The New York herald., 1879-09-15
AROUND THE WORLD
General Grants Interview with the
Emperor of Japan.
THE LooCHoO QUESTION.
The General Advises Japan and China
70 Make Mutual Concessions.
TOXIC. Aug. ~. 1879.

TOXIC. Aug. IL. 1879.
Nothing could be more quiet than our days in
Enriokwan. We read and write and walk about the
grounds. and fish and set up late at nights on the
veranda, talking about home. about the EAss about
our travels. about Japan. Japan itself grows upon
us more and a most interesting study. The
opportunities for studying the country. its policy
the of its rulers, its government and its diplo
macy have been very great. In this palace which
have been describing there took place yesterday
OF the most important events in the modern history
of Japan-a long personal interview between Gen.
eral Grant and the Emperor. The circumstance
that all ex-President of the United States should
converse with the chief of friendly nation Is not
in itself an important event. But when you con-
slider the position of the Emperor among his sub
jects. the traditions of his house and his throne
you will see tho value OF this meeting
and the revolution it makes the history of Japan
The imperial family is, in descent. the most ancient
the world 1t goes back in direct line to $50 years
before Christ. For more than twenty-hv centuries
this line has continued unbroken. and the present
sovereign is the l23d of his line. The position Of
Mikado has always been unique in Japan. For
turies tho emperors lived In seclusion ut Kiyoto.
The Mikado holy being. No one was allowed
to look upon his face. He had no family name. be-
cause his dynasty being unending he needed none
During his life he revered god. When he
died he translated into the celestial presence.
Within ten years it was not proper that even his
sacred name should be spoken. That is now per-
mtted, but evon now you cannot buy photograph
of the Mikado. 1t is not proper that his subjects
shoult look upon his face When he first received
foreign ambassador lin 1868 his Prime Minister
kneit at his while his mobiles sat around mats
where they could not see him.
Tie iirss audience of General Grant with tho En-
The Emperor before return from Nikko sent
message to the General that he desired to see him
Informally. Many little courtesies had been ex-
changed between the Empress and Mrs. Grant. and
the Emperor himself. through his noblemen and
Ministers. kept constant watch the Generals
comfort. General Grant returned answer that he
entirely at the pleasure of His Majesty. 1t was
arranged. consequently. that the 10th of August
the Emperor would come to the Palace Of Enriok.
wan.
THE EMpERoR's VISIT GENERAL GRANT.
The day very warm. and at half-past ten
message came that the Emperor had arrived and was
awaiting the General in the little summer house on
the banks of the lake. The General. accompanied
by Colonel Grant Prince Dati. Mr.. Yoshida and the
writer left the palace aud proceeded to tho summer
house. Colonel Grant wore the uniform of his rank;
the remainder of the party in morning costume
We passed under the trees and toward the bridge
The imperial carriage had been hauled up under the
shade of the trees and the horses taken out. The
guards. attendants. cavalrymen. who had accom-
panied the sovereign, all seeking the shelter Of
the grove. We crossed the bridge and entered the
summer house. Preparations had been made for
the Emperor, but they very simple. Porcelain
flower pots, with flowers and ferns and shrubbery,
were scattered about the room. One or two screens
had been introduced. In the centre of the was
q table. with chairs around it, Behind OF the
screens was another table, near tho window, which
looked into the lake. AS the General entered the
Household advanced and welcomed him. Then,
after pause. we passed behind the screen and we're
In the presence Of the Emperor. His Majesty was
standing before the table in undress uniform wear
ing only the ribbon of his order. General Grant
vanced and the Emperor shook hands with him.
TO the rest OF the party he simply bowed. Mr..
Yoshida acted interpreter. There pause.
when the Emperor said:-
II have heard of many OF the things you have said
to my Ministers in reference to Japan. You have
seen the country and the people. l am anxious to
speak with you these subjects, and sorry
have not had al opportunity earlier"
General Grant said he entirely at the service
of the Emperor and was glad indeed to see him and
thank His Majesty for all the kindness he had
ceived in japan lie might say that outside
Of Japan had higher interest in the country or q
more sincere friendship for it's people,
LEGISLATIVE GOVERNMENT FoR JAPAN.
question was asked which brought up the SUBJ
ject now paramount in political discussions in
Japan-the granting of assembly and legislative
functions to the people
General Grant said that this question seemed to be
.he only one about which there was much feeling
in Japan. the only one he had observed.
Il was question to be considered with
great care. No could doubt tnat gov
crnments became stronger and nations more
prosperous as they became representative OF tho
people. This was also true OF monarchics and no
monarchs were as strong those who depended
upoE parliament No could doubt that
legisiativo system would be advantage to Japan,
but the question 81 when and how to grant would
require careful consideration. That needed clearer
knowledge of tho country than he had time to
acquire. IL should be remembered that rights of this
kind-rights Of suffrage aud representation
given could not be withdrawn They should be given
gradually. An elective assembly. TO meet in Toxic,
aud discuss all questions with the Ministry might
be an advantage. such an assembly should not have
Legislative power at the outset. This seemed to the
General to be the FIRST step The would come as
result of tho admirable system OF education which
he IN Japan
EURoPEAN POLICY EAST.