New-York tribune., 1901-07-22


should model its attitude the result of such
examination. After the new Cabinet comes into
office its policy and procedure viii be gradually
discernible. and when they discerned 1t will
not be too late for this party TO decide upon
It's attitude do not, Of course, recommend any
thing like blind support but neither do l recon-
mend trivial opposition, which is equally bad"
1t is openly stated and repeated that Ito is
going to resign his rank and become COM
moner He must then. intend to enter the
House Of Representatives He may, such be
able to mould the opinion of its members; but
1t is desperate plunge. Fancy man whose
rank and title have been earned by forty years
Of loyal and disinterested service, stripping him
self of all his rewards because he may serve his
country better This in the face of the opinion
held by many of his fellow subjects that Ito
thinks his Premiership indispensable to the well
fare of Japani
1t is true that Ito. to retain his seat, has fire.
qrently made concessions to popular clamor and
against his better judgment. Herein he differs
from his old-time friend and fellow Clansman,
count lnouye. whom the united outcry of the
japanese cannot move one inch from what he
considers his duty. Ito always a favorite;
not so Inouye. But the latter commands
spect second to other living Japanese-the
Emperor only excepted.
1t is a pity that the individual Shizoku is
always in the opposition. If some of these self
appointed statesmen could be transplanted into
China, they might be of some use to that huge
spongelike Empire-although Japanized China
might give every food for thought. Think
of four hundred million people, the males of
fighting age drilled into one vast machine and
raising the cry of Asia for the Asiatics'
W hat power or combination of powers would bid
them desist? That same spectre looms up when
ever Japan offers its services toward the re-
generation of China. 1t is impossible not TO adj
mire the self-restraint exercised by the Japanese
during the discussions by the Observation-Disclosures
at Peking! The United States is the only power
looking with cordial approval uLon Japan's en-
ueaVorS and the success which they achieve
and deserve.
MURDER OF HOsHI TORU.
The murder Of Hoshi Toru illustrates the atti
tude OF the Shizoku. On Friday June 21 Hoshi
attended the municipal assembly at Toxic The
meeting adjourned about D. M. when the
Mayor, Mr.. Matsuda Messrs Urada Yoshida
and several other members continued TO con-
verse with Hoshi. About $40 man entered
who attracted no attention. since the rooms are
open to the public after official business The
visitor sauntered about the table and when he
was back of Hoshi, drew a dagger and sta bbad
his victim in the right breast. Withdrawing the
weapon, ne inflicted two more wounds before the
astounded spectators recovered their wits
Hiraga the secretary, then jumped forward and
caught hold of the assassin's wrist, when Messrs
Sato and Yoshida came to his assistance The
man made no resistance, but scOrnfully inquired
IL they thought him such coward as to at
tempt TO escape"
The man. Iba Sotaro, ffty-one years Of age
residing at No. rs Wakamachi. Yotsuyama
Toxic, is what would be called a responsible law
abiding citizen, who deemed it his duty to re-
lieve the Emperor and the country from one
whom he considered a disgrace to both Fol
lowing the ancient custom in such circum-
stances, a letter was found on him of which
this is the translation
II not acquainted with Mr. Hosbi Torn
and L had i'll feeling toward him Once 7
held the position of chairman of the Educational
Committee Of the Yotsuya District. and was
appointed one of the promoters of the Toxic
City Education Society. when I met Mr. Hoshi
for the first time. He president of the so
ciety, but his conduct was remarkable for ire
depravity. AS 1 was unwilling to have anv
connection with him the sacred matter ~
education decided to leave the society Since
that time / have paid attention TO his ac
ton But this old thief Hoshi has been dis
organizing the municipal administration of
Toxic. and has been damaging the rnoralit,, og
the people of the capital He occupied an hon
orabe office. which should have made him re-
sponSlble for the care OF the municipal officials
ana Tor their faithful discharge of their duties
Despite this fact, he took a leading part in the
abominable bribery affair, which Is positively
dlsapproved by the sovereign and the people.
His accomplices in this nefarious business were
found guilty, but this shameless fellow has not
mendeu MS ways, but continued the gratifca-
tion of his greed. 1 believe that there can be
nothing more poisonous than his action In de-
moraliZlng the student class of our country
MY ancestors taught the art of fencing dis
cam cam. any deep knowledge. but 1 have also
tauShl my students the art of fencing and of
literature with all sincerity, and also aimed at
the progress of agriculture and of industry
nave never Deen connected with any political
association, as / connected with the Toxic
Agricultural School for six wears with tha
Nlppoh savings Bank for four years with the
Literary Society for four years and with the
Yotsuya Bank for the last year ! have baan n
promoter OF all these institutions. and have baan
president OF all Thus, l had no connection
with any political parties had no personal IN
feeling toward Mr.. Hoshi. The reason for nv
Killing TINS old thief, dsregarding the future of
my wife and children, Irrespective OF nubljc
opinion, at the expense of my own life is that
/ could not bear TO this fellow doing evil
deeds in the capacity of president OF the cit,,
Education Society, and also discouragine ana
demoralizing the municipal administrator of
Toxic which cannot fail to cause anxiety To my,
august sovereign" ''
The mans account of himself is abso,,+a,,,
correct. 1t is a characteristic story Of Japanese
| life and needs 10 comment
JAPANESE sHIPBUILDING.
The Kamakura Maru and the Kaga Maru are
two steamers OF ever six thousand tons each
| built entirely by the Japanese OF course a
great deal Of the material was imported. vat the
cost Of each Of these ships does not exceed
100000. The foreign press in Japan is not at
all pleased at these signal evidences of progress
since they threaten the interests of the dock
yards at home.
American commerce is making Ieaping strides
In the Orient. The Nippon Yusen Kaisba
Japan Mail Steamship Company the owner Of
these steamers, has deemed ii profitable to dou
bic its service 10 Seattle, Wash I'm connection
with the Great Northern Railroad DodwelI &,
CO.'S Tacoma line also runs more boats The
Portland and Oriental Line operated bv the
Oregon Railway and Navigation Company runs
three monster steamers The China Mutual also
runs to a North Pacific port. An enterprsina
cluzen-he must be New Engiander-is at
Sapporo, In the north OF Japan, negotiating for
the entire crop Of potatoes for eight years for
tc ,1,v