INTRODUCTION. 71 



that the shrewd Japanese were not far from the truth, when they suspected Von Siebold to ho a 

 Eussian spy, and banished him. 



Of his intimate connexion with Kussia there can be no doubt ; the pamphlet itself shows it ; 

 and though in the revelations it makes, its purpose is to glorify the author and show his great 

 political importance, yet his boasts of services rendered to Kussia, his published extracts from the 

 flattering letter of a Russian official of high rank, his acknowledgment of a summons and visit 

 to St. Petersburgh, and his declaration that Japan knows Russia to be the most powerful nation 

 in the world, are all facts indicative of the author's close and interested relation to the great 

 northern power. Indeed, it has been said by some, that by his advice the Russian squadron 

 was sent to checkmate us in our attempt to open Japan. If this be so, then, his extreme desire 

 to go in our squadron may have been produced by his entire conviction, nay, assured knowledge, 

 that his presence alone would have proved fatal to the success of our mission. 



Of the inordinate conceit and self-importance of Von Siebold there is, unfortunately, abundant 

 evidence. Thus, he informs us, that he it was who induced King William II, in 1844, to write 

 to the Emperor of Japan ; and states that the original of the King's letter was deposited with 

 him and is still in his possession. He dwells, at length, upon the vast amount of valuable 

 information he had acquired in Japan, upon the admirable opportunities he enjoyed for tliat 

 purpose, and more than insinuating that all the rest of the world, compared with liim, is in 

 almost entire ignorance, he contrives to make the pamphlet an advertisement of his really 

 valuable works, of which he retains, we b&lieve, the sale in his own hands ; at least we know 

 that it was not to be obtained in the book stores of Europe, and that the copy procured for the 

 Astor library was purchased by the accomplished superintendent from Von Siebold himself. 



So, too, the services he has rendered to Russia lose nothing of their value and importance in 

 his representations ; and we are furnished with an extract of a letter from a distinguished 

 Russian statesman, addressed to our author, the publication of which by Von Siebold proves that 

 the noble correspondent of whom he boasts could not have enumerated modesty among the 

 personal qualities for which he commends the learned physician. 



We are also told of his intimacy with some of the Japanese nobility, though he dared not 

 show his face in Japan, nor was he at liberty even to address to them a letter. 



A letter from M. Von Siebold, addressed to one of the gentlemen of the expedition, whom he 

 ostentatiously calls in his pamphlet, " my correspondent on board of the Mississippi," is now 

 lying before us. A single extract will illustrate the weakness of which we have spoken : 



"I see with much pleasure that Commodore Perry knows how to a^^preciate my profound 

 knowledge and long experience of Japanese aifairs. I was very sorry not to have been called 

 upon to trace a programme for the American expedition to Japan. I would have produced a 

 plan to open the Japanese Empire to the world, under the watchwords ' humanity and patience.' 

 I do not transgress the bounds of modesty when I say that I, only, am able to trace such a plan. 

 The Netherland government knows my views, and has undertaken to support the peaceful 

 intentions of the President of the United States toward the Japanese government." 



" Probably all overtures will be declined, or they will try to delay, as long as possible, giving 

 a final answer. The Japanese government understands perfectly the art of protracting diplo- 

 matic negotiations, to exhaust patience ; of spinning out endlessly the thread of objections against 

 overtures for a commercial treaty. They will recall constantly the unalterable nature of their 

 laws ; will urge the danger of breaches of etiquette or courtesy, the want of articles for exporta- 

 tion, the great influx of foreigners. It will also be pretended that the Siogun is not allowed to 



