National Republican., 1885-11-14
THE POSTAL SYSTEM oTJApAN.
A Talk with the Commissioners sent
Out TO Examine Foreign Postofiices.

Neither Postmaster General Nomuro, of
are strangers in the United States. Mr..
Nomuro visited this country in 1872 and
Mr.. Takahashi received his education here,
and was for several years an attache OF the
Japanese legation, in all spending several
years In this country. Mr.. Nomuro has the
reputation among his countrymen OF being
a very shrewd man. He was for some
years governor OF Kanagawa, and was pro-
NOTED to be postmaster general -four years
ago and holds his oflit for an indefinite
term.
Mr. Takahashi, after returning to Japan
In 1870, was placed in charge OF the Yollo-
homa postoflice, and after a successful ser
vice was promoted to be deputy postmaster
general.
The principal mission of these representa-
tives of the Japanese postof1ice was TO at
tend the international postal congress ut
Lisbon last February, after which they
made thorough examination Of the Ger
man postal system. They only stall in Lon
don five days, and their short stay in this
country will preclude any extensive eXaml-
nation into the American system. They
will probably go to Chicago from New York,
and on the 2Sth instant will sail on the San
Francisco steamer for home.
system needs many improvements. 1t is
now modelled after the American system,
but, of course, doesn't compare with 1t.
Previous to 1871, when the postal system
was adopted, the only conveyance OF letters
in Japan was by hikujaliu, or simply by
messengers, who were hired to carry official
or other communication by running. These
men gained remarkable endurance and
speed. At present the postal system is on
fhn Nula nf M nj
railroads these messengers are. still
employed, running from one station to
another, where they deliver their mail
to fresh carrier VINO goes on with II. Now
any one can mail letter by the payment
of a fixed amount, but previouly II was
necessary to go to the enormous expense Of
privately hiring man to take the epistle
the entire distance. The runners who are
employed in Japan all have TO make the
miles on schedule time"
SIN Japan,n continued Mr.. Takahashi,
1--WE feel very near to America. Everybody
knows of Commodore Perry, who first
opened our country to the world. The
japanese feel friendly to all nations, but to
Americans especially do they look upon as
their guardian angels. My idea is that the
way for us to advance is simply by initiating
America. New York, to me, is the greatest
city In the world London and Paris, OF
course, are large cities, but to me New York
is the greatest. What strikes one from Japan
is the rush and life-it is so irregular.
"But about our postal system or course
we cannot think of bringing 1t up to the
standard OF America for many years yet.
There Is so much to be done. But we have
great many improvements that we will
make"
Mr.. Takahashi spoke of all the govern
ment buildingsin Toxic being connected by
telephone, and the Brush-Swan electric
| light is working its way into favor. The
telegraph there as here is not connected
with the postofiice department; but both the
| postal representatives seem much impressed
with the idea Of combining them as In Eng
land.
Mr.. Nomuro does not speak English Sc
iluently as Mr.. Takahashi, who seemed tC
act as spokesman.