70 TRIBUTE TO CHINA. [1845. 



and I was assured from the parties who delivered it in 

 state, that it was from ' their Emperor", to be construed 

 Ruler ; and yet this Ruler, calling himself merely acting 

 local officer, despatched to meet me on my return from 

 Japan (and who entertained me on shore), assumes the 

 supreme authority. Again, we hear of the tribute sent 

 from these islands to China and to Japan : silver, gold, 

 and other valuable articles. From whence, with their 

 repeated assertions of poverty, nay, almost destitution, is 

 this tribute to be collected? Mines, they have none, 

 that we are aware of, and viewing the country with a 

 geological eye, I am unable to trace any metalliferous 

 rock. As soon, judging from its crust, would I seek for 

 the precious metals in Bermuda. 



It is highly probable, as I before suggested, in the 

 case of the Meia-co-shimas, and from the ruined fortress 

 on the summit above Sheudi, the same argument will 

 apply, that the tribute from these regions in olden times 

 resulted in the piracies committed by those frequenting 

 these islands ; and that as these powers were suppressed, 

 their glory has faded until the present day. It is most 

 likely that when China ceased to send warlike expeditions 

 from her shores, they quietly fell under the sway of 

 Japan, which has probably lent her protection by form- 

 ing them into penal settlements. That these penal set- 

 tlements extend as far south as the scene of our disaster, 

 we know, as a chief, with two swords, was met there, 

 who wished to escape to the ' Samarang ', such, at least, 

 was the impression of my Coxswain, who was sent to 

 examine the bay for water ; but the swamping of the gig 

 and loss of instruments, prevented my making further 

 examination. 



