JAPAN.

West Coast Times, Issue 1663, 28 January 1871, Page 3

JAPAN.

The latest dates from Yokohama are to December 3: —

The affairs of Japan are in the same quiescent state that has prevailed of late, almost without a break. The Government is continuing its efforts at consolidation, and, notwithstanding doubts expressed in many quarters, we believe successfully. The affairs in which foreigners are more particularly interested are all progressing apace. The railway works are beginning to make quite a show at several points between Yedo and Yokohama, and we are informed that the engineer-in-chief has been instructed by the Government to proceed with the preparatory surveys of the more extended line. At Osaka, the mint is near completed ; and is a remarkably handsome and solid freestone building, the first of its class ever built in Japan. The machinery will soon be in complete Avorking order, but it is hazardous to say Avhen it Avill commence Avork. The lighthouses are being pushed lorward Avith all >he speed possible, and they are of a quality as to construction and light tlat Avould do credit to any country. Altogether, there will be 18 lights on the Japanese coast, two being lightships. Three of the lighthouses are under the superintendence of a French engineer, M. Vcrny, chief of the arsenal at Yokohama; the remainder under Mr Brunton, engaged for the Govern men f, of Japan b)' 11.1..M. Govcnmcut for this particular Avorlc. It is under his advice and supervision that the settlement of Yokohama is being drained and the streets made. He has also presented a scheme for lighting the settlement, which the Government have professed thems> Ivcs willing' to carry out so fir as the provision of lamp-posts is concerned, but the tardiness with which the community agrees as to the means of raising funds for the illumination delays this most, desirable and really necessary Avork. There are fears on the part of many, and avc comers ihey are apparently well-founded, that the is*nc of an unlimited quantity of kinsats (paper money), whilst it enables the Government, to shoAv a great amount of spirit outwardly, must be acting injuriously on the financir.l prospects of the Empire ; for it is generally understood that neither themselves nor any other persons have an exact knowledge as to the quantity issued, and the worst consequence might be apprehended if the public lost confidence in their ru er and his ministers. At present the people of Yedo and Yokohama like paper just as well a<s silver money.