Americans In Japan

Mr. Durham Stevens, son of Ezra L. Stevens, of the Indian Bureau, at Washington, has been Secrttary of the American Legation at Tokio, Japan, for seven years. He, in answer to a question which nation stands in the best repute with the Japanese, he said: "The commercial policy of the English is such as to command many privileges, but the Japanes undoubtedly consider Americana very friend'y. ïhey realize the face that we are true friends and haveno inclinatioia toforce upon thetn our own wares at our prices. They are daily becoming more and more independen!, and as tlieir education advances they more and more appreciate their importance and their rights under the laws of nations. They look upon America as their national trading point, and if untrammeled they would undoubtedly buy most of their necessaries from us. The present ministry is exceedingly friendly to us. They are fond of the French. In toot they are well disposed to all foreigners who treat them frieudly and Icndly. The time has passed when the Japanese otïicers could be bullied into any measure they may deern detri mental." "Hovv are the Americana treated in Japan?" 'fWïtta the utmost courtesy and attention and the greatest kindness. In the Empire of Japan there are about 4,000 foreigners, and of these 800 are Americans. In Tokio, the capital, there are 200 Americans, and in Yokohama about 400. The others are tered in the smaller citi es. TliPre are about 100 Americansin the einploy of the Japanese Government and private .1 apáñese companies. Americans have almost entire control of the educational affairs. By the way, the Japanese prefer America when they go abroad for an edueation. ïhere are fully 300 American missionaries in Japan. They do good work and they live pleasantly and with comparative ease. In Yokohania sonie of the large business houses are American. All the largest tea houses are American. Tl. e tea houses by the way, have of late years sustained very heavy losses. America controls the kerosene trade, and this trade represents trom 10,000,000 to 15,000,000 gallons anuually. The United States is rapidly regaining its cotton trade with China, and in due time we are eertain to secure the cotton trade in Japan. At present the English undertrade us by selling a very inferior article that in external appearance seems equal to tlie American article."