The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1875-06-10
4 japanese God.

The Yokohama correspondent of the
Chicago Inter-Ocean writes to that paper
an account Of recent visit to great
from that city:
A walk Of hundred rods brought mo
| to a large gate, which appeared to be
guarded by two of the most horrible figures
you can possibly imagine. More than
life size, with eleven feet, protruding eye.
balls, horns and wings, and all painted o
bright red, made up SO correct repre-.
sentation that am convinced the devil
either sat in person to the artist or sent his
photograph.
Yet in spite of their responsiveness these
be gods, and are worshipcd by the peo.
pie; but apprehend it is as they worship
dozen other demons; to propitiate them
and not to add new blessings to their store.
The method is unique and consists in a
small offering, short prayer, and the ex-
pulsion from the mouth of q pellet of
paper or "spitball," directed at the idol
If it adheres, pass in, but if it falls off it
is equivalent to our theatrical "free list
entirely suspended" and the would-bo
petitioner turns back.
Simply remarking Press" I passed
inside and paused. 1t was we'll I did,
else had I missed the finest view of the
grand old god. Some hundred feet in
front, upon massive base, he sat, and my
feelings were strange and mingled as I
gazed upon him. Where are now the
mighty forests and the waving fields of
grain, where tho temples to his glory, the
busy homes of men and the courts of
princes guarding him on the surrounding
hills! As though it were in mockery, the
hon1 IF In1 T., g, lol IS,
ton, but with all its hOnors gone, for OF
its tabled treasures there remains TO it
nothing save its throne, lotus flower,
coronct of shells and the graves of those
who have been. These are the only
records left of city which was founded
in honor of the god.
The face wears an expression of calm
rcposc, the eyelids closed and the lips
slightly compressed as though the god
were lost in meditation. You see l don't
speak of Diabutz as thing of inanimate
bronze, for the entire scene impressed me
so deeply that, although am Christian,
l could not then, nor can now, repress a
feeling of awe while thinking of its Won
drous history.
Do not ask me how old it is, for 1
neither know nor care. Old enough to
have outlived all reliable data in the ma
tons neurological records-to see the
very stones of its temple crumble away
and tiny saplings grow to stately trees and
form green roof over it. 1t is of bronze,
to which age has lent rich, light green
ish tinge. 1t is fifty feet high, the head
being eight fectlong, and its circumference
at the base'is 100 feet. 1t is in sitting
posture, with its robes gracefully draped
about it. 1t is indeed the work of mas
ter hand.
AS stood admiring from distance sew.
eral pilgrims, who had evidently come
long way, for they were travel-stained and
weary, entered the gate and approached
the god. I followed them and saw them
first cast coin into the treasure-box, then
fold their hands in prayer. After resting
short time they turned and went their
way, looking very happy and contented :;
and no wonder, for, in their ignorance,
they believed they had seen the greatest
god of all.
l wish l had never approached so close
ly to the image, for "'tis distance lends
enchantment to the view," and a near
view shows you great seams, where the
various plates of which it is composed are
Joined together. In one side is an en-
trance leading up by a few steps to the in
terror, which is fitted up as a temple, with
shrines, lesser idols, incense, etc, while
the chamber is dimly lighted by two small
windows let into the back.
On emerging was met by the bonze or
priest in charge, who looked entirely out
OF keeping with the popular idea of re-
clusc. His nose had an unnatural reddish
tinge, his eye was somewhat bleared, and
he looked far too juvenile for his sacred
calling. l came to the conclusion he had
at some time in his young life been crossed
in love and had taken to religion and
drink to assuage his grief. The latter
part of my surmise was shortly proven cor
rect, for, when remarked l was thirsty,
he brought me, instead of water, two bot
ties, one labeled BASS Pale Alc," the
other " Old Rye Whisky" Reproachful-
ly looked at him, and sadly turned
away, rejecting on the wretchcdness
which had reduced a mighty monarch to
become the chief attraction of an un-
licensed gin palace.