Daily new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1897-1906, 1900-06-13


Thought to its Advancement His
Last Act Was a Donation Of $4,000
Yen fhe school has had Marked
Influence on the Country-A Royal
i Japanese Wedding aud the Way IT
was Celebrated Pleased With His
Experience in the Flowery Kingdom.
II IsARAGo MAcHL
SHIBA. Tokyo, JAPAN,
May ~, 1900.
To The Editor Of The NEW DoMINIoN:
II. |. II. the Crown Prince OF Japan
was yesterday married 10 Lady Sadako
of this city. In celebration Of this
happy event, the day was throughout
the country devoted TO festivities and
recreation. Those of US who are en-
gagged in academic work have to-day
as an additional holiday. This af-
fofds both opportunity and subject
matter for another Of the promised
letters TO your paper.
The chief significance OF yesterdays
ceremony was its formal solemnity.
1 Hitherto there has been no such thing
as a formal marriage by Japanese
Emperor The taking Of consort by
him was simply announced as an Off
cial appointment, this time, however,
the betrothal Of the Crown Prince
was some three months ago announc-
ed. The wedding day was made a
! national holiday and the event itself
was an occasion OF national rejoicing.
The fulness and depth of the nations
| joy can be appreciated only by those
who realize the instructive alteration
of every class for the Emperor and his
household. Not one Of them ques-
tions the divinity OF the sSon of
| Heayen"-the literal significance of
the Emperor's title The formality
| and publicity Of bethrothal aud mar
riage, In the present instance, are re-
! garded as indicative of the sacred inn
portance which their Imperial Males
ties now attach to marriage and to its
duties. 1t Is expected that the effect
upon the nation will be extensive and
salutary. For japanese ideas OF mar
rage and divorce as essentially, exclu-
siyely private affairs have hitherto
been at considerable variance with the
generally accepted views OF the Occi-
dent.
The marriage ceremony was simple,
solemn, impressive. 1t consisted es
sentlally in emblematic offerings at
the sacred shrine Of the Imperial
Sanctuary and in the conventional ex-
change between groom and bride OF
wine cups The Imperial groom re-
cited specially prepared marriage
! prayer. All this occurred in the pres
ence Of the assembled Princes and
/ Princesses Of the Blood, the highest
officials OF state, the superior mobiles
and wives. 1t was accompanied by
sacred music and by the impressive
Ireyerberations OF distant military and
naval salutes.
AT 430 in the afternoon, their Maj
estes the Emperor and Empress, the
Crown Prince and Princess received in.
audience the Princes and Princesses of
the Blood, the superior mobiles, the
high state officials members of foreign
diplomatic corps and wives At this
time congratulations were received by
both the Imperial couples, who, in
turn extended to foreign ministers and
their wives the special courtesy of
shaking hands and exchange Of COM
| pliments. AT six in the evening, a
banquet was rendered a vast con-
course OF guests, including in addition
to those already mentioned, all per-
sons possessing japanese titles or dec
oratioDs OF considerable distinction
and the captains of foreign warships
now IN harbor.
The day was perfect; the air was
balmy and the sunshine Respondent.
The whole nation was in holiday at
tire. The fantastic garb OF the ma
ton, always picturesque, was Seen at
! its best. The brilliant multi-colored
robes, worn especially by young girls
and children, give to the throngs an
aspect of variety, yivacity and beauty
unknown to the West. Here in the
Imperial capital, the effect was still
more heightened by extensive munich
pal decorations. These are simple,
! inexpensive, but highly attractive.
/ They consist primarily OF flags and
lanterns both emblematic OF the
nation, the former with great red
sun-disk in the center o. white field
/ the latter with great red sun-dsk
on either Of two sides separated by
curious characters which signify lin
celebration OF the ceremony" Both
flags and lanterns, conventional deco
rations on all important festal occa-
sions, vary from miniature to almost
mammoth proportions. They are dis
/ played by millions, flags frequently In
pairs crossed, lanterns in long horizon
tai rows or in graceful pendant arcs
which sometimes eliminate in a lofty
post erected from the middle OF the
street. White paper storks or tor
toises dangling from beneath the lam
terms signify longevity. Between the
| lanterns on rudely twisted twincs,
strips of irregular shaped white paper