Page:American Diplomacy in the Orient - Foster (1903).djvu/195

 dissimilar character of the two peoples dictated a divergent course of conduct. The Chinese with blind obstinacy adhered to their policy, while the Japanese, though a warlike people, were able to discern the situation of affairs and yielded to the inevitable.

The government at Yedo negotiated with the American plenipotentiary under the persuasive influence of his warlike fleet, and made the best terms possible rather than hazard the consequences of a military conflict. But much had yet to be done by way of negotiation before Japan was opened to commerce and intercourse with the world. The first step, however, had been taken and the spirit of the age would not permit a backward movement.

The first appearance of a foreign vessel in the Bay of Yedo after Commodore Perry had taken his departure was that of the American clipper-ship Lady Pierce. She had been fitted out by her owner for a pleasure voyage, and, anticipating the success of the Perry mission, sailed from San Francisco for Japan. Fifteen days after the commodore left, the Lady Pierce entered the bay "as a token of peace and amity." En route at Honolulu a shipwrecked Japanese was taken aboard, and for his return the thanks of the authorities were tendered. The vessel attracted great attention by the symmetry of her model and the elegance of her appointments. Orders were received from the capital that "similar hospitality to that displayed toward Commodore Perry" should be extended. During the stay the vessel was furnished with all needed supplies, and at its departure presents were sent the captain from the