The farmer and mechanic., 1915-09-07
HEAVENS LIGHTED
FOR MANY MILES
Millions of Faithful Natives
Bow In Prayer Before Shinto
ShrineS BeSeeching Happi-
ness For Their Ruler and
Greatness and Prosperity
For Their Country
tBy the Associated Press.)


Toxic, Sept. Fires bursting high |
from the peak of sacred Mount Fuji
last night were not volcanic as some
people who had not read the news
papers supposed but were mere bon
fires as a signal to the world Of Japan
that the great accession ceremonies
of Emperor Yoshihito were approach
ing. The glare of the flames light
ened the heavens for a hundred miles
and as they scared upward with their
message thousand-millions of the
faithful were bowed in prayer before
their Shnto shrines beseeching happi-
ness for their ruler-content, perfec-
ton and greatness for their country.
The rite on Fuji's summit was ar
ranged by ShintO priests and was at
tended by a large company. 1t was
a religious function which had no real
connection with the official coronation
program but was held to inspire the
people with the significance and gram
deur Of the coming ceremony.
After the prayers for the glory Of
the reign of the Emperor the sacred
sake wine was passed from lip to lip
and offered to the god of the Shinto
shrine.
1900 To Attend
About 100 persons. it is an
nounced. will attend the chief acces-
sion ceremonies at Koyto in Novem-
Der. These will include the represen-
tatives Of the monarchs and presidents
Of the treaty powers, princes and
princesses Of the blood, officials of the
Shinnin rank, the presidents, vice
presidents and members of the Diet,
princes. representatives Of various
peers as we'll as a representative OF
the Shinto and Buddhist religions.
The fact that no representative of
Christianity has been invited to the
ceremonies has caused a controversy.
Or. Ichiki, Minister of Education, ex-
planned that no Christians in Japan
are accorded court rank, while the
Buddhists and Shintoists are accorded
the rank known as Chokunin. Not ir
the sense Of attaching more import
ance to the other religions, suggests
DR.. Ichiki, but simply because Chris.
tianity in Japan has no representative
with an official rank, the imperia
household commission probably found
1t impossible to include a Christian
delegate in the list of those who will
attend the forthcoming coronation.
Japanese Christians say they ar,
not satisfied with this explanation
They think that the Buddhist and tn
Shinto representatives have been in
vited not primarily because they hol
the rank Of Chokunin, but becaus
they represent the Buddhist an
Shinto religious organizations. TIL
Christians do not claim that they ough
to have representation in the cere
mony, but they argue that when Chris
tianity has been given freedom {
preaching in Japan it will appea
strange to foreign nations if they al
not given an equal privilege wit
other religious bodies.
To Make Investigation.
A japanese pastor of one Of tn
leading Christian churches conferre
with Count Okuma about the que.
ton, and the Premier promised
make an investigation.
Preparations for the accession al
occupying an army Of workers A
over the country devout men and w,
men are solemnly and religious
doing their share in the task of ge
ting ready for the great ceremony.
At Kumogabatamura, near Kyot
woodmen cut the trees that will fu
nish the timbers for one of the hal
OF the coronation rites. This is Il
4all In which the ceremony of Il
dedication OF the sacred rite to Il
imperial ancestors spirits will be hel
The trees were cut down accordi1
to the ancient Shinto rites viii
make this task Of telling timbers som
thing Of ceremony In itself.
First the woodmen were purfl
by ShintO priests The first tree "
then felled with all due solemnity;
was a crytomeria. The branches We
Topped of and these together WI
TO the god of the wood,
Old Costumes Used.
Fifteen carts, attended by leadj