The Nagasaki Express - No. 38 October 1, 1870

 The Nagasaki Express - No. 38 October 1, 1870

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We have a painful duty to perform in chronicling the departure of one of our oldest and most distinguished residents. The P. M. Steamer leaving tomorrow takes away from amongst us Mr. Joze Loureiro and his family. We should indeed be neglecting our duty as a mouthpiece of public sentiment if we allowed Mr. Loureiro to take his departure without offering a few words of tribute to a gentleman who has to so great an extent commanded the public esteem.

Mr. Loureiro in his Official capacity as Consul for Portugal, has gained the respect and earned the gratitude of his fellow-countrymen by his unvarying kindness and willingness to assist them in all their troubles or difficulties. In him they have ever found a patient listener to their plaints and a friend, and adviser ready and willing to assist in time of need.

In the Council-room if the Foreign Consuls, Mr. Loureiro, on account of his seniority, has long been the chairman, and his extensive knowledge of the Japanese character, combined with his sound and clear judgement, have specially adapted him to act as leader of the Consular body in their negotiations with the Japanese authorities; so that by his colleagues his loss will be greatly felt.

By the general community of foreigners, Mr. Loureiro has been respected on account of his never-failing affability and bonhomie; and many a one will feel, that by his departure a friend and adviser whose place it will be difficult to refill. 

The Consul-ship of Portugal is for the present to be vested in Mr. Mangum, the United States Consul, and in making this arrangement Mr. Loureiro has evidently studied not only the interests, but the wishes of his fellow-countrymen; as the step meets with the unqualified approval of Portuguese residents. 

Whilst regretting for our own sakes an event which causes such a blank in the ranks of our small and rapidly decreasing community, we must congratulate Mr. Loureiro upon his being able to leave the toils and anxieties of active life to betake himself to the comforts and luxuries of Western civilization, which none know better how to appreciate than those who have been deprived of them for long years during a residence in a small secluded place like Nagasaki.

We cordially wish Mr. Loureiro long life and great happiness in the new sphere of life to which he is going, and are sure, that if the good wishes of those he leaves behind have any power to promote his welfare, he will be one of the happiest men in Europe. 

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Keywords: Portugal; Consuls; Loureiro, J.; Mangum; Nagasaki Portuguese