Gilpin observer., 1912-10-03

which nave Deeu clearly
indicated, that they show
no disposition to overstep the boun-
daries assigned to tine, is simply
manifestation of the spirit that per-
vades all classes. 1t is hardly a ques-
tion Of higher or lower, superior or
inferior; 1t is a matter of duty of
"bushido."
Certainly the Japanese woman is
not regarded as a handmade. She has
never been without her honorable
position in the body polite, nor has
the value of her peculiar duties ever
been sighted. The duties of bushido
are considered to be binding upon the
woman as upon the man, and mas
much as bushido means loyalty. SO
the woman must be loyal to her hus.
band. as the man must be to the
emperor and to the country. 1t is
only those who are led by false in
dependence to revolt against all ideas
OF service who will criticise a ready
acceptance by the women of Japan
OF domestic sphere which is as i'm
portant In its way as the larger serv-
ice to the empire.
But the Samurai woman was not
confined wholly to the household She
was even taught the use of arms.
that she might help her father or
her husband II the need should arise.
and also that she might defend her
own honor. Japanese history has
many examples OF women who be-
came governors, who led military ex-
peditions and who were famous in
literature. art, education and relig-
Jon. Indeed, the path to public honor
has always been open to the Japanese
woman. but 1t could be attained only
by public service. There was only
one standard Of human value. and that
was adhesion to the national interest.
The woman who performed her whole
duty to the home was as worthy OF
veneration as the man who performed
his whole duty to the army ind to
the country.
There have been distinct feminine
periods in the history Of Japan. Such
a period followed closely upon the in
PRODUCTION Of Buddhism, which. with
Its indictments to charity. did much
TO stimulate what may be called
feminist movement. Such literary
stars as Murasaki Shikileu and Sci
Shonagan not only were the most IA
nous authors of their time. but their
works are still classics. The educa-
tion of women was zealously fostered.
and we hear OF meetings at which
women competed with one another In
poetry, music and art. Works of
charity became honorable duties, and
we heart much OF the Empress Komei.
who distinguished herself by personal
service to lepers.
But the feminisp movement in Japan
has attained it's main successes since
the restoration and the fall of the
shegunate. Many Japanese women
have visited foreign countries. re-
ceived foreign education and re-
turned to their own country to play
the part OF propagandists The popu-
lar education Of girls has made great
strides, and even the extension OF po-
litical suffrage to women finds its ad.
vocates not only among women them
selves. but among politicians and
leaders OF thought. But progress in.
this direction is likely to be slow. A
society that has lately emerged from
feudaiism and that is accustomed to
assign fixed duties to its various
grades 10 not usually tolerant OF in
novations or efforts to enlarge the
boundaries of particular classes. Bud.
dism, moreover, Is likely to play some
part IN retarding the political advance
Of women. and in connning her activ-