Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-10-01
A TERRIBLE TEMPTATION.
How Minister belong was offered q
Beautiful Japanese Girl and
WOuIdn,f Eake Her.

WOulGn'G H0kc hef.
A Yokohama correspondent of the Vir-
GINA (Nevada) Enterprise writes as follows:
do not know how can better illustrate
the inside of select society here than to
relate the occurrence of dinner party given
by the head commercial agent of one of the
most powerful princes to a prominent for
eign plenipOtentiary and some invited
guests. Proceeding to the commercial
buildings, we there met our host and reti-
nue. of retainers, ready for fun, frolic or
fighting, as the humOr of their lord might
determine. At the quay lay magnificent
large engaged for the use of our party, and
seating ourselves oriental fashion, in short
time were propelled four miles up the river
to a magnificent tea house, where numer-
Gus assemblage awaited our coming. Upon
alighting, we were greeted with cordial wei
come and especial politeness, and at once
were escorted to the reception and enter
tainment room, where we found actors,
iugglers, musicians, and at least fifty dark
eyed singing girls, instructed to minister to
the wants or amusement of the guests.
After a brief prelude from their orchestra,
the troupe of jugglers appeared before us
and performed countless feats of legerde-
main with dexterity surprising to us all.
The most peculiar and artistic feat was
called the 'Magic Butterfly" and as | had
seen the trick attempted by Japanese and
Chinese at home, the surprising neatness
and skill of the grave and serious looking
performer provoked my warmest admira-
ton. Indeed, the science of this fellow rs
far exceeded the weak attempts l had before
witnessed as the wondrous dramatic repre-
sentatiOn of Hon. Bob Lowery or George
Cane, Esq, did the stale elOquence of For
rest, Booth, or Mexican Buchanan.
This artist took pieces of silk gauze and
made them into imagination butterflies. On
low table he arranged some bouquets OF
flowers, and his preparations were complete.
Stepping back few PAGES he unfolded fan
and instantly the air was filled with the
autOmatOn insects. Slowly waved the air
endowed wand. and while some of the but
terfies circled around and above his head,
others sought the carnatiOn buds of the bou-
quets, lingering lovingly on each bright
blossom an instant, grouped on large rose,
fluttering as in flight, and at last, at gentle
motion of the master, flew to his side and
were slowly gathered together. 1t was sim
ply astonishing, and our hearty applause OBJ
tanned a repetition of the artists skill.
Meanwhile the feast had begun, and as the
wine circulated, actors displayed their
merits, young girls touched the ma
tional guitar with tender melody,
national and war songs were chanted,
fireworks of exceeding beauty cleaned in
the entwining foliage, at least two score Of
lively young girls swayed hither and thither
in the vOluptuous dance of their clan, and
in brief, we were entertained in style far eX
ceeding that Of any previous feast which it
had been my good fortune to attend. As
the sparkling wine relaxed the sOciability of
our Renewed host, he asked the interpreter
to inquire of the Minister which of the girls
he deemed the lOvelieSt. The question was
delicate one, and the diplomat hesitated,
but on being pressed he pointed out tall,
1.-THE, graceful girl, whose eyes, shaded by
dropping laShes, disclosed occasional flashes
of lightning fervor, and whose carnatiOn lips,
Eaultless features and lily concealed bust
would have thrilled an iceberg.
sShe is yoUrs!'' cried the YakOnin. ''Ad-
vance to your MASTER"
Instantly, with face dyed with crimson,
she advanced to the seat of the Minister,
Frustrated her beautiful face to the mating,
and knelt his willing slave.
We were all filed with establishment, as
this episode unfolded a curious and novel
phase of japanese life. Upon being ques-
toned, the host said it was usual to make
such gifts to honored friends; that the next
day he should visit the parents of the girl,
pay them two or three hundred rois Ga rois
is one dollar and six cents gOld) secure her
future clothing and food, and all was well.
So that, whether the girl be taken as con-
cubine or as a servant, it was all that was
required.
belong, Of course, declined the beautiful
gift, with many expressions of thanks.