The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-09-10

Steaully cnroulcung the great ana unprece-
dented reform which within the last few years
has been progressing in Japan-a reform
which, more than anything else during the
last three hundred years, has preserved alive
an almost dying belief in the ancient biblical
prophecy that nations would be born in
day." Certain it is that the changes which
have taken place in Japan-changes which
have been of the most marvellously revolu-
tionary character-have never taken place in
any country now within the ranks of modern
civilization since the first triumphs of Chris
tianity. The sudden and complete change
memory rather of the early triumphs of the
Crescent than of the early triumphs Of the
Gross.
In the HERALD of yesterday we printed a
most interesting letter from our correspond
ent in Japan illustrative Of this marvellous
ent is fearful that Japan, which has .afyssA
been insulted by Corea, may be fash enough
to rush into war with that Power and so give
an opportunity to the reactionists in Japan to
undo or to mar the good work which has been
done. 1t is good and healthful sign that
the progressive party in Japan strongly urge
the government to go in for healthy chastise-
ment of the Coreans without any fear of
reactionary results. It is clear TO our mind
that Japan has the right side of the question,
and that even if China should come to the
aid of the Coreans Japan has but little to fear
linz tbo of k1,o
civilized world is on her side, and the civil
lied world, the United States particularly,
will not allow Japan to suffer if help within
reasonable limits can be given.
In justification of what we have said regard
ing the progress made by Japan within the
last ten years let us briefly note few facts.
The Japanese government has been central
lied by the adjustment of Daimios, thus
resolving its political condition from one of
numberless and comparatively small States OF
principalities into consolidated nation of
over thirty millions. A few years ago Japan
ten steam vessels of war, including two pow
erful iron-clads. railroad has been con-
structed and is now in running order from
Jeddo to Yokohama Telegraph lines are in
working order in many parts of the king
dom, and these lines are being worked
by intelligent japanese operatives. Light
houses and lghtships all along the
coasts help to guide the mariner and to ward
him off from danger. An imperial mint coins
gold and silver in Western fashion. There is
dry dock in which our own flagship, the Colo
rado was quite recently docked, with all her
guns in position, and repairs to her bottom were
most successfully made Private schools are
numerous all over the country, and under some
of the best scholars in Europe and America
the japanese youth are receiving Christian
culture. A college has been established at
Jeddo and is in fine working order, there be-
ing first rate staff Of professors and large
attendance of students. As we have said
already we say again, Japan has made for
ward leap such as no nation ever made be-
fore-she has made it largely through Ameri-
can infuence-and it is but little likely that
war with barbarous neighbor will be allowed
to rob her Of all which she has SO nobly won
Japan owes her present proud and enviable
States. In 1854 the first treaty made by the
Western Powers was made by Commodore
Perry. Treaties with Great Britain and France
and other of the European Powers immedi-
ately followed. Prior to that time, however,
the penalty of death was visited upon any
Japanese who had intercourse with foreigners,
and trade with Japan was simply an impossi-
bility. The Daimios or feudal lords were all
powerful in their own districts and ruled in
their own right. The Mikado was the spiritual
chief of the Empire, had his own court and
lived in obscurity at Kioto. The Tycoon OF
Shogoon, who originally was no more than
the Commander-in-Chief of the forces or the
Mayor of the palace, like Charles Martel in
France, exercised supreme authority and lived
in state at Jeddo. All these things have
passed away. The Mikado has emerged from
obscurity and resumed his rights as the
constitutional head of the State. The Tycoon
has been shorn of his glory, deprived of his
false rights and reduced to his proper posi-
ton. In addition to this radical governmental
revolution those other changes which we have
already mentioned have taken place all over
the Empire, and Japan, to quote the words of
Minister De Long, has marched at q "double
quick into full fellowship with foreign States.
1t is not wonderful that certain European
writer's should belittle Japanese progress.
They see for the first time in history the infu-
ence of people, themselves young, telling
powerfully on one of the Oldest peoples and on
one of the oldest civilizations of the East.
Europe cannot understand how nation can
take leap which virtually covers ten Gen.
turtles. We are reminded that Japan has more
than once already accepted the teaching
and tried to accept the civilization of
the West On two occasions already
| tha bright and nromisinr dav has endad