Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-05-30
AN USYRFTTRy SCRAP OF ORR
ENTAE HISTORY.


den from European eyes in the IN
known region beyond far Cathay "
ILL comparatively modern times. Their
picturesque scenery, their rich tropic
vsrdure, their lofty mountains and deep
fertile valleys; their miid-:nannered people
and their gorgeous temples and grand
feuGaI castles were first heard OF from
Marco Polo, in the thirteenth century
when ne returned from the then unpar-
allcled Journey to TIE Court Of that great
est of Oriental nquer0Ts-Kublai Khan.
The marvellous accounts which he gave Of
these STAND homes excited the curiosity
and cUpidity of all Europe. But it was
not til the sixteenth century that any
European people put foot on japanese soil.
Then Portuguese Adventures in their
world explorations landed tAere and es-
tabislcd 4 limited commercial intercourse.
They were followed by the Dutch, who
traded there from the prison-house of
Deshima for two centuries bu- 80 com
pletcly did this unique people cover them
selves, their civilization and country from
prying eyes that il was not till or own
Perry, in this century. removing the veil
o. t2ttttSlbSiltSS tli-L 4llti ltltil scS Cs'lttA
The country and people 10 the world rs they
arc. We pride ourselves that al American
was the first EnElish-speaking person who
Visited that portion OF The Orient, and such
IS the popular belief. wilhelm Japan some
years since, the writer was tCld that nearly
three centuries ago an Englishman had
penetrated that country, made 1t his home,
lived and died there; that his grave and
monument were not far away, and that q
temple stood near the spot, IN which sery-
ices were annually held 10 commemorate
hi5 name and fame.
The story was so new, strange and full
u interest that visit to the locality was
determined upon. Tho day selected for
the "trip was one Of those seen only III
Oriental lands. 4 dreamy autumn haze
hung over sea ana shore. \ soft south
Kind came up from the ocean, breathing
over the land a perfume of the tropics.
Floods Of golden light bathel ocean, islands.
mountains and valleys. The bay Of eddo
AZ beautiful as the sea gives TO any lana, was
whitoncd with q thousand fishers sails.
The green islands, with crowns Of pine and
palms. lifted themselves high cut Of the
sea: and the shore line, On either side,
rcccded II wavY fluctuations away to
higher elevations. TOthe westtEe iakoni
range appeared IN sharp outline against
the peerless Fuji-ama reared its c0ue-Ijke
form 10 the clouds. On such q day, and
amid such scenes, our japanese boat, gith
IFS native crew, hOated with a Tacelng tide
down past peaceful villages nestled in sea
side hooks TO the sheltered inlet where the
village Of Hama Mura has slept from time
anterior 70 written record. Il IS Quaint
old town, surrounded by q scnicigc.e of
high hills On one Of which IS the Bhu,ldjst
temple % Toxic San. This temple is sur
CCunde. with huge stone lanterns, images
Of saints ions, demons and dragons and is
presided over by half dozen fui-t-f@cci !
Bhuddis5 priests. with shaved heads, who
spend their time counting their beads, !
while repeating Sanscgit prayers and lit
lniGs Like all 0ricutG. SArints and tenn
pies, It IS embowe.ed in lovely grove and !
has enough OF the beautiful IL its sur !
rouudiggs 70 incilreanE apDrCciltyc being !
TO- worship the Creator Of such blessings
From the temple winding path leads up |
tc The crest Of a rounded hill, from WLiCAis
spread beneath You picture Of intense and
varied heaaty; The wide sea, dotted with
green Islands, the long high shore lincs,
with deep iudentauons If inlet and shell
tered ha7bor, lofty mountain ranges and ;
deep, fertile valleys Here. in Il grove ottr,
cypress. palm and bamboo trees, Is the
grave or William Adams, the first Anglo
Saxon in Japan. Little Is known of MS
personal traits and characteristics. That
he possessed remarkable ability IS certain.
IN the whole history OF the Orient no other
aiieD has arrived AT such high position. or
welded sCGh great power and ina1ence
over a strange people. Adams was native
Il the county OF Kent, England. HIS oc1u-
patton was seag0ing. lie served 1n the
English navy IN the olicu DAYS of The VIZ