The Washington times., 1894-10-14
He Is the Genius in Command of Ja-
pans Marine Forces.
SKLLLFULL AND SUCCESSFUL
Something About the Man Who Plays Most
Important Part in the Present War with
China-Added to His Personal Bravery
Is q Modern Military Technique.


years than the biographies of some of the men
who are to-day most prominent among her
statesmen and soldiers, and whose hands are
directing the war now being waged with the
Flowery Kingdom. 1t is difficult to imagine
that men still in the prime OF life, who to-day
are regarded as rivalingin craftsmanship and
military skill their American or European
contemporaries, should also have figured in
the wild scenes of barbarism that marked
what is called the "ancent regime" of Japan,
and that preceded and led up to the European
ization of the Mikado's domain. 1t is nev er-
theless true that many of the most progressive
men OF the Japan of to-day have borne their
share in times past in incidents that seem
| properly to belong to the middle ages.
One of the most picturesque figures in
pubic life to-day is Count Saigo, minister OF
state for the marine, who exercises supreme
authority over the japanese navy, and to
whose skilfully devised plans the great naval
victory OF the japanese fleet at the mouth of
the Yalu River was in a large measure due.
He is not merely the civilian head OF the navy
| department, but has studied the art OF war in
all its phases and has proven his personal
courage and resourcefulness in more than
one thrilling episode.
Count Saigo is member Of the famous old
Satsuma clan. which in ancient feudal times
| was probably the most powerful in Japan and
which, in conjunction with the clan OF
Choshiu. effected the overthrow of the dual
government of the Shotgun and Tenno, and
restored the Mikado to his traditional power
| and prestige. The Satsuma men have always
| been noted as statesmen and soldiers. Usu-
ally of large stature and splendid physical
Il aAl INV
singularly amIable traits, and are even now
distinguished for their soft voices, engaging
manners, and great intelligence.
Born in 1913 Count Saigo was but twenty
four years old when the great struggle for
the overthrow of the Shogunate began in 1867,
but he was at once recognized as one OF the
leading spirits OF the undertaking. The
Satsuma and Choshiu clans made a common
cause in their effort 10 restore the Mikado 10
his throne, and young Saigo conceived des-
psrate plan to bring to their side the follow
ers of several other territorial mobiles, whose
attitude was neutral rather than friendly.
! Saigo maintained that those who were not
for the Mikado should be counted as against
him. and proposed challenge of joint de-
| bate with the leaders OF the other clans. In
which it should be determined whether they
would Join with the Satsumas and Choshius,
or remain neutral The meeting was ar
1 ranged to take place in the upper story of
sjastic fellow soldiers, VINO were willing to
die in the cause, entered into a secret plot 10
kill the leaders of the opposition unless they
succeeded in winning them over to the MI
kado by argument.
Though outnumbered ten to one, Saigo and
his comrades maintained a warm discussion
with their opponents, until it became clear
that there was no hope of inducing them 10
join the imperialists. Then, at given sig
nal, the lights were suddenly eXtinguished,
and Saigo and his followers drew their long,
sharp swords and falling on their knees
welded them with terrible effect. Though
well armed their opponents were taken by
surprise, and when the desperate fight in the
dark was over only Sago and single one OF
mis- men remained alive. Making their way
to a window, they descended by means OF a
lattice, but found themselves surrounded by
a crowd that had been attracted by the shrieks
OF the dying men in the room above. The
fearful aspect OF both Saigo and his com
rade, who were covered with blood, terrified
the crowd to such an extent that the desperate
men easily fought their way through and es-
capped. The effect of the death OF the leaders
OF the neutral clans was so salutary that those
who remained at once declared for the
Mikado and the Shogunate was destroyed.
Sago's next achievement was almost as re-
markable as that just described. In 1874
Japan determined that the natives of For
mosa, an island off the coast OF China. about
100 miles from Annoy, should be severely pun
ished for the atrocities committed by there
upon shipWrecked Japanese sailors, a num-
ber of whom had been killed and eaten by
the Formosans, who practiced cannibalism.
FormosB was Chinese possession. but the
government at Pekin asserted its inability to
regulate or punish the natives, and Japan ac-
cordngiy sent special commission to the
Tsung Ii Yamen, or imperial council OF
China, to demand satisfaction for the dam
ages inflicted by the Formosans, the leader,
Count Soyeshima, a member of the Satsumas,
declaring that Japan would take the matter
into her own hands il China failed to act
promptly.
Prince Kung, the head of the Yamen, re-
piled that China would not object to Japan's
undertaking to punish the Formosans, where
upon Soyeshima requested him to repeat the
statement which he did, and it was recorded
by the japanese commissioners. who at once
started for Toxic. An expedition headed by
Count Saigo was organized without delay,
and among the volunteers were Lieut.. Com.
Cassell, OF the Uuitod States Navy, Gen. LIE
Gendre, retired officer of the United States
Army, and a Mr.. Wasson, who was graduate
OF West Point. Tho American steamship New
York, of the Pacific Mail Line, was chartered
for the SERVICE as was also a small British
vessel.
Gen. LIE Gendre was chosen for this under
taking on account OF an extraordinary exploit
of his in Formosa in 1872, which reads like
one of Munchausen's tales, but which is abso-
lutely true in every detail. He was then serv-
ing as United States consul to Annoy, and was
instructed to try TO negotiate treaty with the
| Formosans to protect the lives of American
castaways
Accompanied by body guard of Chinese
he landed on the island and made his way to
the chief settlement of the natives. A small
band Of Formosans saw the party approach
ing and ran forward to attack them with their
spears. The Chinese fed in alarm and LIE
Gendre. giving himself up for lost, In his
agitation dropped out glass eye which he
wore in place of the one he had lost in the
war of the rebellion. The eye fell in his
hand and he at once restored 1t to its place,
but the natives, recognizing in this phenome-
non performance of a real god, fell on their
faces and refused to rise until he had sum-
moned his Chinese interpreter and explained
the nature of his errand. The Formosans
quickly gave all the pledges desired, and 1t is
said thenceforth white men were never mo-
lested on the island.
When China learned that an expedition
against Formosa was actually under way she
withdrew the consent she had Informally
given, and protested to the japanese cabinet
and TO the American minister. Mr.. John A.
Bingham, against the proposed invasion of
her territory. The minister at once notified
the Americans that the neutrality laws of the
United States and the treaties with China for
bade them to take part in what was techni-
caly an act of war upon the latter country
and the japanese cabinet, after stormy ses-
sion. decided to abandon the enterprise The
messenger selected to take this intelligence to
Saifr Ilnol