The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-03-25
JAPAN

cessor. who must be of royal blood, but not necessarily the son of the Emperor or of the Empress The present Prince Imperial is the son of the Emperor and of Countess. Yanagiwara, who became one of the imperial concubines in lSI5
 The Empress of Japan, Haru Ko, has no imperial blood in her veins, for the laws of Japan do not permit the rulers to marry relatives.
 In December 1898, the imperial diet eX- pressed it's gratitude 10 the Emperor for his direction of military affairs during the war with China by including in the imperial estates sum of $10,OOO,OOO out of the indemnity paid by the Chinese.
 Wild animals scarcely exist in Japan oxen and cows arc used only as beasts of burden, while dogs are held in super stitious veneration. Few reptiles, and none of the poisonous species. are to be found there.
 In diet the Japanese may be called vegetarians as it is only within recent years that meat has been introduced into their fare Beef Is sold by the ounce, and chickens are minutely dissected and sold by the wing, the leg. or an ounce or two of the breast
 Japanese furniture, like economy, con sists mainly in doing without. The ordi- nary house consists of four posts and roof. and the walls for the most part are of paper In the interior little is found except mats, a charcoal brazier and teapot of steaming, fragrant tea. At night the bedrooms are partltioned off by means of screens or shutters.
 In Shiba Park, near TolSio. is a shrine which was erected in the year 1005 and it is one of the most beautiful examples of ancient Japanese architecture. In the tenn pie are found a mirror, a crystal and sword. Between September 16 and q of each year the Emperor repairs to this temple and gazing into the mirror sees the ruler of 50,0OO,OO0 people and is re- minded of his responsibilities It is the emblem of conscience. The crystal, em blem of purity, is a silent reminder of what his life and government should be, while the sword indicating power, re- , calls to him his authority and dignity, and the necessity of maintaining both.
 In 1924 an expedition of 1O00O Chinese attempted to conquer Japan, but was re- pulsed. The attempt was repeated in lEhl Dy u IOrce or lUO,OD CnlneSe dnu Coreans. but this also failed. In 1592 the Japanese invaded Corea, but were utterly defeated
 Yeddo was almost ruined by an earth quake in 17O3; more than 100000 lives be- ing lost.
 Political parties are numerous in Ja- pan. There is the radical party, the pro l gressionists, the constitutional reform party, the national union party, the prac- tical business party, the finance reform party, the party of self-government, party of great questions, patriotic party, the society of fellow thinkers, and the middle province party
 Opium is not used at all. On the con trary, tobacco smoking Is almost universal 1 with men, women and children. l The first railroad was opened in 1872 and in 1874 Japan began the use of the Gregorian calendar.
 In 1871 Japan sent diplomatic representa- tves to Washington and the European capitals.
 Silk hats are worn by the Japanese | gentlemen only on the most solemn occa- | sions, but at such times they are as neees-
 sary as their etiquette. As the owner never wears one out. the hat is passed down to posterty and every fashion since
 the time of Perry's advent may now
 be seen when Japan does honor to royalty | or attends Wcddinps ar funerals