The Washington times., 1912-07-22
THE EMPEROR MUTSUHITo.

Just how great a part mas been played by the
personality Of the Emperor Mutsuhto in the wonder
full era Of Japanese advance that has been coinci-
dent with his long reign, will never be accurately
known 1t is impossible that the world shall ever be
able accurately to judge how far the sovereign was
nominal, and how far a real ruler to what extent
he led and dominated or to what degree he followed
the counsels of that wonderful syndicate of pro-
gressive intellect that we refer to as the elder
statesmen" h"-nen who were younger statesmen when
they took up the work they have done so we'll.
But it is certain that large measure Of credit is
due to Mutsuhito, who now, at the climax Of a
career that has his nation rise from isolation
and insigncance to civilization and power, lies
the point of death while grateful nation bows in
sorrow at his bedside
II is difficult to realize how vast national eleva-
ton may be wrought BY people possessed of little
save ambition and courageous purpose. More un-
promising material from which to lift up, by the
national boot-straps, power of the first rank could
hardly have been found when Mutsuhto came to
the throne; unpromsing, not because the people
lacked elements of bravery and earnesness, but be-
cause of the national poverty of resource At nine
teen years the youthful Emperor had never seen a
foreigner; no Japanese Emperor had ever granted
interview to foreign diplomat, and on the second
occasion when Mutsuhito did this his attendants
attacked by assassins who conceived that the sacred
traditions of the country were being betrayed
through the bad influence of wicked advisers.
From the primitive Japan of that day to the DOM
mating power of the Orient is far cry; but Nut
suhitos wonderful reign compasses the whole dis
tance Ii began with rebellons and at length revo-
luton opened the way to light. Occidental educa-
tional methods introduced under the guidance
of an American David Murray. European dress
manners, and habits Of life and business were en-
couraged All the progress that the people could
keep step with and not become demoralized has
been the rule of this wise Emperor and his cabinet
China was brought to her knees in the war OF
1894, and Japan found herself occupying position
of vantage that brought with it the menace of con-
hict with Russia From that day, clash with the bear
was inevitable, and every resource was devoted to
preparation. The war came, and all the world knows
how magnhcently Japan carried herself to a victory
of whose fruits she largely despoiled. Yet
to the national credit the world knows too with wha
restraint and sense the people bore their bitter dis
appointment when they realized how all but vain hac
been their splendid sacrifice.
The temptations of military glory, Of conques
and Imperialism have been resisted, and Japan ha:
returned to the grim task of wrestling from her un
willing little domain and from the untracked
of the Pacific, the means to pay her debts and sustain
her power. 1t has been lesson in national sanity
in moderation and real capacity for popular control
such few nations anywhere in history have re
corded. Mutsuhito must be placed among the great
est rulers of all time because his has somehow beef
the guiding spirit in all the careful planning, the in
sstent pressure upward the epochs Of war and glory
and the painful years Of suppression, restraint an
plodding When Mutsuhto goes, all the world ma
bow its head in honor to of the most noble an
useful men of his generation.