The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1904-08-11


customs, scenes, climate, architecture,
of the different localities and countries
visited, tend to fix most firmly in the
memory the most striking Characters
tics of each, and are therefore valuable.
This we are very apt to do from in
stinct, for it is natural for US to COM
pare that which is strange or uncom-
mon with what has been familiar to us.
One very noticeable result of ex-
tended travel is the improvement it
Causes in the culture and refinement
of an individual. This is due to the
fact that our better instincts teach us
to initiate that which we see is pleas
ing in other people, and as the traveller
is constantly meeting strangers, many
of whom are people of culture and
pleasing personality, he himself is i'm
proved. In strange lands, under cir
cumstances entirely different from
what they are accustomed to, travellers
are thrown upon their own resources
and must rely entirely on their own eff
forts and judgment; and this very
often leads to ridiculous and embarras-
sing situations, distasteful at the time,
perhaps, but affording considerable
mirth and enjoyment afterwards.
Great care should be exercised by the
traveller to preserve good health, for
there is no enjoyment without it and it
is needless to say that it requires con-
siderable strength and stamina to con-
tinue, day after day, excursions to
points of interest, and to spend many
hours in research and inquiry. In or
der to preserve the health it is some
times necessary to follow the customs
of the people of the country and also
to adopt in part the dress and food. of
the Inhabitants, for they know from
experience that which is conducive to
good health in their climate. 1t is
we'll known fact that nothing is so
likely to derange the human system
and produce sickness as sudden
change of climate; but if proper in
quiry is made, and if we readily adapt
ourselves to circumstances and condi-
tions, the change of climate proves
highly beneficial.
A subject of material benefit and of
vital interest, one which is exceedingly
interesting to study, is the business
and commercial methods and customs
of the people of foreign countries.
An example of the above which has
come under my own personal observa-
ton will serve to illustrate this fact
more clearly to your minds. You can
easily conjecture what the results
would be if the same methods were in
vogue in this country. While in Yo-
kohama, had occasion to purchase an
article of wearing apparel and was di-
rected to one of the largest tailor shops
on the Bund. l entered and found
that the proprietor was a Chinaman.
1 told him L wanted military cape,
satisfied myself as to the goods, was
surprised at the moderate price asked,
requested to have it made as soon as
possible, and walked out. The next
day l was sent for to have the cape
fitted, and engaged in conversation
with the proprietor, He, with an eye
to business, showed me goods from
Europe and America and gave prices
on suits very much more reasonable
than the same could be purchased in
this countrv T finally said. "NO John
no use for me to buy citizens clothes.
Can't afford it; besides 1 can't wear
them while l am in the army" He
said: mo have to pay for them now"
AS matter of curiosity 1 asked how,
much clothing he was willing to sell
me on credit and how much time I
might have in which to pay for them.
, zone, two, five hundred dollar; can pay
; six. months, year, anytime" he replied.
| 1 nearly collapsed, and he laughed and
, said, "Allee lightee, me know you
United States officer" Not needing the
clothes, however, l declined his gener-
) Gus offer, and told him that 1 thought
his methods were rather risky; but he
Informed me that altho he had been in
, business for many years he had never
, lost but one bill from extending credit
. to army and navy officers of all coun-
l tries.
In the seaport towns of Japan, Chinr
8 Concluded on page three0