanese Go- vernment. His visit confers the same degree of honour from Japan, as the visit in person of the Premier of Great Britain would confer from that power. He was an inveterate opponent of the Tycoon in the late war, and was for several years held as a prisoner by the Tycoon's Government. To him, more than any other man, is due the late revolution and its wonderful results, and he now ■wields a corresponding influence in the Japanese Ministry. His first public audience at Court was in Decem- ber, 1838. He was appointed to the Privy Council in December, 1863, soon after the formation of the present Government. He was elected Vice-Presi- dent of the Ministry (Cabinet) January 9, 1868. 46 The Japanese in America. The title of " Sioniij" the second honorary grade of the imperial order, was conferred upon him, Febru- ary, 1869. This is the first title below the imperial title. On the 26th day of September, 1869, the Emperor issued the following decree : " ToMOMi, — Being zealous in strengthening the imperial authority throughout our empire, yon have at length succeeded in establishing our Go- vernment in its present form, and have taken upon yourself this great task of administration. "You have, indeed, laboured industriously, vigorously, and nobly at this difficult task, and your plans and suggestions have always been suited to the requirements of our empire. You are the founder of our present style of Government, and the indispensable member of my councils. As I am heartily gratified with your distinguished merit, it is my pleasure to bestow upon you the augmental salary perpetually, without chance of discontinua- tion. " In future I expect to rely upon your assistance as much as I have in the past." He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, July, 1871, and raised to the rank of Junior Prime Minister, October, 1871, and is now Ambassador Extraordinary, charged with the most important mission that has ever left the shores of Japan, and one more important than any which ever reached our shores from any Eastern nation. During his visit to San Francisco, Consul Brooks had two imperial photographs taken of His Excel- lency, one of them in his official Japanese costume and one in the prevailing American dress. When History of the Embassy. 4:7 copies of these portraits were presented to Mr. Mori, in Washington, he had them put into one frame, side by side, and hung up in the guest- chamber of the Legation ; and, in view of the great changes now going on in the East, had them labelled with these words in Japanese characters. Ancient and Modern Japan. With regard to the four associate Ambassadors, we are only able at present to give the following particulars : Takayossi Kido is of the clan Choshiu, which holds the lower end of the Island of ISTipon, com- manding the Straits of Simonoseky. This was one of the first clans to raise the standard of revolt against the Tycoon, and Kido was one of the chief emissaries under Iwakura for the organizing of the army, uniting the other clans in the cause. Since the revolution he has been made a member of the Privy Council. He is thirty-nine years of age, was a leading man before the revolution, but since that event has been held in greater esteem. He does not speak English, and has never before been out of Japan. Tossimitsi Okubo is forty-three years old, and belongs to the warlike clan of Satsuma, which holds the Loo Choo group and the south end of Kanchin. He is now Chief Minister of Finance. His knowledge of English is very limited, and he has never before been out of Japan. It is said of him that upon news of a defeat in the first battle of the revolution (which was the outgrowth of 600 years, so slow do great move- ments ripen in Japan), some one asked, in the General Council what they should do with them- 48 The Japanese in America, selves and the Mikado. Okubo replied, "Let us expect no more than to die here ; but whilff a Satsma lives, the usurpation of the Tycoon will be resisted." It was Okubo's soldiers that at last turned the battle and defeated the Tycoon. Hirobumi Ito is said to be thirty-two years of age, speaks English fluently, is a close observer of men and things, visited England about ten years ago, and took part in negotiating the Treaty which called for the payment of J?3,000,000 to the four powers, and his present visit is the second he has made to this country. He was formerly Governor of Hiogo and Kobe ; put in operation the present system of revenue in Japan ; and, as Acting Minister of Public Works, he has been intrusted with autho- rity to purchase or order to be built and put in operation a great variety of things having reference to the material prosperity of his country. His friendship for America and American institutions is conspicuous, and during his former visit to Wash- ington he made many warm personal friends. Massouka Yamagutsi is the fifth ambassador ; he is the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, and about thirty-four years old ; has some knowledge of international law; and is recognised as a man of ability. He does not speak English, and has never been out of Japan before. The honorable Commissioners, who form a part of the Embassy, are all men of high rank in the army and civil list of Japan, and their business is to inquire into whatever may be of advantage, in the special departments of the Government to which they are attached. History of the Embassy, 49 It is now our duty, and m6st Certainly our plea- sure, to make a special allusion to Jugoi Arnori Mori, Oha/rge d' Affaires from Japan in Washington, to whom was assigned the task of receiving and providing for the comfort of his diplomatic asso- ciates during their sojourn in America. He was bom in the southern part of Japan, and is not yet twenty-five years old. He was among the first Japanese students sent to England to be educated, and, after remaining in London two years^ he re- turned to Japan. He took a leading part in the Home Parliament after the late revolution, and was afterward, on account of his talents and Western education, appointed Minister to this country, having been the first to receive a diplomatic mis- sion from his Government. He is greatly interested in the progress of know- ledge, earnest and desirous of promoting the advance- ment of his country in all good things. By his intercourse with our official representatives, and by his visits to different parts of the country, he has gained the confidence and esteem of very many dis- tiaguished Americans. While occupying a seat in the National Legisla- ture of his country, Mr. Mori introduced a propo- sition to abolish the ancient custom of wearing two swords, by one of the great privileged clans ', for a time the measure met with determined hostility, but was subsequently successful ; and the following letter connected with this subject, addressed to the Hon. Wm, W. Belknap, Secretary of War, by Mr. Mori, will be read with interest : ''I have the honour to ask your acceptance of 50 The Japanese in America. the accompanying Japanese swordj to be deposited in the Military Museum attached to your Depart- ment. It has hitherto been worn by one of the provincial officials of Japan, who is now travelling in this country. He brought it with him, because of his former devotion to the ancient custom of wearing that weapon in duplicate ; but having, since his arrival here, been convinced of-