Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-08
Story of a japanese
Martyr to Patriotism
snecial Correspondence Of The stsr.

Special Correspondence of The Star
TOXIC May 81 1906.
Japan teens with romantic stories of
herolsm and seIf-sacrifce in behalf of the
state II is religion that inspires martyrs
in other countries; it is patriotism that in
spires them here. For their country these
wonderful little yellow men will undertake
tasks and endure hardships and suffering
which are only paralleled by the exploits of
those who in other ages and other climes
have cheerfully risked life itself and all
that makes life srorth living for the sake
of their faith and an immortality of bliss
hereafter The latter plays no part in
prompting the devotion of the Jap. For
the state he must, IL required. even i'm
peril his own soul.
There has recently been published in
Japan q novel which has attained great
popularity. telling the story Of a martyr
to patriotism. 1t so abounds in pathetic
and dramatic incidents that il is shortly to
be presented on the stage. 1t purports to
he merely a work of fiction For reasons
OF state it could not be presented in any
other form. But from japanese friend
person in high authority who has had
much 10 do with the filing away of secret
reports--I have learned that the story mere
Iy reCoUnts what one man actually did for
his country with the hope of no other re-
ward than the knowledge that he had done
his best to serve her. The names and
places, which are disguised in the book
the scene being laid in Manchuria-haVe
been revealed to me under a pledge not to
disclose them. as that would probably lead
to the discovery of my source of informa-
ton.
x
Some years ago young cavalry officer
was attached to the general staff at Toxic
He was exceptionally talented and devoted
to his profession. Though only lieuten-
ant. he had been picked out by his COM
rades as the man among them who was
likely 10 go furthest. He Stunned delights
and lived laborious days. He tenn
perate. abstemious and a stranger to every
haunt Of vice and dissipation. One day the
chief o. staff sent for him.
What do you regard as the first duty of
a soldier?" the general asked him.
To obey orders implicitly" was the re-
Spouse.
Right" said the general, "and will you
pledge your honor to obey implicitly and
unquestioningy whatever orders are given
YOU by your superior oficers?'
Il will. l have always done so"
I know it. 1 have watched your career.
Il is because I have the utmost confidence
in your loyalty to the emperor that l have
sent for you now"
The young lieutenant swelled with pride.
He expected that he about to be in
trusted with some dangerous mission in
which he could play hero's part and win
fame and glory.
You have never been a dissipated man.
continued the general, after pause. L
want YOU to change your present mode of
life. l want You to become dissipated.'
But stammered the young soldier, the
flush of pride gone from his face, that
would be contrary to your orders You
have always exhorted us to work hard,
live temperately and eschew vice.
The last order always takes precedence
in its claims to obedience of all the orders
that have preceded it. l want you to be-
come dissipated man."
But why? For what purpose?'
You pledged yourself a moment ago to
yield implicit and unquestionlng obedience
TO the commands of your superior officers"
said the general. 1T should be enough
for YOU to know that my orders are al
ways prompted by the interests of the
state"
The lieutenant stiffened. he was again the
soldier. Your order shall be oh4yed." he
said, "as far my means permit. But l