The Echo clu Japan says the question of the Loochoo Isles has decidedly assumed a ery serious aspect. Whether it has behind it some secret influence, some hidden support which may be suspected but of which nothing certain is known, the Viceroy of that country has entrenched himself behind a system of non possumus, which greatly embarrasses the Japanese Government. From most recent advices it would appear that the latter are likely to take rigorous steps. Two ironclads, the Hiyei Kan and the Fooso Kan, have received instructions to hold themselves in readiness to leave for Loochoo; half a battalion detached from the Kagoshima garrison will also be sent, as well as 120 policemen from Tokio. But how will it end? Let us hope that China will not take part. otes, the Japan Gazette says that among various rumours regarding the islands of Loochoo, it is said that' the Japanese Government had ordered the Sovereign of the islands not to pay tribute to China, This order was not approved of by his subjects, who lately became excited, and about forty of them have left for Foochow, to present a petition to the Chinese Government requesting that the islanders may be placed under the protection of China as before.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.