BOOKS.

THE AMERICAN EXPEDITION TO THE CHINA SEAS AND JAPAN.* THE mode ado • ted in the composition of this Narrative of the American ition to Japan, though perhaps unavoidable, is not the best apted to invest it with spirit and freshness. The journals, reports, and other documents of the officers engaged in the expedition' were handed over to the Reverend Dr. Hawks to weld them into a narrative. As time was an element in the un- dertaking, and he alone could not have completed the book as quickly as was desirable, he called in the aid of another literary gentleman, Dr. Robert Tomes ; who - - - - "assisted in the work of comparing the various journals, docu- ments, &c., arranging chronologically the incidents gathered from all sources, i and presenting them n a connected form. Some portions of the story were also, in the first instance, sketched by this gentleman, and after under- going the revision of the present writer, were incorporated by him into the Narrative, and then submitted to the 'Commodore for his correction and suggestions. Some of the descriptions of scenery were thus prepared, as well as portions of the Narrative relating to the two visits to Japan. By means of this valuable aid, the whole story was written out in less than a twelvemonth from the time its publication was ordered by Congress."

Though the narrative thus "got up" is rather deficient in raci- ness and spirit except when passages are quoted from the original Writer, the work is by no means such a hodgepodge as might have been imagined, but a solid and continuous affair. It has how- eier, been composed on a mistaken principle, and expanded like a President's message. The interest and real novelty of the book relate to Japan and its adjacent waters, and to the diplomacy which extorted a treaty from the Japanese ; though even this no- velty has been somewhat forestalled by Bayard. Taylor's popular aNiount, ublished with the Commodore's permission,) by Captain Whitting .• 's Notes, and by matter which has appeared in the newspapers. Dr. Hawks tells the whole story of the voyage, in- cluding such well-worn topics as Madeira, St. Helena, the Cape of Good Hope, Ceylon ; including not only the observations of the Expedition but an epitome of the history of those places, though the utmost that was requisite till the Expedition reached its im- mediate field of action were the nautical remarks. In addition to this needless fulness, there is an introduction giving an amount of the Japanese history, geography, manners and customs. It is very well done but out of place an official publication.

• Another feat! ce feature, also somewhat out of place in such a book, is the continual and volunteered remarks upon the English. In an official letter from Madeira, the Commodore himself begins, quite gratuitously, by terming the British "this annexing ' Govern- ment." At the Cape, it s intimated that we, in conjunction with other powers, have mostly exterminated" the natives ; though a little inquiry would have shown that it was the Dutch who de- stroyed the Hottentots, and that the "Bushmen" (all that are now left) are a distinct race and much as they always were. "They are still savage in eh:meter, and disgusting in their persons and habits ; having received but little benefit from the civilization of their White conquerors, who have always pursued them with a cruel wantonness,— ' though we, as Americans,' remarks Commodore Perry, have no right to rail at other nations for the wrong they have inflicted upon the aborigines of countries seized upon by them ; for, though hardly equal to the English in the disgusting hypocrisy with which they excuse their acts, we are not far behind them in the frauds and cruelties committed upon our native tribes.' " • And again, speaking of the Bonin group of islands, it is re- marked—

" The islands were visited by Captain Beechey in 1827, and, with the pro- verbial modesty and justice of English surveyors, named by him, as if they had been then first observed. The Northern cluster he called Parry's Group; the middle cluster, consisting of three larger islands, respectively Peel, Buck- land, and Stapleton; and the Southern cluster was named by him Bailey's,

utterly regardless of the fact thus stated by himself. • * * • "It was not until 1827 that Captain Beechey, commanding the English surveying-vessel the Blossom, visited the islands, and, taking formal Ilion in the name of the British King, gave English titles to them. 41:8t1S: habitants practically disown the paternity of the English sovereign, and do not recognize the names given in his self-assumed sponsorship by the Eng- libh captain. For example, the very dignified appellations of Buckland and Stapleton, with which Beechey has honoured two islands of the Northern group, are quite ignored by the inhabitants, who speak of these places re- spectively as Goat and Hog islands. When the English visited and took Obsession of the 13011ing, the date of the visit and the act of appropriation were duly engraved upon a copper plate, which was nailed to a tree ; but the plate and the tree are no longer there, and the only evidence of British ion is the occasional hoisting. of the English flag on one of the neigh- bowing hills, a duty that was originally delegated to a wandering English- man who chanced to be on the spot. It is now considered merely a signal to be hoisted on the arrival of a vessel. No government is recognised by the inhabitants; who declare that they have no need of any foreign control, as they can take good care of themselves."

Readers will form a judgment of the American diplomacy ac- cording to the side from which they look at it. Those who con- ceive that peoples with established governments and laws-have a right to regulate their intercourse with other peoples, or to decline intercourse altogether, will disapprove of the highhanded measures of Commodore Perry,—such as disregarding all the usages of the Le* Chewans and the Japanese, trespassing on their regulations and rules, and using " constructive " force. Persons who main- tain the doctrine that peoples have no right to put themselves out of the "comity of nations," and who think that the end justifies • Narratise of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan, performed in the years 18&2, 1853, and 1854, under the commando! Commodore N. C. Perry, United States Nary, by order of the Govern- ment of the United States. Compiled from the Original Notes and lournals of Commodore Perry and his Officers, by Francis L. Hawks, Di),, LL.D. With nu- merous Illustrations. Published by Appleton, New York ; Trutmer and Co. Lon- don. the means will admire the thoughtful plans and decisive perti- nacity of means, Commodore. The success, such as it is, would not have been attained without bloodshed, but that the march of mind seems to have reached Japan. The Japanese are an inquisitive people, without the narrow self-conceit that characterizes the Chinese. According to this narrative, they have interpreters for every European language' through the Dutch at Nagasaki they have of late years reoeivedEuropean works, especially periodicals, the more striking parts of which are translated. The official Japanese were thus found to have a pretty good knowledge of

phy and of the political condition of the civilized world. geography also some idea of steam-power, and the other me- chanical advances of the century. There seem to be two parties In Japan as elsewhere, one for standing still, one for movement. The latter would appear to have been influential if not pre- dominant of late. The Emperor's answer to the letter of the President preliminary to the negotiation indicates a philosophical notion that the world must go on.

"it is quite impossible to give satisfactory answers at once to all the pro- posals of your Government, as it is most positively forbidden by the laws of our imperial ancestors but for us to continue attached to the ancient lawa seems to misunderstand the spirit of the age : however, we are governed now by imperative necessity."

The late " affair " at Queen Victoria's levee gives more interest to another conspicuous feature of the book—the haughty exclu- siveness of the Commodore, and his rigid adherence to the eti- quette he chose to establish, while utterly disregarding the cus- toms of other people. Had the Japanese sought to negotiate with the Americans, or unavoidable circumstances brought them into connexion, this would have been proper enough ; it may not have been improper as it was ; but it is a sign of that overbearing self- will that is determined if possible to carry its points without re- gard to the rights, customs, or feelings of others. The States i

very widely differ n manners ; what could be done with impuni- ty in the South would not be tolerated North of Pennsylvania ; but a uniform temper pervades the Union. The shooting of the waiter, the beating of the Senator, the black stock and round hat at St. James's, with the withdrawal of Mr. Dallas and his friends, and Commodore Perry at Lew Chew and Japan, are all traits of the same disposition. The Commodore, however, carried it out systematically, and with a cool, predetermined resolution, worthy of praise as a piece of conduct, whether in overbearing Japanese etiquette or maintaining his own. No Bourbon in the most ex- clusive times was ever more exclusive than Commodore Perry. The in iroXXot of officials were made to keep their distance ; even men of rank were not admitted to his presence. They were received by his captains, &e. in a cabin ; the Commodore being invisible, and communicated with by one of his officers as occasion required. This more than Roman imperatorial bearing was national, not personal. Dr. Hawks assures us that, individually, the Commo- dore is quite "a man and a brother" sort of person.

"The Commodore, also, was well aware that the more exclusive he should make himself, and the more unyielding he might be in adhering to his de- clared intentions the more respect these ,people of forms and ceremonies would be disposed to award him ; therefore it was that he deliberately re- solved to confer personally 'with no one but a functionary of the highest rank in the empire. He would have been ashamed, in the indulgence ofia con- temptible pride founded on mere official rank, to assume a superiority and affect a dignity too lofty to stoop to the levelof men below him in station. As a man, he did not deem himself too elevated to hold communication with any of his brethren in the common heritage of humanity; but in Japan, as the representative of his country, and the accredited guardian of the honour of that flag which floated over him, he felt that it was well to teach the Ja- panese, in the mode most intelligible to them, by stately and dignified re • serve, joined to perfect equity in all he asked or did, to respect the country from which he came, and to suspend for a time their accustomed arrogance and incivility towards strangers. The Japanese so well understood him that they learned the lesson at once. It was this feeling, and this only, which prompted him to refuse to see the Vice-Governor of trraga, and to refer him to his aid for conference. He saw him often enough afterwards, when matters had been arranged between the Governments, on terms of friendship and equality. And we have been thus particular, not for the in- formation of our countrymen, who know Commodore Perry, but for strangers who may read our story, and, without this word of explanation, misappre- hend the character of the man. No man is more easily approached by his fellow men, or assumes less on account of the honourable position he fills in the service of his country."

The diplomatic success was undeniable ; though, doubtless, in part owing to that change in the Japanese mind indicated in the passage quoted from the Emperor's letter. The actual results likely to follow the treaty have been somewhat exaggerated. It is a treaty of comity, not of commerce, going no further than kind treatment and necessary supplies, with permission to land, but not to reside except for a consular officer. What may follow from it, time will show. As we remarked in noticing Captain Whittingham's work, the Japanese at present do not seem to have commodities to carry on an extensive foreign trade. Their articles are chiefly curiosities, or silks ; they want such a thing as the Chinainan's tea.

The American Expedition will add greatly to the knowledge of several Japanese ports which the Commodore had surveyed nolens volens ; something to that of the adjacent seas and groups. The sketches of Bayard Taylor and Captain Whittingham, as regards manners and scenery, are as good as those in the authorized narrative, perhaps better. The information touching national characteristics, arts, and natural or artificial productions is fuller in the official account, doubtless from the number of lands that were employed in observing and reporting upon subjects for which each had some special aptitude. Thus Mr. Jones, the Chaplain, remarks upon the prospects of converting the Japanese.

"Apart from Governmental influence, I think there would be no great ; difficulty in introducing Christianity; blig the Government would interfere lzOSt deekkay. I performed funeral services on-shore four limes once at Yoku-hama, twice at Hakodadi, and once at Simoda ; in every instance in the presence of the Japanese, and in most when large numbers were col- lected. They always behaved well. Japanese officers were present, with their insignia, on all occasions. I thus became known among the people everywhere as a Christian ekrgyman, or, to follow their signs for designa- ting me, as a praying man. Instead of this producing a shrinking from me,. as I had supposed it would, I found that I had decidedly gained by it in their respect, and this among officials as well as commoners. At our last visit to Simoda we found a new Governor, it having now become a royal in- stead of a provincial town. This Governor was an affable yet dignified man, of very polished manners, and would compare favourably with the best gen- tlemen in any country. At the bazaar, amid the buying, &c., I was led up to him by one of the officials and introduced as a clergyman. The Gover- nor's countenance brightened up as my office was announced, and his salu- tation and treatment of me became additionally courteous. I mention this, however; for what it may be worth. There was no seeming aversion to me because I Was a minister of Christianity. The Government, however, be- yond all doubt, is exceedingly jealous about our religion • but the Japanese officials, as well as the people, are so inquisitive and so observant of all that comes within their reach, that, doubtless, after a time, they might be brought to see the difference between ourselves and the Romanists. A.,,rainst the latter they have a deep-seated dislike. Until they do understand that difference, no form of Christianity can probably get foothold in Japan."

The presents were very skilfully selected. In addition to the usual arms, telescopes, and curiosities, the latest improvements in applied science were sent, including a small locomotive engine and an electric telegraph.

"The presents having been formally delivered, the various American officers and workmen selected for the purpose were diligently engaged daily in unpacking and arranging them for exhibition. The Japanese authorities offered every facility : their labourers constructed sheds for sheltering the various articles from the inclemency of the weather ; a piece of level ground was assigned for laying down the circular track of the little locomotive, and posts were brought and erected for the extension of the telegraph-wires; the Japanese taking a very ready part in all the labours and watching the re-

sult of arranging putting together of the machinery with an innocent and childlike de ht. The telegraphic apparatus, ..under the direction of Messrs. Draper an Williams, was soon in working order ;the wires extend- ing nearly a mile in a direct line, one end being at the treaty house, and another at a building expressly allotted for the purpose. When communi- cation was opened up between the operators at either extremity, the Japan- ese watched with intense curiosity the modus operandi, and were greatly amazed to find that in an instant of time messages were conveyed in the English, Dutch, and Japanese languages, from building to building. Day after day the dignitaries and many of the people would gather, and, eagerly beseeching the operators to work the telegraph, would watch with unabated interest the sending and receiving of messages. "Nor did the railway, under the direction of engineers Gay and Denby, with its -Lilliputian locomotive, car, and tender, excite less interest. All the parts of the Mechanism were perfect, and the car was a most tasteful speci- men of workmanship, but so small that it could, hardly carry a child of six years of age. The Japanese, however, were not to be cheated out of a ride ; and as they were unable to reduce themselves to the capacity of the inside of the carriage, they betook themselves to the roof. It was a spectacle not glittle ludicrous to behold a dignified mandarin whirling around the Circu- lar road at the-rate of twenty miles an hour, with his loose robes flying in the wind. As he clung with a desperate hold to the edge of the roof, grin- ning with intense interest, and his huddled-up body shook convulsively with a:land of laughing tirnidity, while the car spina rapidly around the circle, you might have supposed that the movement, somehow or other, was de- pendent rather upon the enormous exertions of the uneasy mandarin than upon the power of the little puffing locomotive which was so easily perform- ing its work."

- A good many specimens of Japanese art were brought home, and were submitted to Professor Duggan, of the Free Academy, New York; who has given a long and able criticism upon their characteristics. Speaking broadly, the Japanese excellence is in execution rather than in design; and the same may be said of their mechanical arts.

"Iii the practical and mechanical arts, the Japanese show great dexterity ; and when the rudeness of their tools and their imperfect knowledge of ma- chinery are considered, the perfection of their manual skill appears mar- vellous. Their handicraftsmen are as expert as any in the world, and, with a freer development of the inventive powers of the people, the Japanese would not remain long behind the most successful manufacturing nations. Their curiosity to learn the results of the material progress of other people, and their readiness in adapting them to their own uses, would soon, under a less exclusive policy of government, which isolates them from national com- munion, raise them to a level with the most favoured countries. Once pos- sessed of the acquisitions of the past and present of the civilized world, the Japanese would enter as powerful competitors in the race for mechanical suc- cess in the future.

"Every American admired the skilful workmanship of the carpenters as displayed in the construction of the wood-work in the houses, the nice ad- justment and smooth finish of the jointing, the regularity of the flooring, and the neat framing and easy working of the window-casements and move- able door-panels and screens. The general designs of the houses and public lanildings were very inferior to the execution of the details of construction. The former were uniform .and probably in accordance with the ancient mo- dels, and showed a constrIunt of inventive power within rules doubtless pre- scribed by government ; while the latter evinced that perfection of finish which belongs alone to progressive experience. As in the carpentry, so in the masonry, there -was no freedom nor boldness of conception, but the most complete execution. Their stone was well cut, and their walls strongly and

rly built, generally in the massive cyclopean style.

"The coopers were found to be very expert at Hakodadi, where a large number of barrels was constantly in the process of manufacture for packing the dried and salted fish. The barrels are firkin-shaped, bulging at the top, and are rapidly and skilfully hooped with plaited 'bamboo. There are many workersin metal for ornamental and useful purposes. The Japanese understand well the carbonizing of iron, and the temper of much of their steel is good, as was proved by the polish and sharpness of their sword- blades. The cutlery, however, in common use at Hakodadi, was of an in- ferior kind ; and the barber of one of the ships pronounced* razor, pur- chased in the town, as abominably bad, neither cutting nor capable of being Made to cut."

An artist ace.ompanied the Expedition, and the results of his labours are seen in the numerous wood-engravings that illustrate the work. Their general quality may be described as character-

istie but coarse and more successful in still life than in the human form. The book is printed by order of Congress, and it forms a handsome volume. For popular circulation in this country, it would bear very extensive omissions and some abridgment even in the parts relating to Japan.