New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-03-25
POPULAR OBSERVATIONS.
iJAPAN,s MARTYRED MINISTER:
a SKETCH OF ARINoRI Morris LIFE AND HIS
SERVICES TO THE EMPIRE,


SERVICES TO THE EMPIRE.
TO he LdGtor oJTAs TrfbWne
sir: The recent untmely death by assassination
OF Arnor Mon IN Japan, has caused n universal
feeling of sorrow among his friends in the United
States, and for that reason your readers may be
Interested IN the following particulars about his life.
He was born 10 the province Of Sasuma In 1s4s, and,
as boy, enjoyed all the advantages pertaining to
The retainers Of the local Damio. He among the
nrst Of those students who were sent abroad to DO
educated. and he spent two years In London before
returning TO japan. During the rebellion which
soon eliminated in the restoration of the Mlkado,
his sympathes were with the progressive party, and
1t was not long before he became member Of the
newly organized Legislature in which, Notwithstanding
bis age, he made decided impression. He introduced
among others a proposition TO abolish tho wearing
of two swords by the privileged classes Tho oppo-
siton to II was desperate to endanger his per-
sonal safety. and the result that he retired, for
a time from public life. While in the seclusion
Of his country home, no had the satisfaction Of being
Informed that his proposition had been successfully
carried. Not only so. but several years aftervard
when he was in Washington, he presented 10 tho
Museum Of the War Department q sword which had
heon given to him by a Japanese gentleman, then
travelling in this country, who had been one Of his
bittorest opponents in the home Legislature, but who
had finally abandoned the wearing of his swords.
Mr.. Mort was the first Japanese who, under the
Restoration, appointed to foreign mission, and
IN March, 1871, while bearing the title Of Jugoi, he
presented his credentials at Washington, Charge
dAhairs. He remained there two years. Tho duties
which deyolved upon him during that porQd were
novel and hrduous, but performed with credit
TO himself and benefit 10 his country. Among the
many noted Americans who favored him with their
advice and friendship was Professor Joseph Henry.
Not only did he perform his ordinary diplomatic duties
with ability, but no was obliged to exercise kind
Of supervision over the largo number Of students
then In this country, and especially over tho five
young ladies who came here 10 DO educated In one
sense too no had charge OF all tho ceremonies and
angemonts connected with the advent and the
sojourn in this country OF the IwakurA Embassy. In
the meantime, but more in private capacity than
as Minister he greatly interested himself IN the cause
Of education and brought about tho publication, for
the benefit of his countrymen, OF work on The
Resources OF America" another on Education for
Japan TO which President Garfield ana Professor
Henry wero contributors, and several pamphlets on
Kindred subjects, with one on Religious Freedom In
JAPAN
Mr. Hamilton Fish, informed Mr. Mort OF tho existence
In HIS Department of the Indemnity Fund. which the
secretary said really belonged TO Japan, and should be
returned; and true to his instincts, Mr.. MoH I'M
medately replied: II that money is returned, ]
shall propose TO found with 1t great library In the
city Of Toxic" Tho money was subsequently re-
turned but tho library not created at least not
after the manner indicated
On his return TO japan Mr. Mon went by tho way
Of Europe and was thereby enabled TO profit by
further experiences in foreign lands. For brief
period after reaching homo he took no special part
in public Affairs but carefully watched tho progress OF
events In 1874 he entered the ofice OF Foroign
Affairs as the First Secretary His next position
WAS that OF Second Assistant Minister in tho Foreign
ONCE; he atterward went TO China as Minister
PlenIpotentiary; on his return home he was made
First Assistant Minister Of Foreign Affairs; and In
1870 he was accredited Minister Plcnipotentsry TO
Great Britain. This welLdeserved compliment proved
that his public career, in various positions, had won
tho approval Of his Government. Before leaving
Japan on his mission he announced change
IN the spelling OF his namo 10 that OF Manry dnose
OF his colntrymen who had been ready to cucse
his acts public man because OF his advsnced lucas,
did not scrlIpie b mako handle OF me new name
Tor their amusement But he treated their oonduce
with Indifference II would seem, indeed, that the
more his facetlous oountrymen criticised HIS political
%ors indifferent did he become TO their earpnE
The last Official position held By Mr hori w@ tha!
OF Minister VI Education, In when ne accompns,h
sus tsr received in this country are unsatisfactory
The tragedy il SAID have shocked the whole city OF
ToSio. and threw q decided gloom over tho city
dursns tho celebration OF the incoming Constitution
Tho reasons for tho assault were not pontee[ Dus
purely religious or perhaps f1nAtcsL inc Is mnlo
who had probably done than any other 20 onns
about the great change that has taken phcs IN Ile
goyspTSoHt and h.. sa ON an he very day Of
tie constitutional celebration, thereby passing m,V
tho history Of his country As patriot marry. Jus,
Issued cards Of Invitation for entertainment At MS
house in honor Of the new era Just asWnn ns o
japan and many OF those invitations were hot RECOVER
""''' ~ CHARLES LANMAN.
Washington, March IL. 1850.