The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1904-05-03
(By Will II. Brill, special commits
sioner of the Newspaper Enterprise
Association in the far east.)

TOXIC, March 20.-Scores of little
children are being sacrificed to Jap
ans need. Rather than have them
starve fathers and mothers are tax
ing their lives. Here is bit of old
Japan, an example of the deep feel
ing of the people,
Here is one of the stories-dozcns
OF them might be told: A very poor
man living in q little town, only a
few miles from Toxic, was summoned
to fight for his emperor. His wife
died several years ago, leaving little
girl who is 9 years old. The father
was absolutely without means and his
father and mother had no more than
was necessary to keep little life in
their old bodies.
In desperation the man went to his
father. They talked the matter over
The old people could do nothing. They
could not have cared for a humming
bird. Finally the old man told his
son to leave the child with him until
the next day and he would find a way,
lie went to the temple and prayed
Then he returned to his little home and
with his owns hands killed the child.
The next day when the son returned
and learned what had been done he
was satisfied. 1t was the only thing
that could be done. He could 60 to
the war now with no worry on his
mind. His little one had been gath
cred home to Buddha and he could
devote all his thoughts to fighting for
his country.
The old man was arrested, but the
next day he was released. He had
only followed the old custom of Japan
and Japan applauded him. Custom is
much stronger than law in Japan and
patriotism is stronger yet. 1t was
right, old Japan believes, that the
child should be sacrificed that the EN-
peror might have soldier ready to
give his life for his country.
Think of the significance of this act ,
and there are scores more like it re-
ported. In the first place bear in
r,nd the fact that the japanese are
passionatcly fond of their children. No
people on earth are prouder of their
little ones or love them more devot-
| eddy. Yet the interests of the country
demanded that this child, the idol of
Its father, should die, and the sacrifice
was made willingly. And yet it is
said that these people have gone into
this war without knowing what it
means, that they are going TO be de-
fsatcd. Does it seem possible that any
one in the world can defeat spirit like
thats
That is the spirit of old Japan. Now
for the brighter side, record of new
Japans effort to prevent the neces-
sity for such things. There has been
organized in Japan with imperial sane
ton and with q princess at its head
the japanese Soldiers Relief associa
ton. This is the spirit of new Japan
Funds are being raised which are 10
be used to aid the families left des,
titute by the calling out of the mem
Der of the family who was its sole
support. Every effort is being made
10 raise funds. Foreign residents are
much interested in the association, and
concerts, amateur theatricals and other
Entertainments are being given to raise
unds. Splendid work has already been
lone and more will be done.
Another object Of the association is
TO prevent the necessity of young girls
entering upon lives of shame In Japan
= 1t Is very common for young girls
\ whose parents are old and destitute to
sell themselves TO support those who
cannot support themselves. This sys-
tenn of slavery is under control of the
police and is officially recognized. Since
the war began the applications of girls
to enter such apprenticeship have
greatly increased and nearly every
case can be traced directly to the fact
that father or brother, or, perhaps
a husband, has been called to war.
y few dollars in time like this is much
better than gallons of ink and ream'
of sermons later on.
The association has appointed agenH
: IN all towns and -