The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-09-28

was successful twelve years ago in accom-
pllshlng one of the most extraordinary
revolutions on record From ancient
times japan was under the jurisdiction
OF the daimios, or feudal princes, who
were always at feuds with one another,
so that the state of the country was ex-
actly what Europe was several hundred
years ago. By one decree, and the firm
hand Of the Mikado to carry out this
decree, these were removed from power,
and he became truly the Emperor of his
people. This was Saturday, July I'd,
we saw the Mikado-the next day we
communed with Baptist minister
The Public Buildings.
Conspicuous among these is the Post
office. japan belongs to the Postal
Union, and its postal system is one of
the most complete that can be found
on the French model. There are several
National Banks over the city First,
Second, and Third, etc. There is also a
large Currency Bureau" composed of
many large buildings, where paper
money is issued, so that this country has
now its greenbacks; the dollar called
gen. How the Japs took to this Why
just 60 and print as much money as you
want What a splendid ideal But
when the value of the gen dropped to
sixty cents, well it was not SO funny after
all. The War department is not quite
so extensive as in Washington, but the
building would be creditable to any
capital And so all the government
buildings. On hill are all the Lega-
lions, each in quarters suiting the
national tastes and flags; most of them
magnificent establishments A large hall
was pointed to US as place for public
Debates great town-hall. This is a
prominent feature in the developing civil
hzation of Japan-discussions held before
large assemblies. There is freedom of
speech, and tolerably good freedom of
the press. Newspapers have sprung up
over, the Empire by scores, probably
hundreds of them. These vigorously
discuss political, social, moral, and re-
hgious questions. AS so many speak
English, foreign papers are read and
translated, so that many Of the people
are informed about the current affairs
OF the nations
The Castle
walls encircle space about three miles
across, or about nine miles around the
castle grounds Within the walls are
most OF the State departments and their
buildings. There is series of walls,
circle within circle, each wall becom-
ing higher and stronger and each moat
(canaD wider and deeper; so, according
to ancient warfare, it was impregnable.
Here you see the Military officers riding
about. The Army and Navy DEPART
ments are after the model of the French.
The Emperor studies French two hours
day so as to perfect himself as the Com
mander in Chief. There are no gates to
the walls so vehicles pass in and out of
the outer walls. Crossing suspension
bridge across moat seventy feet deep
to the water, we stood upon the spot
where the Palace is to be erected 1t is
the highest elevation and commands a
view Of the Bay of Yeddo which comes
up to the city, of the wide extended city
ITSELF and of distant hills.
The Park.
Tickets were furnished us by the U. S.
Minister. 1t is in the centre of the
castle walls, and in the midst of one of
earth's great cities yet you find your
self In a primeval forest, where all is
nature; the ancient trees of the wood,
the roads passing amid shady groves,
up high hills and down into beautiful
valleys. You see a spring of water
gushing out from rugged rocks, and
you rush to Stake your thirst, only to
be reminded that this water is brought
from the canal Again, deep down in
rocky gorge, you see the cascades leap
ing over precipices, amid the widest
scenery. Though assured it is all arti-
fetal, you can scarcely credit the state
ment.
AS landscape gardeners, the Japanese
excel perhaps every other nation; that is,
they take all the artificial from art and
make the imitation of nature SO exact
that the eye is completely deceived. In
their smaller gardens, you find the study
of the animal creation in their botanical
representations; by trimming bushes in
shapes of animals and birds you see a
menagerie in the flower garden.
cor l exclaimed, chow delightful
to walk in this ancient forest" Not
so ancient perhaps" said friend, and
soon pointed me to large oaks over foot
in diameter, propped by poles, which
had just been transplanted. There are
many parks in Toxic, q thing unknown
in Chinese cities