Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-08-01
Death Of Emperor Of Japan Fol-
lows Long Period Of I'm.
consciousness.
YOSHIHI7O SUCCEEDS Him
Deep Emotion Swaps 10000 Sub.
jects at Palace Gates When
Messengers Announce
Demise.

Toxic. July 30.-Mutsuhito. for A.
years Emperor of Japan, died at 12:43
o'clock this morning Yoshihito, Haru
NoMiya reigns under the formula
provided by the constitution promul-
gated by Mutsuhito, THE King Is
dead long live tho King"
Mutsuhito, who was the 121st EN-
peror of Japan, passed gently away.
He had been unconscious for many
hours prior to his death. and the EN-
press. the crown prince and the most
prominent officials of the household
and government were at the bedside.
Haruko, now Dowager Empress
yields to Princess Sadako, the young
Empress, who is the mother of three
sons. of whom the eldest Is Hirohito
Haruko has won universal sympathy
because OF her untiring vigil in the
sick room, where she remained contin-
uously for ten days Even on the last
day she pitifully begged the physc-
ians to secure short respite for the
dying Emperor.
Everything known to science was done
to prolong the life of the sovereign. The
whole nation watched pathetically be-
cause the death of the Emperor would
estab lsh new record in the history of
Japan. and the people chung almost fierce
~ to the tradition with which the dying
monarch appeared indssolubly linked.
DEATH WAS INEVITABLE
The outcome was inevitable from the
first acute Developments on July 10. Death
was due to acute nephritis otherwise
known as Bright's disease. This was COM
plicated by diabetes and an intestinal af-
lection. AS is usual in such cases, the
patient on occasions showed marked signs
OF Improvement followed by relapse
Since July % the condition of the Emperor
gradually became worse, with high fever,
weak and irregular pulse and shallow res
piration.
When the physicians recognize
the hopelessness of the case every
preparation was made for the en1.
The imperial princes. tle ministers
and notabilities were summoned to the
palace AMI remained in the outer
rooms for 20 hours. A few of the old
est. who have been closely associated
with the empire were permitted to
see the Emperor. while the public.
contrary to custom. were taken into
the confidence of the physicians who
issued bulletins hourly giving details
of the progress of the disease. Even
the last announcement. that Of the
death Of the Emperor. was ma lie with
in an hour.
At the en1 upwards of 10000 sub
jects silently paid their last homage
outside the palace gates. 1t was mar
W ell
ly mingled with the crowds an scat
the Emperor's death. Deep emotion
swept the multitude. but tnere was no
evidence of excitement The only
sound was a long lrawn sigh of sor-
row
Within the palace the death was COM
municated to the waiting imperial princes
and notabilitics, whereupon without delay
the accession ceremonies were begun at
the imperial sanctuary at one o'clock. The
shrine was decorated according to the
Shinto rites. Prince lwakura. the chief
r!tualist. off1ciated laying the Offering on
the sacred altar. He was assisted by n
subordinate, who rang n bell while the
offerings were being placed. The oath was
read in the presence of the ministers of
state, the councillors and other dignitar-
les.
The ceremony at the sanctuary will be
repeated In the next two days a more
impressive scene occurred In the throne
room Of the palace when the new Emper-
or Yoshihito received the sacred treas
ures.
SCENE LACKS BRILLIANCY.
bo hrili
not solemnity for the majority of those
present were without uniforms. They had
remained in the palace for two days and
were not given time to repair to their
homes prior TO the ceremony
The Emperor assembled the throne before
which had been placed simple wooden ia
bles. On these reposed the sacred sword
and necklace, two Of the sacred treasures.
The third of the sacred treasures, the mir
ror. which Is deposited In the Shrine Of
Ire. will be received by the Emperor
later. The imperial and national seals
also were taken over by His Majesty, who
Immediately arose and, standing. received
the homage of the entire assemblage. This
ended the ceremony.
The date for the funeral has not yet
been fixed. Probably it will take
place within n month at Kyoto. where
the Emperor had expressed n desire
to be buried. on the site of Maruyama
palace built by Hideyosht In the six
teenth century.
CORONATION A YEAR HENCE.
Under the household law the public
coronation of Emperor Yoshihito must
be held at Kyoto. This probably will
take place about one year hence.
A new era commences, the name of
which Will be announced morrow,
together with other details OF which
the council OF state Is now engaged
The Emperor left the palace shortly |
before noon. proceeding to his form |
err residence at Aoyama
The Emperor will receive all the state
ministers and naval and military Off
GERS Tomorrow morning. The shops have |
been closed generally throughout the cap |
ltal
HIGH TRIBUTE BY PRESS.
Toxic. July 3O.-The Toxic newspapers |
print lengthy editorials, paying high tri- |
butte to the old and the new Emperors. |
All departments of the government have
been In conference and it is expected |
mat AN amnesty decree viii shortly he
Issued 1t will probably include the al
legged conspirators In Korea
TAFT CABLES HIS REGRETS.
Washington, July 2a-First official news
II tho demise of the Emperor OF Japan |
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