The mirror., 1908-09-17

that something which gives birth to
high ideals and guides nations to their
ultimate destiny is no more marvellous
than this nations keen perception and
lnasterful utility of that ray of modern
light which has dissipated the sepul-
chral-like gloom of ages and arrayed
this fair land in vesture of civillza-
tions most modern fashion.
OF Japan's educational system we
are told that today in Toxic the build
ings of the Imperial University cover
fifteen acres of ground and includes
admirable class-rooms, dormitories, lab
oratories, a hospital and residences for
the faculty. In different apartments
are taught mathematics, astronomy,
chemistry and geology, civil and elec-
trical engineering, naval architecture;
and metallurgy. Philosophy and the
modern European languages, Japanese
and Chinese history and literature are
also taught in superbly appointed
buildings. And yet this is not all; be-
sides Law School there is College
of Medicine and Pharmacy, IN each of
which four years course is required.
Professors to the number of one huns
dred and twenty-three, fifteen of whom
are foreigners, are employed besides
about half as many lecturers are en-
gagged by the directors; and all this in
only one city. japan was elective in
her method. Sending many of her
brightest and most promising young
men to gather knowledge in all the im-
portant countries of the world, induc-
ing number of foreign teachers to
come and give instructions in her
schools she has obtained most signffi-
cant results-results which speak far
more eloquently than mere words can
possibly do.
| While the people of Japan may not
be conspicuously aesthetic they are,
however, genuine lovers of beauty in
both nature and in art. One'-of the
principal pleasure resorts in-Tokio is
a park that abounds with cherry trees
the blossoms of which are especially
attractive. These flowers usually are
pink in color and are said to be to ia.
pan what roses are to the western
world. Their blooming time is one OF
, the national festivals. The newspapers
devote considerable space each day
during the blooming period to the an
nOuncements of the progress of tn.
!, coloring. Another flower which glad
dens the heart of these people is tn,
. chrysanthemum. Early in Novembel
of each year chrysanthemum exhibit
= tions are held. 1t is claimed that al
many as four hundred flowers grow OF
single bush at one time. Five or si,
. varieties sometimes grow on singh
plant and in the mikadO's empire Their
: are said to be nearly three hundre,
:, varieties. Our local florist should 81
:. up and take notice.
q The Japanese customs and mode O
4 living are peculiarly their own but q
s we are largely creatures of habit com
a. fort is neither eliminated nor dimiu
\ ished because of Q contrariness. in Gus
"a toms. While we of the United State
"a with the possible exception of the boz
car touristl could not be induced t
Al exchange our luxurious, downy pillow
"a for the billet OF wood used in Japan q
" the nightly head-rest, yet these people
II especially the female portion, are nc
"a only contented with this arrangemen
!. but prefer it to any other as it does nc
4 interfere with their elaborate couture,
er This country teens with temple
IF shrinee, sanctuaries and;sacred place
n- Their religious sentiment Is divide
is into two great classes-Buddhism an
Shintoism. The government favor
ce the latter as state religion. Eac
g party renders devotion to their r
Id spective beliefs or convictions, unsu
Is passed, perhaps by any other race {
at people. In speaking of the constrn
K tion of the new Buddhist temple
be Higashi Hongwanji, Mr.. Stoddard
or his lectures says: "One object in th
k shrine especially impressed ns. Tb
On was q pile of r0pe-each strand as lor
q aud large, as ships cable made
II women's hair, twisted and spliced wit