The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-06-30

hesion to former ideas; aud beware
likewise, of paying little heed TO you
advancing steps, or OF being slow TO act.
Give, then, due attention to our words
and use your best endeavers in regart
theretoi
This Is the first Asiatic monarchy tt
ENTER upon the constitutional career int
which all progressive nations are rap
idly drifting. This drift has become
more perceptible, and in fact mas at
tanned most of its practical results dur
ing the present century, and may with.
out impropriety be, to at least certain
extent, attributed to the success of our
institutions Of legislative government
The result of our success In this regard
is shown in the list OF countries adopt.
ing constitutional governments since our
recognition.
Among these are France, 1915; Nor
way, 1918; Spain, 1912; Sweden, 1909;
Portugal, 1920; Brazil 1924; Greece.
1926; Belgium, 1890; Italy and Denmark,
1S49; Germany, Austria and Hungary,
1857. Although the constitutions have
been changed in many particulars, yet,
with but one or two exceptions, they
have remained In force. As to the good
results of these changes they are too
numerous and too evident to need men,
Uion.- AS to the effect which they will
have upon Japan, we can only judge by
the cases of others. So
Another important change just made
in the affairs of Japan, promises to add
much to its prosperity and to that of the
masses of it's population. The Govern
ment, with desire to make knowledge
more universal, has decided to abolish
the use of all Chinese characters in
which official and other documents were
printed aud use the simple Hira-Gama
letters, which every Japanese can read.
Most OF. the textbooks were formerly
printed in Chinese characters, and the
result was that while this did not seri-
ously affect the weather classes who
use the Chinese language, it was seri-
Gus detriment to the masses In depriy.
ing them, to a great extent. OF means OF
education and obtaining Information.
The books now used are printed in the
spoken language. Another advantage
is, that the Government is introducing
foreigners as teachers and officers, with
the belief that their difference in views
and customs will be beneficial to the
progress of knowledge and improve
ment. Over seven hundred foreigners
are now employed by the Government
and many more by private enterprise.
One million dollars has been expended
by the authorities in the aid of schools
during the past two years, and every
thing is done to aid in the advancement
Of the work. The school and college ex-
and exhibitions are attended
BY high officials and prizes distributed
20 the worthy.
Another proof of the advancement of
he country is seen in the announcement
hat twenty new ports will be opened |
within the next two years. An import
mt decree has just been announced by
elegraph, which orders that in future
IL vessels of over seventy-rour tons bur-
hen shall be built in foreign style. This
5ill have very marked effect upon the
rade of that country, as heretofore all
be vessels have been SO constructed as
D sender distant navigation impossible.
is also proposed TO extend the opera
ions of fhe steamship line now running
etween that country and our western
cast, and 30 adopt some practical meas
res TO cultivate the growth OF trade
etween the Two countries. In this con-
ectIon, and as additional evidence, we
,ay also refer to the already announced
act that the Government has appr0pri-
ted $500, 1000 for a display at our Ceg.
ennial, and that her department}bid
air to be among the most interesting OF
he Exposition.
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