Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1904-05-31
WAR SPIRIT OF JAPAN.
Emperor and People Moved by Highest
Patriotism.

Emperor and People Moved by Highest
| Patriotism.
Japanese patriotism and courage and
the love Of the people for the emperor
are set forth in the Russo-Japanese
War, issued in magazine form at To-
kio by the Kinkodo company. One of
the objects Of this publication Is ITO
demonstrate how just and honorable
are the principles for which Japan is
fighting against Russian perf1dy and
faithlessness." .- - -...
Major Wasuke Jikemura, retired, is
the editor-in-chief. No biography OF
him is furnished, but that his militant
spirit has not been quenched by the
age which his retirement presupposes
is shown in the following paragraphs
from his Introductory article:
Japan has no reason to fear the
size of the Russian army. She can
put 100000 well trained soldiers in the
| field to meet her gigantic foe, and
when danger calls every Japanese is
soldier. Love Of emperor and coun-
try unites us all as one man, and the
chivalrous traditions Of by-gone ages
have left indelible traces on the ma
tional character. We prefer death to
dishonor, are always ready to die for
our fatherland, and do not know when
we have been beaten.
Russia Is, in truth, a great foe of
humanity, and antagonistic to all true
civilization; and as such is the enemy
not Of Japan only, but of the whole
| world. In the eyes Of our people, we
are fighting for great principles, and
this war represents a conflict between
justice, simple and unadorned, and in
justice decked out in sham jewels, such
as the Cars Peace Conference at The
Hague"
The love Of the emperor Is shown
throughout the pages Of the first num-
ber. For instance:
"The Emperor Of Japan, the 1920
sovereign from the first emperor, Jim
mu Tenno, is the real ruler Of the ma
tion, and his mere declaration of war
has suff1ced to kindle in the hearts of
the people fierce glow Of ardent pa
triotism. Let US think for a mo-
ment of all that his majesty has ac-
complished for his country's welfare,
and We shall understand some part at
least of the spirit Of Japanese loyalty
in the present crisis. It Is just thirty
seven years since he came to the
| throne, and since that time his wis
dom has enabled Japan to revolution
ize the whole Of her social and econ
omical system and entirely to change
the face of the nation"
Some interesting details Of the life
Of the emperor are related.
even in times Of peace the emperor
Is at his desk at s q. M, ready to at
tend to affairs of state, and he will
sometimes continue at work until mid
night without showing signs Of wear
mess. He is always ready in the
evening to receive any Of his ministers
in audience to consider matters of
Importance.
His decisions are never given until
he has, by series of searching ques-
tions, arrived at a clear understanding
Of the whole case. His work goes on
without interruption throughout the
year; in summer, as in winter, he is
at his post.
His style of living Is remarkably
frugal and free from ostentation: his
wardrobe and table are alike simple,
and the decorations Of the palace
chaste and almost severe. He is fond
Of riding, and good rider; keeps an
excellent stud, in which he takes great
| interest, and at military reviews al
ways appears on horseback.
His sympathy for the people is
strong and deep, and when one of
those calamities occurs which unfor-
tunately visit Japan so frequently, he
is always the first to send coincidence
and make inquiries, and his private
purse is always open for the relief of
real suffering. His Majesty has al
ways shown himself as tender father
/
a whole-hearted devotion that has
been almost without a parallel in his
tory.
During the war with China his Ma
jestys self-denying solicitude for the
| welfare Of his people, and the pains
taking care with which he watched
and directed the conduct Of the mill
tary operations served to endear him
still more to the hearts Of his loving
subjects. He removed from Toxic to
Hiroshima, a large city in the south
Of Japan, and there remained in daily
contact with the war and in constant
communication with the leaders in the
field, sparing himself no exertion or
labor, until its triumphant conclusion
eight months after"
This love Of the people also goes
out to the empress, who Is the devoted
companion Of the emperor and Is a
woman of incompatible virtue. Her
attachment to her husband Is real and
affectionate, and. so far as is known,
there has never been a shadow Of dis
agreement between the pair.
His Majesty's devotion Is to the
army and navy; the empress work for
the Red Cross society and for the care
of the sick and wounded in war. In
times of peace the emperor, as the
center of the political life Of the coun-
try, is wholly occupied with affairs of
state; the empress finds her happiness
in works Of charity. The emperor