New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-05-31
KIOTO, THE JAPANESE MECCA.
THE HOLY CITY WHERE THE CZAREwITCH WAS
woUNDED-THE BUDDHIST SUPREME
PONTIFE


The recent attempt on the life Of the Czarewtci
in Japan has deepened the interest taken in TIL
struggle going on in that country between the partisan
of the old and the order Of things. Among the
many narratives, descriptions and stories lately pub
lished in Europe about Japan, one Of the mos
picturesque has been furnished to the journal de'
Debats," of Paris, by friend who had resided during
the last few years In the Eastern Empire few
extracts from his contribution to the famous and more
than centenarlan Paris paper may prove interesting
Long before the arrival Of the Czarewtch in Japan
|, the newspapers of Toxic filed their columns with
comments on his approaching journey. One Of them
the Hotsh Shimbun," widely circulated sheet, and
the organ of the Liberal party said in its number OF
February last "Thc Cars son is coming to Japan
evidently with the intention Of surveying some portion
Of territory, which will be snatchcd from u.s.
afterward by Russia" 1t is easy understand how
those indictments Of political nature, combined with
religious effervescence may have led fanatic to
satisfy, by attempt against the Czarewtch, the
hatred of the low classes in Japan toward the bar
barians" of Europe
Kioto, the scene of the assault is the holy city Of
the Empire, the one where can be seen the true
"Nippon." 1t is kind OF intrenched camp, and a
Mecca Of Buddhism. Formerly, it was named Myako,
that is 1.-THE Capital" For many centuries the En-
perors resided there, surrounded by courers whose
great preoccupaon to shave of their eyebrows
and TO keep their teeth well lacquered" The Bones,
or priests made Of the city vast pagOda where they
ruled like kings sparing nothing in order to dazzle the
eyes and inspire fear and respect 1t is there despite
the fire which devoured portion of Koto, during the
struggle for the attempted restoration in 1868 of the
Imperial power, that people must go, If they are
anxious TO see Japanese architecture in all its splendid
luxury and TO understand the degree Of fanaticism
prevailing among certain Buddhist sects. Here Is,
for instance, Hongouandz the principal temple Of the
"Montoo sect II is divided in two parts, one is the
oth fha ,ba
priest supreme pontf The temple proper is an
immense wooden building, supported by columns three
feet in diameter But 1t IS not there that you must
look for ornaments and luxury. Buddha did not need
them and the grand priest has reserved them for him
self It's residence inside and outside with
admirable sculptures; the great reception paror is
twenty-five feet long, and thrtyhve feet wide with
the throne Of the pontf at the further end. The
walls were painted by the most celebrated artists
Of the thirteenth century The Hall OF Fans
has its ceiling entirely covered with fans of
every imaginable shape and color. There are
also the Hall of Books, the Hall Of Cranes and many
Others in which the decorating artists have displayed
Incredible patience and erudltl0n Their works repre-
sent tie tales OF strange mythology.
The grand priest OF kloto a power which the
Government must take into account. lie can at any
moment raise formidable army OF monks and TIE
history OF Japan IS ned with the narratives OF civil
wars fomented by the Bones OF Hongouandz and
Hiyezan. Every year, In the months OF May and June
there in Kioto some 100000 pilgrims, who come
from all parts Of the country having travelled some
times. 500 or 900 miles on foot begging along the
road for few handuls Of rice. II is customary for
the grand priest TO pass professionally horseback
once year, through the streets Of K0tp and all those
who so fortunate as 10 see him, or even portion
OF his vestment purified from all their sins Jhlough
that contemplation. on those occasions, the
pageant gorgeous in the extreme aud the whole city
keeps up the festival. so long the pilgrims remain
at Kioto The excitement is so intense that il would moi
be safe for foregner 10 mT too freely in the thrng
The inhabitants OF the provinces Of Yamato, YamasiO
and Ise aro strong fanatics and foreigners must ex-
ercse great circumpecon. taking care especially not
to trespass upon the ritee II member Of the Car
ceremony trod with his shoes upon the sacred mats
on the floor OF temple, II would have been enough 10
inclte fanatic 10 avenge liuddha 10 Is on account
OF mpfudence Of this kind, that Mr.. Sori. Minister
VI Public Instruction who was known 10 be Protes-
tant. was assassinaed two years ago II Is TO be re-
nembered also that In the beginning OF this year. the
Russian Legation at TOXIC was stoned by a band Cd
sosh' belonging ~ the lowest class OF people, whose
txea idea Is " persscute forcigners.