Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1868-07-09

Hari.K ari.

Hari-Kari.
On the I'd Of this month, at ] 15 P.
NJ in one of the Hiogo temples, Jkeda
Ise, the author of the present troubles.
suffered death. He was the Secretary of
Prince Bezen, and gave the order to fire
on the foreigners. The combined powers
demanded his head, and neither his own
position nor the influence of his Prince
could save him. But he was permitted to
commit the haaa kari, thus rescuing his
property from confscation, and his name
from dishonor among his countrymen
Up to the last moment bis friends sought
his pardon. Each of the six legations
sent a representative as witness, and to
this number was added an interpreter.
The closest mystery shrouded the whole
affair, and as few witnesses as possible
We're permitted, in order to impress the
japanese that the execution was to satisfy
the ends of justice, and not to crafty a
prurient curiosity. The chosen ones left
the legation during the evening and walk
ed to Hiogo, where a guard of Japanese
soldiers met them and conducted them
through several narrow streets to one Of
the larger temples. One Of the ante-rooms
was placed at their disposal, and there
they INDUCED in pipes and cigars and
awaited the event
At a. few minutes past ] 2 NJ. word
came that ali vas ready. They arose and
followed their conductors to the main tenn
pie Here, il front OF the large and elab-
orately finished altar, was spread green
cloth, and over this smaller red covering
Near the center stood tray containing a
number Of small knives, corresponding to
the sharp short sword of the japanese un-
sheathed. The seven Europeans sat down
in silence on the mating, after the Japan
csc fashion, and the same number OF native
officials located themselves opposite
Above them glimmered several Japanese
paper lanterns, shedding over t be altar a
dim and spectral light, which lost itself in
mysterious darkness beyond. With a
slow, but firm and unfaltering step the
doomed man entered and approached the
altar. He wore the white-winged State
dress, indicative of high rank, the "kar-
ni-Shino.' Turning toward the dimly
outlined images of his gods, he bowed and
n,uttered prayer. Then gathering his
feet beneath him, he sat down, resting on
his knees, in the usual japanese manner
beside the tray.
It is customary for the individual per-
corning the hari-hari to complete the act
by cutting his own throat. But this TN
happy man, fearing that at the last mo-
ment his resolution might fail, caused one
near of kin to assume the duty of heads
man. The executioner took his position
behind him, Selling the long handle in
both hands. He raised the sword and as
sumed the attitude of one about to strike.
It was a tableau impressive and awful
The long razor-edged blade reflected the
lantern light with horrid effect. The ex-
ecutioner's eyes were fired with fearful
earnestness on the victim before him,
watching eagerly every moment.
The doomed man methodically prepares
his dress and selects sword, grasplng it
firmly in his right hand. Then summon
ing all his resolution, he plunges it into
his side and completes transverse incis-
ion At this moment his head falls for
ward, and instantaneously the poised
sword of the headsman flashes through the
air, and the head falls with dull sound
upon the heavily matted floor.
The seven robed and sworded Japanese
officials bow their heads to the ground,
exclaiming in loud voice: care YOU
satisfied 2" and the seven Europeans bow
their faces in return, and reply, through
interpreter eve are satisfied p They
arise, and are Immediately conducted
away.
This is the famous hari-ha,l allowed to
officers Of position as an alternative of dis
grace. The incision saves their honor and
their property, and the cash in the throat
terminates their suferings. Japan Cor
respondence OF the Ne,o York FINES
Napoleon once entered Cathedral and
saw twelve silver statues ''What are
these p said the Emperor ''The twelve
apostles, +" was the reply. "Well." said
he, take them down, melt them and
coin them into money, and let them go
about doing good, as their Master did"
Senator Pomeroy's offer to procure the
non -con yiction of the President for $40,
Geo makes the impeacher wrlthe and
swear horribly Old Thad blasphemes
Butler lies And several others lie and