446 EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



tlie American officers, when strolling into the country under the guidance of a native, found 

 their journey indefinitely prolonged, and their patience sorely taxed. 



The question naturally arises, what, upon a survey of the whole ground, are the prospects 

 of now presenting Christianity to the Japanese mind with any hope of a favorahle reception ? 

 To this suhject Mr. Jones, the chaplain, naturally directed his thoughts, and his sound judg- 

 ment, added to his known jdIous zeal, entitles his opinions to the respect of Christians of all 

 denominations. He thus writes : 



"Apart from governmental influence, I think there would be no great difficulty in introducing 

 Christianity ; hut the government luould interfere most decidedly. I performed funeral services on 

 shore four times: once at Yoku-hama, twice at Hakodadi, and once at Simoda; in every 

 instance in the presence of the Japanese, and, in most, when large numbers were collected. 

 Tliey always behaved well. Japanese officers were present, with their insignia, on all occasions. 

 I thus became known among the people everywh^e as a Christian clergyman, or, to follow their 

 signs for designating me, as ' a praying man.' Instead of this producing a shrinking from me, 

 as I had supposed it would, I found that I had decidedly gained by it in their respect, and this 

 among officials as well as commoners. At our last visit to Simoda we found a new governor, it 

 having now become a royal instead of a provincial town. This governor was an affable, yet 

 dignified, man, of very polished manners, and would compare favorably with the best gentlemen 

 in any country. At the bazaar, amid the buying, &c., I was led up to him by one of the 

 officials and introduced as a clergyman. The governor's countenance brightened up as my office 

 was announced, and his salutation aoid treatment of me became additionally courteous. I 

 mention this, however, for what it may be worth. There was no seeming aversion to me 

 because I was a minister of Christianity. The government, howerer, beyond all doubt, is 

 exceedingly jealous about our religion ; but the Japanese officials, as well as the people, are so 

 inquisitive, and so observant of all that comes within their reach, that, doubtless, after a time, 

 they might be brought to see the difference between ourselves and the Komanists. Against the 

 latter they have a deep-seated dislike. Until they do understand that difference, no form of 

 Christianity can probably get foothold in Japan." 



There is little appearance of military defence about Hakodadi, though its position would seem 

 to offer advantages for rendering it almost impregnable. Beyond the town, however, in an 

 easterly direction, there are two earthen forts dug out of the ground, and intended, apparently, 

 to guard the entrance to the harbor. Stakes or palisades are driven in along the cuttings to 

 prevent the earth from caving in, and to aid in the defence. Two wooden buildings stand near 

 by, which are connected with magazines underneath the excavated area of the forts. Within 

 these latter is a pavement of stone, and embrasures of four feet in width, opening in the eastern 

 embankment looking seaward, and made apparently for only two guns. On the beach, at tlie 

 eastern end of the main street, there is a building, with a broad enclosure, which seems to be 

 intended for purposes of fortification, although, from the absence of cannon and other warlike 

 appointments, it may be only used for a parade ground. There are better specimens of military 

 defence in Japan than those rude constructions, as, for example, at Uraga, where several stone 

 forts exist, built according to better principles of art, although there are probably none in the 

 whole country which could withstand a slight cannonading from Eurojiean or American ships 

 of war, or even an attack from a few well armed boats. 



The country about Hakodadi, though picturesque to the view, did not present such attractions 



