The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1896-11-03
JAPAN's DAY.
Our Friends the Japanese Celebrate
the Natal Day of Their Emperor,
Mutsu.


Throughout Honolulu to-day the
Japanese in our midst are celebrat-
ing tho anniversary Of the birth OF
their Emperor. The Government
aud all foreign diplomats and Con-
sular representatives are courteously
assisting in adding eclat to the oc-
casion.
The reception at Consul General
Shimamura's this afternoon will
probably be one OF the events Of the
year, and one not to be forgotten
by those who participate in it.
Mutsu Hito, the present Emperor,
was born on November 3, 1852. and
succeeded to the throne Of his an
cestors on the 18th February, 1867,
being crowned on October 13, 1868.
The heir to his throne is his son
Prince Yoshi Hito, who was born on
August 81, 1879, and installed Crown
Prince on November 3, 1879.
A distinguished English writer
has thus written OF Japan, that ma
tion with future:
''In the present condition OF jap
an, we have before us the great
miracle of the nineteenth century;
for the country is one which, within
the lifetime of single generation,
has not merely de Orientalized it.
self, but has also placed itself we'll
in the first rank ofthe Great Powers
of the civilized world, and can now
teach many valuable lesson even
to old European States. In the arts
OF peace, not less than those OF war,
has the Island Empire rushed to the
front in the short space OF thirty
five years.
While it has astonished the world
by the efficiency and perfection of
its naval and military organization,
it has not less charmed the world
by its humanity in battle and by its
moderation in the hour Of victory.
Success has not for moment caus-
ed it to lose its head.
at has shown wisdom and fore
thought as we'll as grit and dash;
and looking TO the patriotism of the
people, the able character Of the
rulers, the unRagging national in
dustry, the resources Of the country,
and the methods by which it's pres
ent position has been attained, it
seems certain that Japan will con.
tinue on the course OF her marvel
lous advance, and will speedily be-
come one Of the most important
factors in the fashioning Of the
worlds history.
"Already she may be said to have
mounted to the level Of Italy and
Russia; she will not, we may be sure,
fail to attain the higher level occu-
pied by Great Britain, France, Ger
many, and the United States"
And here in Hawaii how wonder
ful has been the progress of this
race. They have been with us prac-
tically but for a few short years,
but who can predict their future in
Auence over us in diplomacy and
commerce. In commercial lines
they are already formidable rivals
with all ether nations dealing with
us. la diplomacy, acute, observant,
polite and strong they may be pa
tiently awaiting the issue Of events
across the sea to make suggestions
OF closer alliance with the Hawai-
ian Nation. Who can tel2 They
may perhaps believe that it is to
their interest and ours that Hawaii
should remain independent rather
than to no annexed to the United
States.
lu the meantime we hope that all
our present and past government
officials will wear their japanese
decorations to-day, and attend the
Consul. Generals reception this af-
ternoon, joining with The INDEPEN-
DENT in extending the hand of
friendship to the Japanese nation