Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1914-09-03

TYPICAL JAPANESE INFANTRfMAN.
navy upon the best possible system In
accordance with the spirit OF the age
We have therefore enacted law for
enrolling soldiers from the whole pop
ulation founded OH the system which
in old days existed in this country"
This general CONSUMPTION was akin
TO the practice In feudal times, when
all owed military duty to their feudal
lords. The mikado had now replaced
the feudal lord in the fullest authority
over the people.
A general CONSUMPTION was not car
ried into effect until 1875, when gen.
eral governing regulations were adopt
ed as follows: All males at the age or
twenty were subject to CONSUMPTION;
service with the standing army from
twenty to twenty-five years; standing
army reserve from twenty-three to
twenty-six years; with the reserves
from twenty-seven to thirty-one years.
The annual CONSUMPTION gives about
100000. many more than are required
for the standing army. The usual ex-
ceptions are made for physical disa-
bility, for thoses supporting INDECENT
parents, for teachers. students. some
of the professions, etc., and under the
/ liberal construction of the regulations
only 10000 are called to the colors.
! Those selected are in the very best
physical condition In times OF emer-
gency not less than 10000 could thus
be called to the colors. At such times.
too. II may be confidently expected that
the conscripts will endeavor TO con-
ceal their physical defects rather than
endeavor to take advantage or them
for the purpose of evading service TO
their country. One year volunteers
paying their own expenses, are relieved
from the longer terms OF service, sim
liar to the practice in Germany ana
France.
The conscripts are subject TO a thor
ough physical training and drill. their
military instruction, which is carried
ON I'm characteristic, painstaking man
ner. taking them through a range or
subjects which viii make them efficient
soldiers. Great attention is paid to
physical development. instruction Is
given In a peculiar japanese scientf-
ic wrestling called "jujutsu," In which
finesse is depended upon in lieu OF
strength, characteristic of oriental
methods. This must not be confound-
ed with the ordinary wrestling OF the
japanese, where strength Is or more
Importance than finesse 1t was taught
particularly to the police. who are chief
ly of the samurai clans. Many for
eign seamen In seaport towns when
they have committed some breach OF
the peace have at times been surprised
10 find themselves powerless In the
hands OF these relatively small men,
who are enabled to conquer them by
their skill In jujutsu.
The japanese have considerable pow
er of endurance. particularly In march
ing. Although they average but five
feet three inches in height. the upper
part of the body is proportionately
longer than would be expected by these
measurements. The development OF
the upper part Of the body is excellent
while they are not lacking In muscular
QevelOpDent VI tue 'etS- ncSS a. y
however. somewhat shorter than the
limbs OF the Caucasians.
The general physical development II
such as to display considerable strength
and staying powers. They may be sait
TO be ..stocky." As IN modern war In
dividual combat rarely takes place. the
question of relative inches or brute
strength Of opponents does not ente'
az a serious factor. although this wal
frequently adverted to when consider
ing the chances Of the japanese In tie
! war with the Russians