JAPAN.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 80, 11 August 1863, Page 5 (Supplement)

JAPAN.

From the Overland China Mail of May 30, we extract the following remarks with remarks with reference to the position of affairs at Yokohama aiid other ports :— By our last fortnightly summary of news readers at distance were informed that war with Japan was imminent, although the British Charge d'affaires had "ranted to the Japanese, at their own urgent request, a further period of fifteen days to consider the terms of the ultimatim. Since that time the Japanese authorities have asked for n. still further extension of time, and a period of ten days more has been allowed them. According to this latter arrangement the period fixed for receiving a reply to the ultimatum must have expired on the 21st instant. Out* Jatest advices from Japan are to the 1 4th, at which time no reply had reached the British authorities. At Yokohama the native servants were leaving the . employ of foreigners, and were, moreover, conducting themselves towards them with studied rudeness, breaking articles of furniture, forcing their way into houses, jostling foreigners in the street, and otherwise endeavoriag to show their patriotism, or bring on such a disturbance as might lead to a general ■attack upon our people. The latter, however, have not retaliated these I offensive demonstrations to such an extent as to disturb the peace. By this time most of the foreign residents at the open ports are in a position of comparative s.afet)\ Merchants have transferred on board ship their stores of goods aud other valuables, and their arrangements are made for taking to the shipping at Very short notice. It is uot desirable, they consider, to leave the foreign concession until that step becomes actually necessary for their safety ; and in order to secure the latter, Col NeaJe has sent to Shanghai for tlie 31st Regiment, which was, it may be remembered, ordered to England a considerable time ayo, on being relieved at Taku. II. M. transport Vulcan, which left Hong Kong to convey the 31st from Shanghai to this port, will now, it is understood, carry them to Yokohama, where the foreign concession will be held during any hostilities that may ensue. Admiral Kuper has informed the Japanese authorities that no hostilities are intended by him in the open ports, unless it should be necessary as a defensive measure. The Tycoon's government have notified to the Admiral that proper warning will be given in the event of war being determined on, so that foreign residents on shore may have time to withdraw should they desire it. This act of courtesy, however, is somewhat seriously qualified by a statement annexed, to the effect that Prince Satsuma is sending retainers into Yohohama disguised ;is peaceful natives, and that they are to arrive in groups of three or four at a time, so as not to excite suspicion. Tlie Tycoon has very plausibly assured the Admiral that he was in a position of being compelled to feign dislike and hostility to foreigners, although his real feelings were friendly. Nothwithstandinir that the period for receiving the reply of the Japanese Government has be^n twice extended, it is rumored that to oblige the Japanese, further grace will be accorded to them if the}' desire

it. It cannot be doubted but that the nobles will require time to discuss a question involving a' change in the country's constitution ; and they doubtless feel that the discussion of this matter rannot very well be delayed. Onjmr side, delay is likewise wanted in order to allow time for the arrival of troops from India, which have been sent for if report- speaks favorably. The only operation which the Admiral could proceed with would be to attack PrinceSutsuma'd castle at Kaposima, which is down on the charts near Cape Chitkakoff, and opposite Pistol Island. He might also impound this Prince's revenues at the Loo-kiu (Loochoo) Islands. At the present time, the prospects of a peaceful settlement to the Japan difficulty are very small.

The Shanghai circular above mentioned contains the subjoined account oi' the proceedings of the British Consular Agents with reference to the demands made upon the Japanese authorities : —

The warlike aspect of affairs in Japan has completely put a stop to legitimate trade at the open ports, consequently we have left out our usual list of prices current from Nagasaki and Yokohama, except quotations of silk from the latter port.