JAPAN.

Southland Times, Issue 941, 27 April 1868, Page 3

JAPAN.

(From the " Overland China Mail," Feb. 12.) A civil war has broken out in Japan. The person of the young Mikado has been seized by Satsuma and other daimios. The confederate daimios have as yet made no sign, and the country is as yet without a recognised head. The Shogoon's palace at Yedo has been burnt, it was said by Satsuma's people. Satsuma's palace at the same capital was two days afterwards burnt by the Shogoon's people. A naval engagement took place at Yedo Bay between two heavily-armed steamers belonging to the Shogoon and Satsuma. The latter escaped. A. large portion of Nagasaki has been burnt down, the flames spreading when the mail left. Over 400 houses, or I,OOU,OOOdoIs. worth of property, had been destroyed at that time. Much alarm was felt by foreign residents in Jopan generally. A report has reached Hong Kong that the Japanese (Government or rebel not stated) have fired into a French or American man-of-war, and that all foreigners at Hiogo have embarked for safety. It, however, wants confirmation. But little business has been done at the newly-opened ports. Much grumbling exists at the want of preparation for the advent of foreigners. Admiral Bell, the commander-in-chief of the United States naval squadron in China, Lieutenant Commander Reid, and ten men were drowned in attempting to cross the bar off Osaka by the swamping of their boat. Admiral Keppel and his party were in great danger from the heavy sea, but fortunately escaped. The opening of Hiogo and Osaka was inaugurated on the Ist January by a Eoyal salute of the Japanese flag. Sir H. Parke3 has issued regulations for the trade and residence of foreigners at Osaka, and regulations for ships frequenting that port and Hiogo. Letters from Osaka represent the state of afllairs as " by no means satisfactory."