892 MATTHEW C. PERRY. 



be desired should be sold at reasonable prices to 

 the American vessels which frequented that port. 

 The letter added, that after the commissioners of 

 both governments had settled all the details of the 

 negotiations, the treaty could be concluded and 

 ratified in due form at a subsequent interview. 

 After some further conversation the meeting broke 

 up ; but protracted conferences took place from time 

 to time, which were not concluded until the 1st of 

 April, 1854. 



> The results of the labors of Commodore Perry 

 were comprised in the various conditions of the 

 treaty which was finally adopted. Those conditions 

 cover the whole ground which was contemplated by 

 the American Government in sending forth the 

 expedition. Many of the points treated of were 

 the subjects of prolonged and animated discussion 

 between the representatives of the two nations ; but 

 the superior sagacity, pertinacity, and ability of 

 Commodore Perry in every instance eventually 

 gained him the victory. The importance of that 

 victory increases with the progress of time. It is 

 prospective and future, as well as immediate and 

 present; for it will operate with beneficial and en- 

 larging effect as the commerce of the United States 

 grows in magnitude from year to year among the 

 many seas, .islands, and countries of the Asiatic 



