Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1900-07-20
SHE LIKES AMERICA.
The Hospitals Of Jspan Resemble Those
of This Country.

| VI IuiS OUuutTys
l waited in the cool parlor OF the Ole
Dominion Hospital, with "a feeling O
anticipation, for had been sent to
interview IyO Araki San, the little
Japanese lady, who came go bravely
over the weary miles from the FlOwery
Kingdom to study nursing from an
American standpoint, and | wondered
how she would greet me, says the re-
porter OF the r ichmond Dispatch. A
light football 'roused me from my re-
verie, and she stood befoee me, extend
ing small and we'll shaped hand in
cordial greeting. l shook hands with
her, and we were soon launched on the
waves of pleasant conversation. She
sat in the rocking chair before me; her
small figure almost enveloped in its
depths, while her tiny feet did not
touch the floor.
But in spite of her smallness, one
receives no impression OF weakness, for
strength is written over the slender
body and resolute face. She was dress
ed in the regular costume of the hos
pital, and her wealth Of glossy black
hair was gathered into knot at the
back of her head, after the fashion
of this country. Her red mouth curv-
ed into a merry smile most of the time
Of my visit, showing white and per
feet teeth,
IN MISSION SCHOOL AT KOBE.
She told me, in the softest and sweet
est of voice, and in almost perfect
English, that she had been in mis-
sion school for nurses at Kobe. Here
she learned the art of nursing under
Miss Smith, of Canada, who. on ac
count of ill health. had to 60 to her
home three years ago. Araki San then
wentto Toxic, where she did a great
deal of private nursing. l asked her
how much nurse received for her
work by the month, and she knit her
arched brow III a minute of calcula-
tiOn. Then she answered that nurses
patients with contagious
diseases received about $50 per month
and others $15. "You know our money
is different from yours" she explain
ed.
She said she liked America ''much, u
but when l asked about her family
her laughing face grew grave, and
could see waye of homesickness
8 weep over her.
Araki San is Christian born, as her
parents were Christians before her.
While in Toxic she met DIR. Tensler
and his wife. of this city, and as she
wished to come to America to take
higher course in nursing, she asked
his advice. He directed her to the
Old Dominion Hospital, and she will
be there for two years. One can but
feel deep admiration for the staunch
soul who left friends and country to
learn that which will be of inestima-
BILE value to both.
THEY LOVE AND MARRY.
''Are you married 2" l asked her.
And she shook her head and laughed
merrily. She told me that only with |
those of the Japanese who were un-
christianized did the old custom of
parents and 60 betweens in marriage
exist. In Christian circles they fall in
love ''Just as you do,' said Araki, and
her eyes twinkled.
She said Japanese hospitals, with the
exception of few minor details, were
carried on much after the manner of
ours. Some few of the physicians are
but the majority are jap
anese.
When l started to go she shook
hands again, and as l went through
the door she exclaimed ''Layonaia -
(good-by) with a friendly wave Of the
nand.
Lucky will be be whose lot in sick
ness falls to her ministrations, for with
her soft voice and light step and gentle
ohio will make an ideal nurse