Rock Island Argus., 1913-10-18


One striking thing is noted in con-
nection with all the statues; not one
represents any prince or sovereign
The uprising against Napoleon in 1913
was an uprising of the people, not of
their rulers, and the new monument
is a monument Of the people. There
is not personal note about it.
Toxic, Japan.-Discussion of the
American-Japanese controversy gave
occasion recently to Count Shigenobu
Okuma, former japanese foreign min
lister. to express his impressions of
American temperament
The problem was vast one, he de-
clared more far-reaching than is CON-
monty thought by the Japanese people.
1t was a problem whose solution de-
pended upon patience and endurance
as well as diplomatic tact Japan,
which had regained after a long strug-
gle the right of decision in her own
affairs, must now acquire the power
to have say among the great nations
on all questions involving her inter-
ests.
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 prob
lens are the latest illustrations"
The veteran statesman continued:
What makes the matter more trou-
blescme is the tempestuous and iras-
/ cible mood of the American people.
I One moment they rise and rage like
madmen and in the next drop to non
chalence. For instance; the California
/ problem seems already sinking down
to the lethargic level You never
know the vagaries Of the American
/ Psychology"
However, Count Okuma is brightly
1 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 16 in 100
| This decline is attributed to an i'm
portant change that is slowly but
Z fal -,
TEN OF Japan. The growth of indi-
vidualism and the greater opportun-
lies for the average citizen to advance
on basis of intelligence and capacity
have affected 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 consiI-
erably diminished. Until western in
fluences began TO affect the Japanese
social sys.em the newly welded bride
always entered the home of her moth.
er-in-law and obeyed her in her every
action. This state of affairs often led
and does lead to discord and divorce.
But the assertion by the daugh erin
law OF her rights and the tendency
for new couples TO establish a home
by themselves has changed all this.
Although Toxic is said 10 be almost
Although Tokyo is said TO be almost
as large in area as London, its pouu-
lation is, according TO the latest ng.
ures. onnlnyn nn1, ,nn900.000.
Big as it is j extent, Tokyo Is con-
stan ly spreading out and the question
OF transportation looms up as a ire
menGous problem for the near future.
The modern electric car system SUD
pies the great masses with a means
CT transport, but il is belie-sd some
substitute must be found for the old
time, picturesque rickshaw which re.
Quires such a length OF time TO trave!
between distant points. Il is not un-
likely that the electric notorious OF
the great. European cities may find its
way TO Tokyo as solution of the prob
lem.
: Tokio's growth has made other
; rapid changes and the mos. notable is
|. in the cost OF living This is about
three times as high as it was 10 or Is
! years ago. Newly arriving foreigners
, who come 10 live in Japan are as.
. founded They find that the cos. OF
. living in Japan is as high as in Paris