The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-05-30
IN JAPANS POLICY, SAYS OMURA OLD TEACHEI
William Elliot Griffis Sees Only Future
Peace in Her Recent Diplomatic
Triumph Over China

the Imperial University of Japan, a
graduate Of Harvard law school in
1877, a plodder and a thinker for a
decade in the Foreign Office in Toxic,
Komura followed Millions dictum OF
entering public life late but well pre-
pared. As the Mikado's envoy In
Corea, China, Russia, the United
States and England; chief agent In
the second alliance with Great Britain
and prime mover In the annexation Of
Corea in 1911, he was the real author
of Japan's astounding continental en-
terprises Of 1915. The career Of this
man, successfully samurai, baron,
count and marquis, the greatest
among statesmen of the new type In
modern Japan. is worthy OF study.
Hiuga province, In which Komura
saw the light in 1885. Is the seat of
that divine legend which links Japan
with the skies and to that Heaven"
Of religion, philosophy and common
speech, which to the native mind Is
both place and state. geography and
personality. Here "the gods first de-
scended to adorn and rule the divine
country, everlasting great Japan. His
parents being in the class of gentry:
that Is. OF the %untaxed, privileged and
sword wearing. Jutaro was reared in
the codeaof Bushido-in its literary
presentation so modern while in spirit
so ancient-and was trained In the
bodily and mental discipline essential
TO a samurai. The lad learned also
enough or both business and farming
to keep him all his life in sympathy
with the mercantile and agricultural
classes. Because OF his early experi-
ences he excelled most OF his compeers
In grasping the commercial elements
In a diplomatic tangle.
Komura's birth year was that in
which Perry's treaty was ratified. His
early childhood was spent while Town
send Harris. our Consul General. was
negotiating for foreign trade and resi-
dence. At IL there occurred the coup
d'etat in kyoto which established the
new Government and made the M!kado
supreme. At Is the bright boy was
sent TO Toxic. where he came under
! the tutorship of Edward II. House. an
American of literary reputation. Ex-
element was In the air. The year
1871 saw feudalism swept away, a
million social outcasts raised to citl-
zenship. the mercantile classes hon
ored and the paths OF promotion
opened to all.
i frst met Komura. with other
bright lads, several of whom are now.
or have been, in high offices of state
andseducation. in 1871. whsn they all
wore the garments OF feudalism-
wooden clogs, flowing robes with fam
lily crests on the back and sleeves OF
heir coats. and q brace Of swords,
long and short. stuck in their girdles.
Emerging in 1872 frcm a years exile.
alone in the interior. | taught tn.
senior class in the Imperial Univer-
sity of Toxic.
Komura was under my daily in.
struction in science. literature. phi
losophy and ethics during a period Of
nearly three years. We were often
in intimate association during travel
trips into the country and while Wis
ting places % historical interest. |
knew his mind. or say a dozen
picked men Of the class he excrlled
In penetrating view and comprehen-
sive grasp. Rarely answering until he
was surely ready and apparently not
50 tbANh AZ Spllt 81 MS more NlNdClDuS
fellow students. komura's insight into
causes and his grip upon the vital
elements Of "A problem were notable.
His ultimate thought meant mastery.
After being welcomed with his COM
rades in New York In 1876 he entered
the law school OF Harvard University.
- Returning to his home land Ko-
mura was appointed to the Depart
ment OF Justice. but in 1851 was
transferred to the office of Foreign
Affairs, first as Secretary and then
in charge OF the translation bureau.
During ten years of routine and
drudGery komura was not remarked
upon by his associates as possessing
specially brilliant powers. yet he kept
on thinking. Japan was not only ris-
ing out of feudal chaos into cons,itu-
tional Imperialism, but was mastering
7 those secrets and methods Of diplo-
macy with which, after two decades
OF practice with marvellous success,
she has in 1915 a%stounded the world,
l When first given active service
abroad Komura was put in charge OF