Morning journal and courier., 1883-12-15
AROUND THE WORLD.
A Ride i'm Japanese OmnIbus-A Murder -Japanese Fo0d-The Sanitary Cend1- tton of the Interior ofthe Country-For- eigners-Scenes at 8 F1re--Anc1ent and Giant Frees.

Giant Trees.
 NIKKo, Japan, Nov. 5. To the Editor of ths JOURNAL AND COURIER: At six o'clock the following morning we started. Imagine one of the most ricketty omnibuses that ever held together, capable of seating six persons, and those seats all full the entire conveyance being propelled by pair of rusty looking Japanese ponies. We'll, it was as antiquated carry all as ever saw, but we did just fly. know how to pity poor Horace Greeley in view of his memorable ride, for we averaged about ten miles an hour for the whole distance. The ride was semi enjoyable. Along with some things of real interest, there were many that were most dis tasteful to me, as they doubtless arc to all people of refined sensibilities. But the trip was altogether ruined for me by single fea ture of it, and pray heaven these eyes of mine may never look upon such sight again. I witnessed the murder of native by one of his fellow creatures. The infuri- ated doer of the deed stood over the body of his victim, braining and dtsmembering it, so that our coach had to turn aside to avoid passing over the men. know not the cause of the deed of violence. I know not if such things often occur in this island. It might have been the work of an avsnger of blood Sometime when I can refer to the matter more calmly I will make inquiries.
 At Utsononmia i put up for the night in 8 Japanese hotel of large pretensions, paying seventy sen for supper, lodging and breakfast The first and last named of these articles I did not have much use for. My poor stom- ach was compelled to accept liberal supply of rice, a few boiled but quite tasteless chest nuts, and some sour sweet potatoes. The soups were quite unbearable Sometimes am able to nibble little at the fish which arc provided, and it is quite desirable for anyone who never cares for sugar or milk. It is now a number of days since I have had an en- counter with milk, sugar or butter. Oh for 8 cheap American coffee house. It is very mysterious to me how these Japanese are able to thrive on such food, but they are strong and hearty without doubt. They seem to eat at all hours of the day.
 The sanitary condition of the interior of Japan is something frightful. I have heard China cited as the most inferior nation in this respect; but cannot see how any state of things can be less favorable than that which I have witnessd here in the land of the rising sun. The smells, the personal filth, the narrow streets in the crowded cities, the decaying animals and vegetable matter which is to be seen on every hand, combine 
 tilence. Were the government financially competent, I suppose this state of things would be remedied for manifestly there is progressive policy in the royal halls at To- kiyo
 Foreigners are knocking for admission into the interior of this wonderful empire. Doubt less the immediate results of concession on the part of the government would be more favorable to the foreigners than to the na- tives, but could but think as I rode along, contemplating the sad squalor on every hand, that there would be an ultimate gain to these millions of Japanese cultivators were they made accessible for purposes of trade to the foreigners. They are numerically stronger than all other classes of people put together. Were the country developed by means of railroads, and were foreigners allowed to set- tie and make a market for produce, they would soon learn the benefit of payment in cash instead of in kind There is feeling of political jealousy abroad in the country which l prevents any such consummatien. This feel ing is natural and justifabIe. Just as fast az the Japanese become competent to assume | certain functions of government, it is best 1 that they should do so. As soon as the pu- pill is sufficiently educated, he should dispense with the services of his teacher. Japan's | foreign training-mssters are being gradually |