The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-06-30
A Horrible Scene in Japan.

A correspondent of the New York Times
writing from Hiogo, Japan, under date of March
1S, gives the following account of a curious and
horrible propitiatory:
On the I'd of this month, in one of the Hiogo
temples, Izeda Ise author the recent troubles
suffered death. He was the secretary of Prince
Bezen, and gave the order to fire on the foreign
ers. The combined powers demanded his head
and neither his own position the influence
of the Prince could save him. But he was per-
mlttad to commit the hari-hari thus rescuing
his property from confscatioa and his name
from dishonor among his countrymen. Upto
the last moment his friends sought his pardon.
Each of the six legations sent representative
as a witness, and to this number was added an
interpreter The closest mystery shrouded the
whole affair." and as few witnesses possible were
permitted lin order to impress the japanese that
the execution was to satisfy the ends of justice
and not crafty prurient curiosity. The cho-
sen ones left the legation during the evening and
walked to Hiogo, where a guard OF japanese
soldiers met them and conducted them through
several narrow streets to one of the larger tenn
pies One Of the ante-rooms was placed at their
disposal, and there they indulged in pipes and
cigars and awaited the event.
At few minutes past II p. NJ. word came
that all was ready. They arcse and followed
their conductor into the main temple. Here,
in front of large and elaborately finished altar
was spread green cloth, and over this smaller
red covering. Near the centre stood tray con-
tanning 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 japanese fash
ion, and the same number of native officials oca-
ted themselves opposite. Above them gllm-
mered several japanese paper lanterns, shedding
over the altar dim and spectral light, which
lost itself in the mysterious darkness beyond.
With slow but firm and unfaulterinS step
the doomed man entered and approached the
altar. He wore the white wing state dress, in
dicative of high rank, the :'Karni-Shino." Turn
ing toward the dimly outlined images Of his gods,
he bowed and muttered prayer. Then gather
ing his feet beneath him he sat down, resting on
! his knees, in the usual japanese manner, beside
| the tray. 1t is customary for the individual
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 1t was tableau impressive
and awful. The long razor-edged blade reflected
the lantern light with horrid effect. The exc
cutiouer's eyes were fixed with fearful earnestness
on the victim before him, watching eagerly every
motion. The doomed man methodically prepares
his dress, and selects sword grasping 1t firmly
in his right hand. Then summoning all his res
oluton, he plunges it into his side and completes
a transverse incision 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 robad and sworded japanese off
cials bow their heads to the ground, exclaimine
in loud voice: Are you satisfied p and the
seven Europeans bow their faces in return, and
reply, through their interpreter, 1--WE are salts
fed They arise and are Immediately conduct
! ed away.
/ This is the famous harkari allowed to officers
of position as an alternative Of disgrace. The
incision saves their honor and property, and the
cash in the throat terminates suffering.
1t is disgrace to the representatives, of the
| European nations that countenanced and wit
messed this horrible proceeding