Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-01-12
LITTLE g ALL RIGHT"

LITTLE " ALL hlUnls
a japanese Bey's StrnggIe with
kObriuuet-FFOm the = cademy oil
Music stage 20 the Broadway Sar
Service.
From the New York Graphic.l
That the japanese are destined to ex-
ert powerful influence on our future
civilization and history is more than
probable. Centuries ago the store
house of nation" overcowing, poured
forth her barbarian hosts southwark and
eastward, who Immediately and decl-
sively turned the current of events.
The overcrowded populations in that
same quarter of the globe are again dis
playing that energy and restlessness,
which may be followed by great results
should their migrations tend hitherward.
Every tourist who comes homo from
Japan has wonderful stories to tell of the
peculiarities, the industry, and patient
perseverance of its people Their DIS
tinguishing characteristics are such as TO
command the respect of every student.
They possess many elements which pc
culiarly fit them for success, and the
presence of numbers of Japanese who
I have been sent here to learn our ways
and customs is evidence that the Land
of the Rising Sun sumbers only on the
surface.
The people of all our larger cities re-
member the appearance, some eight or
nine years ago, among us of troupe OF
Japanese jugglers and acrobats. Their
wonderful dexterity and feats OF balan-
cling excelled anything ever before. wit
messed, and they performed throughout
the country to crowded houses. The
troupe was brought out by clever En-
glishman, a member Of the Smith family,
who is now living in this city. de sue
ceeded in obtaining leave of absence Tor
the members from the Japanese Govern
nent, on their engaging to return home
within a stipulated time. They first APP
neared in San Francisco, and then came
eastward, exhibiting, as has been said,
with great success. A prominent and
nopular member of the troupe was lit
tie boy, whose great skill and daring
were enthusiastically applauded. he
was q mere child of six or seven years,
and to see him posing himself in these
4 pazformances on the top of a slender
bamboo, ut 3 height of twenty or thirty
feet from the Stage, always caused q
sensation among the neryops. The hrst
words of English spoken by any OF the
nerformers were picked up by this boy,
and as Little All Right" he came to be
known TO the public. After exhibiting
! throughout the United Statesthe troupe
vent 10 Europe and afterward TO South
| America. and there disbanded, some
Misunderstanding or trouble having
arisen.
we do not know, but "Ali Right was
taken care of by Mr. Smith, and by MN
! landed in New York. This was seven
wears ago, and from that time the boy
has lived nearly always in TINS ,e'ty;
[ From the earliest age he had displayed
! rare precocity, with remarkable de-
cree of courage and self-conhdence.
/ Wr Smith took Eone care OF him
nrobablv did what be could but the lad
was obliged to partially support himself;
In the course OF his wanderings be had
spent four or FIVE months in Memphis
where at his own request he was sent 20
school. There he made the most rspid
nrogress. acquired the language ana
was able to begin his studies intelii,
gently. He formed a resolution tna'
one day he would return to BIS hseise
country. there embark in business ana
carve out suocess and fortune. Not long
after he came here 70 live, he entered
school. the first Of his people 10 attend q
free school in America. he labored tyr hls
support and to procure books as he was
able. aud the rest of his time he spent
in learning. BE attended school va
riously as be could, but be made tne
best use OF every opportunity. NotH,th'
standing ihe disadvantages under Wnicl
he laboredy he kept pace with the besl
scholars 10 his classes. For several
months past be hes attended 2 eertslH
grammar school during each forenoon
During the afternoon aud aE late as w
,o eleven and twelve o'clock az night
and often later, he has been engaged 10
assistipg at the bar Of a saloon on
Rroadwav. where be is seen every
evening doing bis humble work con
tentedlv and with 9 will. Reaching MS
room AT An early hour iH the morning
he does not at once seek his bed, 5pi
iebts candle aud cons over the lessonl
which he ia 70 recite during the mex
morning. This is the way he lives sn'
works, day after day. Inquiry at M
school shows that be is equal to the oes
scholar in attendance. !,
In his dress and conversation d
could not be distinguished from an
bright American boy. HIS features AZ az
those of a Japanese, and are remarka
bly, prepossessing aud indicative o. 70 ~
tslligence He is reserved and thouen.
ful far beyond his years, but inyari
, ably polite and well-behaved.
, Little All Right - bis Japanes
name is unspellabls and unpronOune'