On July 15, 1853, right after Commodore Perry left the Edo Bay, Tokugawa Nariaki, a known nationalist, Daimyo of Mito, sent a memorial to Edo giving 10 reasons for waging war against the Americans or other foreigners. Explore the document bellow.
There
are ten reasons in favor of war.
1st.
The annals of our history speak of the exploits of the great, who planted our
banners on alien soil; but never was the clash of foreign arms heard within the
precincts of our holy ground. Let not our generation be the first to see the
disgrace of a barbarian army treading on the land where our fathers rest.
2nd.
Notwithstanding the strict interdiction of Christianity, there are those guilty
of the heinous crime of professing the doctrines of this evil sect. If now
America be once admitted into our favor, the rise of this faith is a matter of
certainty.
3rd.
What! Trade our gold, silver, copper, iron and sundry useful materials, for
wool, glass and similar trashy little articles. Even the limited barter of the
Dutch factory ought to have been stopped.
4th.
Many a time, recently, have Russia and other countries solicited trade with us;
but they were refused. If once America is permitted the privilege, what excuse
is there for not extending the same to other nations?
5th.
The policy of the barbarians is first to enter a country for trade, then to
introduce their religion and afterward to stir up strife and contention. Be
guided by the experience of our forefathers two centuries back; despise not the
teachings of the Chinese Opium War.
6th.
The “Dutch scholars” say that our people should cross the ocean, go to other
countries and engage in active trade. This is all very desirable, provided they
be as brave and strong as were their ancestors in olden times; but, at present,
the long continued peace has incapacitated them for any such activity.
7th.
The necessity of caution against the ships now lying in harbor (i.e. Perry’s
Squadron), has brought the valiant samurai to the capital from distant
quarters. It is wise to disappoint them?
8th.
Not only the naval defence of Nagasaki, but all things relating to foreign
affairs, have been entrusted to the two clans of Kuroda and Nabeshima. To hold
any conference with a foreign power, outside of the port of Nagasaki – as has
been done this time at Uraga – is to encroach upon their rights and trust. These
powerful families will not thankfully accept an intrusion into their vested
authority.
9th.
The haughty demeanor of the barbarians now at anchorage, has provoked even the
illiterate populace. Should nothing be done to show that the government shares
the indignation of the people, they will lose all fear and respect for it.
10th.
Peace and prosperity of long duration have enervated the spirit, rusted the
armor and blunted the swords of our men. Dulled to ease, when shall they be
aroused? Is not the present the most auspicious moment to quicken their sinews of war?
Source:
Nitobe Inazo. The Intercourse Between the United States and Japan: An Historical Sketch. Baltimore, Maryland: The John Hopkins Press, 1891.
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