Theoretically, the Mikado is the Emperor, and the Tycoon, though not
nominally even next in rank, is clothed with the executive power of the
empire. The Mikado confers all titles of nobility, and any edict issued
by him must be obeyed. These orders may, however, be easily evaded and
he kept in ignorance of such disobedience, in consequence of his
seclusion, or, if openly disregarded, the Emperor is forced to submit,
because destitute of means to enforce obedience.
As I have explained, this shadow of power may become real and formidable
by the aid of Daimios, who, though nominally subject to the Tycoon, as
well as the Mikado, may be emboldened to defy the Tycoon’s power,
especially if shielded by the orders of the Mikado, to whom fealty is
first due.
I have felt, as I have on several occasions informed you, that it was of
vital importance to obtain the sanction of the Mikado to the treaties.
There can be no question that his public proclamation to that effect
would contribute greatly to the peace of the empire, and to the
improvement of its relations with foreign powers, by putting it out of
the power of the hostile Daimios to justify their hostility, by the real
or pretended opposition of the Mikado to the treaties.
I have, therefore, frequently urged upon the Tycoon’s government that the
Mikado’s assent to the treaties should be obtained, injustice to the
treaty [Page 231] powers, and as a
measure of security and stability to his own government. In the numerous
interviews before and consequent on the operations at Simonoseki, my
colleagues and myself united in pressing this closely and energetically
on the government of the Tycoon.
We have been assured that the Mikado and Tycoon were at length in accord
on this subject, and that, as soon as the Tycoon had completed his
preparations for the security of the Mikado, the latter would make
public proclamation thereof; but that it would not be safe for him to do
so at present, as he was surrounded by and under the control of powerful
numbers of the Sako or hostile party.
The Gorogio finally agreed that the minister, one of their number who had
represented them at Kioto, should address a letter to the ministers of
treaty powers, stating that the Mikado had avowed his friendship toward
foreigners, and that he would embrace the earliest safe opportunity to
declare the same publicly. Letter No. 1 was thereupon sent to each of
the ministers, but was returned, because not sufficiently explicit. It
was again transmitted to us with a confidential enclosure, of which I
now send translation.(Enclosure No. 2.)
This is an important paper, provided we are assured of the sincerity of
the Tycoon’s government, as conclusive upon the point that the Mikado,
as well as the Tycoon, has abandoned all hope of closing the ports and
all opposition to the treaties.
A large force has been sent from Yedo, well armed and disciplined,
uniformed for the first time like foreign troops, to swell the numbers
gathered and assembled at Osacca for the purpose of enforcing the
sentence against Choshu. I have asked that information be given of the
progress of events, but cannot, as yet, say whether this can be
expected.
I also enclose No. 3, translation of a very able and interesting letter
sent to the British minister before the expedition to Simonoseki, which
you will see contains statements corresponding with items of information
already transmitted, and which I am inclined to regard as a more
satisfactory history of the intrigues caused by the treaties than we
have hitherto been fortunate enough to obtain.
So many of the facts stated are known to be true as to justify the belief
that the history of the secret conferences at Kioto may be regarded as
reliable.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient
servant,
No. 3.
[Translation.]
A Japanese giving an Account of the state of affairs at present
existing in his country, with a glance at the unsettled and agitated
feelings of its inhabitants, and wishing to learn by what means it
may be possible to change or calm down these oppositions for some
time prevailing.
A peculiar state of affairs exists in this country. The person who is
our Emperor we call Tenshi, Son of Heaven; he lives in Kioto, and
for a long time (the length of a cotton-thread) has reigned over us.
The higher officers surrounding him, as his immediate ministers, we
call Kangé. In olden times the Mikado governed by himself with the
assistance of these officers. But now even centuries have elapsed
since the government fell into the hands of a man of a military
character, (Booké,) the Sai Shogung, (Tycoon.) By a state of
confusion introduced into the government, by making small things
large, and reducing large ones by bringing about violent and
astonishing changes, the government assumed a new form and lapsed
into the hands of the Tokugawa dynasty, whose reign has continued to
the present day.
For more than three hundred years the government was carried on by
the direct line of the house of Tokugawa, and during that period the
country enjoyed profound peace.
The Mikado left everything in the hands of the Tycoon, and the power
of the military, Book6, came far to exceed that of the officer of
the Mikado.
At this period Japan was closed, and of all nations, the Butch and
Chinese alone were privileged to have trading relations with us. But
Commodore Perry appeared, and at Uraga and Yedo insisted upon making
a treaty of commerce and friendship. The Tycoon called a meeting of
Daimios, and put before them the demands of Perry, and asked their
opinion whether the ports should be opened for foreign intercourse,
or whether they were prepared to engage in a war and commence
hostilities.
For a long time the question was discussed, but no person of
sufficient might and forethought was there to give good advice.
Among those most opposed to the Daimios was the prince of Mito, but
as they were not prepared for war, it was judged better to defer
hostilities.
A member of the Gorogio, a very clever and far seeng statesman, Abe
Ise no Kami, knowing well all the merits and demerits of the
question at issue, concluded a treaty, when Perry appeared a second
time, without any further reference to the other Daimios and the
national feelings, and consequently many nations came to Japan. But
the people who were on the side of the prince of Mito, and deSIRous
of making war with foreign countries, rather than submit to such a
new order of things, have made of late years great disturbances,
(like wasps disturbed in their nests,) retainers of Daimios,
throwing up their masters and becoming Lronius, were going through
the country assembling people of their own ideas, went to Kioto, and
represented to the Mikado that foreigners should be driven out of
the country. These ignorant people further represented to the Mikado
that there is no better country in the world than Japan, producing
everything good for man, and have, therefore, no wants from without
to be supplied, and that now, for the first time, we have had
intercourse with foreign countries—trade ruins the interest of
Japan. All the articles of daily use have been scarce, and great is
the suffering of the country people in consequence; this has been
undoubtedly the fault of the government of Tokugawa.
The Tycoon has ignored the Mikado, and his authority does not obey
his orders, but looks only to his own advantage.
[Page 233]
From what these officers report to the Mikado he believes them, and
had little idea of the strength of other countries; the retainers of
Choshu also trusted in the Lronius, and came to the conclusion that
foreigners ought not to be allowed to remain any longer in
Japan.
Three traitorous officers of the Mikado, Sango, Anega Kojo, and
Nakayama caused much difficulty by raising alarming reports and
making false and unfounded representations to the Mikado. The power
of the court of Kioto, however, waxed great and began to rise like
the morning sun, in its strength, while that of Yedo was gradually
declining like a setting one.
Thereupon, Satsuma, and other powerful Daimios, seeing the drift of
things, assembled at Kioto, and took counsel together, with a view
of discussing the errors of the government, and of applying some
remedy to its weakness. Among these Daimios, some were foremost in
proposing to put off the closing of Japan until the country should
become sufficiently rich and powerful to accomplish it effectually,
and without dishonor. But Choshu, backed in his designs by Anega and
Sango, succeeded in influencing the Mikado, and making it falsely
known that the Mikado had declared himself for the closing of Japan,
to which he had only given a partial and undecided consent.
Accordingly, on the 10th of the fifth month, the order for the
breaking off of all relations with the foreigners was on its way to
Yedo. Although the Daimios did not approve of these proceedings,
they were still obliged to yield to the order of closing, supposed
to have emanated from the court of the Mikado. They regretted the
fact, and left Kioto.
In the mean time, fruitless negotiations were going on in Yokohama
with the foreigners.
But now, Choshu, exasperated at the issue of his favorite plans,
fired upon the men-of-war and merchant vessels of France, Holland,
and America, contrary to all existing laws or rules. Meanwhile, in
Kioto, the ill-designing Sango, and Anega Kojo were in constant
league with Lronius, and deceiving the Mikado; but at length the
Koogay Anega Kojo fell by the hands of those in favor of the
foreigners—he was murdered by a Daimio’s retainer, in secret. But
still the affairs were not settled, notwithstanding many
consultations and discussions, which, although worth recording, I
shall not now repeat.
Envoys were sent by the Tycoon to Choshu to examine into his conduct;
they were murdered, and fell victims to the revenge of Choshu.
Satsuma’s eyes were opened since the fight at Kagolima, and affairs
appeared to him in a new light; he changed in favor of foreigners,
and thought now of making his country powerful and completing his
armaments. Many Daimios began to take serious thought at the battle
of Kagolima and its results, and began to calculate the
disadvantages of being hostile to foreigners.
Choshu’s power was sinking fast, and the fire of his doings was
burning itself out. One of the ministers of Choshu, called Masida
Dango, a very cunning and designing man, sent for his retainers in
all directions, assembled all the Lronius, and went to Kioto, and
proposed to the Mikado and his officers that they should go to the
god of Dai Sui Koo, in the province of Isi, in order to pray for the
expulsion of the foreigners, his covert design being to carry him
captive to Yedo, close Yokohama, and upset the dynasty of Tokugawa,
and assume the Tycoonship himself. This was discovered in Kioto, and
Choshu was expelled from the capital by the Daimios Aisoo, Satsuma,
Yekamonno, Kami, Himesi, and Esteizen.
The Koogays concerned in the plot of Choshu, afraid that punishment
might overtake them, threw up their appointments, left Kioto, and
took refuge in the territories of Choshu The remainder of the
Lronius went to the province of Yamato and raised a rebellion there,
used violence, and murdered many unoffending country people.
The Mikado called a meeting of Daimios at Kioto, and they went there
again last year, in the eleventh month. At this meeting much had
been discussed about the foreigners trading in Japan, but without
any definite resolution being come to.
After this Choshu fired upon a steamer at Satsuma at anchor at
Tauonra, and burned also some cotton junks at Kamimoseka. This
caused the Mikado to give an order to the Tycoon to punish Choshu.
The Tycoon promised this, and called in secret upon Satsuma, Heigo
and Kohula, Greshu, Unshu, and Inshu to carry the order into effect.
Before punishment could be inflicted, Choshu got news of the
intended expedition against him and gathered together many Lronires
to defend him, and made them spread reports in his favor.
The following is a record of his misdemeanors and crimes:
First offence.—Choshu, Mito, Isihasi, Bisen,
Inaba, and the Lronius informed the other Daimios that Satsuma,
Higo, and Etiszen were friendly with foreigners and desire commerce
and opening of the country, and that therefore their advice should
not be accepted; they also informed the Koogays to the same
purport.
Second offence.—Choshu, Mito, Isihasi, Bisen,
Insha, and the Lronius told the merchants of Ohosaka that the
reasons why all the articles of daily use had become so dear was
that Satsuma, Higo, and Etiszen had sent them all to Nagasaki, and
sold them there to foreigners, which caused great misery to the
inhabitants of Japan. The merchants of Ohosaka believed these
statements to he true and took great dislike to Satsuma, Higo and
Etiszen.
Third offence.—Choshu burned a cotton junk
belonging to Satsuma at Kaminoseki and murdered the officer on board
the same, exposed his head at Ohosaka with the statement that
Satsuma was desirous, of foreign trade and was making large gain by
sending the [Page 234] necessities of
daily nse to foreign countries, and that this man whose head was
exposed was punished in obedience to the mandate of Heaven. Also
some hundreds of people were murdered by Choshu in secret for
trading with foreigners.
Fourth offence.—Last year, on the 8th month,
Choshu, by intriguing through the Koogay Sango, tried to excuse
himself to the Mikado by addressing him in writing. At present Sango
is in Choshu and entertained under his protection.
Fifth offence.—Choshu tried to embitter the
Tycoon against Satsuma by spreading reports that Satsuma tried to
usurp the Tycoonship himself.
There are many other crimes and offences committed by Choshu which,
are too numerous to be recounted here.
For a third time the Daimois assembled in Kiota, but they were not
clever and farseeing, so that they were nearly all for the closing
of the ports. The only Daimios who were in favor of the opening were
Satsuma, and Etiszen, and a few others of smaller importance.
Therefore Satsuma and Etiszen were not admitted in the council of
the Daimios, and the Tycoon, Isihatsi, Kawakai, Itakoosa and other
Daimios were misled by Choshu and formed the resolution to close
Yokohama and only allow trade to go on in Nagasaki and Hakodati.
This successful stroke raised Choshu again into further importance,
so that the presence of Satsuma, Heigo, Geshu (Aki,) who were in
favor of the opening, were no longer required in Kiota, which made
them much regret the consequences of such ill-advised resolutions,
and they returned to their respective provinces grieved and their
influence much impaired. The remaining Daimios fixed upon the utumn
of this year as the time for the closing of Yokohama.
Stotsbasi was appointed defender and commander-in-chief of the
Ohosaka castle and defences of the seacoast. He is about to erect
more than twenty batteries and arm them with some 3,000 cannon to be
made with all speed in order to protect the county.
Postscript.—I have heard that two Dutch
men-of-war have arrived here with instructions from their king
to obtain satisfaction for the insult offered to their flag and
the injury committed last year at Simonoseki, and that the
English ships are to accompany them to cooperate with them. I
sincerely hope that this report may turn out to be true in the
interest of my own county. Although I am a very ignorant person,
it appears to me that from the Mikado down to the Lronius there
is a considerable darkness and ignorance prevailing as to the
progress of events and civilization of foreign countries, and
that therefore they look down upon foreigners as brutal savages,
believing themselves in their conceit to be wonderfully
powerful, and to this ignorance can be traced the immoderate
desire that exists for the closing of the country. Choshu looks
upon his conduct as a great deed, as having been the cause of
the closing of the ports. This shall cause also a general war
with the whole of Japan, which shall not only cost the lives of
many thousands and impoverish the empire, but also be bought by
Great Britain with many lives, which is contrary to the rules of
the gods. If now Great Britain would have mercy upon our
uncivilized people and teach them the power of your government,
and, together with Holland, destroy Choshu, in so doing showing
the forces and power of war to the whole empire, this would open
the eyes of the whole of Japan, and acknowledging their mistake,
they would in future observe the treaties.
In case this could not be done speedily, it would be good then to
go to Ohosaka to show the British forces to the Mikado and make
a new treaty with him. This would have the desired effect
without any loss of lives.
That I, a Japanese by birth, should request you to send ships to
Chosu, must be viewed by you with astonisment and like a traitor
to my country, but it is because our country-people being
ignorant of the power of Great Britain are only deSIRous of
closing Japan, in which case civilization would never spread
over our country.
For many years I have contemplated and regretted the above state
of things, but there is little help for it, and therefore I
again beg, that in order to save and enlighten our
country-people, you will kill the prince of Choshu, and then my
wishes will be fulfilled.
Although I intended to enter further upon the particulars
respecting the present state of affairs in Japan, it would not
be ready for the departure of the Dutch ship-of war, and
therefore you will kindly take all that I have said in a
favorable light.
[No signature and no date.]
