The People's vindicator. [volume] (Natchitoches, La.) 1874-1883, 1881-01-29
Japanese Street Scenes.

BEGGARs may usually be seen in large
numbers in the approaches to the tenn
pies on the chief festival days. Here
may be met the lame, the halt and blind,
lepers, and human deformity in some of
its most hideous phases. The beggars
accompany their prayers for the charit-
able with a hideous noise, which they
make by striking little metal discs or
battledors of raw-hide that they carry.
The beggar frequently takes his stand on
bridges, or near running streams, where
he importunes the passer-by to purchase
live eels or other fish, and to perform
the devout work Of releasing them, as
prescribed by Buddhist doctrine.
Among strollers we find the shishi Cor
lion). This is a representative of a
lions head, with movable under-jaw
and a flowing name, fitted on to a capa-
cious skirt, beneath which the man is
concealed who works it. The "lion !"
is accompanied by two men, one per-
forming on small drum and triangle,
and the other playing flute, from which
they extract music. The capacious
mouth of the lion is supposed to swallow
the evil spirits who may be attracted by
his gambolings and the accompanying
music. S0rW lkumshi are class OF
strollers who take about with them per-
forming monkeys. Saru va muchi
(Monkey Shop Street, is their headquar-
tiers in town. 1t is related that in the
olden time, when the fayorite horse of a
famous warrior fell sick and was about
to die, it was restored to health by a
monkey who possessed curative charm.
Since this incident occurred, until a few
years ago it was customary to amuse
the horses in the Government stables on
New Years days by visit of the per-
forming court monkeys. an. example
which was generally followed by the
nobility. Female monkeys only are
trained to perform. Street tumblers and
athletes are, with one exception, I'M
worthy of notice. This exception is the
wrestler, who, nearly naked, represents
a wrestling bout, appearing to be strug-
Cling with an invisible opponent, and
assuming the attitude of overcoming or
being overcome by him. The Sai.mon
were originally travelling preachers.
They are now begging story-tellers
They hold in their hand q jingling toy,
upon which they strike. The TSugi-go-
shaku are lecturers, who may be OBJ
served seated on some vacant piece of
land, sheltered by mats. They relate
the deeds of prowcss of the popular
heroes, and may be always seen sur
rounded by crowd of listeners. The
K0yaier0 recites scenes from famous
dramas, initiating, as far as possible,
the tones of celebrated actors. The
Shin1ai accompany their stories with a
performance on the sarnisen "a musical
instrument). Yashi include sellers of
quack medicines, dealers in spice and
incense, ballad singers, and sellers and
hawkers of the latest express news, re.
counting the last reported murder, fire,
robbery or scandal. Onna Daiyw are
womenofthe Eeta class. They wear large
sun hats, and earn scanty subsistence
by playing and singing at the house
doors. Blind women (go.e) may also
be met as street singers. They used
formerly to be supplied by the Govern
ment with passes, which insured them a
nights lodging when on their travels.
In the early days of the Tokogawa dy.
nasty, it is related, four priests arrived
at Yedo from the south, bearing petit
ton to the Government. Their prayer
was not granted, nor was its tenor
made public, hut q ward of the city,
known as Hashimoto Che, was resi- gned
to them as residence, and they were
placed under special protection. It has
been supposed that their object was to
orr ginate new Shin Mon (religious
sect, and to this day their followers are
known as Gan -"in-doy priest petition
ers). Admission to this sect is often
sought for by very poor persons. The
sect is not recognized and possesses nc
temples, but holds herself aloof from
all others. Pilgrims, who during the
period of their pilgrimage are known a.
jim Rel, are to be met with on the roads
at all seasons, clad in white cotton
They are chiefly of the farming or arti
san class, who hope to earn dispense
tons by their pilgrimage. They have tc
visit sixty-six Of the numerous shrines o.
Kuonnon (known to Europeans as tho
Buddhist goddess Of mercy, which arc
scattered throughout the empire. Cor
Boston Herald.
, Good Advice to Young Men.
, The following, from an exchange, i.
true to the letter:
"The most unfortunate day in the ca
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