The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1894-08-05

Wichita may yet cut a conspicuous
figure in the history of the war now going
on between China and Japan.
Yesterday Captain w. Z. Burgess of
this city received a letter from Major
WATSON of Iowa asking him whether he
would accompany him to Corea in the
event that he himself should accept a
position rendered TO him 10y the mikado Of
Japan as commander OK sd division in the
field" of the japanese army.
Major WATSON and Captain Burgess are
old time warm personal friends and COM
rades, and the Invita- o. is pressing one.
The captain has not yet made up his mind
nor will he until he hears again from
Major WATSON aud ascertains the induce
ment for Venturing in the fi-ld in opDoSi-
lion to country having 400. 600 900 people
During the administration OF President
Grant. while VI ,J0T WATSON was then in
The regular army, the khedive of Egypt
had asked for some bright young Ameri-
can officer TO DO cert ,in special work
General Graut, who had the highest re-
gard for Was ,On personally and great
f-li b In his military ability, sent him to
Egypt, giving hum n two years leave of alb
seuce. The reports concerning his work
We're so favorable that when WATSON re-
tut itCN AG hdS AIN SElib " a lOiClHU lJO-
tenUate, who needed Americans OF miH-
tary knowledge, experience and organizing
ability, wit b high courage attached.
General Grant, in a personal letter 20 the
emperor of Japan, said he could positively
assure him that Lieutenant WATSON pos
ed he qualities demanded.
Tuere was dangerous crisis on in
Japan just then. 1t was at this time the
present emperor was introducing the
mel hOds and IN ,nners of the western ma
lions The odd rue'' party, which was
extremely strong, objected strenuously to
these innovations upon a system !, 900
Years old, and 1t ended in a dangerous OUT
break Of the great mobiles against the
throne.
IL was a fight 10 the death between the
old ideas aud the new. Should the old
order party prevail! the emperor knew his
dynasty was ended and his life would be
the forfeit, wrn as the lives and for
tunes of all his followers OF noble rank.
IL was The crucial period for mouern ideas
10 Japan. The civilized world knew il,
but could rot Interfere, except to furnish
some ala In modern arms aud officers.
WATSON WAS a most valuable mau. His
previous experience with Oriental people
$40 him in great stead.
He was made chief of staff to a general
commanding one OF the grand divisions
of the mikado s army, and the great vic
tory, which settled the question in favor
of the present ruler, WAS planned and
fought out mainly under his direction. As
a reward for his ability the evening after
the great battle three wagon loads of the
heads of the nobility were dumped before
his tent. This was, according to the
japanese idea, delicate compliment to
the American. Wassou WAS offered high
rank in The army of the mikado, but for
private r-asOns he declined.
When the war cloud lowered over the
orient a few weeks ago, and war seemed
jnevitAbl-, the mikado of Jap,n sent di-
rections TO his munster at Washington 10
secure the services of Major Wssson for
his army, aud after some search Mr.. Was
son WAS found enjoying citizens Lille at
Des Moines, la.