The discoverer or explorer of regions before unknown has always commanded just admiration, but the pioneer following in his footsteps and by patient toil securing to civilization the new found lands is too often forgotten by those who reap the fruits of his labor. The same is true in the great world of commerce. He who first enters a new field which gives promise of extensive trade is remembered and honored by future generations, while the man who comes after him and by persistent effort, unadorned with adventure or novelty, makes possible the development of a profitable commerce, receives but slight commendation as recompense for faithful service. So it was in the case of Japan. The name of Commodore Perry is familiar to every American, while that of Townsend Harris, the negotiator of the first commercial treaty with Japan, and the founder of diplomatic intercourse, is comparatively but little known and his achievements but little remembered. The genius of Perry had unbarred the gate of the island empire and left it ajar; but it was the skill of Harris which threw it open to the commercial enterprise of the world.
The first British minister to Japan, after becoming fully conversant with the situation of affairs, gave Harris great credit for skill and estimated highly the value of his services to all nations. By the Japanese he is held in grateful remembrance. He reflected great honor upon his country, and justly deserves to rank among the first diplomats of the world, if such rank is measured by accomplishment.[1]
- ↑ U. S. Dip. Cor. 1862, pp. 799, 812, 816; 1 Alcock's Capital of the Tycoon, 208; Nitobe, 115.
