do not desire intercourse with the foreign countries." To this order Mr. Pruyn replied that the citizens of the United States had the right of residence and trade granted by treaty. "The right thus acquired will not be surrendered and cannot be withdrawn. Even to propose such a measure is an insult to my country, and equivalent to a declaration of war. … The determination of the Mikado and Tycoon, if attempted to be carried into effect, must involve Japan in a war with all the treaty powers."
During the difficulties with which the Shogunate had been surrounded on account of the treaties, the action of Mr. Pruyn, in contrast with the attitude of the British and French ministers, had been of a conciliatory and forbearing character. Hence the Japanese sought to detach him from concerted action with the European powers, but he refused to listen to the suggestions. The Secretary of State, Mr. Seward, approved his conduct, and wrote: "You will represent to the minister of foreign affairs that it is not at all to be expected that any one of the maritime powers will consent to the suspension of their treaties, and that the United States will cooperate with them in all necessary means to maintain and secure the fulfillment of the treaties on the part of the Japanese government." This action of the government of the United States constitutes an exception to its general policy of avoiding cooperation with European powers, but the condition of affairs in the East and the community of interest of the treaty powers made such action to a certain extent desirable, if not necessary.
