The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-10-18
Japan Finds Americans Difm-
cult to Understand.
Count Okuma Gives Expression
to His Impressions.
CALLS US NAUGHTY, ECCENTRIC
He Notes TempestuOus and
IraScibIe Moods.
Never Know Vagaries of Our
Psychology, He Says.

Toxic, Japan, Oct. 1S.-Discussion
OF the Observation-Disclosures controversy
gave occasion recently to Count
Shigenobu Okuma, former japanese
foreign minister, to express his i'm
pressions of American temperament
The problem was a vast one, he
declared-more far-reaching than is
commonly thought by the japanese
people. 1t was a problem whose so
luton depended upon patience and en-
durance as we'll as diplomatic tact
Japan, which had regained after
long struggle the right of decision in
her own affairs, must now acquire the
power to have a say among the great
nations on all questions involving her
interests.
Meantime the United States will re-
main a difficult problem, he said, not
only to Japan, but to the whole of
Europe. He added: Great Britain
has been time and again annoyed by
the naughty and eccentric manner in
which America behaves herself. The
arbitration and Panama tolls problems
are the latest illustrations
The veteran statesman continued:
What makes the matter more trou-
bleSome is the tempestuouS and iras-
chile mood of the American people
One moment they rise and rage like
madmen and in the next drop to
nonchalance. For instance, the Cal
ifornia problem seems already sink
ing down to the lethargic level. You
never know the vagarieS of the Amer
lean psychology"
However, Count Okuma is bright
ly- optimistic and believes Japan and
America will eventually settle all their
problems even if it takes a century,
for both are united in strong friend
ship and common interest.
One of the most striking features of
the new census report of Toxic is the
rapid decrease of divorces. In 1904
there were 20 divorces to every 100
marriages. In 1911 the percentage
had fallen to 6 in 100.
This decline is attributed to an i'm
portant change that is slowly but sure
ly taking place in the family system of
Japan. The growth of individualism
and the greater opportunities for the
average citizen to advance on a basis
of intelligence and capacity have af
fected the family system so much that
certain distinct results are already
noted.
Greater freedom of choice is per-
mitted among the young people and the
influence of the mother-in-law over the
new household has considerably di-
minished. Until western influences be-
gan to affect the Japanese social sys-
tenn the newly welded bride always en-
tered the home of her mother-in-law
and obeyed her in her every action
This state of affairs often led and does
lead now to discord and divorce. But
the assertion by the daughter-in-law of
her rights and the tendency for new
couples to establish a home by them
selves has changed all this.
Although Tokyo is said to be almost
as large in area as London, it's popu-
lation is, according to the latest fig
ures. only 1900, 900.
Big as it is in extent, Tokyo is con-
stantly spreading out and the question
Of transportation looms up as a ire
mendous problem for the near future. |
The modern electric car system sup
plies the great masses with means of
transport, but it is believed some sub |
stitute must be found for the old-time |
picturesque rickshaw which requires I
such a length of time to travel between /
distant points. 1t is not unlikely that /
the electric notorious of the great .