ignorant, the perplexity of the learned, and the filling of his own purse.

Ere closing this chapter, let us for a moment recur to the Japanese Annals for a gratifying proof of the care with which justice is administered by the delegated representatives of the council of state; although even that care, it must be allowed, smacks somewhat of despotic power in the whole manner of the transaction. The mode of trial alone would render the story worthy of attention, especially considering the asserted success of the Japanese tribunals in eliciting the truth. The incident occurred at Ohosaka.

An usurer,* named Tomoya-Kiougero, lost a sum of money, amounting to 500 kobans (upwards of 6501.). As no stranger had been seen about his premises, suspicion fell upon his servants, and after considerable investigation, finally settled upon one of the number called Tchoudyets. No proof was found, and the man, in spite of crossquestioning, menaces, and cajolery, positively denied the crime imputed to him. Tomoya now repaired to the Governor of Ohosaka, preferred his complaint, and demanded that Tchoudyets should be tried and punished. The governor, Matsoura Kavatche-no-Kami, who had been promoted to his post in consequence of his reputation for ability, wisdom, and virtue, sent for * Titsingh.

Tchoudyets, and examined him. The accused protested his innocence, and declared that torture itself should never compel him to confess a crime of which he was innocent. MatsouraKavatche now committed Tchoudyets to prison, sent for Tomoya and his other servants, told them the result of his inquiries, and asked what proof they had of the prisoner's guilt. They had none, but persisted nevertheless in their firm conviction that Tchoudyets was the thief, and Tomoya insisted upon his immediate execution. The governor asked if they would set their hands to this conviction of guilt and demand of execution. They assented, and master and men, together with the master's relations, signed a paper to the following effect :-"Tchoudyets, servant to Tomoya-Kiougero, has robbed his master of 500 kobans. This we attest by these presents, and demand that he be punished with death, as a warning to others. We, the kinsmen and servants of Tomoya-Kiougero, in confirmation of this, affix to it our signatures and seals. The second month of the first year Genboun (1736)." The governor, taking the paper, said to the complainant, "Now that I am relieved from all responsibility, I will order the head of Tchoudyets to be taken off. Are you so satisfied?" Tomoya replied that he was, returned his thanks, and withdrew with his party.

Soon afterwards a robber, who was taken up for a different offence, and put to the torture, confessed amongst other crimes, the theft of Tomoya's money. This discovery was communicated to Matsoura-Kavatche, who immediately sent for Tomoya, his relations and servants, laid before them the true thief's confession, and thus addressed them :-" Behold! you accused Tchoudyets without proof, attesting your accusation under your hands and seals. I, upon the strength of your assertion, have commanded the death of an innocent man. In expiation of this crime, you, your wife, kindred, and servants, must all lose your heads; and I, for not having investigated the business with sufficient care, shall rip myself up." At these dreadful words, Tomoya and his friends were overwhelmed with despair. They wept, bemoaned their sad fate, and implored mercy, whilst the magistrates and officers present united in praying for some mitigation of so terrible a sentence. But the governor remained sternly inflexible.

When this scene of agony had lasted a considerable time, Matsoura-Kavatche suffered his features to relax into a milder expression, and said, "Be comforted; Tchoudyets lives. His answers convinced me of his innocence, and I have kept him concealed in the hope that the truth would come to light." He then ordered

Tchoudyets to be introduced, and proceeded thus: "Tomoya, your false accusation has caused this innocent man to suffer imprisonment, and nearly cost him his life. As this irremediable misfortune has been happily averted, your lives shall be spared; but as some compensation for what he has undergone, you shall give him 500 kobans, and treat him henceforth as a faithful servant. Let the pangs you have this day experienced be graven on all your minds, as a warning how you again bring forward accusations upon insufficient grounds."

This decision of Matsoura-Kavatche's gave universal satisfaction, and, in testimony of the ziogoon's approbation, he was soon afterwards promoted to the more important and lucrative government of Nagasaki.

N

CHAPTER X.

ATTEMPTS OF FOREIGNERS TO OPEN RELAT WITH JAPAN.

Hospitality towards foreign ships in the 18th century.attempts.-Captain Stewart's disasters and schemes.-Shipwrecked Japanese sent from Macao.-Not sui land.-Russian attempts.-Count Resanoff's embassy ficulties about forms.-About landing and residence dience. Overtures rejected.-Difficulties about pr Resanoff's resentment.-Hostile invasion.-Consc gradation of the Prince of Matsmai.-Golownin's -His capture.-Odd treatment.-Kindness of Ja his evasion.-Release.-English attempts.-S Raffles' Pacific Mission,-Foiled by Dutch Pre sent precautions.