1872
Iwakura
Mission: United States
15 January 1872
[Meiji 4/12/7]
Fair. The weather was very mild. Our ship reached San Francisco at 9. A suite of thirteen guns was fired from the battery.*
We went to the Grand Hotel**. The
local people had been looking forward to our arrival; and
they received us very warmly. The newspapers had carried the
story that the arrival of our ship was scheduled for tomorrow.
As we arrived a day early, the hotel was thrown into confusion.
Brooks,*** our consul, took good
care of us throughout.
* Fort Alcatraz.
** A "JT Kido" was registered, reported the SF Chronicle,
January 16, 1872.
*** Charles Wolcott Brooks, the Japanese
consul in San Francisco.
16 January 1871
[Meiji 4/12/8]
Fair.
At 9 the consuls of twenty-six foreign countries came; at
11 the leaders of the city of San Francisco and army and navy officers came to congratulate us
on our safe arrival in port. After 7 a band came to the front
of the hotel to play music for us. Thousands of local people
crowded the area outside the hotel to cheer the embassy's
arrival. The Chief Ambassador (Iwakura)
addressed them from the balcony.
While in the Western US, the mission
visited schools, factories, and "places of interests"
including a sanitarium. Katsura
often remarked on scenic spots and was impressed with the
landscape.
The places visited in the months of January and February included
San Francisco, CA; Sacramento, CA; Reno, NV; Ogden, UT; Mormon
Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, UT as well as a visit with Brigham
Young, which occurred to much controversy. There was one final
visit to Camp Douglas before the entourage took off on a train
eastwards, passing through Omaha on 2.25.1872, and stopping
in Chicago 2.26.1872, there meets General Sheridan of Civil
War fame.
20 February 1872
Fair. Today was my father's death anniversary. I have stayed
in my room since last night, recalling the time when he and
my mother were living. A hundred memories flooded in on me
in a twinkling. I always remember my two parents on both happy
and sad occasions; and then very often even my happiness turns
to sadness. Indeed, I have not known genuine happiness since
they left this world; I can only solace my mind by giving
constant reverence to their memories. Time flies like an arrow!
I was unaware that so many years had flown by since my parents
departed this life...
1 March 1872
(Ed note: Kido is now in Washington DC)
Fair. I stayed in my room all day because I was suffering
from my hemorrhoids. Prince Kacho
(Twelfth son of Prince Fushimi Kuniie) and other students who are studying here came to meet
me. Starting today I shall have charge of matters relating
to the military and education; and Secretary Ga (Noriyuki) has been attached to me. In the year of
the Restoration, 1868, at our busiest time, I proposed to
the Imperial Government that the feudal lords, court nobles,
and government officials of the land should pledge their support
for the Five Article Charter Oath, to establish a course for
the nation. Now we must develop a more definite fundamental
law; so during this trip I want to give the highest priority
to an inquiry into the basic laws and structure of government
of each country we visit. I told Ga
of my intention.
(Ed note: Brown makes
an amused note here about the disarray in Washington at the moment
and how poor an example the US government
was as a result for this particular undertaking. It seems
that DC was in the middle of a huge political crisis. That
and apparent frustration with the Americans probably did not
make a favorable impression on Kido regarding the political
study he was undertaking. However his other comments on numerous
educational institutions suggested he was impressed with that
aspect of what he saw in the U.S. .
During the month of March he did make effort to research and
visit institutions --not only educational, but correctional,
rehabilitative, and for the indigent. The convoy was acquainted
also with colleges for women and Blacks. The other members
of the convoy were addressing other issues of great political
importance. Kido finally alludes to it in whole in the entry
dated 3.26.1872.)
2 March 1872
...Today I received a letter from my nephew, Kuribara
through Sugiura. At dusk Yamao
Tsunetaro and my nephew Hikotaro*
came.
*Kuribara Hikotaro
later was adopted as Kido's son Kido Takamasa
(1857-1917). He was studying at Brookeville Academy, Brookeville Maryland
at the time. His report card bears the name of Hiko
Kurbara, later transferring to Amherst, Massachusetts where he attended high school. Generally speaking,
he appeared to be an excellent student, and received a school
average grade of 90.
20 March
1872.
Fair. Okubo and Komatsu departed at 7, and Ito left at 8 tonight.*
*Okubo
and Ito returned to Japan to obtain proper credentials for treaty negotiation.
26 March 1872
Rain. I stayed in the hotel all day -- where we held a conference
on the treaty problem. Okubo and Ito are returning to Japan speedily to ask for Imperial sanction for treaty revision.
When I examine our course, I regret that we relied on Ito
and Charge Mori who know a bit about foreign lands, and accepted
their opinions so hastily, without holding thorough discussion
of the Imperial instructions two or three times. We are, indeed,
remiss in this. Mori and Ito insisted, without good reason,
that it would be to our advantage to conclude treaties abroad.
But in reality there is very little advantage to us. The issues
before us-- the opening of several new ports, the abolition
of restrictions on travel to the interior and the establishment
of new regulations which permit unrestricted travel, the expansion
of the foreign settlements, and the approval of a new law
abolishing export duties -- all will assist in the progress
of our country toward civilization, of course, and will be
of benefit to us; but they are all things which the foreigners
would especially delight in having. A three-year-old could
see through their negotiations on these issues without difficulty.
While we have not lost our nominal independence, we have given
up to foreigners our authority over customs, harbor regulations,
local government rules and criminal justice -- although admittedly
in practice we have had difficulty enforcing the law in the
past. We have not yet been able to regain any of these rights,
and we have given up all there is to give. Even Ito wrote
from New
York about those rights which we should not relinquish.
For the sake of our future I have worried a great deal about
these matters; and I vow, that, if we do not achieve our objective
of recovering these lost rights, I shall never submit to their
demands. It is for the sake of our country and its people,
though we may sacrifice any chance to conclude a new treaty.
This is the little I can do to serve His Majesty, the Emperor.
Ito has lectured us from New
York,
armed only with paper and brush, saying that he has already
discussed these matters. But there are things I have never
heard about. Relations among people are easy to discuss, but
difficult to handle in reality. WE have already lost this
round. We have yielded everything that the other party wants,
but we have not yet been able to get a single thing which
we want. I can only try to suppress my tears over our difficult
task, and the unsatisfactory outcome of it all.
This evening Mori brought by a scholar named Northrup.*
7 April 1872
Fair. The Chief Ambassador headed up our discussion of the
provisions of the treaty draft. The present mission is of
supreme importance to our Empire; and we considered how we
can avoid doing harm to our country and its people. Prior
to our departure we discussed the desirability of this undertaking;
and we planned to avoid any rash actions. But there have naturally
been a great many disputes over what is important, and what
is not. We are, after all, at fault in this. To my great regret
there are some who are guilty of the sin of struggling for
personal distinction rather than serving the country or considering
its people. At today's meeting, therefore, I told the members
to look at things in proper perspective. A certain First Secretary,
for example, was a little more conversant with the situation
overseas than are others at present, so the Imperial Government
asked him to assist the mission. So far, however, he has not
done a very satisfactory job. I advocated that we should express
our inmost thoughts today, holding nothing back; and as a
result Charge Mori Arinori and Secretary
Shioda debated freely over what
had gone wrong. In the end Mori stamped out of the room. That
was incomprehensible conduct; it must be considered the height
of discourtesy. Although we settled the matter privately,
I fear that word of our internal dissension may leak out.
I regret no end what this does to our country.
(Ed note: First Secretary
may be referring to Ito. I
am not sure.)
8 April 1872
…(Note) It was irresponsible of Charge Mori to have made
public the itinerary without obtaining the permission of the
Embassy.
15 April
1872
Rain. We went to the State Department at 12 for negotiations
with Fish.*
DeLong, Hale, and
Rice were present on his side.
Those who attended from our mission included Chief
Ambassador Iwakura, Yamaguchi, Secretaries
Shioda and Tanabe, and me. Brooks was also in attendance, and Charge Mori
arrived later. In recent
days Mori’s behavior has been appalling. By contrast, Americans
understand our feelings very well, and know our customs.
But, our students who are now studying in the United States lack a deep understanding of our country’s traditional
ways. They admire American
customs without knowing the tradition on which they themselves
stand. They advocate liberty and republicanism so thoughtlessly
that I can hardly bear to listen to their light-headed frivolous
ideas. It is talked
about that Mori, who is Minister of our country here, scorns
the customs of his own land indiscriminately in the presence
of foreigners.** In addition to him a number of mission officials
who have traveled in the United States briefly, and learned
about the country superficially, have expressed contempt for
our country. It is a universal principle through the history
of the world that basically good enterprises are attended
by evil. Why do these young men adopt everything indiscriminately
without regard for whether it is good or bad? Anyone who loves his country, and has concern
for its people, must view this development with grave apprehension. The maintenance of our country’s independence
requires resolution enough to move a mountain in a single
morning. Yet, this embankment on which we have labored
for a hundred years is in danger of collapse if we fail to
take a moderate approach. I thought about what the future will be like
ten years form now; and I was so apprehensive that I could
not sleep for half the night.
*Secretary
of State Hamilton Fish.
**
Mori placed portraits of Chief Ambassador Iwakura
in the entry of the Japanese legation in native costume, the
other in foreign dress, labeling them “Ancient Japan” and
“Modern Japan” respectively.
Mori also gave his samurai swords to the United States War Department Museum as “relics of Ancient Japan.” Finally, he proposed that English be substituted
for the Japanese language as the latter was not suited for
use during the modernizations of the country – but English
without grammatical irregularities.
19 April
1872
Fair.
Today was my mother’s twenty-fifth death anniversary.
I recalled the time when she was still alive.
I regret a hundred times over that I have been unable
to repay even a tiny part of my obligation for her great benevolence,
and that I was so self-indulgent in my youth.
Not a day passes but that I am reminded of it.
I am most unfortunate in that the majority of those
of my own flesh and blood and of my bosom friends from my
childhood have now gone to the world beyond. When Mother was alive, I was a young boy; and
I was expecting to be at her side for a long time, but one
day she left us forever. I
was shocked and grieved; it was as if I were in a dream.
At the time I felt that I could not bear to live a
day longer; but I am still alive today.
As I look back over twenty-five years, I realize that
our country has gone through crises beyond description.
Our Lord Chusei served as a pillar of state throughout the period;
under his orders I played an active part in affairs of state
from beginning to end. Countless
were the times that my life was in jeopardy; but I came through
enjoying Lord Chusei’s great favor.
Now I have the honor to be bathed in the luster of
the Emperor’s great benevolence. Meantime, every time I experienced pleasure
or sorrow, I have thought of the time when Mother was alive. Neither could I enjoy my pleasure fully, nor
did I succumb altogether to self-pity.
Whenever I see people of my age at their parents’ side,
my longing for my Mother suddenly arises. Today again I had
such a yearning, and unbearable sorrow
as well.
20 April
1872
…From
there we went to Washington’s tomb which is in a quiet scenic place. I reflected on his heroic deeds; and I was
quite moved. We then went to Washington’s old residence, viewed all of the rooms, as well as
his belongings. It makes one realize the simplicity of his
times…. Next to the house is a… tree which Washington planted himself with a shovel; and, as he did so, he felt cold chills
run through his body. We
were told that he then went to bed, and did not rise again.
Many people come here; and some of them pick the leaves of
the trees to take home with them. I found a cherry tree in a grove here with half
its blossoms already in bloom. I plucked a spray and wore
it on my lapel. At the same time I called to mind the spring
breeze in our country and the atmosphere of my old garden…
22 April
1872
…Tonight
DeLong came to bid farewell, saying
that he will leave for Japan tomorrow. Tonight Mori came by to talk about the treaty
problem. Our discussion
lasted several hours. Chief Ambassador Iwakura
reproached Mori for his continuing lack of patriotism.
Our argument tonight was overheard by other people. It was 3 in the morning when we went to bed.
23 April
…
An old gentleman nearby (Ed: to the Washington Monument) invited us into a building where a variety of stones presented from various
foreign countries are kept.
Among them was one from our Japan. We were told that it was sent from the port of Shimoda in 1854,… As the rock was
a very ordinary one, I hit on the idea of selecting an unusual
stone from our country to be presented later…
28 April
…I
did receive word of Lord Yamanouchi Yodo’s
death. At the time of the restoration I happened to be in
conflict with the Lord; but afterwards, we developed a deep
friendship, and I received a number of favors from him. I
could not help being grieved and shocked on hearing the news
of his death…
14 May 1872
…Last
spring, when I returned to my domain, I gave some thought
to the future, and in the end laid plans for revising the
undesirable system whereby the shizoku
receive stipends on a hereditary basis, so that each individual
will be settled into the place that his ability merits.
After all, under the present system and in the current
situation of the shizoku, there is no reason that they should continue to receive
their stipends forever. But
if they have to give up the hereditary stipends which their
families have held for several hundred years all at once,
then, as a consequence, many of the several hundred thousand
shizoku will be reduced to starvation. The transformation in these times is inevitable;
and we must not lose this opportunity to purge our nation
of its undesirable traditional practices. Up to this point,
however, the whole nation has recognized the position of the
shizoku; and their right to these
stipends has not been questioned. The nation, therefore, has some responsibility
in this matter. The
stipends have become kind of a private property. To deprive the shizoku
suddenly is a painful business unless it be
done skillfully. The
shizoku of our country are not criminals;
they are subjects of the Empire. It seems excessively cruel to handle the problem
by total elimination of their status now. I do not think represents good tactics. I pondered deeply over the problem for the sake
of our future….
23 May 1872
Fair.
I went to the Legation in the morning. For the past few days
I have been having an argument with Yoshida and Mori, and
we still have not settled the matter. Although this was inevitable, the discussion
is having a great impact within our circle,
and outside of it… They have a very different view from mine
on how to extinguish the samurai stipends.
I have turned this question over in my mind; and no
matter how many times I consider it, I have no doubt that
I am correct. But the situation having developed as it has
today, I must bend principle and follow along because of the
degree of importance of the matter to the whole nation. For
me it is the humiliation of a lifetime.
14 June 1872 (Near Niagara
Falls)
…
Former President Fillmore came especially to visit us. He
is more than seventy years old this year; and he is the man
who sent Commodore Perry on the first visit to Japan some time ago. Chief
Ambassador Iwakura and our group
dined with him, and talked about times past….
21 June 1872 (New York)
…Hirosawa
Kenzo, Yamato Shichinojo,
Kokushi Kennosuke, and Yamamoto
Jusuke came to visit. The
fathers of the first three fell as martyrs in the national
crisis. Their fathers
were all my friends and we endured hardships together, but
I alone have survived to this day.
Having met their three children here today, I was caused
to shed a few tears in spite of myself. I was overwhelmed
by my emotions…
22 June 1872
Fair.
We arrived in Washington at 7:30. I went to Room 23 of the Arlington Hotel. Yamaguchi
and Mori inquired of Secretary of State Fish about holding
negotiations; but he said that he is leaving for Boston tonight. We
shall, consequently, waste two more weeks.
I cannot help but be dissatisfied with the lack of
consideration foreigners show us.
More than ever, I believe that concluding a treaty
here will be disadvantageous to us.
26 June 1872
…Von
Brandt, the German Minister to Japan, passing through en route to his home country, came to inquire after the
mission members at 3. He
put forth some searching questions about the treaty.
I could see his logic.
The adoption of Mori and Ito’s views on the treaty
has frequently been shown to be disadvantageous so far.
The nation has been endangered because we failed to
see through the uninformed opinions of some clever young men
who aspired to a moment of fame. I regret that we were at a loss here at first
because of our ignorance of the situation.
We held a conference from after 3 until after 6. At night the Secretary of War and General Myers
came to visit.
30 June 1872
Fair.
From 9 until after 1 we held a conference.
At 6 all of the envoys studied the treaty draft which
had come from Japan. Von Brandt
came to visit; he departs tomorrow.
At tonight’s conference Mori was excessively argumentative
on behalf of his mistaken interpretation of the intent of
the old treaty. He laid out his private views in a confused
way; and the objectionable points were too numerous to mention. My sense of frustration was beyond description. The heat in recent days has been torrid and
today it was especially bad….
1 July 1872
Fair.
Mori’s behavior has caused all of the secretaries of the mission
a great deal of trouble. By now all of them have come to know his faults;
he has done a great deal of harm.
In our conference we were unable to come to a decision
because we could not figure out the meaning of the letter
which Mori presented to the embassy last night; therefore,
today Chief Ambassador Iwakura demanded
that he explain his letter of yesterday. Finally, he showed up this evening to argue
his position; but we still have not come to an agreement.
Last
night we sent letters to Mori twice…
9 July 1872
…WE
have now come to doubt that we shall be able to accomplish
the goal which we had at the beginning. I talked with Chief
Ambassador Iwakura today, and went
to Myer’s with Sugiura at the Ambassador’s
request. Myers questioned
me on several points about which he had doubts, and I responded
to each inquiry. He said that he had gained a better insight
into the problem. With Myers’ help we sent a telegram to the
President yesterday, and the President telegraphed the Secretary
of State, he reported. We
held a conference, therefore;
Chief Ambassador left for West Point at 9 tonight…
(Note)
A letter came from Hikotaro.
13 July 1872
…I
am now studying the Second Reader. (This
refers to Kido’s English studies.)
22 July 1872
…we
decided to try to hold a general conference of all concerned
parties for treaty discussion someplace in Europe under the arrangements which I had proposed once or twice previously.
We do not wish to negotiate with each country separately.
Thus we decided that we shall not conclude a treaty with the
United States unless it sends a representative to Europe. Having determined to give our
notice to the Secretary of State without delay, Ambassador
Iwakura, Yamaguchi, and I went to
the State Department at 3 to meet Secretary of State Fish
and tell him of our intention…Today the Secretary of State
appeared very much disappointed; but he did not lose his composure.
He always took our feelings into consideration, so much so
that it was unbearable. Today’s interview was indescribably more difficult
than facing enemies coming from all sides on the field of
battle….
2 August 1872 (Boston)
…At
4 more than a hundred famous scholars and poets of this state
gathered to give a banquet in honor of the embassy. The event
was a great success. After
dinner more than ten people gave speeches.* In compliance
with their request, I too had to make a speech.
After 10, when everyone started to leave, unexpectedly
a fire alarm was sounded; the engines were brought to the
front of the hotel to put out a fire; and they demonstrated
the actual process of extinguishing a blaze.
*Among those who spoke were Governor Washburn, Judge
Hoar, Mayor Gaston, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wendell Holmes
(who read an original poem for the occasion), Minister Mori
Arinori, and Secretary of the Treasury
Boutwell, as well as Kido who gave
thanks for his kind reception in the United States and hoped “for more intimate relations
between the two great nations.
6 August 1872
Calm
weather. We departed before 10.
Rice led us to our carriage; from there we went to
the seashore to board a small steamer from which we transferred
to the main ship (Olympus). .. On board our ship we exchanged farewell toasts,
gave speeches, and made a final parting at a lighthouse offshore. The band played and songs were sung, making
today’s farewell a very lovely event.
Many Japanese students who are studying in the United States came to send us off; and my nephew Hikotaro who cam later returned with Hattori.
~This ends the abstract on the Iwakura
Mission in the U.S. Kido and his traveling companions arrive in
Liverpool England on August
17, 1872.
