No. 76.] Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR: The southern troops reported in my dispatch No. 68, of the 13th instant, as having passed that day through Kanagawa, marched, it appears, some two thousand strong as far as Sakawa River, crossed it two days afterwards, and entered Odowara without encountering any opposition. The Tokugawa men, under explicit instructions from their chiefs to act on the defensive only, reluctantly fell back. Their rear, however, was overtaken by the southern troops at Hatta and Yümoto, and an engagement ensued in which about one hundred of these men are reported to have been killed. The Tokugawa men then continued their retreat unmolested. Skirmishes to the north of Yedo are again occasionally reported; in some places the peasants are said to have taken up such arms as they could find, and to have killed a few of the invaders. Orders are being constantly issued by the Tokugawa chiefs to their men, wherever they are stationed, to avoid hostilities for the present, and these orders it cannot be difficult to obey in most cases, as, partly from a sense of insecurity perhaps, and partly also from a desire to retain their hold of Yedo, the southern troops have now principally been withdrawn from the country and concentrated in that capital. The people complain of oppression, because they are still required to meet all requisitions for provisions and necessaries of the southern troops without receiving payment therefor; luxuries, however, are not included, and must be paid for in ready money. Attempts have been made to pass paper currency, but the people declined to take it, and the attempts had to be abandoned. For nearly three hundred years Yedo has been considered the center of Japanese civilization. In that immense city there are innumerable tea gardens and places of amusement; and though it has lost much of its former splendor, there is enough left to make it, for a native, a most attractive place of residence, with which nothing in his own province can be compared. Already the southern troops, it appears, are less exacting. Fancying themselves the conquerors, with little or no more work before them, they are now, it is reported, indulging freely in dissipation. Their chiefs are now obliged to provide their pay; and both officers and men are spending it in a manner that may easily be imagined. I would not be surprised if it should prove to have been part of the policy of the Tokugawa chiefs to try the effects of inactivity and dissipation on their southern invaders previous to taking action for their expulsion, and in the hope probably that such action may ultimately be rendered unnecessary altogether. With a treasury that shows as yet no signs of weakness, the Tokugawa chiefs can hold out much longer than their southern opponents, who not only exceeded their revenues, but are heavily in debt to English and French subjects besides. There is an evident anxiety on the part of the southerners to bring matters to a speedy close, and on the Tycoon or Tokugawa side, the very opposite course seems to have been adopted. When fighting near Odowara and Hakoné became imminent, a Tokugawa steamer left Yedo and communicated with the troops in Odowara, urging them not to bring on a collision at present, but to evacuate the strong points they had already occupied. On the 20th instant, two Japanese steamers from Hiogo landed about five hundred men, principally Satsuma troops, to re-enforce the army in Yedo. The young Prince of Satsuma himself is suspected of being now concealed on board of a ship in this harbor, for the purpose of watching events and giving directions in person. The Prince of Neegato, son and heir of Prince Choshin, who himself is one of the bitterest opponents of the Tycoonate, is reported to have declared against the new government. From Osaka I also learn that the Daijokan, the great council of the Mikado, is said to have come to an end, as the councillors adjourned sine die. This is a mere rumor, however, and though it reached me from a good source, it would be too important to accept it without full confirmation. On the day before yesterday a steamer bringing the northern Daimios on board, arrived at Yedo. visit will probably not be known for some time. agents or envoys of The object of their It is also reported that Kugo Dainagong, the high functionary who in the name of the Mikado's government was to have taken charge of the northern provinces, has declared against the court or government that appointed him, and authorized the northern coalition to raise the Mikado's flag for their cause. No one, probably, in this country, knows the people better than Tokugawa Yoshinobu, who is now called the late Tycoon. When in January last he found himself utterly betrayed in his council and in the field, he carefully examined his resources on his return to Yedo. If, then, the suggestion of his principal army and naval officers to resist invasion and to carry the war into the enemy's country had been adopted, several Daimios who have since remained neutral might have been induced to unite with his opponents. Mistrusting, as well he might, many of his own Daimios and retainers, he offered, under the inalienable right of a Tycoon, to appoint the Prince of Kishu his successor, as reported in dispatch No. 23 of this series. But when his envoys returned with an unsatisfactory reply, and he thus failed in securing the alliance of that prince, which would have been followed by a complete adhesion of all the Daimios, whose territories are situated between that province and his own, he withdrew to the temple of Wuyeno, in Yedo, there to do penance and obtain absolution for what errors or misdemeanors he was supposed to have committed. "The Tycoon submits to the Mikado," was the word that went forth to all parts of Japan. His humility disarmed several of his opponents, and afforded others, who were strongly urged to do so, an excuse for not sending their contingents to swell the army that was to take possession of his eleven provinces. It is said he actually addressed notes to the principal Daimios opposed to him, conveying assurances of his sincere submission, and asking that some provision might be made for him. In this manner he collected donations of money from nearly all of them, and then withdrew to the castle of Mito, where he still remains. After a cautious advance, the southern, or so-called Mikado's troops, marched without encountering any opposition into Yedo, for the purpose of taking possession. But when they came to the treasury it was found empty; the Tycoon's army left and the fleet did not lower its flag. The Tycoon was desired to issue orders for the unconditional surrender of both army and navy, and he promptly complied with the request. His orders, however, were disre garded. How could it be otherwise? The power to enforce them had been taken away from him by the Mikado. Not a musket, not an ounce of powder; nothing in fact of the slightest value to them could the southerners find in Yedo. Everything had been removed, and no one could tell whither. The rice magazines remained in charge of the Tycoon's officers. Some rice was left in them, but in the name of the Tycoon, who well knew that it was not worth his while to keep it, it was gratuitously distributed among the people, who, moreover, are under the impression that his policy has been chiefly influ enced by a regard for their interests, and with the view of keeping the war out of the capital. Ever since the failure of an alliance with the Prince of Kishü, all efforts have been directed to bring about an alliance with a united north, and in this the Tycoon appears to have been completely successful. The treachery of which he experienced so much, is now apparently showing itself among his opponents. This, and the effects of inactivity and dissipation among the southern troops, are two causes to which the Tokugawa chiefs are evidently anxious to allow full scope; and hence their stringent orders to their troops, so often disobeyed, yet in the main enforced, of avoiding collision for the present. The chief object of the southern Daimios is undoubtedly to obtain possession of the Tycoon's eleven provinces, yielding an immense revenue, which is then to be distributed. They are now supposed by many to have taken those provinces because they have possession of Yedo. It is extremely doubtful, however, whether they will be able to hold them for any length of time, even if their claim to possession should be confirmed. Not until the latter part of November can this be properly tested, when rice will be harvested and taxes and revenue are to be collected. Before that time I sincerely hope peace may have been restored in this country. The Piscataqua, with Rear-Admiral Rowan, the Shenandoah, Oneida, and Maumee, are now in port. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. No. 78.] Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith inclosure No. 1, a copy of letter from Higashi Kuze Chinjio, minister for foreign affairs, informing me that from the 1st of September next Osaka will be a port of entry. Among the foreign merchants at Hiogo and Osaka, the opinions of the relative future importance of those two places have been much divided, and by this measure they are now placed on a par. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. To His Excellency R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident of the United States, &c., &c., &c.: I have the honor to inform you that it has been determined to make Osaka a port of entry from the 15th day of the 7th month of this year, Ke Wo, as agreed upon at my recent conference with all the foreign representatives. On the 6th day of the 6th month-July 25, 1868. No. 79.] HIGASHI KUZE CHINJIO. Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith inclosure No. 1, copy of arrangements for the sale of leases of ground at Hiogo and Osaka, agreed upon by the foreign representatives and the Japanese authorities. The construction of the sixth article of these arrangements is that the requisite roads and drains shall be built by the Japanese authorities, and, at their expense; the ground thus prepared will then be sold, and the repair and maintenance of these roads, and drains, will be at the expense of the foreign purchasers or owners, except in extraordinary cases as provided. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. Arrangement. I. The leases of all the land at Osaka contained in the site granted for the use of foreigners by the Japanese government under the arrangements of 1867 shall be put up to public sale on the 1st day of September next, or on any day subsequent to, but as near to that date as can be arranged by the local Japanese and consular authorities. The official plan of this site, which has already been published, will be adhered to as far as possible. Modifications unanimously approved by the local Japanese and consular authorities may be introduced, but shall be made public at Osaka not less than five days before the day of sale. II. At Hiogo, the local Japanese and consul authorities shall determine the quantity and the position of the land on the foreign concession which shall be put up at the first public sale of leases, and also the date of the sale. The Japanese government shall provide for public inspection at Hiogo, not less than five days before the day of sale, a plan of the land to be thus disposed of, showing the number and location of the lots, and the proposed roads and drains. The lots shall vary in size from two hundred to six hundred tsubos, and the streets or roads shall not be less than forty feet in width. III. The upset price of land to be thus leased at Osaka and Hiogo shall be eight bus per tsubo, of which six bus shall be retained by the Japanese government, in reimbursement of the money already expended by them in preparing the said sites, as building ground for foreigners, and the remaining two bus shall be transferred by the Japanese government to a municipal fund to be formed at each settlement, and to be used for the construction or repairs of roads and drains, lighting the streets or other municipal purposes. The Japanese government consent to relinquish for the uses of this fund a moiety of all money that may be realized at the public sales of land at Osaka and Hiogo, over and above the aforesaid upset price. IV. The sale of the leases of lots at Osaka and Hiogo shall be conducted upon the conditions annexed to this arrangement. All land without the said sites remaining unsold shall be put up again at auction, at such subsequent dates as may be determined by the local Japanese and consular authorities, and in each case a month's notice shall be given of such intended sale. V. The annual rent of the said ground at Osaka and Hiogo shall be one bus per tsubo, which shall be paid in advance into the municipal fund of each place, and shall be appropriated to the repairs of roads and drains, lighting the streets, or other municipal purposes, subject, however, to a first charge of one thousand five hundred and twenty-four bus at Osaka, and one thousand six hundred and forty-one bus at Hiogo, which sums shall be paid annually to the Japanese government, as the ordinary land tax due on the said ground. VI. In consideration of the formation of the municipal fund at each settlement as aforesaid, the Japanese government will not be held responsible for the construction or repairs of roads, drains, lighting the streets, or other municipal expenses, except in the event of serious damage being occasioned by extraordinary action of the elements. In such case, the share to be borne by the Japanese government in making good such damage shall be determined by mutual agreement. VII. All payments to be made by the land renters under this arrangement to the aforesaid municipal funds shall be paid by them to their respective consular authorities, and shall be transferred by the latter to the said funds. The administration of the said funds shall be conducted at each settlement by the local Japanese and consular authorities, in conjunction with a standing committee of the foreign community, to consist of not more than three members, who shall be elected from and by the registered foreign residents. The mode of electing the said committee and their term of office shall be determined by the consular authorities. VIII. In order to provide for the cost of a foreign police force at the settlement of Hiogo or Osaka, in the event of such a force being required, each land renter shall be liable to pay annually to the municipal fund a sum not exceeding one-third of a bu per tsubo; the amount to be paid each year, and the time of payment shall be determined by the local Japanese and consular authorities, together with the standing committee mentioned in the preceding article. IX. The Japanese government will keep in good order, at their own expense, the sea and river walls, parapets, and landing places of both the said sites, and will maintain at the landing places such a depth of water as shall enable persons to land there at all times of tide. Conditions of the public sale of the leases of land in the foreign settlement at Hiogo and at Osaka. I. The land in each settlement will be put up in lots, in consecutive order, as numbered on the official plans, until all the lots shall have been offered for sale. Copies of the plans, duly stamped by the local Japanese authorities, will be lodged at the government office and at the offices of the several foreign consulates at Hiogo and Osaka, respectively. II. The highest bidder shall be the purchaser, and in the event of any dispute arising between two or more bidders, the lot shall be put up again and resold. III. The advance on each bid shall not be less than five cents of a bu per tsubo. The auctioneer will not be allowed to bid either for himself or any other person. On the fall of the hammer the party in whose name the title deed is to be made out shall be announced by the auctioneer, and at once registered, and the title deed shall not be made out in any other name. IV. The highest bidder for any lot must, on the fall of the hammer, and before the next lot is put up for sale, pay down as a deposit the sum of four hundred bus, which will be deducted from the sum due on the delivery of the title deed. Should this deposit not be immediately paid, the bidder will lose all title to the lot, *which will again be put up before any other lot is sold. V. The title deeds, which will be made out in the annexed form, will be dated the day of ―, 1868, and will be ready for delivery on that day. No title deed will be delivered to any other person than to the party in whose name it is made out, unless the applicant produce a power of attorney, or other satisfactory evidence, authorizing the purchase of the lot or the delivery of the title deed, which document, or certified copy of it, will be retained by the local Japanese authorities. Should any purchaser fail to complete the purchase by the day of, 1868, he will lose all right to the lot, which will be put up to sale at the next auction. In that case the deposit money will be forfeited to the Japanese government. VI. A fee of twenty bus will be paid to the local Japanese authorities on the delivery of each title deed. VII. In addition to the purchase money, the purchaser of any lot or lots, or his heirs or assigns, shall pay an annual rent of one bu per tsubo at Hiogo and Osaka, in the manner provided in article five of the annexed arrangement. VIII. In addition to the above named rent, the holder of any lot will be liable to a yearly charge of a sum not exceeding one-third of a bu per tsubo, to be paid as a contribution to the maintenance of a foreign police force for the settlement in which the lot is situated, in the manner provided in the annexed arrangement. |