United
States Legation,
Tokyo,
Japan, July 11,
1899.
In consideration of the rescript of His Majesty the Emperor and the
several notifications of the cabinet ministers (copies of which
accompany my dispatch No. 323, of the 7th instant) in respect to the
duties of Japanese subjects in their intercourse with foreigners,
showing the great desire of the Government that the people should treat
foreigners with due kindness and consideration in the new relations they
will sustain to them under the operation of the new treaties, I thought
it proper to reciprocate in like spirit.
[Inclosure.]
notification to united states citizens in
japan.
Tokyo, Tuesday,
July 11,
1899.
In view of the coming into operation of the new treaty between the
United States and Japan on the 17th day of the present month, it
seems fitting and proper not only to announce to citizens of the
United States in Japan that fact, but also to call their attention
to the changed conditions and to the obligations that will rest upon
them in their new relations to Japanese laws and regulations to
which they will be amenable equally with Japanese subjects in all
that relates to their individual rights and privileges.
On the 16th instant jurisdiction of United States consular courts in
Japan will end and “all the exceptional privileges, exemptions, and
immunities now enjoyed by citizens of the United States as a part of
or appurtenant to such jurisdiction” will “absolutely cease and
determine and thereafter all such jurisdiction will be assumed and
exercised by Japanese courts.”
The rescript of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, as also the several
notifications by his excellency the minister president of state and
their excellencies the heads of departments of the Government,
already published, enjoining, as they do upon all Japanese subjects
their duties in respect to foreigners, have been read with much
satisfaction by me, as they will be by all United States citizens,
not only in Japan but in America as well. In like spirit attention
is called to the duty which I trust will be the pleasure of all
citizens of the United States under no circumstances to give any
cause of complaint either to Government officials or other Japanese
subjects. In their relations with people of this country they should
at all times, by their demeanor and by their every act, show such
sentiments of regard for those with whom they will necessarily be
associated, and for all laws, regulations, and customs, as will
demonstrate that reciprocal friendship reasonably expected of them
in response to the kind, considerate, and just treatment enjoined on
all Japanese subjects by His Imperial Majesty and by the high
officials of the Government.
The United States was the first of all the powers to enter into a
“Treaty of
[Page 477]
peace, amity,
and commerce” with Japan. From that time the bonds of friendship
uniting the two countries have become stronger and stronger with
passing years, and it is the duty of all citizens of the United
States in this country to see to it that nothing on their part is
done to cause reflection upon the people of their nationality.
Given under my hand and seal this 10th day of
July, 1899.
Alfred E. Buck,
United States Minister.
