The Washington times., 1902-07-20


conversation is started, l find that, as
rule all occidentals always seem to ex-
press about the same idea-that Japan
must be wonderful country to be able
to make such rapid progress in short
time.
This so-called rapid progress" of
Japan toward civilization is a current
and prevailing expression among friends
of Japan, whether they be American or
European. l always experience feeling
of disappointment, nay, even of dis
couragement, when hear it. 1t seems to
show me the almost impossibility of
making even our kindest Occidental
friends understand the true state of
affairs. To anyone who will think deeply
enough about the matter, the progress
of Japan, as a nation. is by no means
unique. She is now keeping pace with
any civilized country, as a Nation, but
she has taken longer to accomplish her
civilization than any other. For over
$500 years there has been one continu-
Gus. eager struggle for advancement,
although Occidentals are prone to note
only the last thirty-five years of Meiji.
Japan's Ancient Civilization.
The cause of this mistaken idea about
Japan is that some persons do not take
the trouble to consider that Japan did
not start her civilization from a primi-
tive stage, but had a civilization of her
own which she has been practicing for
Sha Cironlv phanQad
her methods. When Commodore Perry
went to Japan in 1858, he did not find her
like n baby-lgnorant, helpless and at
the mercy of everyone who came; but
neither did he find her a society lady,
willing and eager to introduce every new
fashion to her large family and quite
capable of judging what was best to
choose for that purpose.
Instead of the phrase, rapid prog
ress of Japan" rather should we use
the words, Transformation of Japanese
civilization
The history of Japanese civilization
may be divided into three distinct peri
DDS. The first period may be consid-
cred as covering all those years that
have elapsed since the founding and es-
tabllshing the empire, down to the year
1853. when Commodore Perry re-estab-
lished commercial relations with foreign
nations. down to the year which wit
messed the end of the China Japan war
Unknown to occidentals.
The third period is the present period.
commencing with the twentieth CEN
tury. The events of the second and
tn I'd periods are comparatively fairly
known among the Occidental friends of
Japan, but the history of the first pc
riod remains entirely unknown to most
Occidentals, and yet II is really most
important period in the history of jap
anese civilization, and is the one which
should be most carefully studied and
investigated by those who wish to have
a true understanding concerning the ad-
vancement of Japan
During the first period Japan grew as
q nation from babyhood to manhood, en-
countering all the trials and tribula-
tions of other younger countries until.
gaining strength with growth. she over
came all obstacles TO progress and grad
ually established sound foundation
for the civilization of her people. The
history of this period should be studied
profoundly and sincerely by those who
wish TO possess knowledge of the true
character of japanese progress.
Unbroken Dynastic Line.
They should study how the laws were
administered during these years, what
literature was in existence, how arts
were cultivated, and what sciences were
understood. They should remember cs-
pecially how the imperial dynasty has
continued in one unbroken line of de-
scent from prehistoric times to the pres
ent day, which circumstance in itself
forms the character of japanese loyalty
to the Emperor with love ot country.
The second period should really be
called the transformation period. the
time when Japan made her civilization
conform and harmonic with Occidental
civilization, accomplishing her task suf-
fciently well to prove that she has
right TO be considered one of the fore
most nations of the world.
The third period begins with the
unique performance of Japan in the late
disturbance in China. Before the eyes
OF the whole Christian world Japan, a
so-called heather nation, set an example
of humanity. loyalty. heroism. courage,
and chiyalry which has drawn the ad
miration of all the world
The japanese soldiers were reported
as being the best disciplined and as
showing a total absence of those revolt
ing barbaric traits that led some Occi-
dental troops to murder looting. and ra
pine. This is very easily accounted for.
Religion and Patriotism Synonymous.
Each japanese soldier has been taught
reverence, and adores the Emperor from
childhood. Almost the first thing he is
taught to repeat is that his life belongs
to the Emperor. very much in the same
solemn manner that a Christian mis-
sionary will say that My life belongs to
God" Believing thus from his early
childhood that his life belongs entirely
to his Emperor. the Japanese soldier
goes to the battlefield believing that In
every action be represents his Emperor.
and that anything which would bring
disgrace upon him. the soldier, will also
bring disgrace upon his idolized En-
peror. In fact, l might say religion and
patriotism are one and the same thing
in Japan.
The exemplary conduct of Japanese
troops in the late trouble in China has
indeed caused much surprise, and, as II
seemed to me. even CONSERVATION
among occidental nations. Christians
who have become used to claiming a
monopoly of all the virtues Of humanity,