Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-12-25
The People OF Japan.

The New York Journal OF Commerce publishes
letter dated Simoda, Japan, April 18th, 1888,
from correspondent named w. Z. Reed, which
oyes some interesting facts in reference to the
people of that country. Hc says:
So far as have seen and known OF the Japa-
nese. nv impressions are favorable towards them,
and there are many traits of character to admire.
Simple in their manner toward Americans, eager
10 learn our language so much so, that the small
es, children that ran in the streets, ask The name
of everything, and at once write II down and al
most eyery hour in the day there are to be seen
from ) to 20 persons in my house, asking names,
and ALL writing them down. During our short
stav here they have learned our names, and also
the names of the dogs and cats we DrGd-ht with
ns AS we walk 10 the streets, we hear from
every door, window and corner,-"Mr Reed" +"
"Nrs Reed" willy" Louise:" "Cunuey"
and ..Tiger,n the dogs "Alr. and Mrs. Do
~ ), and So all the names of our party. Such
constant renetitons, and from all sides and direc
tinns. create confusion. They are friendly beyond
conception. constantly giving of their TODD. and
small articles and expressing their admiration OF
ne hv patterning after us, and saying "Enker,"
which means very good. They are faithful in
ou things. careful to deliver articles as directed,
and vatchful over each other, that nothing belong
nU to us is disturbed eager to impart lnlorma.
tiun cautioning US against danger, and IN fact,
NAV say. that they almost worship us, from the
brhest TO the lowest. am convinced that, did
nnf their government interfere, we should be o.
veruhelmed with kindness and attention. but
,her Difference To government results from fear,
think. more than principle. They have the most
nrof,nnd respect !or their Emperor aud Laws
Tbis is seen almost every hour For insauce:-
offar to renunerale one for service rendered, or
offer him present, no matter now irIIing, he
declines occeptance at once and aays, II were
~ tal,e il the Emperor would take my head OH ];
a,d NTH Iook. too, that would convince you
,ha, he firmly believed such would be the result.
How strange to an American does such control OF
an EmneroT or King over his subjects appear.
wonder and wonder and cannot solve The mystery.
I b.ve came to the conclusion, however, That
aonId the Emperor conceive the power Of clvilIza
,;", and relipion, he would soon trenble 10 view
FRS influence upon his people and empire. This
na,nle know rohinE about shame or modesty,
and are ird fferent how they appear, whether IN
J.oss or M, under any circumstances, s well
- os with clothes on. Those in authority or
- atf;co censraIIy dress well, and always when
saon nave clothes on. bat are apparently as lndIt
(erent to modesty. Hence when they come 10
see our ladies', they seem TO think lhey can as
,reI ex,ooine their uodercl,thes as their dresses
and oxte,nal clothing. The Governor OF SImoda.
,ha frs, time he called at our house, as scon as
ha 60, into the room, stretched himself out on
-. hod il beiup the first of the kind he had ever
W, ooa, ,od was anxious to try its qualities.