Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1895-02-21
CHRISTIANITY AND THE WAR.

Rev. I'll. Loomis, writing from Yoko-
hama, Japan, under recent date, says:
A visit just made to Southern Japan
has been one of the most interesting
and pleasant experiences that have
met with in this country. There is no
question in my mind that Japan is
destined to place herself among the
leading nations, and cut loose from
Oriental conservatism in both political
and religious life.
The econsummation of the treaty with
England has evidently caused great
satisfaction, and it now seems to be
the policy of those in power to show
that they are animated by the same
spirit that peryades other and Chris
tian nati6 ms. The orders issued by
Count Oy amr to the soldiers are all
that cou d be expected or asked from
any Ch, istian power, and have never
been exceeded in pure generosity to-
ward conquered foe.
And these orders are simply the ex-
preston of the same kindly and un-
resentful spirit that is manifest in the
actual treatment of the sick and
wounded who have fallen into the
Japanese hands. AT the hospitals in
Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Hirosima
l saw the same care given to the
Chinese captives that was bestowed
upon their own people. And it was
evidently the purpose to show these
men and the world that Japan has en-
tered upon new and brighter era,
and the barbarous usages of the past
were forever abandoned.
One thing is certain and that is the
whole country is united in this strug-
gle, and no sacrifice of money or life
is permitted to stand in the way of
success. In completeness of equip
ment, in celerity of movement, and
in devotion of all to the success of
their cause there has been no lack. 1t
is, in fact, like the case of Germany
in the conflict with France. And be-
cause of such unity of heart and COM
pleteness of preparation the Japanese
have swept everything before them.
1t is too early to foreten what will
be the result. AS far as can now be
seen, it will strengthen the present
administration and give precedence
to advanced ideas in civilization and
religion like nothing else. The anti
foreign and unprogressive spirit will
be buried out of sight. The doctrines
of Confucius and other Chinese sages
will lose their influence, and the life
and teaching of Him who is the Light
of the world will be studied and fol-
lowed as never before. Probably
also the English language and litera-
ture will become more and more pop
ular, and in this way will be introduced
much of Christian thought and in
fluence.
This does not mean, however, that
Japan is to become Christian nation
at once. There are still mountains OF
ignorance and prejudice to remove
The masses are still ignorant of the
simplest essentials of Christian truth.
But it does mean that as nation they
are facing toward the Sun of Right
eousness, and the thoughtful ruling
men no longer look with favor on the
systems that have prevailed SO long In
the land and have failed to elevate anC
purify the hearts and lives of the peo'
pie.
This means, then, to the workers il
Japan larger and brighter outlook
for the future and greater response.
bility for the use of the wisest and
most effective means of evangelizinf
the people. This is now an imperative
duty, and the religious future of the
country depends upon the efficiency oI
the men and means now being used to
spread the knowledge of Christ and
his salvation.
But not to Japan alone is this g
momentous struggle. 1t means, as far
as can now be seen, new life ane
civilization for Korea. No one who
has closely watched the conduct oi
Japan can doubt but that it is her pur-
pose to make an end of the wretche6
state OF political corruption that has
SO long cursed and impoverished thai
unfortunate people. And when the
obstacles were found to be too greai
for the men engaged in the work Of
reconstruction, one of the first states
men of Japan was appointed to take
the charge of this most difficult and i'm
portant undertaking.
And so Count Inouye gave up hi
post as Minister of Home Affairs, ant
with two Christian associates has gone
to Korea TO fully establish a new ant
better order of things. No better maj
could have been found for such a po'
sition, and his appointment means tina
this country is determined that hel
demand for better order of things IL