The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-08-16

knSxG 8kG tuUoxb tu kf2S All 01 kban&< exposition to be held in a few years at Kiyoto. We earnestly hope that if may be so--it will be such an education to the people-like a glimpse into another world.
 When about to leave the grounds, we came to an open space where an enter tainment was being held, and we were in- formed that No Japanese opera of the old time) vas being performed. As the
 No is their highest style of su, we were glad to have the opportunity to gain some idea of their classical music and best acting, % we joined the motley crowd. The stage was large room open on three sides, the audience sitting in the open air. The opera had begun early in the day, and it was now late in the afternoon. The performers were dis appearing behind curtain as we took our seass. Alter long interval of wait ing, during which the people smoked And cha,ted, six persons in most striking costumes lone man particularly, who per sonated lady of high rank, had a gor- geous robe enyeioping him from head 10 foot) ssalked in with slow and majestic tread and moses high in the air. Like automatic figures they slowly wheeled and settled down on their heels in a straight line on the stage, where they sa, staring into vacancy. Three of these were musicians, one carrying a small flute, while two held drums shaped like hour-giasses, with fox skin heads.
 Alter remaining immovable for about a quarter of an hour, the instruments were deliberately elevated, and the fiu,iss began to play in clear, thin tones, some thing which wandered up and down the scale with no more suggestion of melody than is chih's practicing on a toy whistle. The drummers, with no regard whatever to the flute performance which took care of itself, suddenly said tor sang) oh r in high (, and struck their drums once with the palms of their hands. Five minutes pause when again they said oh !" on low C with an accompanying strike upon the drums another inter mission, then prolonged oh p on middle C in tone which suggested the cry of cat whose tail had been stepped upon. These sounds were repeated, after of motionless silence, for about half an hour, when person dressed as a priest slowly came into view, struck an ga1ed of into futurity, and after a tiresome delay began, whether a song or recitation we could not tell, gessicula- ting with hands and fan. Once he turned and apparently addressed the lady, who arose stif1y and stood until he again laced the audience, then resumed her former position. Aiter he had finished he retired to the rear of the stage, sitting on his heels with his back to Inc people.
 Another being appeared, wearing two swords and pantaloons having a count train all around, so it was with the ut- most difficulty he could walk. He also postured and sang, using his fan freely, and the female character rising to her feet whenever addressed. Once only was there any indication of excitement, when the priest came to the front, and an alter cation seemed to ensue, then for a few minutes there was some animated sing ing, and fans waved wildly in the air. As this subsided we left, not being able 10 endure any more of such dull, long, drawn out acting. The Japanese say the No takes place only on rare occasions, and requires a considerable degree of cultivation to enjoy it, being toe classical tor the common people-that it is useful, as the scenes, characters and costumes are all historical, thus keeping the pomp and stateliness of the old feudal days rom becoming forgotten thing. Ofthe drama of the present day we know noth-
 ing except we have been told it is usually
 immoral, and that actresses now take part.
 All the Japanese world just now is going chrysanthemum-viewing,s so we were carried along by the tide. The chrysan- lhemum, being the imperial crest, has Rreesed us m a great variety of forms ever since our arrival; but now the gen. nine tAing is in the height of its glory, md many large gardens and temple grounds have become places of public 'esost. Chrysanthemums of many colors lnd different sises. some being sixpeen
 inches m circumference, arc grown in arge numbszs, and trained on wires to represent people, animals, umbrellas, lans, boats, balloons and other things. The dresses of the people consist of greeo leaves ovefshot with rcd or puYpIe blossoms, the long sleeves being vesy represented. Heavy rows of yellow flowers form the sash, and some hines . border down the sides and around
 he bottom of the kimono, which is
 hrown open and lined with white chry- .anthenums corresponding to the white ining of tho Japanese dress. False heads with real hair, hands, teet, swords md manuscrips rolls are added as every hing is very ingeniously arranged, and he grouping is very natural, the effect is both striking and ifelike.
 But from tAe people in the mas, and 'urface- study Of their being and doinRs we always turn with interess, ever fresh md eager, to closer contact, and more intimate relations with them. One of 'ur pleasures as well as duties is to call ,pon them in their homes. We stand at he latticed, sliding street-door, and as here are no bells or knockers, cali loudly. gomens (excuse mel. Immediately | prolonged Thai" q hear) is heard in esponse, and soon the door is thrown A c