The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1894-10-13
MEETS THE MIKADO
TIE JAPANESE CONSUL GENERAL IN
NEW YORK DESCRIBES 1T.
How He Was Presented to the Emperor
of Japan-But They Did Not Speak as
They Passed By-Court Etiquette and
Dress.
Especial Correspondence.l

Especial Correspondence
NEW YORK, Oct. 81 have been in the
presence OF the mikado of Japan, have
stood upon the same rug with his imperial
majesty.
The ceremony attending my presenta.
ton was formal and dignified, of course,
as was consistent with the occasion. yet
there was no unnecessary show or pOmp.
The presentation was conducted in perfect
silence. ! did not speak to the emperor,
nor did he speak to me. a number Of
court dignitaries, including ministers OF
state and members of the royal household,
were grouped about the sovereign, YET
during my presence in the audience hall
not a word was uttered. / simply advanc-
ed TO where his majesty stood and bowed
three times. I did not bow to the ground,
as many seem to think, but merely in
clined my head and body slightly, just as
you or 1 would bow here in America, or,
for that matter in Japan, TO lady.
The mikado, a young, athletic man Of
handsome and elegant presence, graceful
ly returned my obeisance, and L retired.
Thus was presented to Japan's ruler
few days before sailed for America bear
ing official papers which made me consul
general in New York TO his imperial Jap
anese majesty.
Court Etiquette.
Were I writing an account of my pres
entation TO the mik;ldo for japanese read
ers the bare outline which ] have given
would be sufficient. But as have been
requested to write up" the incident for
people who can meet their chief of state
at any time who may even clasp his hand
and hold converse with him as man to
man, it may be necessary to give few
details and an explanation of why at
tach importance to having been in the
presence of Japan's chief of state
In America it is no misdemeanor, in
decd no one is even surprised, when citi-
zen, meeting the president at one of his
public receptions, slaps him on the back,
and with jocular familiarity reminds him
Of some adventure in which they were
chums in their college days. In Japan,
however, a subject guilty OF such conduct
would be instantly carried to an insane
asylum, If not to prison. Our emperor,
10 be sure, is rapidly adopting European
and American customs, but he is not yet
sufficiently liberal TO allow liberties such
as these.
II is related of an ambassador who, hav-
ing just returned to the court of King
James from Persia, described to the king
how he had been obliged to ride into a
certain city sitting backward on the back
OF mule
What perfectly complete iackass you
two must have looked liker' remarked the
king.
We'll, you see, my liege, the embas-
sador replied, Eve were representing your
majesty."
Even though the emperor of Japan has
put into practice many of the customs of
European courts, he is not prepared-at
least not just veto tolerate such levity
even from his most favored ambassadors
He will meet his direct representatives as
] have described, but no one is allowed to
speak to him excepting members of the
royal household and his ministers. The
remainder of his 40, 600, 900 subjects are
not even permitted to enter the gates of
the imperial palace For these reasons,
thus briefly recorded, my presentation to
the emperor was conducted in perfect 81
lence.
Reception to Foreign ambassadors.
/ have been asked to say how the mika-
do receives Europeans and Americans. 1
am happy TO say that our emperor receives
representatives of foreign countries and
especially representatives of America,
with the utmost cordiality and hospitality
lie receives an American ambassador with
the same simplicity and kindly greetings
as attend the reception of our own min
listers in this country by the president
OF course, when an American of more than
usual distinction visits Japan the mika-
do welcomes and entertains him as a guest
OF particular honor
General Grant, who at the time Re tray
eled through Japan was one Of the most
men in the whole world. was
received by the mikado as an equal Ev-
cry possible overture was made in his hon
or The mikado recognized General