The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-06-16
A Horrible Scene in Japan-The Hari-
Kari.

A correspondent Of the New York Times,
writing from Hiogo, japan, under date Of
March Is, gives the following account Of Gu
rious and horrible propitiatory ceremony;
On the I'd of this month, at LIS P. n in one
the recent troubles, suffered death. He was
the secretary Of Prince Bezen, and gave the or
der to fire on the foreigners. The combined
powers demanded his head, and neither bis
own position nor the influence Of the Prince
could save him. But he was permitted to COM
NIT the hdrt-kdYi, thus rescuing his property
from confscation and his name from dishonor
ment his friends sought his pardon.
Each of the six legations sent representa-
: tive as witness, and to this number was ad-
ded an interpreter. The closest mystery
shrouded the whole affair. and as few Witness
es as possible were permitted, in order to i'm
press the Japanese that the execution was to
satisfy the ends OF Justice and not gTat1fy
legation during the evening and walked to
Hiogo, where guard of Japanese soldiers met
them ard conducted them through several mar
row 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 IL P. NJ. word came
that all was ready. They arose and followed
their conductor into the main temple. Here.
in front Of the large and elaborately finished
altar, was spread green cloth, and over this
a smaller red covering. Near the centre stood
q tray containing number Of small knives,
corresponding, to the sharp short sword OF the
Japanese, unsheathed. The seven Europeans
sat down in silence on the mating, after the
Japanese fashion, and the same number OF ma
tive officials located themselves opposite.
Above them ghmmered several Japanese paper
lanterns, shedding over the alter dim and
spectral light, which lost itself in the mystic
rious darkness beyond.
With slow but firm and unfaltering step the
doomed man entered and approachedth the altar.
He wore the whitening state dress, indicative
of high rank, the "Karni-Shino." turning to.
ward the dimly outlined images of his gods, he
bowed and muttered q prayer. Then gather
ing his feet beneath him he sat down, sting
on his knees, in the usual Japanese manner,
vidual performing the hari-kari to complete
the act by cutting his own throat But this
unhappy man, fearing that at the last moment
his resolution might fail, caused one near of
kin to assume the duty of headsman.
The executioner took his position behind
him, seizing the long handle in both hands.
He raised the sword, and assumed the attitude
OF one about to strike. It was tableau inn
pressiYe and awful. The long razor-edged blade
reflected tue lantern light with horrid effect
The executioner's eyes were fixed with fearful
earnestnees on the victim before him, watch
ing eagerly every motion. The doomed man
methodically prepares his dress, and selects
sword, grssping it firmly III Ills right hand
Then summoning all his resolution, he plunges
it into his side and completes transverse in
cision. At this moment his head falls forward,
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 Off
cials bow their heads to the ground, e1claiming
in loud voice: "Are you satisfed?" and the
seven Europeans bow their faces in return, and
reply, through their interpreter, "We are sats-
fed" They arise and are Immediately con-
Quoted away.
This is the famous har;;-kari allowed to off,
GERS Of position as an alternative of disgrace.
The incision saves their honor and their prop
erty, and the cash in the throat terminates suf-
feling.