The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-03-10
JAPAN BY JIN-RIKI-shA.
Interesting Talk Before the congre-
gationaI Club by the Rev.
G. G. Porter.

Though a stormy evening the attendance
was quite large. and the main hall which. In
the lack Of parlors, was used for the social
hour, was quite we'll filed with a goOdly
company, manifestly inclined to sociality.
Grace was said at the table by Rev. A. H.
Wright. the supper. under the manage
ment of new caterers, l.. ]. Perkins & Son
deserved the many concentrations expressed
and the service at the tables was admirably
carried out by a choice company Of walters.
who won many compliments for the easy.
graceful and attentive manner In which they
met the wants of the guests.
The business of the evening, in addition
to routine items, included the election to
membership Of James w. Parker and the in
statement Of Rev. A. II. Wright.
To shape an introduction so that speaker
aud auditors shall feel at home is not the
easiest matter. but certainly there was no
failure on this point In the genial and felicit-
presented the guest Of the club and speaker
of the hour, Rev. Edward G. Porter of Lex
ington, Mass. who spoke on the topic,
Through Japan by Jin-rikisha."
The foreign tourist may visit freely treaty
ports in Japan, but outside of these few
coast cities he cannot go without govern
ment permission. not easily obtained. But
once the government gives liberty to travel
aud passport to prove yourself In rightful
possession Of this liberty there is welcome
everywhere.
No other country in Asia is quite equal in
interest Ito Japan, the empire of the rising
sun; not even China nor India is Its peer In
all that attracts and absorbs the intelligent
traveller No nation in the werld has so
long national history as Japan. From the
days of Isaiah and Assyria. up to the present
time, one dynasty has held sway over the
Japanese people. The Japanese have got
the start Of China and Of the whole East in
modern progress, this wonderful, new, ORR
entail life. So the foreigner gets into SYM
pathy with Japan far more readily than
with any other eastern country. On islands.
coast and inland. the country possesses un-
rlvalled scenic attractions, combining the
finest features of European countries.
The traveller In Japan depends mainly on
the jinrikisha, wheelbaIrow chaise with
springs for ease and hood and "boot" for
protection. 1t Is one-seateG (rarely two
seated vehicle. One feet man pulls this
carriage, or pull man car, at two cents a
mile, aud six miles an hour. Quite comfort
able conveyances with very faithful and
feet horses, changed duly for long routes.
The roads are beautiful everywhere, built
with rare engineering skill, climbing noun
tains, crossing streams. using tunnels at
need, perfect roads.
AS you journey out into the country there
Is no little farming, for four-fifths Of the
Japanese till the soil, and some with honest
sweat their honest rice. There is diligence
everywhere. In all departments Of agricul-
tural and mechanical labor, you find men
busy and faithful.
The villages are numerous and pretty. The
inns are pleasant, with courtesy and care In
every department.. There is no furniture to
mention, but neatness beyond compare-and
tea and comfort always. Rice, meats, 200
kinds of edible fish Of all colors, and never
poor, fruits of many kinds are served on
their tables. No spoon, knife or fork at the
country inns, but chop sticks like two slen-
der lead pencils for conveying the food.
The houses. gardens and grounds are so un-
American, all in miniature, but they are
tasty, attractive and indescribably pretty.
The temples are architectually attractive
with charming parks and grounds. but they
are the scenes Of superstitious and debas-
ing idolatry.
Trade is lively in Japan and the traveller
Is delighted by one feature, the great rela-
tive number OF book stores. The number Of
English speaking Japanese is very large and
rapidly increasing, and the government Is
now requiring that in all grade, of schools
where the kindergarten English shall be
taught.
Education Is making most remarkable ad
yances in Japan. The college of Mr.. Neesima
has found great favor In the government,
more than SIC, 600 having been given In jap
an for this alone, this Christian university.
The speaker showed rare, ancient, gold
coin contributed toward the endowment Of
this college, by poor man in a far off corner
OF the country. The coin, very valuable on
account Of its rarity and age, is likely to be
bought by some one desiring to help the col
lege. 1t can be had for $1,000.
Girls are becoming educated and are CIV
ing proof OF their power to become scholars.
The schools are, In buildings, grounds and
methods, standards and acquisitions remark
able.
The Japanese now build their own rail-
roads and run their trains. They build and
operate their steamboats, and the companies
pay as high as Is per cent dividend on their
annual earnings.
The medical profession Is taking already
high rank In the empire, their leading prac-
titioners going to Germany for their educa-
ton. Hence the German language prevails
| in medical books and lectures. In military
matters French tactics and models prevail,
and the French tongue Is the military Ian
guage OF japan. In all other matters
faVorte hnssa daesu spsssS sSd hi tas
is destined to be the ruling language of this
| grand and rapidly rising empire. Christian
ity. which fourteen years ags could not count
| score OF adherents, now numbers over sc, 900
| adherents In Japan.
We have given but a hint of this clear,
| graceful and most attractive address. Such
| an hour of travel talk Is indeed a rare treat,
and the club found the time available all too
| short for what they wanted to hear. Ques.
tions poured In as the address proper closed,
and these drew out answers of great interest
| regarding Japan aud its people.
The thanks Of the club for the charming
and most valuable address Of the evening
| were moved by j. +. Chute and heartily ex.
tended to the speaker by rising vote.
| The club holds its next meeting the second
| Monday in April.