The national Republican., 1867-08-06
THE LIGHT Is BREAKING.

IL B nOtlCphDle lhCt, anu Ouo tnht III
fords food for reflection, that there are at
this time seven young Japanese Of the
first families Of that nation pursuing their
studies in o Massachusetts, academy. A
few years back, and such an innovation as
that mentioned herein, would not have
been tolerated by the Japanese. All Of
the outside world were considered barba-
rians; and for Japanese to have mingled
with any people Of another nation would
not have been allowed for moment. 1t
could have been done only to q limited
extent, and then at some outpost where
business and trade, and this exclusively,
would have comprised the beginning, the
middle, and the end Of all intercourse.
But in these days the world is moving as
it never moved before, and light is dis
pelling the long night of darkness which
has for so many ages enveloped large
portion Of the habitable globe. We can
now say truly that
"From Grssnland's Icy mountains,
To India's coral straud,''
the people and the nations are struggling
for higher civilization. The influence Of
the railroad and the telegraph is every
where felt, and the nations that have sat
in darkness have seen great light"
Just think Of it Seven young mobiles
from Japan in America for the purpose Of
receiving an American and liberal edu.
cation. Time was, and that, too. not far
back, when had such proposition been
started the whole empire would have been
shocked, and complete confusion would
have spread throughout the land. Now
the Japanese Government gives its sane
ton to this new movement, which tends to
Americanize and liberalze the minds of
its youthful nobility.
It is an immense stride forward when q
Government like that Of Japan can be
brought to sanction such q radical limo.
vation, and who shall limit the out growth
of free principles and the spread of liberal
ideas which this new enterprise now so
auspiciously began by these people Of
the sun" shall develope in the hereafter?
The commercial relations which have
been established between this country and
Japan, and the increasing importance
which must be given to these relations
when the Pacific railroad is finished, must
awaken in every thoughtful mind visions
of the future delightful to contemplate.
1t is impossible to over-estimate the grand
and glorious results which must flow from
these beginnings. We may expect soon
not only seven Japanese youths in our
American schools, but seventy times
seven; and thus will our country become
the teacher Of nations. Truly, the school
master is abroad
While our politicians are squabbling
about Office and spoils, and predicting the
downfall Of the nation If this or that set Of
men get into power, and what terrible dis
asters will follow the triumph Of this or
that party, the genius Of American insti-
tutions is overlooking our boundaries and
guiding the youth Of ancient empires to q
higher and better civilization.
We may now rejoice that the old nom
intercourse doctrine which has so long
held sway in Japan is growing weaker
and weaker from day to day, and we may
well believe that the time is not far distant
when intercourse will be as unrestricted
in Japan as it now is in America 1t is,
we believe, but short time ago that sew.
eral of the highest mobiles in the land were
banished or sent into retirement because
OF their notions about intercourse with
other people. These men have been re-
Gently recalled, and one of their number
has been placed in high political authority
in the Empire.
We say again "the world moves"