Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1875-06-04
A Japanese God.

The Yokohama correspondent Of the
Chicago Inter Ocean writes to that paper
an account of recent visit to a great
japanese god located about fifteen miles
from that city;
A walk of hundred rods brought me
TO q large gate, which appeared to be
guarded by two of the most horrible figures
1. you can possibly imagine More than
life size, with eleven feet, protruding eye
ballsghorns and wings and all painted a
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 worshiped by the peo-
Pile; but approhend it is as they worship
dozen other demons; to propfiate them
and not to add new blessings TO their store
Tho method is unique and consists in a
small offering, q short prayer, and the ex-
pulsion from the mouth of a pellet OF
paper or "spitball," !" directed at the IDOL.
If il adheTes, pass in, but If it falls off IL
Is equivalent to our theatrical "free list
entirely suspended" and the would.be
petitioner turns back.
Simply remarking Press" ] passed
inside and paused. 1t was well | did,
else had l 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 MS |
gazed upon him. Where are now the
mighty forests and the waving fields of
grain, where the temples to his glory, the
busy homes of men and the courts Of
princes guarding him on the surrounding
hillsi As though il we're in mockery, the
hand Of time had spared this idol of q ma
ton, but with all its honoTs gone, for OF
its tabled treasures there remains to it
nothing save its throne, a lotus flower,
coronet 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
repose, the eyelids closed and the lips
slightly compressed as though the god
were lost in meditation. You see don't
speak of Diabutz as thing of inanimate
bronze, for the entire scene impressed me
so deeply that, although l am Christian,
could not then, nor can l nov, repress a
feeling of awe while thinking Of its won.
dr0us history.
Do not ask me how old it is, for |
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 isOf bronze,
TO which age has lent a rich, light green
ish tinge. 1t is fifty feet high, the head
being eight feet long, 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 admirng from distance sew
eral pilgrims, who had evidently come a
long way, for they were travel stained and
weary, entered the gate and approached
the god 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.
wish l had never approached so close
ly to the image, for "'tis distance lends
B enchantment to the view" and a near
view shows you great seams, where the
various plates Of which it is composed arc
Joined together. In one side is an en-.
trance leading up by 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 l was met by the bonze or
priest in charge who looked entirely out
of keeping with the popular idea of a re-
cluse. His nose had an unnatural reddish
tinge, his eye was somewhat blearcd and
he looked far too juvenile for his sacred
calling 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 was thirsty,
he brought me, instead of water, two bot.
ties, one labeled "Bass' Pale Ale" the
other "Old Rye Whisky" ReprOachful-
ly l looked at him, and sadly turned
away, rejecting on the wretchedness
which had reduced mighty monarch to