The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-08-10
THE EMPEROR's RECEPTION.
BY MRS. EDGAR LEAvITT.
(Tokyo, Japan.)

For the past few weeks there has
been much excitement in Tokyo,
caused by the announcement that the
Mikado would return from Hiroshi-
ma, the headquarters of the army,
the Both of July, at 2 P. M. Prepare
tions were being extensively made to
welcome him. Arches were erected
in different parts of the city through
which he was to pass. Promptly at
one O'Clock four kaaatnaa, little two
wheeled carriages drawn by men,
were at the door. 1t was difficult at
first to get accustomed to this mode
of travel, but when one reflects that
there are ten thousand men in Tokyo
alone who earn their living in this
way, and that the pay is better than
for many other harder occupations, he
looks upon it in different light. We
try to be kind to them, and treat
them as though they were human be-
ings, although some people use them
cruelty. They are always clean and
tidy in appearance, very polite, and
so solicitous for our every comfort.
Ny mother, Mrs. Winslow, Miss
Osborn, the lady missionary, Mr.. Lea
witt and myself were soon seated in
the k,u'uma. The men took their
places in the shafts, and off they
started on the slow trot which they
usually take. 1t is very unsocial
mode of travelling, as we always go
single file. There is great differ
ence in the speed of the men, so that
when number go out together the
man who has to be favored on &C.
count of illness or other cause takes
the lead; all the others accommodate
themselves to his gait. They are very
anxious to call our attention to things
of interest by the way, and show
much pleasure when they find they
have made us in some measure under
stand We went in sight of Shin
BASH station at which the Emperor
was to arrive, but found we must go
on as the crowd was SO great; our
men realized the situation before we
did. We let them go where they
would, being unable to direct them.
After a run of about two miles,
through a crowd of people which ex-
tended as far as the eye could reach,
they halted because of blockade.
We were in very unfavorable place.
The men talked together for awhile,
then one of them went to prospect
and came back with favorable re-
port; so they turned about, and after
going a short distance, we were mo-
toned to alight, and were shown an
opening through which we passed
and crossed over a small ditch.
In few moments we heard noise
behind us; turning we saw the car
riages lifted across the ditch. We
were again comfortably seated, to
wait half an hour. The open space
was narrow driveway, on each side
of which was slight ridge, SO that
when the first ridge was filled it was
impossible for those below to see the
main road; the next crowd had taken
the ridge beyond, leaving the road
way open. Being in the carriages we
could look over the heads of those in
front of us.
In short time we were surrounded
by wondering crowd who watched
us very closely. Miss Osborn was
reading; they were anxious to see the
book. l undertook to write but gave
it up as the lockers on had become
too thick. / now gave my attention
to the people about us. There being
no other foreigners we were the OBJ
served of all observers. In front of
us were the pupils of government
school, boys from fourteen to sixteen
years old, all dressed alike in white
clothes of foreign style, and white
caps with visors of black. They bore
flags and banners with inscriptions.
Back of them was mixed crowd of
citizens. A little to our left was a
detachment of cavalry. The day was
bright, but just before noon strong
wind sprang up which made it very
disagreeable. Although the crowd
was great there was no pushing or
loud talking. We were not met with
a cloud of tobacco smoke at every
turn. We saw many small children
in the midst of the throng, but not
one did we see trampled upon or
pushed about. The attention that
was paid to the children by the ia
theirs and mothers was very noticea-