The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1895-12-06

parents, and all his childhood was spent
IN home in which luxury and abun-
dance prsdominated-
His grandfather could ride ten miles
through his own land. and the build
ingS OF his own home covered an acre
servants IN his fathers house. and he
TO wait upon him
Shire was the eldest son and the heir
10 his fathers wealth Al IL years OF
age he was sent to a Buddhist school
and taught the doctrines and ceremoni-
ais 10 1T him for the priesthood. But
the lad was OF an inQus-ing turn OF
mind. and called upon his IDOLS Tor
proofs Of their divinity, which they
could not give.
Meanwhile his father had provided
nm with English teachers in order 10
give him broader culture. and from
one or these he learned OF the God OF
the Christians and believed in HIM. In
vain his father threatened and entrsat-
ed his son TO abjure the religion OF
Christ Shl7o only adhered the more
closely. and was finally driven from
his home.
The Ienderly-nurtured boy went forth
clad in his dainty s.Iken garments 10
face the world, which seemed 10 be all
against him. After walking 200 miles
he came 10 the house OF a missionary.
which he entered as a servant
soon afterward he made his way 70
America, undergoing the greatest p-i-
vations and hardships, both on his
Storage passage over and after he
landed in this country Blu; his Will
and ambition never failed HIN. and by
dint OF persistent effort and industry he
learned the language and made his
way through college. graduating with
distinction at Amherst last June.
He says. touchingly: When the 9th
er men received their diplomas their
parents and friends crowded about
them 10 congratulate them. but ! had
nobody, SO / took mine to my room.
and, laying il before the Lord. asked
him to bless and direct me"
After leaving college Mr.. Kuroda
came 10 Boston and entered one of the
largest retail houses as the head % the
Japanese department. and he remained
here until about two weeks ago. when
he went TO The wholesale firm which
mas now sent him abroad with full pow
or to purchase FOR them
The WEcoXeS met Kuroda for the
first time only few months ago. but
from the start they have felt keen in
terest and warm affection for him.
They are past middle age. and the
evening of theAr lives is being devoted
TO religious work. They are devoted
members Of the Clarendon street Bap-
list church. as is Mrs. Wilcox's sister.
who lives with them and makes one OF
the family. They lead in the weekly
prayer meeting. teach in the Sunday
school and their home Is permeated
with Christian influences which make
themselves felt even 10 the causal call
er.
They are helping 10 educate a young
japanese girl named Renata, who is
now in her second year at the North
field seminary. and intends TO return 10
Japan as a missionary, and assist 9TH
ers who are preparing for Christian
work.
But Kuroda has the largest place in
their hearts, and they were Oyerjoyed
when he asked them 10 adopt him II
felt all the mother love yelling up in
me-" said Mrs. Wilcox, and l thanked
God that he thought me worthy TO be
the mother of 50 noble and pure a
young man."
There was quite an affecting scene in
the Holyoke street home last evening
when Kuroda led in the family prayers.
and all united in singing God be With
You Till We Meet Again." after which
Mrs. Wilcox presented him with a lit
tie book OF Psalms, to carry with him
In his pocket. and then accompanied
him TO the station TO see him of on his
long trip.
Mr.. Kuroda expects 10 see his father
in Japan and will endeavor 20 persuade
him 10 come to this country for a visit.
IF he could see the great Niagara
Falls, the machinery In the large fac
tories, the Improvements In the homes
and public buildings" says the young
japanese, II am sure he would De more
ready TO forgive me and more open 20
the influence Of Christianity"
Kuroda hopes 20 found a fortune IN
business which viii enable him 10 pur-
sue Christian work In Japan without
remuneration. as missionary work that
y known - be done for money loses a
great part OF its effectiveness there.
His employers speak so highly OF his
business ability that he seems sure 20
be ai5le TO achieve his object
Personally this Christian japanese Is
a most attractive young man. He is p
years Of age, feet inches high.
straight and rather slightly built. HIS
face has a winning sweetness and In
tellisence q expression, he speaks
fuently and well on many subjects. and
his courtesy and arnibihty are 50 pro-
nounced that one cannot wonder that
Mr.. and Mrs. WILCOX want him for their
own son.