The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-22
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN JAPAN.
Omcial Discl aimer of Any Intention to In
terfore with Creeds.

Omcial Disclaimer of Any Intention to In
terfore with Creeds.
WARRINGTON. Aug. 21.-secretary Nakagawa
OF the Japanese Legation questions the accu-
raey Of the report that his government has Is
sued a decree. compelling all sects. whether
Christian or pagan. to bow to the DEGREES OF
local governors OF Japan. In the absence OF
Minister Komura. Secretary Nakagawa said
to-day:
Previous to the new treaties entered into by
japan with other governments all foreigners
in Japan were subject only to the laws Of their
countries and could not be tried by Japanese
courts. The churches and church property OF
foreigners were also subject only to the gov
ernments to which the heads OF the churches
belonged. Under the new conditions. how
ever. all church property Of foreigners must be
registered with tho japanese officials in tho
same way in which the Japanese church prop
erty 10 registered. and the foreigners must
conform to the same laws that the japanese
do In their religious work.
There is no intention on tho part OF the
Japanese government to interfere with the re-
liRious creeds and beliefs OF Foreigners and.
whatever may be snid to the contrary. foreign
ers In Japan can worship as freely in their
churches as they can In Washington. and will
be in no way restricted by the japanese OH
cials. only they must conform to a few require
ments regarding registration which will not
hamper them but will be beneficial in afford
ing them the protection OF the government"
Secretary Nakagawa's statements were en-
dorsed by Durham White Stevens. the coun-
oellor Of the legation. who said emphatically
that the Japanese government had no inten-
ton OF restricting foreigners in the freedom Of
worship.
SEATTLE. Wash. Aug. 2o-The Government
OF Japan has taken charge Of the religions OF
the Empire. The Home Department has
issued decree which went into effect on Aug.
4. DOM polling all sects. whether Christian or
pagan. to bow to the DEGREES OF the local gov
ernors OF Japan. This law is now being en-
forced and there is CONSERVATION In religious
circles. The pronunciamento says that any
person desiring to engage In the teaching Of
religion must forward to the local
Governor all particulars concerning his church.
its finances. the scheme Of faith. plan OF extern
sion and the personal and religious history OF
the applicant and other officers connected with
that church.
All who desire to establish or build temple.
church. preaching or lecture house. for relig-
ious purposes. must apply for permission.
furnishing following particulars Why such
building is necessary date when building will
be completed: name Of building, whore
btuateu anu all nccesSary Information relat-
ing to the land and building and also the plan
OF the structure: the name OF the religion.
method OF its control and maintenance; when
there is chief preacher. his qualifications and
method OF his election. II the build
ing is not completed within the term
stated by the applicant. the permit will be null
and void. II preachers are to be changed or
the number Increased. or II any change occurs
bearing on any OF the tencts or plans, or
anything connected with the faith; II it is
desired to move the building. or II anything
else is wanted the preachers or those in charge
must go to the Governor for permission. Even
II the sect 10 TO 60 out OF existence. the Cover
nor must likewise have his say about 1t.