Mr. Portman to Mr. Seward.
No. 19.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan,
Yedo,
April 22, 1866.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, No.
1, translation of a letter signed by all the members of the Tycoon’s
cabinet in the order in which they rank when in council on foreign
relations. The object of this communication is to obtain an extension of
the payment of three remaining instalments of the Simonoseki indemnity;
and the application, you will perceive, is with reference to article 3d
of the convention of the 22d of October, 1864, in which it is stated
that the object of the treaty powers was not receipt of money, but the
establishment of better relations with Japan. This improvement of
relations is claimed to have been secured by the Mikado’s sanction to
the treaties and by the revision of the tariff, the negotiations for
which will, at an early day, no doubt, be brought to a satisfactory
termination. To some extent the assertion is quite correct.
In this connection I also transmit, No. 2, translation of a letter from
the Yedo minister for foreign affairs, covering copy of a proclamation
just issued in “ratification” of the first proclamation issued in 1859,
to the effect that all Japanese of the provinces of the Daimios may
freely trade with foreigners at the open ports. There is already
evidence that the proclamation was publicly made in some of the nearest
Daimio’s provinces; yet its practical value remains to be tested.
If the Tycoon’s government had offered a fair equivalent for the
concession applied for, or if any equivalent, yet to be tendered,
denoted, an adhesion to a permanently liberal and friendly policy, I
would not hesitate in such case to recommend this application to your
favorable consideration.
I have acknowledged the receipt of the two letters above referred to, and
informed the minister for foreign affairs that, in compliance with the
desire expressed, their application would be submitted to you.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient
servant,
A. L. C. PORTMAN, Acting Chargé d’ Affaires in
Japan.
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Page 205]
No. 1.
[Translation.]
In our letter of the 7th day of the 10th month of the 1st year of Kei
O, (November 24, 1857,) we promised that the indemnity should be
paid in instalments, as fixed by the convention of the 21st day of
the 7th month of the 1st year of Genji, (October 22, 1864.) But
Owing to the Choshu expedition our expenditure in the war department
has greatly exceeded the estimates, and our finances are disturbed.
We therefore find ourselves compelled to inform the four
governments, although we promised to pay according to agreement,
that in view of the circumstances as above set forth we desire that
an extension of the payment of the three remaining instalments may
be granted.
The object of the convention was the improvement of relations and
increasing prosperity of trade. But the Mikado has sanctioned the
treaties, which may be considered a substantial advantage, and with
the object of benefiting trade the revision of the tariff is now a
subject of negotiation.
We therefore, request that, taking these circumstances into due
consideration, you will clearly explain the foregoing to your
government in order that our desire may be complied with.
With respect and esteem. The 28th day of the
2d month of the 2d year of Kei Ô, (April 13,
1866.)
MIDSUNO IDSUMI NO KAMI.
ITAKWEA EGA NO KAMI.
MATSDAIRA HOKI NO KAMI.
MATSDAIRA SUWO NO KAMI.
OGASAWARA IKI NO KAMI.
A. L. C. Portman, Esq., Chargé d’ Affaires ad interim of the United
States of America, &c., &c., &c.
No. 2.
[Translation.]
Although it has been publicly made known that the people of the
provinces of our Daimios shall be allowed to trade freely at the
opened ports, we have once more issued a proclamation to that
effect, of which we herewith transmit a copy, which we submit for
your consideration.
With respect and esteem. The 28th day of the
2d month of the 2d year of Kei Ô, (April 13,
1866.)
MIDSUNO IDSUMI NO KAMI.
MATSDAIRA SUWO NO KAMI.
A. L. C. Portman, Esq. Chargé d’ Affaires ad interim of the United
States of America, &c., &c., &c.
Proclamation.
[Translation.]
Be it known that those who may desire for purposes of trade or
residence, to resort to the ports of Kanagawa, Nagasaki, Hakodate,
as announced by proclamation in the year Hitusi, (1859,) shall be
free to do so. Products raised in the dominions of the nobility may
be freely transported and sold.
No restriction shall be interposed to the free purchase by whomsoever
of steam and sailing vessels for commercial purposes, but arms,
munitions, and ships of war can only be purchased after
communicating with, and obtaining permission to that effect from,
the custom-house, as heretofore.
The foregoing is in ratification of the first proclamation above
referred to.
