ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



[ Japan. 



greater part of the contraband wares was carried by tbe interpreters from 

 the factory into the town ; but sometimes they were thrown over the wall of 

 Dezima, and received by boats ordered out for that purpose. Several of the 

 interpreters, and other Japanese, have been caught at various times in the 

 fact, and punished with death. 



" Smuggling has always been attended with severe punishments ; and 

 even the Dutch have been very largely fined, winch fine has of late been 

 augmented, so that if any European is taken in the fact, be is obliged to pay 

 200 catties of copper, and is banished the country for ever. Besides this, a 

 deduction of 10,000 catties of copper is made from the Company's account ; 

 and if the fraud is discovered after the ship has left the harbour, the Chief 

 end tbe Captain are fined 200 catties each. 



" The Company's wares do not undergo any search at all, but are 

 directly carried to the storehouse, on which the Japanese fix their seal ; 

 where they are kept till they are all sold and fetched away. 



" The interpreters are natives of Japan, and speak with more or Jess 

 accuracy tbe Dutch language. The Government permits no foreigners to 

 learn their language, in order that, by means of it, they may not pick up any 

 know ledge of the country ; but allow from 40 to 50 interpreters, who are to 

 serve the Dutch in their factory with respect to their commerce, and on other 

 occasions. These interpreters are divided into three classes. The oldest, 

 who speak tbe Dutch language best, are called bead interpreters ; those who 

 are less perfect, under interpreters ; and those who stand more in need of 

 instruction, bear the denomination of apprentices, or learners. Formerly the 

 Japanese apprentices were instructed by the Dutch themselves in their 

 language ; but now they are taught by the elder interpreters. The appren- 

 tices had also, before this, liberty to come to the factory whenever they 

 chose ; but now they are only sullered to come when they are on actual 

 service. The interpreters rise gradually and in rotation to preferments and 

 emoluments, without being employed in any other department Their duty 

 and employment consist in being present, generally one, or sometimes two of 

 each class, when any affairs are transacted between the Japanese and Dutch, 

 whether commercial or otherwise. Tbey interpret either viva voce or in 

 writing, whenever any matter is to be laid before the Governor, the officers, 

 or others, whether it be a complaint or request. They are obliged to be 

 present at all searches, as well as those that are made on board ship, as at 

 those which take place at the factory, and likewise to attend in the journey 

 to Court. They were formerly allowed to go whenever they chose to the 

 Dutchmen\s apartments; but now this is prohibited, in order to prevent 

 smuggling, excepting on certain occasions. They arc always accompanied 



