The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-12-26
VISITOR FROM THE ORIENT.
Mr.. a. J. De Souza Talks of Japan and His
Native Country. Portugal.

Mr.. A. J.. de SouZa, O Portuguese gentle
man resident in Japan, was in the city yes
terday. the guest of Henry d. Pierce. on
North Meridian street. He was seen by q
Journal reporter ut Mr.. Pierce's residence.
and. with excellent English. took an active
part in the conversation that ensued.
Whether from long residence In Japan or
that his nation bears q physical resem-
blance to the Eastern one. his features mad
much of the Japanese cast, with the excep-
ton of the eyes, which were round and full
instead of oblique. as is seen in the types
whlch visit this country. His complexion
is swarthy, his hair and mustache black
and straight and his figure of medium
height and muscular. with small hands and
feet. Mr.. de Souza speaks fuently
the English, Japanese, Chinese Russian,
Spanish. Portuguese and French ton que and
shows much intelligence in conversation.
He was formerly in the diplomatic service
IN japan for his native country, and Is now
in mercantile business there.
HIS first expression was that of the kind
ly feeling which IL held toward Americans
in his adopted country. which, he said.
tude toward the political situation
in japan. Portugsrs relation is
less happy, and in telling. Of
1t he said that be wanted IL
p~ersonaIiY. he considered the people of
japan the best In the world, and that his
relations with them were harmonious in
the extreme. and that his only cause of
complain. was what q man will feel for his
native country when IL is woreted In any
He said: Portugal is now the only one
of fifteen original powers which has not
treaty rights in Japan. and her citizens. by
subjects of Japan and under her
jurisdiction in laws civic and crimi-
nal. This was brought about by
the treacherous conduct OF q Portu-
name. who allowed. BY means of a petty
trick, his Office to lapse for a sufficient
length of time to become void under the
treaty laws. Portugal has sent, through
the French minister. q protest to this sam
which no reply has boon received. The
outcome cannot yetsbe conjcctured. but it
lie hoped that it will be a just and anicable
one. v. /. Braga. who is vice-consul from
working hardest for this settlement. and,
If It is accomplished, 1t will be mainly due
to him."
From the conversation it was gathered
that there have been many public charges
of fraud and bribery in the courts of Japan,
and that that was the principal reason Of
the contention. Mr.. De Souza, however,
said that no had always been accorded the
fullest justice. and that if such bribery eX-
listed he did not know of it.
His words were all of praise for this
country. New York bewilders me,n said
he. II have read of it, but never formed q
conception of what it really was. Why. l
was almost afraid TO go on the streets
alone. like Chicago and Boston the best"
His first sight of some of Chioago's twen-
ty.two-story buildings filled him with
wonder. and he said that he never
imagined anything on so grand a scale as
that on which the worlds fair 10 planned.
1t was hard for him to understand the
business rush of this country. In Japan.
he said. when you go to see q man about
business he might attend to IT that day or
the next week; it made little difference,
while here it was done mp with q
dispatch that took the breath away. Nat
ural gas. as he saw il in Indianapolis, was
another source of wondermont, aud he said
toat he had sat and looked at it by the
hour trying to imagine how it was con-
veyed to the CRATE or stove.
He attended the Catholic Church yester-
day morning and presented himself TO
Bishop Chatard. In the afternoon q mes
senger boy broug ht to him at the horse. as
q present from the bishop, @ beautiful
rosary OF beads and cross.
HAD he sent me q check for $1,000 /
would have appreciated 1t less" he said.
Mr.. De SouZa leaves to-day and goes i'm
mediately to japan. where his business re-
ouires personal attention. but declared that
America had been so hospitable to him that
lie should return next summer to delve
into some more of its wonders.