The mirror., 1908-09-17
Japan, the pride Of the Orient.

was and not far distant
when to mention the Far East
would be to open the flood gate
to thought thru which would
rush a host of oriental images pano-
piled in costumes no less ludicrOus than
grotesque. This period of fantasy has |
now given place to one of wonder, ad- |
miration and respect, due in a large
measure to the brilliant and successful |
war lately waged by Japan against the
powerful armies of Russia; partly by
the recognition of the intellectual
growth and development which is now
evidenced in every part of the mikado's
domain, and last but by no means
least, the general moral kattitude that
,permeates thruout the empire. giving
distinctive and vital color to the char
'acter and permanence of Ter public in
stitutions.
Japan, pre-eminently the representa-
tive country of the. East, can no longer
be considered as an effete:or impotent
nation. Her recent military and naval
were the result of
genius and Intellectual capacity much
above mediocre ability. The almost
phenomenal progress, the display of
youth and vigor manifested by this
aged and hitherto: supposedly deterio-
rating monarchy is of sufficient mo-
ment to interest, not merely the curl
Gus but all who seek comprehensive
knowledge of the worlds present-day
achievements. If this material unfold
ment is suggestive of "a riddle any
schoolboy of ordinary intelligence can
Immediately supply the key thereto in
one word, education.
Three decades ago Japan.had prac-
tically no educational system. Prior
to the great revolution of 1869, this
country was nothing more than feu-
dal kingdom, governed by feudal lords,
called Daimios. These lords spent
much of their time in Toxic, where
they were constantly under the sur
veillance of the ShOgun-the mikadO's
personal representative. Formerly the
emperors Of Japan did not govern.
They never appeared in public; never
had intercourse or advised with their
people. In fact were never seen by
any other than those belonging to the
royal household. They were looked
upon as deities rather than as sovereign
rulers, and of course were neither
outside of pure fancy. The viceroy, OF
Shotgun as he was called, was at all
times the actual ruler. This state OF
affairs obtained until a new order OF
things had been brought about by the
revolution. In 1872, for the first time
in thousand years, a japanese emper
or appeared before his subjects. 1t il
worthy of note that this ruler, then {
mere lad in his teens, coming, as he did
suddenly, into absolute power, not onl!
kept steady head but magnificent!
arose to the demands of his office. HI
has been without doubt the prim
mover in In his country's progress
Adopting European dress and custom
he nevertheless placed some wise re
!. Strictions upon his subjects which pre-
serve and safeguard many Of th
notable features of that land-feature
distinctly japanese.
From feudalism to constitutions
monarchy was only step for this rae
"a step that has required centuries fo
many other countries to take-but tha
one movement meant great deal mor
to the individuals who formed the NJ
cleus of the old regime than did az
vancing civilization, national powe
and prestige, for it was at the cost Q
fame. rank wealth and in many IL
stances even livelihood for. thousand
OF the foremost people of that land
The acceptance of and acquiescenc
,sdhthis new form of government is POI
tive. proof of unselfish patriotism an
largely suggestive of that country
great possibilities. From the fact the
this the oldest dynasty on earth-in g,
fstence i've hundred years before tt
death of Julius Caesar abiding Il
centuries, as it were, in medieval darl
ness, experiencing no CLEAN Of light 9
its .somber pathway. should, all in
moment receive the high inspiration