davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13
TINY ISLAND EMPIRE
What Changes Two Decades
Have Made in Japan.
HER FIGHTING FORCE
CoNFRoNTS THE GREAT
BEAR OF THE EAST.
Forty-Two Millions Arrayed Against
One Hundred and Two Mil
lions Of People.

In an obscure corner of the picturesque
park which surrounds the Temple of Suwa.
in Nagasaki, there is erected a marble slab
bearing the following inscription:
"NAGASAKI. Japan, June %, 1879.
eat the request of Governor Utsumi Tada-
kalemi, Mrs. Grant and 1 each planted
tree in the Nagasaki Park. l hope that
both trees may prosper. grow large, live
long and in this growth prosperity and long
life be emblematic of the future of Japan.
III. S. GRANT"
A few feet to the right of this slab, in
closed in brightly painted picket fence, in
the very prime of a healthy life, is growing
a magnificent tree, which has prospered and
become sturdy in the twenty-four years OF
it's existence. This tree is the one planted
by General Grant. In a corresponding po-
sition to the left of the slab is another
fence, decrepit and rotten, and inclosing
nothing but barren soil This is the spot
where Mrs. Grant planted her tree. 1t lived
but a few years and died in its infancy.
Who shall say which of these trees Is en-
blematic OF the future of Japan?
Those who have never travelled within the
realm of the mkado, can form no adequate
idea of the power and influence welded by
this tiny island empire; neither can they
estimate its strength nor it's vitality.
Whatever the outcome of the present COM
plications between Japan and Russia may
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13
CHAPTER XVIII.


Ten days after the first defeat of Vikra-
ma runner came over the hills and
through the Terai to Motihari with letter
from John Ryder, the Resident at Khat-
mandu, TO Mckenzie. who was an old
friend OF his. 1t contained astounding news
that Bhatgaon had fallen and Vikrama
was preparing TO abandon Patan and mass
his whole defense about Khatmandu the
capital
The general disaster was attributed to the
unexpected demonstration of Yah Mahom-
med in favor of Lalkura at a critical mo-
nent of the first battle. The added weight
of the Mussulman force had proved too
much for the Goorkhas. who were driven
from position after position during ten days
of desperate fighting in which both sides
he'd lost enormously. 1t was proposed to
hold the ReSidency an asylum for the
RAMS in case of final disaster, and Ryder
was anxious TO have the moral support of a
few Europeans during the crisis. He end
ed by inviting Mckenzie, and any healthy
friends he might have on hand. to come IN
and take a hand in the game.
The news naturally caused sensation at
the station. Vague rumors OF battles lost
and won had reached the Planters Club.
gathered from flying pilgrims who had
found the great avatar warmer business
than they had anticipated: but these re-
ports had been contradictory, and no one
was prepared for the news of such an over
whelming defeat of the kings troops.
Mckenzie reserved Ryder's invitation for
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

X eh ho% to Of sn ever. as
change for the good Of Russfa-"
Russia's Money Rag.
Speaking of Russias financial condition,
Senator Beverage. The empire Is heavily
in debt. In the fight. with Japan will the
car have enough for his needsP'
when war comes money usually comes
also" said Senator Beyeridgs 1T may cost
more, but 1t comes Russia Is a land of
vast material resources, which it would take
many mortgages to blanket, and it's govern
ment has the power of raising money with
out asking COMPRESSOR the people to rat
tfy its act. Take the matter of the liquor
business, which is now altogether in the
hands of the government. Sergfus White
saw the enormous profits Of the Russian
rumsellers, and he sent out word that after
a certain time the government would make
and sell all the intoxicants used in the
country. That time came, and today every
drop of vodka or brandy consumed in Rus
STA comes from the government stores The
business is so handled that there is less
drunkenness and better liquor; and at the
same time the profits are enormous. Dur
Ing 1903 they amounted to more than the
total expenses of the army and navy or
to sum equal to about one-fOurth Of all
1t costs to run our government for year.
/ do not say this is right. merely give
the results.
There is now talk of taking over the tea
business In the same way. The Russians
are the greatest tea drinkers on earth, not
excepting the Chinese, and the revenue
from the sale of tea would speedily wipe out
any debt which might arise from war
with Japan.
Just one word more, senator; how is
your new book. entitled The Russian Adj
vance, selling?"
1.-THE first publication is about exhaust
ed replied the senator, land 1 am revis-
Ing some few things for the second edi-
tion. FRANK G. CARPENTER
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

I will have no mercy. Lo. I have been
father and mother, sister. brother and
all thy kin, yet for what lies in thy
heart thou dost forsake in hour,
and that in my hour of need! No! l do
not condemn thee for thy broken faith, but
for that other thing.
MY lord! My lord! What can I say
what can ] dor
What canst thou say? What do? Nay,
the issue is very straight. Give up this
folly. and Thy wisdom will return, and all
may vet be saved See. this man can never
carry out his plan: he has not force enough
to hold the body he has stolen, and by and
by the rightful owner will gather power
and sweep him out, and where wilt thou be
them"
II understand, my lord, and have faced
this. too: but surely. going out Is no such
fearsoine thing"
Speak of it when thou knowest 1t as
well as 1 do-when thou hast learned to re-
member the bitterness of it, aye, and the
futility! But why shouldst thou go? Thou
lowest this mamie is handsome. young and
tender. 1t is good; but what difference
whether he be at heart Hindu or a Mos
lem? Whether the spirit be Lalkura or Ma
hommed? The body will not fail thee of
joys. and Mahommeds knowledge will hold
thee those joys secure
my lordi My lordr' she broke in pit
eously: have little mercy: surely thou
dost not think me SO unworthy thing.
else wouldst thou have hated me long
since
choice between peace and a sword. There
must be some wisdom left in thee: may it
guide thee in the choosing. But waste not
thy time In idle hopes of my relenting.
Choose once, for all time and beyond whom
thou wilt follow: then pray thy gods to
strengthen his arm to keep thee. Nay.
speak not now. but wait and think. Then
on the morrow. when thou eoest forth. one
of my captains will ask a white rose for
the turban of Mahommed II Mahommed
wears 1t in battle that day all will be well;
he will wait patiently the return of thy
wisdom and power. Thou seest ] trust
thine honor still. child. and thy wisdom
somewhat. Fare thee wisely
She had sunk on a divan, with her head
in her arms. before he finished. but at his
last words, which had something OF the old
tender ring, she remembered and loved, she
looked up euickly--but he was gone. Then
she fell to shivering again. He had come
Hike that once before on an important oc-
casion in her life and disappeared in the
same WAY. Who could fight against a man
like that7 great dependency fell on her
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

threw in her lot with Lalkura. Neither
could she tell whether the news of her
hasty marriage had reached him; but she
knew the time OF her accounting must De
drawing near, and she dreaded it.
She had withheld all knowledge OF her
compact with the Moslem from balkura,
being anxious not to complicate matters
before IL was necessary-though she had an
uneasy suspicion that her husband knew of
several more things than he spoke even to
her. AS for Mahommed, 1t was not rear
of his wrath which disturbed her-though
she recognized that 1t would probably be
yreat-as she believed his tenderness for
her would hold his hand from reprisals,
however great his disappointment might
be.
It was the thought of this disappoint-
ment which troubled her; he had been
very good to her all of this present life.
whatever he might have been In the past
Re had taught her all she knew. made her
the capable woman she was, and she had
father-which 1t must be confessed was
not always to his taste. In return for
this, she was to blast the great ambition
Of his life suddenly and without warning.
True. that ambition looked to her now as
being malignant, intolerable, thing of
abomination; yet there had been a time,
quite recently, when, she had looked on 1t
as scientific experiment of vital interest
to her benefactor-a just vengence which
was almost poetic. - -
could not be false to her Compassionate
not. simply because she had lost the power
to be true. Her wizardIies had fallen
away from her like a garment when she
found her hearts desire. She had felt them
slipping slipping. slipping, as In the past
weeks Lalkura had gained more and more
ascendency over her.
At first she had cried fearfully but loyal
ly to Mahommed for help, but he had al
ways set her fears aside as childish things;
and later, realizing what love meant for
her, she had held her peace. Then came
that day at Motihari when she had saved
her lovers life, and having paid the full
price. her eyes were opened and she knew.
She had reached the last room Of the
suite and stood at the great north window
looking down into the square where q
bivouac Of lancers were celebrating the
days victory. She watched them awhile
with interest. their enthusiasm rousing her
from melancholy brooding Then, turning,
she found herself face to face with Yah
Nahommeds
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

for his further words; and up from the
SQUARE rose the chorus of the battle song:
See the swords fash forth to meet him;
See the fire leap up to greet MN
The words came ringing and tearing up
from the night and seemed to Sung Ma
bommed ont of his composure. He drew
near the girl and looked deep in her eyes,
then questioned in a low fierce voice. Is IL
that?'
And she answered him with barely a
culver and fronting him bravely, Aye, my
lord. it is that"
He drew back then and stood watching
her closely He had studied her Tor many
wears till he knew her like a second self
and could sway her as he listed, but now
she baff1ed him; there was serenity ana
confidence about her uninspred by MIN
and equally undaunted by him-despite the
momentous question between them. He
finally took the line which had most easily
moved her in the past, and with sorrow
full voice took up his plea.
80, child. for an idle fancy. born OF
day thou wouldst Join the ranks of those
poor fools who sing so loud of what they
know not! Hast figured out the awakening
thou and they will have? Heaven born,
forsooth, when !. Mahommed, hold him
dangling over hell, whose flames are ever
hungry for just such as he. Listen to those
misied fools! Yet they sing truer than
they know. Aye, of a truth. the swords
will fash forth to meet him and the fame
him fall! What sayest thou: hast thought
the matter out?'
aye, indeed. my lord, from every point
of view; but most of all have studied how
to save thee pain"
LET be. let be! Leave me out and thee.
and answer what of him when l tear the
mask awayT'
MY lord. know thy wisdom is too great
to be misled by the mask; so hast thou
taught me, and 1 care not for the mask.
But truly have also thought that thou
hast been indulsent with me always and l
have reverenced thee and been as loyal as
might all my life; and that because of
what lies between us so, thou wouldst be
mercifui. See, thou art wise. my lord in
reading the hearts of men; look into mine,
and judge If there be aught betwixt thee
and me-
tic! Tloi Thou talxest folly; thou he st
been and art fool. as all thy sex will ever
be, counting idle wind-blown fancies or
greater import than all the laws Of gods
and men. See. I look in thy heart then,
and because of what see there tell thee
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

man that had spoken. and that he would
keep his word to the very letter
She lay On the diyan lighting with her
What should she dof And the black
ness that lay in the room-for the fires
and the shouting had died down-lay ON
her heart also, together with cold despair.
All the boldness of her stand had broken
down. because all her hope had died
Then a thought struck her. crept into her
numbed brain. rested awhile. grew strong,
and brought her signing and her tears to an
end. She sat up quickly: then set to pac-
ing the room. Why not play the mans
own game till her lover was strong enough
to hold his own2 A white rose for his tur-
ban would hold his hand. Why not? Why
not?
She did not attempt to evade the issue in
any way: 'twould be an open act of dis
judged her incapable of taking. On the
other hand. 1t would possibly save her lord
from destruction at any rate prevent his
being exposed to unknown treachery; and
what was honor compared to that? She had
not even said she would accept or reject
the method of answer: why should her 81
lence be taken as acquteScence? All WAS
fair in love and war Here were both. and
an opponent who did not scruple to use any
means which fitted to his hand; why should
she? Why should she?
Thsn when she was weii-nigh worn OUT.
the clouds rolled away and she sdw the
hope lay In her new life, in her love! She
had declared II was enough-that nothing
else mattered; yet here she was content
plating Its dishonor because she feared TO
trust 1t further than she could see. And
following. another thought came. She was
the White Rose and for two hundred years
had been the symbol OF the house OF her
lord. During all that time the White Rose
had been guarded from stain or smireh by
these rough Hill Rajahs. any one OF whom
would have died for the flower or the wo-
mans fame: now WAS she herself to be the
one to dshonor 1t and them1
And then she fell asleep. and when Lal-
kura found her all the tribulation had
passed from her eyes. But she spoke one
word In his ear as they rode out together.
My lord. would not trust the Moslem
overnuch this day."
And he answered quietly: Have no fear,
Soondai; his path and ours Is set about and
hedged. Let US go gaily where we must.
and see to II only that our hands and hearQ
are clean"
Go be continued Mondayl iIs
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

Even while her hand went to her heart to
stay lts sudden leap. dull wonder touched
her as to how he came there The entrance
10 the suite was bolted and locked securely
"hie oouDle guard In the outer corridor
and at the foot of the stairs barred the way
with strict orders to let mono pass for the
Dada Babu was sleeping
Yet there ne stood, looking at her gravely
Observation-Disclosures the red light from
the bonfires of the merrymakers in the
square played ftfully about his robes; be-
yond this. the room was in darkness.
MY lord Is 1t thou?" she said recover
MIN: but then she stopped with a quick
chill; something about the man held her
back and awed her. <a.
Yes. 1t Is I, Loda; or perhaps should ad-
dress thee by thy new title. which have
but Just learned. NoY' in answer to her
little gesture of appeal well am glad
was surprised thou hadst gone so far but
twas doubtless wise. as all tGy actions are.
And now. child. am here to carry out our
plan: art thou ready Pr ol5
But the girls tongue chung holly in her
mouth ana she could not aanswer-could
only make that little mute gesture of ap-
peal; and Mahommed, noting it again, lean
ed quickly toward her with an anxious
frown.
Speak. girl. speak, What ails thee?
Whence this disorder?"
my lord" she spoke at length tremu-
lousy. thou didst startle me. for thy
coming was very sudden-eVeh as was
Thou vast not used to be so easily start
led; but forgive the method of my coming,
on the plea that it was urgent and neces-
sarily secret; But thou vast thinking Of
me-of our plan?"
Yes. my lord-of how should break the
news to thee of its impossibility of fulfil
ment.'
"Impossibility of fulflment" he repeated
curiously; that MEANS But there, what
should 1t mean but more of thy childish
fears"
NO." she interrupted desperately, mot
fears. but certainties! / have lost my pow
er over this man utterly. warned thee,
my lord. when l felt 1t slipping from me;
ana now It's gone. and am but as little
child"
Mahommed stood silent, motionless, gaz-
Ing steadfastly at her; and she. herself
brayely and with csptain scarn for her
former weakness. Thus they stood. the man
thinking his way-the girl waiting
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

almost national life or death to one OF
them. We can hardly appreciate what TINS
struggle means to the Japanese. They re-
gard it as the salvation or ruin OF tneir
country. The Russians look upon 1t as the
keystone of their future. They regard
Manchuria the door to their vast pos
sessions in Siberia and TO their prospective
ly greater ones in China as well.
"Give me in a nutshell the story of the
trouble senator?" said I.
1T is matter Of history" was the re-
ply Japan fought its war with China
1t licked China, and as one of the terms OF
peace ii was granted Port Arthur, Talfen-
wan bay and a large strip of Manchuria
The ink was hardly dry upon that cession
before the triple alliance of France, Ger
many and Russia sent word to the mfkado
that II would be a standing menace to the
peace of the world for Japan to occupy that
territory, and they asked him to give Man
churia back to China. The request was
made in polite language, but there were
armies behind it, and the mikado dared not
refuse. He gave 1t back. although the
japanese people stormed. denouncing Rus
STA as the cause of the trouble
How Russia Took Manchuria.
well, a few months after that the Ger
mans demanded of China the cession of
kiachow bay and a railroad and other
rights in the province of Shantung. Their
request was granted and Russia thereupon
demanded the cession of Port Arthur for
the term of twenty-five years and the right
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

friend to Mr.. Stevens Hill, ] believe was
his name desired to see Mr.. Grant on i'm
portant business, but had only three days
his disposal to make the round trip from
Tokyo, 176 miles. To cover 176 miles by
rikisha in seventy-two hours was consider
ed impossible, but 1t was decided to make
the attempt, adopting the relay system, let
ting each team of men run fifteen miles.
The plan was explained to Mr.. Stevens
two personal rikisha men. one an old fell
low past forty, and his companion, a bow
legged, cross-eyed individual who had seen
about thirty-siX summers. They listened
attentively, and then kicked-not at being
asked to make fifteen-mile journey, but
because they had not been requested to go
the entire distance Finally. more to humor
the men than for any other reason, Mr..
Stevens agreed they should go far as
they could, but ordered them to relinqush
the traces as soon as they became tired.
Mr. Hill, who weighed close to 200 pounds,
climbed in the rikisha, and the journey was
begun. In just forty-seven hours these
two elderly Japs came trotting up to Mr..
Stevens front door, bringing Mr.. Hill, dust
covered, but happy, the journey OF lI6 miles
completed. Three hours rest had been al
lowed them at NikIo, making the actual
running time forty-four hours.
Had Action About Them.
Imagine then, what a formidable opposl
ton such an army could present. These
men could leave Seoul after breakfast, run
all the way to Manchuria, fight a battle
and be back in Seoul for dinner in the
evening. There are 10000 rikisha men in
Tokyo alone. Yokohama, Kioto, Kobe and
Nagasaii yet to be reckoned with, to
say nothing Of the rural interior districts,
where lives the bulk of the country's pop
ulace. With practically little effort, the
Japanese army could be swelled to two
million men, and I have been informed by
one high in authority that arrangements
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13
Poor Things.

From the New York Weekly.
Foreign Guest-"rhe young girls of this
country are charming: but why have the
married women such a dragged-out look?"
Host-Wer. you see. some of them are
worked to death because they have no
servants and the rest Of them are worried
to death because they have.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

'In event of war in the far east" said
the newspaper publisher. II shall install
some extra strong typesetting machines
the friend.
NO The names of the Russian generals
would soon twist them up.'-Chicago News.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13
A JAPANESE WAR SONG.
It Describes the Prowess of the jap
anese During the War With China.

TRANSLATED the song is DIS ioio"s'
THE Tientsin treaty has been broken.
The extremely discourteous conduct of the
barbarous and stubborn Chinese. failing TO
recognize the value of peace in the east,
causes teeth to be set and arms folded,
while public sentiment Is sorrowful and
angry.
ITO break this dream of barbariSm by the
power of the Japanese soldiery, our rein
forcements are continually advancing, with
flags floating bravely.
Both in the desperate battle of the Gulf
of Pechili and in an attack on the province
of Selkio we displayed the national prowess
by slaughtering the Chinese fighting against
our country.
I'VE are marching through a country in
which the scorching heat blisters the flesh.
We are passing through fire and water, but
we do not care The enemy's projectiles
come like hail. The corpses are piled moup-
tain-high at Hello. Blood discolors the wa
retreating an inch, easily capture the Chi
neSe fort.
"Grasping 400 provinces with one hand
and planting the flag OF the rising sun on
the castle of Picking. let us return In triumph
For you are to be an example of the mill
tary clan, increasing the fame OF the ma
ton.
Human life Is only fifty years. II we are
reluctant to lose 1t. we become disloyal TO
the emperor fo- generations.
Two ways lie open before US: The loyal
way is to die. Let our motto be to continue
fighting until we fall exhausted.
This is the most satisfactory solution.
How DESTROYS. How joyful"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13
Proof Positive.
From Puck,

Father-"But are you sure he is sem
sible young man??'
Daughter-"Oh yes, papa. Why. he's
the only one of our amateur theatricarclub
who hasn't professional aspirations"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13
successfully contend against a much supe-

successfully COulenO against a uuSh supo-
rior number
In thirty days Japan could mobilize
volunteer army of 10000. perhaps more,
drawn exclusively from the ranks of the
''rikisha men, those sinewy and tireless
individuals who romp over the hills at
ease. pulling in their wake a jinrkisha
with one or two full-grown occupants.
Those of you who have been to Japan know
with what an admirable physique these
tiny fellows are endowed Each one of
these men is supposed to have seen twelve
years of military service. required by the
law of Japan. and It is safe to say that in
consequence q ''rikisha army" would be
fairly well acquainted with the parapher-
MALTA of war.
Told by Mr.. Stevens.
remember story which was related to
me by Mr.. D. w. Stevens. for many years
first secretary to the United States lega-
ton at Tokyo, but now one of Japan's
diplomatic representatives in Washington.
The incident happened while Gen. Grant
was making the trip through the Japanese
islands, which was referred to at the be-
ginning of this article. The general and
his party were at Nikko. about lightweight
miles from Tokyo over a bad road. A
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

First Millionaire: Don't you think our
religion has improved since ancient times ?"
second Milllona1re: Not at all. Why
they used to sacrifice lambs on the altar
and now they take young girls."-Life.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13

are complete for placing in the field against
Russia two million Chinese, under Japa-
nese officers, this, of course, being depend
ent upon declara ton of war. Four mil
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13
The Russian Peril.

Pennsylvania and New England combined,
and quite as rich In natural resources. 1Ls
value cannot be estimated"