Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-02-04
Y. N. {. A. WORK In JAP ARMY
Association Strongly Endorsed by the High
japanese officials
BRANCHES At PORT ARTHUR AND OALNY
Robert weidensalI Writes of His
Visit TO These Places and of
the Activities Among the
soldiers There.

HANKOw, China, Dec. 15.-(Special
Correspondence -Before had finished my
work in Japan, the japanese national COM
mittee of the Young Mems Christian asso-
cation urged me to visit Dalny Port Ar
tnur and New Chwang, Wing kow, in
Llaotung peninsula and Corea- 1t was
very dificult thing to get into these
places, as the whole peninsula of Liaotung
was under the military control of the
japanese army and navy. Only such per-
sons were ABOVE suspicion, or had re-
liable endorsement were permitted to visit
any part of the peninsula. Passports were
secured for me from the War department
in Toxic with but little difficulty, as
represented the Young Mems Christian as
ISOLATION, which did and does now such
splendid work in the Japanese army. This
work has wonderfully won the favor of
the emperor Of Japan, the officers and
the men of the army and the navy every
where.
october 13, 1906, l started for Dalny and
passed almost in sight of the place where
Admiral Togo destroyed the Russian Baltic
fleet. Landed at Dalny November 2, 1905.
The day was cold and distressingly dusty.
l went to the Young Mems Christian assoc
citation rooms, met the native general sec
rotary, who took me in charge. and was
ings constructed by the Russians. BY
special invitation 1 attended a reception
and banquet the next day in the large ad-
minstration building on the birthday of
the emperor of Japan. large company
OF notable persons was present. l sat be-
tween major of the British army and
colonel of the Japanese army. When tas
Japanese national hymn played all
present rose and bowed with uncovered
heads as If in prayer until II was finished.
IL was very impressive. Wine and other
liquors were poured into two glasses by
our plates and water in third. When it
was proposed to drink to the emperors
health, all present grasped the glasses
with the wine and other liquors and held
them up with outstretched arms, then to
their lips and, with possibly several excep-
tons, drank. l took the glass of water,
held it up and then drank it This act
was done by all present with a hearty
hurrah! The japanese colonel by my side
lifted up the glass of wine, put 1t to his
lips. but did not drink. He was a devoted
Christian man and strictly temperate. He
turned around quickly and grasped my
hand in approval of my act He was one
of the strongest Young Mems Christian
association men in the japanese army. We
at once changed cards of address
Services Mt Port Arthur.
After having done all 1 could in Dalny
1 went to- Port Arthur by rail. A whole
section of the car was given to me- As
soon as arrived at Port Arthur and quar-
tered in my hotel l reported to the Young
Mems Christian association headquarters
In a very commodious and we'll located
building; met the native japanese general
secretary, Mr.. A. Minato. Had frequent
interviews with him about his work.
attended the Sunday afternoon meeting.
The building was filled with soldiers and
sailors. The first part of the meeting was
given to music and the graphophone, which
were very much appreciated by the men.
The gospel meeting which followed was
crowded. The Japanese general secretary
made telling gospel address, which was
listened to with marked attention. After
the gospel address the secretary offered q
copy of the Book of Matthew in Japa-
nese to any of the soldiers and sailors that
wanted 1t. All of them pressed forward
reaching out their hands to receive It.
1t was a sight worth seeing.
l was introduced to a number OF Japa-
nese officials, all of whom regarded the
Young Mems Christian association work
with great favor. At Port Arthur, will the
secretary of the association, l witnessed
the display of the soldiers and sailors in
commemorative the first anniversary of the
occupation by the Japanese of 2O8 Meter
hill. There were az least 10000 soldiers
and sailors, a splendid body Of men, and
their movements were fine.
Where the Battle Ragged.
In the afternoon went to the top Of
2O3-Meter hill, trip long to be remem
bered. All along the way there were plair
evidences of a mighty struggle. When W.
reached the top 1t was evident that thi.
hill was the key to the situation. witt
this hill the Russians could hold gu
against any attack of the Japanese. With
out this hill the Russians were at tn,
mercy of the Japanese. Next day, with
permit, l went alone TO the top of Colder
hill an impregnable fortress against an,
attack from the ocean side. Port Arthur
town and inside harbor are perfectly SAT-
behind IT, From Golden hill and 2OS-Mete
hill, Port Arthur and every port Of tn
country about are plainly visible.
Among others l was introduced to Gen