The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1890-12-30
JAPAN AND CIVILIZATION.

Quite recently rumor reached Yoke
hama, Japan, that Lord SALISBURY had de-
parted from the well known British policy
of refusing to acknowledge Oriental ma
tons as civilized, and was about to con-
clude treaty with Japan, in which it was
to be conceded that all British subjects re-
siding in that country should be brought
under Japanese jurisdiction. The rumor
created considerable excitement among the
English residents Of Japan, and meeting
was called in Yokohama, which was largely
attended, not only by English residents of
that city but from the surrounding country.
The result of the meeting was the passage
of a resolution to the effect that in the
present condition of affairs it was not wise
or best to entrust the interests of British
subjects into the hands of the japanese.
Such an action very naturally gave UNI
bragg to the latter, and large meetings have
been held by the natives, at which the
English residents have been denounced, one
indignant orator declaring that death was
not enough for the leaders in such an out
rageous movement against the honor and
welfare of their country. A number of
native Christians have suggested that pc
tition be drawn up and signed by all the
native converts to Christianity, asking the
Queen of England to give her assent and
influence to the recognition of Japan as an
equal among the civilized nations of the
earth.
Why England should withhold such recog-
milton to the nation which OF all others in
oriental lands is the most advanced in all
that constitutes civilization, is difficult to
understand. True, Japan is not Chris
tian nation; but is Christianity necessary
to what the world recognizes as civiliza-
ton We doubt it. Rome, Greece, As
syria, Egypt, are recognized as civilized.
though they knew nothing Of Christianity.
But Christianity aside, Japan can teach
even England some Things in relation to
civilization. The notable revolution which
occurred few years ago in Japan, by
which that ancient, absolute monarchy was
changed to a constitutional government;
the grace with which the crown head
yielded up prerogatives held by his impe-
rial forefathers for more than a score of
centuries, and that too without coercion or
compulsion. without war or bloodshed, Is
lesson not only to England but to all
Europe, especially to Russia, whose people
are clamoring in vain for what the Emperor
of Japan so graciously gave his subjects.
Such revolution alone bespeaks high
order of civilization.
Then, so far as the Japanese have &C
cepted Christianity they seem to have an
exalted conception of its obligations; and
those who have not yet received it manifest
no disposition to ostracise those who have.
In proof of this, it is only necessary to say
that while the number of Christians in
Japan is about one in one thousand, and in
no province DO they approach majority,
yet there have been eleven members of
the house of representatives chosen
from their number; and there are also
three me mbers of the house of peers who
are profeased Christians. 1t is also said
that among the most prominent candidates
for the Office of president of the house of
representatives two of them are Chris
tians, and there is some prospect of one of