JAPAN.

North Otago Times, Volume 1, Issue 1, 25 February 1864, Page 6

JAPAN.

There is a strong probability of a civil war being stirred up in Japan, through the interference of the British. The Daimios aroused by the destruction of Kagosima, and taking part with Satsuma, have collected an army of 50,000 men to attack Yokohama, and the cities under the Tycoon's Government. Already two towns of importance have been destroyed. The Japanese Government has a btaudiug armj , it is believed, of not less than thirty thousand men. These ti*oops have been trained under Russian officers ; fao, if they split into two bodies, under rival leaders, the contest of a certainty will be momentous. The object of the Daimios being to overturn the Tycoon, because of his treachery to Japanese principles in the admission of foreigners. We take the following from the Timeh, of Dec. 17th:— " Kanagawa, October 10, 1863, 3 p.m. " Authentic information has just been received of the bombardment and capture of the Imperial city of Opaea (and some say of Kioto also) by the Daimios. The lows to the Tycoon's party is eon-

siderable, including the two Governors of the citj and several commanding officers. " The Daimios are said to be advancing an army of fifty thousand men for the capture of Yokohama. It is certain that they have expressed their intention, or, as others say, sworn to do so, and that an attack on thb place may be expected on the Bth of next month — whether Japanese or foreign date is meant we cannot tell. " The Tycoon's Government proposes to erect at once three forts or batteries at Yokohama, for the protection of the settlement. " Her Britannic Majesty's steamer Racehorse leaves at 1 p.m. to-morrow for Nagasaki, and the Algerine for Shanghai, at the same tune.