Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1871-06-27
The Hart-Ka.i in Japan-A Scene of
Self-Ezecution.

"a correspondent OF (ne New ] OEk GeGA~
ing Post writes an account of the act of Hari-
Kari committed by TAX, n japanese uObleman,
upon himself according to the law. He had
been found guilty of an assault upon Chris
tiaus at HiOgO, and was compelled to suffer
this punishment. The writer says:
Taxi asceuded the low platform With slow
step and determined mien. Hero be pros
trated himself several times in succession be-
fore the alter, his lace each time touching the
ground, aud subsequently sat down upon the
carpet with his back turned towards the altar,
aud with his friend, the kaishaku, seated on
his right side. Que of the three Japanese
officers now made his appearance, carrying a
small table or dumb waiter, similar to those
used in the temples upon the occasion of sac.
riiees, upon which lay, carefully wrapped up
IN paper, japanese dagger, about nine aud
half inches in length, with u point fine Is
needle aud an edge as keen as n razor.
Kneeling down before the platform, he
banded the dagger to the condemned, who
revereutially took it, and after having lifted it
with both hands above his head, placed it on
the crimson carpet in front Of him. Then
Taxi made deep ObeiSance, aud in a voice
without tremOr, aud without faltering, gave
utterance to the following words in Japanese:
fire upon the foreigners at KOke, without hay-
ing received FROM any one the authority to do
so. also cred upon them afterwards, when
they tried to escape. Acknowledging my
great sin and misconduct, shall now proceed
to cut open my bowels; and beg the gentle
men present to do me the honor 10 bear Wit
ness to the execution of the deed"
Having said this, he stOoved down, and
iooSenIng his clothing, let it fall down so that
1t exposed his body down to the lOius. He
took care TO tie the sleeves of his tuuic to-
Gether below aud behind the knees, to pre.
vent his falling backwards, as a Japanese no.
blemau must always fall upon his face. accord.
ing to the creed OF the nobility. Then taking
up the dagger aud removing the paper cover
lug, he glanced for a moment upon the gilt
terinG blade with expression in his face as
It he were for the last time on earth colIec-
ting his thoughts and bidding, in his mind.
all that he loved farewell, Then gIauCing up
again and looking proudly round upon the
spectators he firmly Erasped the hi!t aud,
buryInG the steel III the pit Of the stomach.
near the lett side, drew il across the stomach
towards the right, making fearful gash But
not con'eNt herewith, ne turned the knife in
the wound and made an incision upwards
about two inches in length.
While this horrible deed took place his
mouth was frmly set aud not u sound was
heard, while his eyes seemed to stare at the
ceiling For u moment. but a moment only,
AN expression of unutterable pain aud agony
came over his face, and. shutting the eyes, he
staggered and tumbIed forward At the
same monet the "Kaishaku," who had been
watching for this opportunity. sprung TO his
feet; a sword glittercd in his hands. a sharp
cutting sound came through the air, then an
ugly dull blow and heavy fail; and the
head of Taxi Henzaburo was severed from its
mu'ila'ed trunk.
The deep aud profound stiffness of death
cnsued, interrupted only by the sound Of the
blood as it trick led from the hcadIess body
upon the ground below. Every face was pale
with fear and horror; it was u moment never
To be forgotten, and which l hope, may never
again have occasion 10 see renen,ch