The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-03-19
JAPAN'S POETESS
LAUREATE DYING.

Talk about the new woman or the oc-
cident, Why. in Japan the oppressed
sex runs nearly everything. particular
ly the Office of poet laureate. This post
IN Japan is not the meager Office with
tun OF wine and a beggariy salary at
tached that il is in England. but q
courtly position with a title and much
honor and gold appertaining thereto.
The present laureate is the crowned
poetess. Seisko." Every year the poet
ess is. in accordance with the rules OF
her office. expected 10 contribute poem
TO be read at the New Years celsbra-
ton held by the emperor.
Now word reaches Nine. Seisko's
American eompatriots that she is lying
very III in her palace in Jeddo. For 50
years she has never failed 10 present
the annual poem which has been one OF
the features Of the great imperial New
Years festivals The nikado the
princes Of the blood and all the minis
ters there listen in admiration to the
reading
The 18th OF January Is the most inter
esting day OF this festival Y Is a sort
OF poetical tournament IN which even
the poorest peasant. IL lowered with
S~'-'Ns'f may AARE FaEA. competitive
poems must be sent 70 Nine. Seisko. She
selects the best OF these for reading be
fore the emperor and empress. who Sc
ieet the four best for prizes.
The tournament was opened last year
with cantata the words Of which were
by the mikado himself. who is a pupil OF
Nine. Seisko. The emperor displaved
more nervousness over the presentation
OF this cantata than over many an af-
fair of state in with the nation fig
ured. for the most merciless II the most
polite critics in the world are the Jan
anese. and when % comes to poetry not
even royal rank is any protection against
their wit. Although his serene highness
had carefully coached each OF the per
formers. he was a little nervous lest
stage fright hoarseneSs or some other
untOward circumstance should mar MIS-
beautiful verses. and as precaution ne
limited that the headsman would De be-
hind the scenes with his AK and block
70 attend to any stumblers
All went of beautifully. however
Nine SeiskO said il Was very nice
poem for an amateur. and ali went mer-
rily as spring millinery opening The
emperor was so tickled at his success
that he declared his intention OF going
To work at once on a more ambitious
effort-a grand opera perhaps. II Nine.
Seisko would kindly lend her assist
ance. Nine. Seisko graCiously assented
and the mikado was confident that ere
he was through ne would rival the ef-
forts Of the western barbarian Wagner.
Now that the great laureatess Is III. the
mikado is in despair. She is % years
old. and not only is she called the tenth
muse of Jeddo. but she is allied with
the nOblest families OF the empire.
She is the sister Of the Baron Samrno
Mira. the great master Of ceremonies 81
the imperial palace The baron Is very
proud Of his gifted relative and is well
known himself for his fidelity TO the
manners and customs OF old japan
so much so that the mikado, who iE
rather modern in his tastes and has but
few prejudices. often CHATS him merci-
lessly and even enjoys the fun OF scan
dalziug him.
This illustrious lady was in her time
a perfect beauty Of the smallest type.
and though very old now. she r. stnl
charming 10 look At. She has the most
appearance. dresses beauti-
fully and makes a point Of Keeping 70
the splendid japanese costume Of oiden
times. She wears the three white sllk
petticoats. one above the other. the pur-
pie silk or Eauze dress with a wide.
scarlet border The whole costume b
embroidered with many coll
cred silks and represents tiny land
scapes, houses. trees and fruits
The sleeves are equally covered with
flowers and birds The hair - thrown
back and gathered on the nape Of the
neck in a knot tied with bow a coli
ored paper, and. a detail which has It's
interest for the ladies who wish 20
adopt the truly elegant japanese fancy
dress-;hat Of the grand princesses
Goes not wear the large sas
which up 10 now was thought an iudia
pensable part OF the costume. on IN
contrary tho thick and vide sash De-
not distinEue. but almost corresponds TO
the apron Of our boui geoises.