New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-06
THE ERA or MEIJI.

THE ERA or MEIJI.
The name of the present era-AIutsu Hito's
reign-in Japan was well chosen. "Meijr'
means enlightened peace" or "cIvilization.'
One wonders whether 1t was by happy chance or
in spirit of true prophecy that the revolution
lists of thirty years ago thus called the era
which they established In a time Of turmoil
and uncertainty by means of n coup detat
Whichever it was, time has spendidly vindi-
Gated it against all the adverse prospects and
Influences that then existed. 1t Is doubtful II
single one of the men who effected the revo-
luton of 1865 dreamed Of anything like such
"Meiji' ms the island empire now enjoys
1t IS doubtful II the history Of the world con-
tains a parallel to the wondrous development
of the japanese nation in the last thirty years
We see to-day the amazing spectacle Of peo-
pie rising from savagery or little more to high
civilization and enlightenment in a single gen
Grafton. More than that, we see for the first
time a non-Caucasinn nation recognized rs an
equal by the Caucasian Powers. 1t Is spec
tacle that may well engage the attention Of
the historian and ethnoogist, and equally OF
the practical statesman and man OF affairs.
Elsewhere in today's paper we print a more
than ordinarily interesting and Instructive arti-
William Elliot Griliis, who needs no introduce
ton as one Of the worlds foremost authorities
on Japanese affairs. In 1t we are reminded of
the vast antiquity of the Japanese Empire, Its
dynasty being doubtless the oldest now exist
ing in the world. Suggestion for speculation
as to the secret Of Japanese progress crops out
in every line; but in the end the question Is
necessarily left to speculation. Why have the
Japanese suddenly risen to n place entirely
apart from all other peoples OF the yellow
race? They are Mongols, as are the Chinese.
1t is no answer to say they are the flower of
the Mongol race. They are to-day. OF course
But their ancestors were not. The latter came
directly from COrea. and originally from Tar
tary; md rank COreans and TartarS below
the true Chinese. 1t Is scarcely conceivable
that they We're in remote antiquity superior
to all other Mongols and that every one Of
them migrated TO Japan, leaving no trace of
themselves behind in the lands which they
abandoned TO savages. Moreover, down to half
n century ago there was no special indication
Of Japanese superiority to the rest of the Mon
gols II is only since Meijl was proclaimed
that Mejl has been attained.
Then the question arises whether, as Japan
has awakened the rest Of the MOngOs may
not awaken. and the whole Chinese Empire
spring into newness Of life and light. Should
that occur the destnes Of nations throughout
the world might be materially affected. few
years ago the German Emperor. who now re-
ioices TO be known as "the Sultans friend,
raised a great warning cry in Europe against
the yellow peril" and not a few others have
feared China and Japan might some day over
run the world. This Era of Meji gives an
swer 10 such fears Enlightened Japan does
not menace the world As long as the yellow
race remains unawakened II Is no peril to MS
As soon as It becomes awakened at least IN
the case Of Japan, the possibility of its becom-
ing peril ceases There Is scarcely even an
industrial menace. japanese Workmen get far
smaller wages than our own But they are
already demanding an advance to the European
standard. and are getting II. That tact ana
the ordinary rules and conditions OF trade
amply protect the rest Of the world from Orl-
entail competition. Such Is the case In regard
to japan. and such would doubtless be the case
with regard 10 China should she, too, awaken.
No: II has been no injury nor menace to the
world 10 have Japan enter an Era or Mepi
nor would It be TO have all of China do me
same The civilization Of Japan has really
been a great benefit to the rest OF the world
II has contributed enormously 10 the general
deveIoplnent Of all that quarter Of the globe
Light from Japan has shone upon Corea ana
China and Siberia. and even upon Partner
India and the islands Of the sea. In truth, II
has gone abroad into all the world through the
hcnedcent achievements of Japanese scientists
biologists physicians and surgeons, elec-
tricians and others The anniversary inst
celebrated of the dawnlng Of that era was
VOL calculated To command the commemora-
tion of all mankind There are doubtless
Anqlo-Saxons who deem their stock superior
oven To all other Caucasans. And no DOUBT
| tho average Caucasian has feeling that that
race Is supcrior to the other great races OF the
human family. The enlightenment OF Japan
gives challenge To such notions. and empha-
sizes more than almost anything else on earth
could do the practical vitality Of the oft-quoted
.hrothcrhood Of man With Mongols rivalling
Caucasians in progress and culture the vain
nreiudices of race and blood may well he aban-
| donod The Era of Neil Is established IN
Jonan. and that fact brings the same era per
centibly nearer to all the nations OF the world.
| 7, ,mnartial Justice or Tammany favoritism 10
| -. quay In our courts? That Is the question.