The daily morning journal and courier., 1901-08-05
A HISTORICAL MURDER.
ACCOUNT OF THE KILLING OF MR
 HOSHI TORU.
Political Motive of the Assassination of Japan's Former Minister 10 'he United States.

'eANNt
 was startled by political assassiia- tion which presented. many features or a very exceptional charcter. The VIC tin was MT. Hoshi Toru, undoupted'v tbe most influential politlcan Tn Japan after Marquis Ito, man Whose lalllS has been in everybody's mouth for the mast ten years, though it is dllnculC lo say whether he possessed larger snare of notoriety or of fame. In his capac- itv of chairman of the Tok1o Clty Council he repaired to the Munlclpal Buildings on the Fist inst. and took part in a discussion held with closed doors. This being concluded at 3'do o'clock the six members, including MT. Hoshi, passed into an adjoining room' and were conversing on various toplcS when the door opened and man en- tered the apartment. Attired in Japan csc costume such as is worn by per- sons of the upper classes, and holding his card in his left hand, he addressed some seni-audible remark to Mi. Hoshi, and then, advancing quietly to the latter's side as though to deliver the card, suddenly drew short sword from the folds of his garments and with lightning rapidity dealt MT. Hoshi nVe stabs, all of deadly character.
 MT. Hoshi though a man of powerful physique, made no apparent resistance nor uttered any sound. The first stap disabled him completely, and he must have been held up by his assassin to receive the other blows. As soon as ne was released he fell on the ground Vom- X iting blood, and expired in few mln- utes. It is doubtful whether the as- sassin made any attempt to escape but a momentary struggle took place between him and MT Hoshi's colleagues who naturally used some violence in seizing him. Ultimately he surrendered his weapon quietly, and desired the City Councillors to bind him II they wished. as he had no intention of seek ing to evade the consequences Of an act performed in the interests or nNs country. On investigation he proved to be one Iba Sotaro, man aged apout b0 who had acted a distinguished and creditable part in the world of educa- tion and finance, and who, at the mo- lnent of his crime, occupied position of high trust and considerable emolu- ments, In his possession the police found written declaration Of motives such as is invaria bly, carried by the po- litical assassin in Japan. It ran thus'
 1T am not intimate with Hoshi Toru, nor do I bear him any ill-will. Mr. first and only meeting with him was when having been undeservedly honor d with the posts of chairman of the tEducation Council of Yatsuya ana member of the District Assembly, 1 at tended a meeting of the Tokio Educa- tional Society, of which Hoshi Toru had been chosen president It was inl- possible to regard with approval the Appointment of a man so evil and de- af;if-Hrved to a commanding position in the field of education, and l determlhea from, that moment that his removal must be effected. Subsequently, nad ro connection of any kind with hlm' but nothing, I was sensible, could De graver than that such an expert rascal should have the opportunity or depaS- ing and corrupting the administration If the capital, as well as destroying the morality of the citizens, and that while filing an office which made him inspector of the city's officials, he should bring trouble and disgrace on all from sovereign to subject. His ac- complices in bribery and corruption had been exposed and punished, but he alone. brazen-f faced and incorr1glble, with increasing vigor his ca reer of insatiate plunder, spreading the pofson of evil among all classes and undermining the morals of the youth.
 "For many generations my family acted as instructors of sWordsmanship in this city. I myself, indifferently as is my capacity, have sought earnestly not only to further the course of educa- +jon and to encourage the taste TOT learning, but also to foster the spirit ol military science Further, l have Tell If duty to spare no effort Tor the I'm proyement of agricultural and manu- featuring industry, though l am wei aware that my poor abilities are an in different uualifica tion for such task shall here set down statement or thf occl1pations that have hitherto engaged na in order to prove that l have nC connection whatever with any politfca marty or society: Director of the IC' lxio Apricultural School for six years ,nanger of the Savings Bank of Japar for four years, head of the Yedo-gaWs naner factory for three years chairmal of the Literary Publishing company fol four years. These details show that have no sort of relation with any body of politicians. Neither, l repeat it, dc hear any i'll will to Hoshi Toru. If now invite the pain of parting forever from my wife and children-pa1n as cruel as that of being torn asunder; il brave the comments of public opin ion. if I ruin myself and my family fol Inc sake of removing universal evil doer, it is because I cannot idly endure +o sec the arch rascal Hoshi Toru dailS n,rsuing with fresh vigor his evi courses; teaching the youth to b' .crooked and corrupt by his example a' nresident of the Tokio Educational SO ciety. and by his doings in the City Co,ncil introducing demoralization ant disorder into the municipal administra tion. thus bringing misfortune upon all from the Emperor downward Men O judgment, I pray you to appreciate anC sympathize with my sentiments.
 It appears that, in addition to carry inp this document on his person. lbi Sotaro, just before preceding to the place of assassination, posted copies t
 the offices of some leading journals il time to appear in their columns simui taneously with the story of the tragedy The s,ta tements of facts contained in tn