For the Miscellany.

JAPAN.

BY REV. W. G. STONEX.

This remarkable Empire has for many years been almost unknown to us. True, with its geographical boundaries we have long been familiar; and we have had something of an insight into its internal state.

The student of law would understand something of its governmental spirit, from references made to its despotism by the distinguished Montesquieu. The student of Ecclesiastical History would also be informed, to some extent, in relation to it, from the account there given of the establishing of Popery in that land under St. Francis Xavier, and the subsequent results. And the student of Profane History would obtain some knowledge concerning it from the brief account there given of it. But with all the information derived from these respective sources the Empire remained to a nation, comparatively, unknown.

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sitions of others; and they are equally as anxious to let others alone.

We will here pause to consider the nature of their system of exclusion.

It is a standing rule with the government that no foreigner shall set foot upon their soil, and that no Japanese shall set foot on foreign soil. And if by misfortune individuals are cast upon their shores, their wants are speedily relieved, free from all charge, and then sent upon their journey. The Dutch are equally prohibited, only as they may obtain leave from the governor,to whom a petition must be presented before they attempt it; and even then the necessary attendants are required to be so numerous, as to render it highly embarrassing; and expense of all is to be defrayed by the person who makes the excursion; which produces additional embarrassment.

In order that the exclusion of foreigners may be complete, an artificial island has been constructed, separate from the mainland, where the warehouse and its appendages are erected. To this island the traders are positively restricted. And over it the utmost vigilance is exercised. All who arrive at the island are closely searched. And the loading, and unloading of the merchant vessel is done, under the inspection of a po

For the knowledge we now possess of its physical character, its institutions, its gov ernment, and its laws, we stand chiefly indebted to the few Dutch merchants who are permitted to trade with the Japanese. But it will undoubtedly be many years, be-lice officer. This island is contiguous to one fore the internal history of Japan will be as of the towns to which it is connected by a well known to us as we would desire; for stone bridge, at the extremity of which is a their suspicions and jealousy, have led the gate, kept constantly closed. This gate is government to institute a system of secrecy, watched by a body of police, who prohibit which affects all their transactions and in- the Hollanders from passing, unless by pertercourse with foreigners; and consequently mission; and they also prohibit Japanese precludes the possibility of obtaining exten- visitors from passing to the island, exceptsive information in regard to it. The Por- ing only certain appointed individuals; and tuguese, Russians, English, and Americans, these are only admitted at certain specified have made attempts to become acquainted hours. All who pass this gate must likewith the country, and its inhabitants, as wise undergo a search. So desirous is the well as to enter into commercial relation government of preventing all intercourse bewith them; but all to no purpose. To between the two races, that between the island known beyond their own immediate pre- and the town is erected a high wall, which cincts they have no desire; and for a number of years past, they have anxiously endeavored to remain undisturbed, either by the inquisitive, or self-aggrandizing dispo

is designed to prevent either from secing the other. Nor do the restrictions stop at this; for in order that too many Europeans may not collect upon the island, the number is

limited to eleven, which is intended to include the president of the establishment, a book keeper, a physician, five clerks, and two warehousemen. Beyond this number their servants must be Japanese, and they can only be served by them during daylight as they are utterly prohibited from sleeping upon the island. No emergency will permit a violation of this rule. Beside all this, all the natives, who stand in anywise connected with the Dutch, whether servants, porters, or whatever they may be, are required, before entering upon the discharge of the duties for which they have been employed, first to sign an oath, by which they swear to form no friendship whatever with those, in whose service they are about to engage; nor to communicate to them any information relative to the laws, customs, language, religion, or history of the nation. And in order that the utmost sacredness may be attached to the oath they make, they are required to subscribe it with their own blood.

are indebted to them for much of their literature, religion, and for their knowledge of the årts and sciences. The Chinese claim to have introduced their civilization amongst them as far back as the second century. Great allowance, however, must here be made to the love of the Chinese for high antiquity. Their dates are frequently greatly defective.

While in some of the mechanical branches they are immensely behind the Europeans, yet in some particular branches they strikingly excel them. They are unequalled in the art of lackering, or as it is generally styled, Japaning. The best specimens in this department cannot be obtained by foreigners, so that we can form no true estimate of their skill in it. They also excel in the tempering of steel. Swords manufactured by them, are said to be of unrivalled excellence, possessing a fineness of edge equal to the razor, nor will the edge be turned by cutting through an iron nail But the exportation of this article is also prohibited.

Though the time has been, when the Ja

In regard to the origin of this somewhat eccentric people, it may be observed, that they have, by some, been regarded as off-panese might be termed a trading, or comshots of the Chinese. But this opinion does mercial people (for in the 16th Century not seem to have sufficient warrant; for they carried on trade, as we are informed, among other points of difference there is a with no less than sixteen different nations,) striking dissimilarity of language. And it yet on the part of the higher orders, there has been asserted that from the different has been for many years, a feeling of avercharacteristics of their language, they sion amounting to contempt entertained must be a race distinct from all others. No towards it; and this aversion of the nobles doubt, however, but that the classification is correct which assigns them to the Mongolian race. Though, as we have observed, there is not sufficient evidence for regarding them as belonging to the Chinese stock. The evidence is against it.

The Japanese are at this time as reserved toward the Chinese as toward the Hollanders; and in accordance with the vanity common to the Asiatics, which leads them to claim superiority over all others, they do not fail to consider it quite derogatory to their character, to be put in comparison with their Chinese neighbors; though at the game time they cannot deny but that they

has been extensively imbibed by the less distinguished portion of society. The merchants of Japan are placed in a low class, and are entirely prohibited from making any display; though in this class are found the only wealthy individuals in the Empire. It is probable that this class is not very numerous, as the trade with the Dutch is limited to two vessels annually, and they are not allowed to import more than to the amount of $360,000. Beyond this they cannot go. With China the trade exceeds this; though not to any great extent

What will appear far more singular than the national dislike to commerce, is the

deep-rooted antipathy entertained towards usual penalties attached to crime.

When

sentence of death is pronounced, the confiscation of property always follows; and if the family does not share in the punishment they are disgraced.

tanners and curriers, and all workers in leather. In that nation, these are a most unfortunate class. They are regarded as the refuse as the very dregs of society. So exceedingly vile are they considered, that The natural effect, arising from the existhey are prohibited from dwelliug among tence of sanguinary enactments—wherein any others but those of their own class, and death is indiscriminately attached to the they consequently form distinct communi- perpetration of almost any, offence, is to ties of themselves. Wherever they are, weaken the attachment to life; for the genwherever they go, or whatever may be their eral insecurity is such, as to assure the govpersonal worth, the same odium is attached erned, that they hold their existence by a to them. In a word what the lepers are in tenure too precarious for them to place much other lands, the workers in leather are in value upon their existence. Thus it is in this. If they are on a journey they are pro- Japan. There suicide, by ripping open the hibited from entering any inn, and the food abdomen, called the happy despatch, is of they desire is handed to them outside of common occurrence. And in their schools the house. Their entrance into it would be the boys are instructed in this mode of selfits pollution. When the census is taken destruction; which embraces not merely the these are left unnumbered. And in the manner of performing it, but also under measuring of distances the length taken up what circumstances it is necessary to comby their villages is deducted from the meas-mit it, and what ceremonies are to be perurement, so that the inhabitants and their formed in connection with the perpetration villages are reckoned as beings and things which have really no existence. Surely this class, owing to the anathema under which they lie, entertain as deeply rooted an aversion towards the others. The cause of this absurd antipathy is undoubtedly to be traced to the doctrine of defilement by contact with the dead carcasses of beasts.

of the act.

This nation groans under a system of espionage, or employed spies, which in its character, is altogether original. This system it is, which most effectually eradicates the least remaining vestige of liberty, and renders the national fabric an insupportable structure. These spies are selected from all classes; from the nobles to the day laborers. And so far are they from possessing any authority, which may or may not be exercised by them, that they are imperatively bound to observe all that comes under their notice, and to make faithful report of it. And these spies are again overlooked by other spies, who are likewise compelled to report all delinquencies. All places are infested with these government agents; they surround all classes; and nobles and governors, as well as those in humble sphere, are the objects of their close and jealous scrutiny. So extensively is this system carried on, that it is supposed that in one way or another, half the nation is a spy upon the other half.

If there is one country where, above others, the name of liberty is unknown, that country is Japan. There it is an utter stranger. The despotism which haunts that land is not however a lawless despotism, for all are alike the subjects of law, and it is designed to administer justice with an impartial hand. The despotism affects all classes, the rich and the poor, the high and the low. It is a despotism wherein law and arbitrary custom become the despots. The laws are sanguinary and cruel. There is not that distinction made between guilt which is always recognized in the more enlightened nations, and which strict justice requires should be made. Imprisonment, banishment, and death, frequently extending to the entire family of the offender, are the in times of political danger, called to their

Some of the European governments have,

aid, a ssytem corresponding to this. But beyond the walls of their palaces, only at when Napoleon had it in operation in such times as are expressly named; and the France, Frenchmen were first surprised, but hours for their retirement and rising are also surprise soon gave way to heavy denuncia-specified, and are to be explicitly observed. tions. When the British government, not Upon these, are also fixed the eyes of vigifar from the same time, brought it in as a lant spies, who are ready to report any devishield for their protection, Englishmen, ination from, or omission of these injunctions. the spirit of their ancestors, declared they But this, after all, is only one particular would endure it no longer. Such a system portion of the ills to which the higher nohas been felt to be painfully oppressive even bility are subjected. In order that no fears for a few months; but when it becomes a may arise to the chief ruler from them, it is permanent element in a government, the ex- the settled policy of the heads of departtent of its oppression can be known only to ment to keep them impoverished. This is those who endure it. It is not unlikely that effected by making them bear the expenses the Japanese are so habituated to it as to of the army; and if its numbers are reduced, feel its real weight but slightly. still to demand of them a sum epuivalent to what the expenses would have been if the complement was full. If this exorbitant drain does not exhaust the means, other ruinous drainages are resorted to, which never fail.

From what has already been said, it must appear that the nobility are not the privileged class in this, that they are in other lands. But we bave yet to consider to what extent they are in thraldom. Of the provinces over which the princes may be placed, they are understood to be absolute sovereigns; and accordingly maintain their own armies. Yet the wary and distrustful government continue so to deprive them of their power, as to leave them absolute only in name. For in order that no danger may be apprehended from the power they possess, each province, or principality, is governed by two secretaries, and not by the prince, or by any of his officers. In order that no mutual interest may exist between these secretaries and the prince, they receive their appointment from the supreme council, from whom they receive orders, and to whom they must render an account.

The supreme head of Japan is the Mikado, or according to some, the Dairi. He is, however, strictly a spiritual ruler; and the temporal rule is held by the Ziogoon, who is the deputy of the other. But the power vested in him, which has frequently been described as absolute, is found, on close observation, to be merely an ideal-a visionary power.

It is understood, that though he is paramount temporal ruler, yet that the matters pertaining to the government are unworthy his consideration. His time is consequently taken up with the observances of official ceremonies and etiquette; together with the reception of those who are permitted to apAs an additional safeguard against the as- proach him, either to make presents, or to piration of the princes, their families are re-offer homage. By these means all his time

is completely monopolized.

Strange as it may appear to the reader, his majesty is not beyond the reach of the scrutinizing spies.

There they are, haunt

quired to live at the capitol of the nation, and to remain as hostages for their good behavior, and half of their time, is also to be spent at the capitol. Nor are these nobles, when in their dominions, allowed that free-ing him as they haunt the less notable perdom which might be supposed. The pain-sonages of the realm, and ready to report fulness of their condition, arising from the his deviations, or misdeeds, to the before severance of their families, is to find no alleviation. This is strictly guarded against. At home they are not permitted to appear

mentioned council. In former years it was enjoined upon the ziogoon to make periodical visits to the spiritual head, to pay com

pliments to his reverence; now, however, that duty is performed by deputy, and he but very rarely passes beyond the enclosure of his palace.

ties, it is an uncommon occurrence for the Ziogoon to urge any objection. The risktending his so doing being too ominous. But this honorable body is not exempted from the annoyances to which all others are sub

them in all their doings; ready to make report of all the words they utter, as well as of all the acts they perform.

As we have had occasion to allude to the supreme council, or as it may be more prop-jected. The spies are there; surrounding erly styled, the council of state; it will be necessary to make more particular reference to it. It is constituted of some thirteen persons of rank, one of whom is appointed president, taking the title of governor of the Empire. This council it is, which transacts all the business appertaining to the government. It acts upon all measures, it appoints to all prominent and important offices. And before any step can be taken by the higher government officers, which is not clearly defined by law or precedent, the council must be consulted, and must pronounce its decree. Every sentence of death is either to be sanc- VAGARIES OF THE IMAGINATION.

tioned or reversed by it. And what is still more, it may depose a Ziogoon, who proves himself unworthy his position, and place the legal heir upon the throne.

Such then is a brief outline of the government of the Empire. And certainly those who gave existence to such a complex system, deserve commendation. It is indeed unique-nothing under the sun being like it. But what a despotism! How ponderous the iron wheel! May the weight of the whole system prove its very destruction.

From Chambers' Edinburgh Journal.

"Fancy it burgundy," said Boniface of his ale, "only fancy it, and it is worth a guinea a quart." Boniface was a philosopher; fancy can do much more than that. Those who fancy themselves laboring under an affection of the heart are not slow in verifying the apprehension; the uneasy and constant watch

Here then would appear to be a favored few; a few from whom the despotism of the Empire derives its existence, and its complexion. But by looking more closely to the organism of the council, we shall seeing of its pulsations soon disturbs the circuthat its members hold no very desirable position after all. The subjects which may have been investigated and determined upon by this body, must afterwards be brought before the Ziogoon for his final sanction. Should he see proper to object, the whole subject is then submitted to the arbitration Their of three princes of the royal line.

lation, and malady may ensue beyond the power of medicine. Some physicians believe that inflammation can be induced in any part of the body by a fearful attention being continually directed towards it; indeed it has been a question with some whether the stig

mata (the marks of the wounds of our Saviour) may not have been produced on the decision is final. But the consequences devotee by the influences of an excited imagarising from that decision are striking; for ination. The hypochondriac has been known if they decide in accordance with the opin- to expire when forced to pass through a door ion of the council, the Ziogoon may not re- which he fancied too narrow to admit his verse his decision, nor in any way retract person. The story of the criminal who, unfrom the ground he has taken; his only al-conscious of the arrival of the reprieve, died ternative is to abdicate in favor of the next heir. But if they decide against the council then the member who proposed the measure In the first instance, must commit suicide. Sometimes this is also committed by all the members. Fortunately, however, for all par

under the stroke of a wet handkerchief, believing it to be the axe, is well known. Paracelsus held, "that there is in man an imagination which really affects and brings to pass the things that did not before exist; for a man by imagination willing to move his