Evening star., 1899-04-01
Respect for the Flag.


II is this exile-this having to perform
duties that are beyond the public observa
tion and to some extent outside the pub
lie sympathy. often in the most pestilential
regions of the globe, where We stand guard
over the commercial rights of our country
men, or on the remote frontiers of civiliza-
ton. where we stand for the greater power
of right and protection to those dOmiciled
thcre-that makes our country SO grand TO
us and our respect for its flag profound.
The flag. too. has a personality to US. 1T
represents the majesty Of our government
Of the people and their great power. AS
he symbol Of freedoms home ii excites en-
thusiasm wherever it is shown abroad, and
in the hearts of its freemen defenders there
is felt love and admiration for what it
represents that is apt to be overlooked by
those who live where these privileges are
not so esteemed as by those of US who, ac-
cUstomed to long service abroad, are able
to compare these advantages with those
of other countries, where much of our lives
have to be passed.
The Niagara reached Japan in the late
fall and proceeded to YeddO, as then known,
but as Toxic in this day. Oar presence
was most welcome and our reception by the
government of Japan was just as cordial
and just as hOspitable as that of our gov
ernment TO their embassy. The temple of
NSiogee. in the city Of Yeddo, was fitted up
for the reception and entertainment of our
officers
The great city of Yeddo was laid out
daily during our stay into interesting Gis-
tricts for visits of inspection.
The routes along which We were escorted
We're, as rule, closely packed with ma
tiYes. who We're curious TO see the white
foreigner for the first time in their lives
But in no instance during these excursions
was any incivility or rudeness manifested
though on all sides there was that natural
curiosity to get d closer look at the long
haired white man. In this the pretty jap
aneSe woman was, as rule, more conspic-
uOus than the man, and | dare say there
are many matrons living now in Toxic who
can remember bright button conferred in
response to some roguish Importantly.
Long Trip Home.
After cur mission had been completed and
the presents from our government to that
of Japan had been landed, We started on
our return to Chinese waters in the winter
of 1s6O-61. Reaching Hong Kong. the
United States minister, Mr.. Ward, had an
thority to return to the United States. and
the Niagara was directed to take him TO
India. and thence to the mouth of the Rad
sea, where he took steamer for Eurona an1
ultimately home.
This duty performed. the Niagara nro-
ceeded from Alden to the Comoro Islands
northwest of Madagascar and lastly n
Cape Town, in South Africa Our VOICE.
home was in length somewhat longer thsn n
that going out, and nothing was known Of
the fall election that had already taken
place, although there was considerable any
iety on board among the officers and nnen
as our complement included many fronn
both sections.
On the day of the election, however. n
vote was taken on board ship, with the
result that Mr. Lincoln received a ma
Jority of the votes cast. Until the shin
had reached the highlands of Cape Cod
Massachusetts, we were in utter Ignorance
In the China seas. ~
The abserce of ships. however. along our
coasts about the latitude of Cape Hatteras
as we were approaching home caused pain