Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-11-25
Letter from Japan.
Opening of the YoIS OhauR and KedO Rail-
way-Presence of the EAIkudO-ImpOsIng
Ceremonies.
CORRESPONDENTS OF THE SPY.

pouant as the change of policy on the part of
the government thus inaugurated. 1t marks an
era in the history OF the nation, for the emperor
the mikado, has for the first time presented him
self in person at a public celebration, and thus
almost bewidered the poor people, who have
hitherto been taught TO consider him as per-
sonage too superior and spiritual to be gazed
upon by mortal eye.
In the latter part Of the year 1869, the rebellion
resulted in the complete overthrow of the Ty
coon and his mobiles the Daimios, with whom
the whole power of the executive had for CEN
turtles remained. The Mikado was the supreme
head of course, but so lofty and spiritual thar
he committed all material and terrestrial ques-
tions to the Tycoon, who was therefore, in point
of fact, the sole ruler The Daimios were the
princes and composed the arStocracy of the
empire. They were of several grades in honor,
owned all the lands, from which they derived an
immense revenue, which, however, in many
cases, was entirely consumed in the support Of
hosts of retainers, each Of whom was considered
above personal labor, and carried two swords
with which they could clip off the head of an in
ferior at pleasure. But with the rebellion this
leudal system had become totally corrupt. The
last Tycoon, an old man, still living in retire
ment at Yedo, had been enabled to hold his rule
only by setting these princes against one an
other They had become, too, greatly in debt,
and as soon as the ports were opened to for
eigners obtained heavy loans and became great
" embarrassed to pay their immense debts.
This condition of affairs made it easy for the
AIkado to overthrow the entire system, sup
press the rebellion, and reduce the princes to
the rank of private gentlemen by single
proclamation. This, indeed, was accomplished
all the more readily as several Daimios sper-
ceiving the ultimate course OF things, offered
their services to the Mkado, with all their re-
tainers as the nuceus Of an imperial army.
Three years ago, therefore, the new emperor,
as the head of his cabinet began to confer per-
sonaly with his ministers, received the visits of
foreign ministers and consuls, and at rimeS was
observed in person at a parade of his new
troops. This change was gladly welcomed, not
only by all the foreign population, bat by the
more intelligent of the natives.
Energy was forthwith infused into the de-
partment of public works. A loan of one
million pounds sterling was accepted from Eng
lish capitalists by the government for the con-
struetion of railways and telegraphs.
After many mexplicabe delays, the road
was opened quietly as far as Shinagawa, the
port of Yeddo. Trains were Immediately run
at a high tariff to accustom the native officials 10
manage and collect fares. The travel was large
from the outset, and the conductors proved
cool, trustworthy and efficient.
| RIM raoautIyr tho road hos baau cornnlatnd IN
Yeddo, and now new time table, to take effect
the day after the Inauguration, has been pub
lished with extra trains and greatly reduced
| rates. Preparations have been going on for the
| past month for a great public opening, to be
| favored with the august presence of the Mika'
do The day appointed was last Friday but
unexpected and severe rain storms prevented
the completion of the decorations, and it was
accordingly postponed until to day, which, for
tunatey, for the tens of thousands of people
present, has been bright and propitous.
At an early hour the crowds began to gather
upon all sides of the enclosed depot grounds,
within which, at either end of the line, an i'm.
mense covered amphitheare had been erected,
with secured seats Tor those who had tickets of
admission. None, however, were allowed in the
depots without special passes, At a. NJ. a
number Of foreign ministers and consuls, TO-
gether with members of the press-who were
distinguished by a white badge, stamped in red
with the emperor's seal--entered a special train
aud were soon riding swiftly over smooth,
finely built road, past rice fields, curious houses
temples and groves and several stations aud
bridges painted white. All the way were thou
sands of gay lanterns of all shapes aud colOrs;
red and white flags of all sizes hung in every
direction. 1t was, in fact, a general holiday,
We arrived at Yeddo in fifty minutes, where the
appearance of the depot aud surroundings was
SO similar to that at Yokohama that a descrip.
ton Of one will answer for both. The depot is
a large, handsome building in the English style,
| with everything in fine order and very conven-
| lent. The arched windows and doors aud cell
ings were highly ornamented with flags of white
| and red, eyergreens, leaves and flowers in the
greatest profuson.
A large pOrtico was put up for the occasion,
assembled by an inclined plane, and decorated
throughout. On the floor Of this and wherever
the feet of his royal hghness were to tread
wide carpet was spread the entire length. At
Abhf~
spectators, throne was placed, in which was a
gorgeous chariot black and red lacquer, inlaid
with gold, with silk lining. This was shielded
above with festoons of Gags and colored silk
curtains, all of the old japanese style and man
ufacture.
At the appointed time the advancing cavalry
of Japanese ponies, indicated the approach OF
the royal party. After these had wheeled into
line, and several state carriages had been emp
tied of their contents, the mikado's splendid es-
tablishment appeared. 1t was an English
brougham drawn by American horses, led by
native grooms who, however, seemed afraid Of
their charge and hardly equal to the task Of
managing them; for they were very large and
powerful, and nearly broke loose, terrified at
the horrible din Of bugles, trumpets, and foreign
bands mingled with the awful discord of Japa-
nese musicians, performing with drums and
kettles and flies and screeching wind instru-
ments.
As this carriage reached the open entrance the
appearance Of the mikado was watched with the
most intense interest. After aighting he slow
ly marched up the platform preceded and fol-
lowed by the most honored of native and for
eign officials.
He hardly lifted his heavy white Chinese shoes
Of worked satin, but pushed them along in a
sort of shuttle. His trousers were nearly a foot
and half in diameter, Of the heaviest white
silk. His robe was brown silk with square
figures Of flowers Of every variety. He had
red train, which was carried in roll by two at
PENDANTS behind. But bis hat was most singu-
lar, for it was shaped like three cornered box,
raised up from behind by narrow band tightly
fastened under his chin. A strange sort Of
feather extended about three feet straight up.
right, apparently Of wire cloth or Grape, and at
every step he took it waved back and forth.
But we were most interested and yet most dis
appointed in his face. His eyes are small aud Of
little expression, although CHANGING suddenly
about with peculiar sharpness at times. His
nose and lips are very thick and heavy The
lower lip and chin especially protruding and
prominent. His whole face was round and set
OIL by small growth Of side whiskers. He is,
thlnk, the homeliest man, if not the most stu
pid, have ever looked upon.
About II A. NJ. the whole party was driven
over the rails at nearly full speed by foreign