is to glorify the author and show his great political importance, yet his boasts
of services rendered to Russia, his published extracts from the flattering letter
or a Russian official of high rank, his acknowledgment of a summons
and visit to St. Petersburgh, and his declaration that Japan knows Russia
to be the most powerful nation in the world, are all facts indicative of the
author’s close and interested relation to the great northern power. Indeed,
it has been said by some, that by his advice the Russian squadron was sent
to checkmate us in our attempt to open Japan. I f this be so, then his
extreme desire to go in our squadron may have been produced by his entire
conviction, nay, assured knowledge, that his presence alone would have
proved fatal to the success of our mission.
Of the inordinate conceit and self-importance of Yon Siebold there is,
unfortunately, abundant evidence. Thus, he informs us, that he it was who
induced King William II, in 1844, to write to the Emperor of Japan; and
states that the original of the King’s letter was deposited with him and is
still in his possession. He dwells, at length, upon the vast amount of valuable
information he had acquired in J apan, upon the admirable opportunities
he enjoyed for that purpose, and more than insinuating that all the rest of
the world, compared with him, is in almost entire ignorance, he contrives to
make the pamphlet an advertisement of his really valuable works, of which
he retains, we believe, the sale in his own hands; at least we know that it
was not to be obtained in the book-stores of Europe, and that the copy procured
for the Astor library was purchased by the accomplished superintendent
from Yon Siebold himself.
So, too, the services he has rendered to Russia lose nothing of their value
and importance in his representations; and we are furnished with an
extract of a letter from a distinguished Russian statesman, addressed to our
author, the publication of which by Yon Siebold proves that the noble correspondent
of whom he boasts could not have enumerated modesty among the
personal qualities for which he commends the learned physician.
We are also told of his intimacy with some of the Japanese nobility,
though he dared not show his face in Japan, nor was he at liberty even to
address to them a letter.
A letter from M. Yon Siebold, addressed to one of the gentlemen of the
expedition, whom he ostentatiously calls in his pamphlet, Í my correspondent
on board of the Mississippi,” is now lying before us. A single extract will
illustrate the weakness of which we have spoken:
“ I see with much pleasure that Commodore Perry knows how to appreciate
my profound knowledge and long experience of Japanese affairs. I
was very sorry not to have been called upon to trace a programme for the
American expedition to J apan. I would have produced a plan to open the
Japanese Empire to the world, under the watchwords 1 humanity and patience.’
I do not transgress the bounds of modesty when I say that / , only, am able
to trace such a plan. The Netherland government knows my views, and has
undertaken to support the peaceful intentions of the President of the United
States towards the Japanese government.”
“ Probably all overtures will be declined, or they will try to delay, as
long as possible, giving a final answer. The Japanese government understands
perfectly the art of protracting diplomatic negotiations, to exhaust
patience; of spinning out endlessly the thread of objections against overtures
for a eommercial treaty. They will recall constantly the unalterable nature
of their laws; will urge the danger of breaches of etiquette or courtesy, the
want of articles for exportation, the great influx of foreigners. I t will also
be pretended that the Siogun is not allowed to enter into negotiations with
foreign nations (other than the Hollanders) without the co-operation of the
Mikado; and it is easy to understand that the Mikado will decide for or
against a treaty according to the will of the Council of State. All these
are only pretexts, and the sole reason why the Japanese object to more intimate
relations with foreigners is the fear that Christianity may be introduced
into the country, and so the Siogun dynasty, which consolidated itself by the
extermination of Christianity, may be put in jeopardy. The fanatic Grutzlaff
and Father Porcade (now in heaven, I hope), the narrow-minded missionaries
have, by their conduct of late, contributed to excite afresh the fears of
the Japanese government, who saw in these two missionaries the whole of
Christendom marching against Japan.
“ I t shows a want of caution, in that the letter of the honorable President
states that the messengers whom he has sent to the Emperor of Japan are
not missionaries. Why insert this assurance, calculated to excite distrust ?
I t is a matter of course that an ambassador is not a missionary; and what
guarantee can be given to the Japanese government that there prevails no
intention to propagate Christianity in Japan ? No maritime power but Holland
enjoys her confidence. Holland only can make a movement to open
Japan to the commerce of the world. Holland has not listened to my advice,
and will repent it.”
“ Please to pray Commodore Perry not to allow his patience to be
exhausted, to receive quietly the objections of the Japanese government;
but then he must declare decidedly, that Amerioa will not trouble herself
about the present religion and politics of Japan. America leaves these
untouched, but insists on a commercial treaty to be effeoted by peaceful negotiation.
Probably the proposals will qot be listened to ; but beg Commodore
Perry not to make hostile demonstrations against the good, faithful, innocent
people of Japan, but to intimate to the Japanese government that it is in his
power to destroy their cities, ships, and men, but that to do so would give him
pain; that he will, therefore, give them a year to consider his proposals,
because he would not by force of arms seek to obtain conditions which might
as well be secured by friendly measures.”