Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-03-20

theories regarding the conservative Chinese
women. She is a veritable typical lady of
high rank, as Is evident from her tiny foot
which is, by actual measurement. only
three inches in length. But for all of that
she Is a bona fide end-of-the-century wom-
an She began the study of English i'm
mediately after coming here and speaks it
fairly we'll now. She assumed her social
duties very speedily and has presided with
ease and grace at the dinners and other
functions which have been given at the
legation, and she keeps a close and care
full account of all of the expenses pertain
ing to the housekeeping of her great house,
hold When II is the exclusive
life she led before coming here it can easily
has had much to learn. but che has kept
her bright. dark. almond-shaped eyes wide
open, and has shown a woman's native.
keen wit in adjusting herself so charming
ly to her changed environments.
While the Chinese always appear in their
native dress and long queues and seem to
glory In their individuality. their neighbors
from the sunrise kingdom, the japanese,
are ultra-European in dress. manner, and,
as far as possible. speech also. To meet
Minister Toru Hoshi and his secretary, Ke-
lsheiro Matsui. on Pennsylvania avenue in
their immaculate linen, their light trou-
sers. dark waistcoats and Primo Alberts.
their shining high hats fitting over their
closely trimmed locks. their patent leather
Cornelis and carrying dapper ~canes-with-
out a second glance you would surely take
them for well groomed American gentle
men.
The Japanese Minister.
OF course. this preference for European
dress has been characteristic of the jap
anese ever since their government adopted
its liberal policy, and that Minister Hoshi
should adopt it is but in keeping with the
record Of his long fight for the liberal par
will go down in japanese history as one Of
the patriots of his native land. He is
comparatively a young man yet, for he
early SOS he began to publicly urge the
extension Of popular rights and the estab-
ishment OF a representative system of
government, and was associated with Count
Itagaki in the formation of the Jiyuto par
t. the party of liberty. which is to-day
tne most important liberal organization in
Japan.
He had been appointed counselor of law
to the government. but after being in the
service two years he resigned on account
Of the conservatism of the ruling powers.
and began travelling over the country, ad-
vocating the principles of the Jiyuto party.
AT this time he established several news
fuential of the kingdom. This course of
action was not long in bringing him into
disrepute with the government, and in 1855
he passed six months in prison, on charges
that were trumpet up against him.
His Political Activity.
But this did not intimidate him. and
shortly after his liberation he was as Wig
orously working as ever. In 1887. on ac-
count Of his activity in these lines. he was
expelled from Toxic and forbidden 10
come within ten miles of the capital, and
came very nearly being imprisoned again,
but the liberal party was growing SO rap
Idly that its tenets were gaining a foot
hold even among the strongest opponents.
its adherents began to undergo a change.
In 1883 Mr.. Hoshi again visited Great
Britain and the United States Che was
partly educated in England and at that
/ time had SDen1 some months frHypiiOp in
America. in order to study constitutional
questions and republican forms of govern
the liberal party in power and he was
shortly afterward elected a member Of
the house Of representatives, and from
that time he has continued in important
official positions. and has been and is an
important factor in the politics of his
country.
A o Wife.
During all of the stormy years OF his
early career Minister Hoshi had the in
splration of a devoted wife. Nine. Hoshi
was the daughter of a distinguished Jap
arese military officer, and the love of
liberty flowed as freely in the blood Of
he. little body as 1t ever did in the veins
lieved that the cause for which her hus-
band was struggling was a righteous one
and through the years Of his prosecutions
she never wavered in the. belief that the
right would prevail.
Madame Hoshi did not speak English and
she mao not mace mucn progress toward II
when she returned to Japan, although she
season and took up her social duties very
bravely. The legation on n street is a
side. and is handsomely furnished: There
had been no lady in the legation for some
years when Madame Hoshl came. and In
honor of her coming the entire Interior Of
| the house underwent q renovation and was
finished in elegant style. The frescoing
WAS in japanese designs and much of the
furnishings came originally from Japan
1t is ar interesting place to visit. Madame
and her little son went back to Japan last
fall, but will probably return in course Of
the coming summer.