, 1875-12-09
"reminiscences Of Two Months
in Japan.
BY ONE JOHN yICHERY.

N0JIltbDlSC6IICSoO VI wv sUOitIIiS
in Japan.
BY ONE JOHN yICHERY.
NO. VI.
Ascending some broad and rather
steep stairways the next morning. we
stood on the heights of sacred Enoshi-
ma; and as we looked down to the
water below, distant four or five hum
dred feet, tho murmuring Of the sea and
the signing of the restless winds through
the branches of the cedars and the frs
were sounds undisturbed by the voice
or work of man. So silent was each
individual passer>bye that we almos
felt the solemnity of which they seemed
to feel and be part. Slowly following
the shaded walk we at length reach the
Temple that shields the image of "Ben-
ton Sama," Goddess of the sea,) from
the hoary blasts of winter or the sigh>
ing breezes of summer.
large figure in q sitting posture and
representation of the sea rolling at
her feet, IN height fully sixteen feet,
made thoroughly in proportion, thus
appeared that which stands in the jap
anese mythology, as does Neptune in
the Greccian. The attentive priest
showed US articles of great antiquity,
among which was painting represent
ing man, evidently a saint, retracing
his steps from the sea shore with roll
of parchment under his arm, while a
lot of other delegates were awaiting his
approach with the sacred documents,
and from the whole ''etfect" OF the pic
ture. we should judge that he was the
founder of the doctrines of Benton
Sama." The picture certainly looked
as old as was claimed for it, i. c., 5000
years, and was a fine piece of art from
the Japanese stand point, which it must
be remembered, is the grotesque.
After looking at q lot of antiquated
armor and arms of various descriptions
we descended the. sea face of the hill
and were shown into a cave some four
hundred feet in length, and which di-
verges into two tunnels and at the ends
of which are bars to prevent trespass
upon two of the favorite haunts OF
Her Marine Majesty, Benton Sama." "
As we emerged from the dimly lighted
cavity we again noticed the arrogant
poise of the priest, and the seryile de-
meanor of the superstitious devotee,
and which, alas, is to be found not ouly
all over the far East, but also in the
enlightened West.
From thence ascending the hill we
passed numerous sleeping stalls, reared
for the accommodation of poor pilgrims
who are unable to provide themselves
with sleeping apartments, and taking
the path to our right, along the edge of
the precipitous cliff. we came to an
other place OF worship where We bought
some charms and printed prayers. which
the priest told US, were of g preserva-
tive character and would, while on the
person, due precaution being taken,
save US from drowning, and which We
believed of course. Descending to our
hotel we took dinner and after bidding
adieu to our host and hostess, We re-
traced our steps in tie direction of the
Temple of Hatchiman Sama, God OF
War, and after sharp walk of seven
miles we crossed the bridge, the arch OF
which is also the roadway over it, en-
tered the precincts dedicated to Yori
Tomo," an ancient " Shotgun" Deified
under the name of Hatchiman Sama.
This Shotgun or general in the fifteenth
century, A. D., SO organizd the govern
ment. Civil and Military, of Japan that
the country enjoyed the fruits of peace
for three hundred years without inter-
ruption, which is more than con be
said of our Western Generals, ancient
Or modern. But as we do not intend to
enter upon history of Japan in these
articles, We will proceed.
Through q we'll laid out grove we
passed and being met by o priest we
ascended the inevitable flight of steps
and were ushered into the Temple. The
whole middle part of the building en-
closed the image, which only sees the
light of day prior to or during war;
on the left were caskets which had car
ried the remains of different Shogunss
to their final abode at the Tombs of the
Tycoonst and which were placed here
sacred relics CT Nippon's great men.
On the right were helmets, also
swords that would cut through a nail
without turning their razor-like edge,
also bust of Yori Tomo" that were
it not for its japanese effect would
do as representation of Napoleon. the
Great. Indeed the man was really
grand both in aspect and in works.
From thence, after gazing upon relics
of remote antiquity, and trying on a
helmet twenty-five hundred years old
and weighing fully fifty pounds, we de-
parted for Kanasagawa and arrived there
late in the evening. Retiring after day S
hard work, we lay down on the floor
a la Japanese and were soon in tho land
of Nod.
Generals in Chief.
Tycoon means Great Prince, o title
unknown in Japan, but which was
usurped by the last of the Shoguns at
the time Of Commodore Perry's advent
in Japan.
OcHoTsK WHALING.-TheB British bark
PARKWAY, returned from the Ochotsk sea
l..,:r,, hoo,, 1r,var off ~, r.