About twelve o’clock the ceremonies commenced with the band rendering the Japanese national air, Admiral Rodgers broke the cords that held the veil, and the monument
was put in view. The United States minister, Colonel A. E. Buck, being ill, an address was made by J. M. Ferguson, secretary of the legation, who dwelt on the progress of Japan and the friendship existing between her and America since the opening of her ports to foreign commerce, and other beneficent consequences that have followed Commodore Perry’s visit.
This was followed by a speech in Japanese by Premier Viscount Kasura, after which Admiral Rodgers addressed the assemblage. Governor Sufu also spoke in Japanese, and this was followed by the last address, made by Rear Admiral Beardsley (retired), who was a midshipman on Commodore Perry’s flag-ship over half a century ago.
After several appropriate selections by the band, during which courtesies and greetings were exchanged, this military and civic pageant, drenched by the rain that continually fell, dispersed to their respective vessels and returned to Yokohama.
The monument consists of an immense slab of granite, resting on a large granite foundation, on which the inscription, in
Japanese characters, translated is: “This monument marks the landing-place of Commodore Perry, of the United States of America”; on the reverse side, “Landed on the 14th July, 6th year Kayai; constructed on the 1st July, 34th year Meiji.” It is thirty-four feet high and weighs nineteen tons.
It was about five o’clock when the anchors of the New York were again hauled, and before supper was over we had again entered Yokohama Bay, where the Friant lay beautifully dressed in various-colored flags, and literally covered with incandescent lights, the name Friant shining over the mizzen-top.
As the guns of the American war-ship belched forth a national salute, in honor of the day that changed the current of events in France, the American band struck up the “Marseillaise” (Chant de Guerre de l’Armee du Rhin), and as the ship cast her anchors off the port bow of the British commerce-destroyer Terrible, rapturous enthusiasm was exhibited by the sailors. The festivities on board the French flag-ship were joined in the evening by the officers of
the various fleets represented, and this ended a day of pleasure and events.
The following day a reception was tendered by the Americans, on board the New York, to representatives of the nobility, officers of the army and navy of Japan, members of the legation, civilian representatives, and officers of the various fleets. The ship was dressed in her best holiday attire for this occasion, and it was a gala day for all on board. Ladies of various nations vied with one another for beauty and effect. Japanese attired in European dress, many of whom had been educated in the United States and Europe and spoke Anglo-Saxon fluently, were there with sparkling vivacity. Lunch was served on board by Japanese waiters, who could carry eighteen goblets of champagne on one tray without spilling a drop. Music and dancing were the chief features of the day.