New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-09-09
LETTERS To THE EDITOR.
POLYGAMY IN JAPAN.
Light Thro5cn Upon Matrimonial
Customs of Mikado's Empire.
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Allow me a word on the question OF
polygamy in Japan. expressed in the custom OF
-'by-wives' concubines. According to our West
ideas the legalizaton of relations of the sexes
in Japan is positively immoral This has con-
tributed to the reputation of RIGHTEOUSNESS winch
japanese women have incurred. Yet strict morality
pervades many OF those relations. and even the
institution Of the 'by-wives' has some ethical
foundation
The old marital law determined that the asso-
citation in life of and woman was funoa-
mental law of human society. 1t read: 'WhosoeveT
has passed his sixteenth year should no longer live
In isolation but select bride woo-er. and through
his means contract a matrimonial union 1t Is
the bride woo-er's' business to propose for the
hand of the bride. He procures for both parties
the Indispensable information to property ana
other personal matters. and with his cooperation
the marriage contract is concluded the execution OF
which he in a manner guarantees II inlsunder-
standings arise during the marital union, lie Is
mediator and arbitrator: should circumstances arise
to make dissolution of the marriage desirable. ne
is to be employed in the drawing of the deed or
divorce No religious ceremonies attend the DC
trothal: the authorities likewise have preserlDeu o
solemnities of marriage. However there eAis''
a very complicated family ceremonial, which IN
cludes set of customs for the presentation Oh the
nuptial gifts for the behavior OF the guests anu
for the duties devolving on the bridal PAIR uuits
the marriage feast. Marriage in Japan Is Io'
sacrament. ~,
N+o
SO far as regards defects in the wife oarrehieS,
tendency to leprosy discovered too late, putr'u
breath loathsome skin disease, garrulousNess' e.
but only those specified can be GROUNDS Io' 'le o-
Moreover. every liberty is granted to the hq US
band in respect while IN regarQ 10
mechanics and merchants Qhe higher or il 0fn,
are exempted bs6 t KEEP e
the fundamental laws of human society ana b hG
can put them to death at his will. But if ne Kills
only Of the parties and spares the One ha
is guilty OF an u-righteous deed. IT, on the Qtner
hand he sues the c1iprts instead of killing them,
It will be left with him ThetHer {ney dis sa
of the tie between husband and wife is copsldered
by man as a hateful crime, the decision shaL no.
be made without circumstantial examination OF
in Japan on RIGHTEOUSNESS, but on the greater
need of the Orient and the necessity OF preserving
of the Bushi or Samurai fighting men. who
eases which have decimaied families for centuries.
Were it not for the institution OF multiple mar
which went to Japan from China and Corea, would
Ra s bs yed g stv Of a the higher order Of
women. resulting from their too close Internal
Of excessive exclusiveness OF the five great fam
lies is the reason why the present Empress mas
vi %?fs children The Prince Imperial Is son OF "
illness. or has lost her charms by consumption or
by many childbrths and overnursing of babies, or
from practical wisdom. not let her husband seek
his amusement or company outside of the family,
she herself LOOKS for who may take her
place in this respect. For let it be well under
stood, in every other respect she remains para
mount. Being the first wife she is still the chief
wife, and has to dread the power of her successor
or successors as the case may be, only if the lat
ter should give birth 10 son. while she, perhaps,
has only daughters, children at all living,
In regard 10 the first '5y-wife, or ''makake, the
wise spouse passes in review her reia tives,
and chooses young girl. some pretty cousin
nearer relative. who is attached TO her. docile and
different possible from the husband in age
and tastes. Then it is in accord with the nature OF
woman that she prefers to the matrimonial
pleasures which slip away from her divided among
several persons, subservient only to the wants Of
her husband than to all this class of attach
nents belonging 70 a single person. Thus by
wife after "by-wife' is taken. They learn
to accommodate themselves to the part of half
serving persons while the legitimate wife directs
the whole household having. for instance plenary
and exclusive educatory powers all the scions
sprung from the various unions who all legiti-
mate. With the calm amiabity which is
culiar attribute of japanese women, all these
women of the seraglo share between them the du-
ties of the household do know even the name
OF jealousy, and form a peaceable family circle.
whose only anxiety is the comfort OF the master.
ALBERT S. ASHMEAD, NJ. D.
New-York, Aug 81, 1905