ABSTRACT
About this time there arrived in Yokohama the Messageries Maritimes Steamship Thabor, a powerful vessel of about 750 tons. Honoured as having carried the Empress Eugenie 1 on the occasion of the opening of the Suez Canal, she has already been mentioned as taking a distinguished company to the opening of the Mint at Osaka. Being precisely the character of boat which was required for the purpose of the lighthouse service, I made inquiries as to the possibility of purchase. The Messageries Maritimes Company were willing to sell, and fixed her price at 500,000 francs, or £20,000. I then approached the Government officials, who resolutely refused to move in the matter.
