The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1906-12-02

by the speakers on this occasion was
marvel to me, and also, | thought, to
the Japanese hearers Most foreigners
in Japan acquire only enough of the
language to enable them to instruct
their servants. After the address the
men reached forth eagerly for the Japa-
nese tracts and Scripture portions that
had been deputized to attend the meet
ing being a delighted recipient of one.
Several persons tarried TO talk with the
preachers.
Swimming in a Volcano.
Despite the lateness of the hour to
which this meeting had been prolonged,
the party was astir almost at daybreak,
and on tour of the town watching the
bathers. Whoever will may see these,
for the japanese know nothing of the
American Interpretation OF modesty.
Then an early start was made for Shibu,
more than twenty miles distant, by way
of Shlrane, an active volcano 1900 feet
high. This tramp is enough to test the
religion of anybody, even a missionary,
for it is entirely over mountains. and
the road is superlatively bad, though
the scenery is superlatlyely beautiful,
rivalng Colorado s best.
Shirane is a tall gray peak amidst a
scene of desolation, caused by the erup
:lon of 1882, which blasted the trees for
miles around, so that now they stand
like gray, gaunt skeletons haunting a
field of death. The crater is most salts
factory TO visit, in that one may de-
scend its depths and play with the
echoes which dwell IN its walls or dig
sulphur from the bottomless pit. Since
the smaller eruption of 1902 the crater,
which is 1000 yards long. contains two
large lakes One is of hydrochlorlc acid,
a no Al IL my ni nd lya
lemonade, as tho missionaries found.
The other lake is filled with boiling,
Kissing, steaming sulphur. These young
MISSIONARIES were not content with
drinking from the lemonade lake; they
even went swimming in 1t.
The Polite Police.
The faithful japanese preacher had
omitted the climb up Sbirane. and so he
reached Shibu. another village famous
for its milder baths, ahead of the main
party of sun-burned and footsore mis-
slonnries, who arrived at sundown, 10
find the town eXpectant of n meeting,
all the preparations for which had been
made, Several rooms on the first floor
of the native inn where the visitors
spent the night We're thrown into one,
making room for upwards OF 100 per
sons seated, while many more could
stand outside or sit in the house across
the alley, so nigh is neighbor to neigh
Dor in the old japanese villages.
Word came from the police that
should this meeting place he too small
for the foreigners purpose, the police
themselves would provide larger room.
But some 200 men. women and children
crowded around when the service began,
and listened to the new teachings with
an attention that could not be surpassed
in n Fifth avenue church. The same
speakers took part. although with differ
ent addresses. \ considerable circle OF
young men, mostly students, gathered
about Mr., Hail after the meeting for
| further conversation. At this service
native Christian woman, who had moved
delighted part. One of the American
! Bible socIetv,s colporteurs was also
present, and, in general, Shihu seemed
| somewhat more familiar with Chris.
| tIanity than did kusatsu. although there
are no Christian services held there,
Where Religion Is Cheap.
The next morning the Americans, who
were quite accustomed to creating a stir
| by their appearance in native villages,
went TO Nagano. where is one Of the
most celebrated Buddhist temples in
Japan. dating back to go 4. D.. al
though the oldest portion Of the present
structure is only six centuries old The
high priestess of this temple is an aunt
of the Emperor. The temple area is
crowded with statues and buildings of
| absorbing interest. | noticed one bronze
| Buddha of heroic size holding a baby,