awakened by the proceedings of dishonest traders to Japan, would have led to a general slaughter of our people in Kanagawa, and Hakodadi, and a return to the old exclusive policy of Japan.
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A Japanese Lady, famous for her courage and strength, calmly surveying a landscape whilst standing on the halter of a very restive steed. (Fac-simile.)
Let America and England look to this—we have compelled the Eastern government to risk destruction by throwing open the millions they govern to the influences of European civilisation and ideas. Do not let dishonest men embroil us with these people. No one can rejoice more than we do at the prospect of so interesting a land, so charming a race, being better known and appreciated. No one can recognise, more earnestly than we do, the admirable position of the Japanese empire, geographically and politically speaking, with reference to the development of the future vast trade between America and Asia; but for all that we do not desire to see the forty millions of human beings now contentedly living in Japan, sacrificed to the keen money-making of some unworthy merchants or the cant of missionaries, whether of Rome or London.
Two centuries ago the Japanese, as I have told, voluntarily held out the hand of good-fellowship to Christendom: she met with robbery, insult, and treachery. They had then the courage and energy to thrust out the disturbers of their peace. We have now compelled them to receive us by our importunities. We think we are right in trying the experiment; but rather than see them plundered and insulted, we say God send that if evil is persisted in, the Taikoon and Mikado may have the wisdom to shut the portals of Japan again, firmly and peaceably, before our governments are embroiled, and before any question of imperial revenue obliges us to consult necessity before justice.
JEANNIE.
Where’s the way to Jeannie’s house?
Any child will guide you;
Or ye may find the road yoursel’,
The river runs beside you.
Where’s the way to Jeannie’s heart?
That I canna answer:
Hereabout or thereabout,
Find it if you can, sir.
Is this the way to Jeannie’s house?
As straight as you can go, sir;
Down the valley, through the wood,
And by the brook below, sir.
What’s the way to Jeannie’s heart?
That I canna say, sir;
A lang way up, a wee way down,
In troth, an unco’ way, sir.
Some on horse, and some on foot,
Comes hither many a score, sir:
Wha finds the way to Jeannie’s heart,
Maun bring a coach and four, sir.
