The New York herald., 1879-09-01

the shinto theology. The chronological afnnisies
OF the inhabitants of Loochoo with the IN
habitants of all the islands of japan are stronger
than with any other OF people On ceremonial
occasions. such at banquets the rules OF etiquette
observed i'll Loochoo the Ogasswara rules. -
called from the name Of a celebrated ancient pres
fessor of etiquette. The prevail in Japan The
people neither chairs nor stools as the Chinese
do but seat themselves on the floor. They place
their FOOD on small, low table. each person havina
one to himself, precisely in accordance With unt~
versal Japanese custom.
HISTORICAL CLAIMS TO LoocHoo.
The next point. and perhaps the most important
OF all, was based on modern history Briefly summed
up the historical arguments in favor of the claim OF
japan to Loochoo are follows:-In the first yeaI
of Kakitsa. A. d. 144l. the Loochoo Islands wers
conferred upon Shmazu Tadakuni, Prince OF Sat
suma. by Ashikasa Yoshinori. then Tycoon as a re-
ward FOR eminent services rendered to Japan by the
Prince From that time to the present contcnded
by Japan that the Loochoo group continued to be
q dependency of satsuma At one period the tar
duo to the Prince of Satsuma remained unpaid
Toyotom Hideyoshi who was then about to invade
Corea. called upon the cheftain of Loochoo to
nish certain quantity of food for his army. The
summons obeyed. although only onehaH OF tho
amount demanded was actually supplied. At
later period the Tycoon directed the Prince OF Sat-
suma to ft out an expedition to punish the people
of Loochoo for this neglect or their duty the
vassals Of Japan. This expedition resulted in the
submission OF the Loochoo chief named Shonei,
who. in connection with his council. was taken
to Toxic. The Tycoon. who directed the expedi-
ton. confirmed the decree by which Loo
choo was made q dependency of Japan.
dr,ini
the government Of the islands. Under their direc-
ton the islands were surveyed and the annual pro-
portion of rice ascertained and the scale of taxation
was adjusted accordingly This revenue was recog-
nzed by the Tycoon q portion of the permanent
revenue allowed to the Satsuma princes under the
old feudal system. law was also passed at tho
same time by the Satsuma princes forbidding the
Inhabitants Of Loochoo of whatever grade or Glass;
to possess Of any kind This decree Is still IN
force and may be found In the archives Of the Loo
choo government. At the same time an ordinance
embracing fifteen articles promulgated. and an
oath Of allegiance was exacted from the Loochoo
chcftains in which they bound themselves and their
people to respect the provisions OF this ordinance
and be loyal to japan. There some delay on the
part of the Loochoo chieftain in accepting these
conditions. He virtually held as prisoner in
Toxic. and from thence taken TO Kagoshima. the
castle town of satsuma. Here he kept for three
years. At the expiration Of that time he subscribed
the oath aud with his councillors was allowed to
return to Loochoo. On their return other ordi-
nances were promulgated by the imperial govern
ment and accepted by Loochoo. Among these was
one containing the following mandate: There
shall be no ordinances regulations in your coun-
try differing from those which attain in Nippon"
All this occurred nearly three centuries ago. and
from that time to the present the Loochoo Islands
have continuously acknowledged the authority Of
Satsuma.
LAWS IMposHD UPON LooCHoo.
The ordinance imposed upon Loochoo by the inn
perial government contained various provisions. It
was deoreed that no merchandise should be imported
from China without leave from the Prince Of Sat-
suma No emolument should be given to any indi-
vidual on account of descent but solely account
of eminent services to the State. No emolument or
dignity should be given to o concubine. There
should be private slavery. The number of shrines
or temples should not be excessive. No merchant
should be allowed to land in Loochoo withoue
written permission from the Prince of Satsuma-
No inhabttant Of Loochoo should be sent to Japan
a. . slave. All taxes and imposts Of similar kind
should be levied only in accordance with the rules
and regulations ordained by the Japanese inspector
of tax It prohibited to intrust the government
of affairs to any other persons than those belonging
buy or sell against his will. Quarrels and personal
encounters should be prohibited In the event of any
official making any claim exceeding the amount Of
taxes and duties properly to be levied according to
law upon merchants and farmers and others. COM
plant should be made to authorities in the castle
town of Satsuma. No merchant ship was allowed to
60 to any foreign port from Loochoo. The stand
ards of measurement were regulated. Gambling and
all other vicious habits Of like character pro-
hibited.
THE LoocHoo KNEES OATH.
The oath taken by the Loochoo chieftain before
he was allowed to 60 into his own dominions is
known as IL oath of Shonei. and was as follows:-
..The islands of Loochoo have from ancient times
been dependency of Satsuma. and we have for ages
observed the custom sending thther the stated
times junks bearing products of these islands. and
we have always sent messengers 10 carry our con-
cratuations to q prince on his accession. Such
had becn our custom. But in the time
of Toyotorni Hideyoshi VIC. inhabitants Of
this far Of southern land. failed fully
to comply with the requisitions made upon us for
supplies and service; therein remiss in our
duty and very guilty: thus did We bring trouble
to our shores. You. our lord sent an army against
us TO chastise u.s. was dismayed. was carried
from my home and mado prisoner in your mighty
land l. like to minated bird. shut up in cage.
hnd Lost ali hope Of returning to home. But our
merciful Prince shown his loving kindness. and.
taking pity on us whose country seemed all lost to
MS gave us his leave 20 return to our homes; not
only so. but also allowed us ourselves to govern
somc OF our country's islands. This is . boon in-
deed. wc know not how 10 show our thank
fulncss. So will forever be the hum
Bile servants of satsuma and obedient to all
commands and mover will bo traitors to our lord.
A writing Of this oath myself will keep and will
hand 1t down to my posteriy that they may observe
and keep 1t. Rach and every article of tho ordi
nances already made. and of those which shall here
after be made by sstsumA for observance. shall
be faithfully obcycd by US. And herein II ve fail
may heaven visit sin upon our hoads."
supMpsrox on ruE Loocuoo AUTHORITIES.