Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward
No. 70.]
Legation of the United States,
Yedo,
December 4, 1867.
Sir: In regard to the opening of a harbor on
the west coast of Japan, and to the matter stated in reference thereto
in my No. 56, under date of October 22d, I have the honor to inform you
that, in conjunction with all my colleagues interested therein by virtue
of treaty stipulations, viz, those of France, Great Britain and Holland,
I have assented to the opening of Ne-egata, together with the harbor of
Ebisuminato on the island of Sado. For the reasons mentioned in my No.
69, and at the earnest request of the Japanese government, we have
assented to a delay of three months in the opening of that city and
harbor, being assured that by that time (April 1, 1868) all the
necessary arrangements will be completed both at Ne-egata and
Ebisuminato as provided in the agreement concluded November 26th, a copy
of which I inclose, marked No. 1. The entire island of Sado is to be
opened to foreigners for travel, with residences and storehouses at
Ebisuminato, while there is to be no foreign concession or settlement at
Ne-egata, but the whole city is open to them for residence and trade. A
sufficient steam and lighter service is to be established between and at
the two points, which we think will in a great measure remedy the want
of sufficient harbor facilities at Ne-egata. A light-house is provided
for at the mouth of the river, and sufficient buoys to mark the passage.
Bonded warehouses are to be constructed at Ne-egata, and storehouses at
Ebisuminato. I think the arrangements proposed by the Japanese
government for the opening of these two places very liberal, and have no
doubt they will be carried out. I inclose No. 2, copy of a notice I
thought best to issue for the information of American citizens. Hoping
that my action in this matter will meet the approval of the President
and yourself,
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
No. 1.
Arrangements for the settlement of
foreigners at Ne-egata and Ebisuminato.
Article I. The Japanese government will
construct at Ebisuminato, in the island of Sado, proper warehouse
accommodations in accordance with the requirements of the trade, in
which foreign imports may be stored rent free for the space of
thirty days.
Art. II. Efficient lighters shall be
constructed for the landing and shipping of merchandise at Ne-egata
and Ebisuminato. Lighters shall also be constructed for the safe
conveyance of merchandise between Ne-egata and Ebisuminato. A fair
charge shall be made for lighterage.
Art. III. In order to facilitate
communication between Ne-egata and Ebisuminato the Japanese
government will provide steamers for the conveyance of passengers
and merchandise, as well as for the towage of lighters between those
places. A fair charge [Page 606]
shall be made for these services, but foreigners shall be at liberty
to employ steamers and lighters of their own for these purposes.
Art. IV. In case it should be found
inconvenient to land and ship merchandise on the sea-shore at
Ebisuminato, the Japanese government will open a passage into the
lake at the back of the town.
Art. V. The Japanese government will erect
a suitable light-house near the mouth of the river at Ne-egata, and
place therein a light of the first order. Marks or buoys will be
placed on the bar, in order to facilitate the passage in and out of
the river.
Art. VI. Bonded warehouses shall be erected
at Ne-egata in the same manner as at the other ports, and a
convenient landing place for the landing or shipping of goods shall
be constructed.
Art. VII. Foreigners may freely rent or
purchase from Japanese at Ne-egata and Ebisuminato, lodgings,
residences, or godowns. They may also freely lease land for their
lawful requirements at both these places. No special settlements
will be constructed. At Ne-egata foreigners may lease lands within
the limits formed by the sea and by the river on the north and east
of the town, and on the south and west by the boundary posts of the
present jurisdiction of the governor of Ne-egata. Rice fields,
arable land, and other ground paying tribute to the government shall
not be rented directly from the Japanese holders, without
application first being made to the governor for his permission.
Art. VIII. At Ne-egata the limits within
which foreigners may go shall be settled at 10 ri, more or less, in
any direction from the governor’s official residence, according to
the positions of the rivers and other natural objects. No limits
will be fixed in the island of Sado.
No. 2.
Official Notification.
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Yedo,
November 27, 1867.
Citizens of the United States are informed that, in conjunction with
my colleagues, I have made arrangements with the Japanese government
by which the city of Yedo, the town of Ne-egata, on the west coast
of the harbor of Ebisuminato, on the island of Sado, will be open to
them for trade and residence, pursuant to treaty stipulations, on
the 1st day of April next.
R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident
of the United States in Japan,
