davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14

This building was erected from de-
signs by B. H Latrobe, one of the
architects of the Capitol 1t was orig
inally in the form of a Greek cross,
the equal transept perfectly proportion
ed to the nave. 1t was completed in
November. 1916. and the corner stone
was laid September Is. 1915.
st. Johns is called the Church of
the Presidents" because of the many
Presidents of the United States who
have worshiped here. James Madi-
son and Dolly, his wife, were of
these. and when the latter died where
is now the Cosmos Club, at Madison
place and H street. her funeral was
held from this church. Other Presi-
dents attending divine service here
were James Monroe, John Quincy
Adams, Andrew Jackson. Martin Van
Buren,, William Henry Harrison. John
Tyler, Zachary Taylor Willard Fill
more, James Buchanan, and Chester
A. Arthur. The first Sunday after
Lincoln arrived in the city he at
tended service here, accompanied by
Mr.. Seward, and Mr. Wilson OCCASION
ally crossed over Lafayette Square to
be present with Mrs Wilson at st.
Johns.
One of the first prominent we'd
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14

ceeded in 1889 by Rev. K. John
Stewart, whose place was in turn taken
by Rev. w. A. Harris in l841. The lat
ter was succeeded by Rev. Henry w.
Woods in 1849. Rev. David Kerr, 1851,
and by Rev. James A. Buck, 1852, who
served for as years, or until his death,
September 4, 1897. For few months
and while a new rector was being Sc
lected Rev. David Barr performed the
duties of that Office, or until the ap-
pointment Of Rev. Charles E. Buck in
1898. The present rector is Rev.
Franklin j. Bohanan, who succeeded
Rev. Joseph Fletcher.
Some few years ago all the interior
of the old church was destroyed. leav-
ing only the old walls standing. A
new church was Immediately erected.
which, however includes a large por-
ton of the original brick structure
To the people Of Washington the his
toric value Of this church cannot be
overestimated, for with other inter-
esting things it was here that the first
Easter service was held in the Dis
trict of Columbia and at one time
when an attempt was made to sell and
divide the glebe. it was through the eff
forts of Francis Scott Key and Charles
H. Wiltberger that the idea was aban-
doned.
Another historic Episcopal Church Is
Christ Church, on q street between
Sixth and Seventh streets southeast. 1t
was originally the parish church of
Washington Parish, which at one time
included the whole of Washington City
proper, and at the present day. even
with its reduced area, still retains that
name for its parish formed in 1894, the
present church dating from 1907.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14
h 124 Ruler of Oriental Nation Will Combination
Abssm in Theory and Democracy Practice System
Has Singular Strength-Cmony Worlds Most Elaborate.

the grandson Of Ninigi-no- mikoto, the
sovereign grandchild of the sun goddess.
According to the tradition, this myth
ical grandchild was mtruSted with the
sacred symbols of the empire and sent
to earth to govern the Japanese. He
and his descendants were charged with
the duties of sovereignty for as long as
the heavens and earth should endure.
Recognition of this heritage is still
potent factor in the Japanese govern
ment. as will be manifest in the coming
coronation. The divine origin of the
imperial family is no more open to
question than is the exclusive right OF
that family to reign forever. In the an
Gent language the tenno was referred
to as a god. and that is his real func-
ton in Japanese life.
For seven centuries the emperors re-
manned head of the government in
theory only, the real power being eXer-
cised by line of uSurpers with the
title of shotgun. The singular thing is
that through these centuries the rulers
maintained their theoretical sovereignty,
and the very SaCredneSS Of their persons
was used as an argument against their
participation in the government.
Worldly affairs were deemed so wholly
unworthy Of attention by the successor
OF the gods that 1t became degrading
for the Emperor to bestow a thought
upon them. So the imperial family
shut itself up in the royal palaces and
the emperors confined their authority
solely to religious rites.
Restitution of the imperial dynasty
as the actual head of the Government
is modern event. In 1853, Com
modore Perry went to the capital of
the Shotgun and demanded a COM
mercial treaty between the United
States and Japan. Anti-foreign feel
ings involved the country in civil war,
and the power of the Shotgun was
wrested from him. On October 10,
1868, Mutsuhito celebrated his corona
ton as the real Emperor of Japan, TAX
ing an oath to safeguard the welfare
of his people.
Then began the Meiji period, an
era of restoration which forms a record
unparalleled by that OF any other ma
ton In the annals of the world. Social,
intellectual. industrial and government
al institutions were remodeled and
modernized with a rapidity that was
astounding. Mutsuhito, more lovingly
known since his death as Meiji
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14

! through which the young Emperor
| Hirohito will formally assume the duties
| of sovereignty. For months the Japa-
nese have been preparing for these
sacred ceremonies. The coronation
season actually began with the formal
announcement at the palace in Tokyo
on January II, and will continue until
December. this year. with the most i'm
portant services on November 10.
The announcement. even. was gala
affair. The Emperor and Empress.
dressed in brocades and silken costumes
Of ancient times and accompanied by
their entire court. went to the place
of divine awe" where rest the spirits
of the imperial ancestors, to notify
them of the date decided upon. I'm
perlal messengers in the quaint cos
TUNES of old sword-bearing days were
| dispatched to the various tombS with
the solemn proclamation. Cablegrams
we're then sent to rulers and presidents
OF all treaty powers.
Having mourned deeply and with per-
Sonal sincerity peculiar to Japan for
the late Emperor Yoshihito. or Taisho
Tenno. as he is known since his death.
the nation has turned to rejoicing again
in the ascension of a new imperial ruler.
The country will be in feStal attire for
the corOnal events. and the people,
united IN devotion. will follow the move
ments CT the Emperor as he leaves for
Kyoto about November and returns
when the celebration is concluded at the
end of the month.
Dates of the various events this year
are the same as they were for the last
coronation in 1916, and essentially the
same ceremonies will be performed
from custom no one knows how old.
The imperial couple will be feted with
military and naval reviews, banquets
and ceremonial dances, and the final
triumphal procession through the
streets of Tokyo the first part of De-
cembcr.
Twelve years ago a million persons
viewed the welcome-home procession
when the Emperor returned to the ma
tional capital. and 65, 900 held reserved
places about the pavilion where the i'm
perial address was made. LOYAL heads
were bowed and the lips of that silent
reverent multitude moved in PRAYER
There was not cheer and scarcely q
stir as the Emperor and his royal train
threaded through banks of people miles
in length. although the spectators had
been waiting in their places from 9 to
- hours.
The young Hirohito will be greeted
by crowd. equally large and devoted.
but the world wonders what form of
expression their reverence will take at
the coming events.
While the cities at coronation time
are always decorated In Oriental
splendor, and costly demonstrations
N-tContinued on Seventh Pege)
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14

Speaking of Christ Church, an old
item from The Star says:
When the parish was organized
there was on New Jersey avenue near
D street northeast building, original
ly tobacco barn, but which had been
used since 1780 as church, perhaps
as a mission of ST. Johns Parish,
Prince Georges County, and service in
1t continued to be held as the only
church outside of Georgetown until
1907. In the meantime propositions
were made from time to time looking
to the erection of one or more new
edifices, but without result. At the
vestry meeting of July a. 1895. James
Greenleaf presented as q building site
lot II, in square ass the square
bounded by Sixth, Seventh, E and F
streets northwest, and Samuel Blod-
gett gave the vestry an order for tim
Der to build a church. That body
looked favorably on the plan and
passed a resolution requesting the
rector to also purchase lot 16. in the
same square. The project was, how
ever, abandoned, and no church was
ever built there.
After the reorganization at a meet
ing held April 10, 1906, the old New
Jersey avenue church was still recog-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14
Japans New Ruler Reign Heir of Divine and Imperial Lin

tage that makes up their political life
and shapes their national destiny. for
he is regarded not only as the supreme
head of the nation but as the true
source of inspiration and spirituality.
Descended from the mythical gods who,
according to tradition, founded the en-
pire, the ruler is the divine representa-
tive Of heaven on earth, through whom
virtue flows to all the land and its
people.
The King of England is said to be
symbol Of dignity and unity in the
British Empire, but the Emperor of
Japan is the embodiment of all the
highest ideals Of the people, the emblem
of all that is sacred, as well as the
theoretical source of all power of state.
While the doctrine of the divine right of
kings has long since passed from the
western World. the Far East still holds
fast to its doctrine of the divine origin
OF kings, the divine person and the
divine duty Of kings. The throne of
Japan is stepped in what Shakespeare
calls the dread and awe of kings"
Japan has had but one imperial fam
lily, and, If tradition is to be
believed, the new Emperor Hirohito
Will assume his position in November
as the legitimate heir of the japanese
sun Goddes5. OF his 1913 ancestors who
have occupied the throne, some have
been great, some ambitious, some mod
est. some mere puppets in the hands Of
politicians and Others infants on the
| throne. But, through all the vicissi-
tudeS Of 1000 years, this remarkable
fact holds true throughout-tha no
c.,lNi vt nv
powerful has ever dared to usurp the
royal prerogatiye. The throne has re-
manned a heritage sanctiied to the i'm
perial family, too sacred to question or
modest
When the japanese obtained their
constitution in 1882 it was not de-
manded by a revolutionary population
but rather bestowed as a gift Of the
| emperor for the better government of
/ his people. And the very constitution
which gave the people participation In
/ political affairs sets forth in its frs
article: The Empire of Japan shall
be reigned over and governed by line
! OF emperors unbroken for ages eternal"
! The second article provides that the
! throne shall be succeeded by imperial
! male descendants" and the third. that
the person of the emperor is sacred
and inviolab!e."
1t is necessary. however, to go far
behind the constitution to understand
the intrenchment of the emperors in
this singular state of sovereignty. Races
Of the Orient are governed by sentiment
and morality, and do not think with
the practical, matter-o f-fact mentality
Of the West. Monarchs rule by influ-
ence, more than power. The. japanese
have adhered to the teachings of
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14

Nitobe, the great Japanese educator
and statesman, finds reason for the
lasting vitality of the Japanese empire
In the ancient moral precept Thou
shalt honor thy father and thy mother,
that thy days may be long upon the
land which the Lord thy God giveth
thee" The Oriental mind regards af-
lection for parents as the beginning and
the test Of all ethical duties, and &C
cords this virtue first place in the
eastern code OF morals.
Cultivation of this filial feeling re-
suits in the extension Of sympathy to
other things, teaching the lesson OF hu-
mility and unselfishness and intoxicating
the habit of obedience. AS the national
habit of ancestor worship developed, so
the Emperor was elevated In the esti-
nation of the Japanese. for he Is not
only a descendant of the gods but a
father Of his people. Consequently he
is an object Of reverence in the nation
as an Oriental father Is reverenced In
his family. Given all power, the rulers
have never been deSpotic, because their
conception Of government is paternal.
The japanese live under the con-
slant influence, almost in the very pres
cnce, of their progenitors. and nowhere
in all the land Is the ancestral presence
felt so much or cultivated so aSsidu-
ously as in the royal palaces. Japan
has not birth or death In the impe-
rial family, not a national misfortune
or other important event, but that the
Emperor dispatches a personal repre-
sentative to the Naigu at Use, the most
revered national shrine, to report the
same to the imperial ancestress, the sun
goddess.
The direct line from which the pres
ent Emperor is descended runs back into
prehistoric times. Tradition has 1t that
Ohonamuchi, god belonging to that
period of Japanese mythology known as
the Age of the Gods" went down upon
the archipelago and said: 1T is I who
should govern this land. Is there any
one who will assist me?" Then came
the god Ohomiwa -no-kami, floating over
the sea with his daughter. This young
woman. Hemetatara IZudsuhume, be-
came the Empress of Jimmu Tenno and
is hailed as the mother Of the imperial
family.
u \
A MOTHER Jimmu, who lived In the
"A century before Christ and Is con-
sidered the first historical Emperor. was
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14
BY MERLO ]. PUSEY.

APAN, the land of the rising
sun, is preparing for a new
enactment of the drama of the
~ gods. Following the trend of
tradition that Is more than 1000
years old this foremost nation of the
orient has again announced the coro-
nation Of new Emperor.
Ceremonies are being arranged for
November of this year, in formal recog-
milton of the imperial authority which
fell to the lot of the young heir as
result of the recent death and delft
cation of his father, the Emperor Yo-
shihito Japan will witness one of the
most elaborate and impressive Specta-
cles ever seen in the Orient States
men of all nations will ponder over its
significance and millions of people will
be charmed by its picturesque demon
STATIONS and pageantry.
While thrones have crumbled away as
obsolete institutions throughout Europe,
while representative government has
been spreading throughout the world,
and even Japan has assumed many OF
the earmarks of western democracy, the
theory of tine divine Emperor is per-
petuated with characteristic Oriental
sincerity.
The Nipponese are approaching with
reverence and awe the season in which
their one hundred and tWenty-fourth
ruler will formally announce himself TO
his ancestors and to his subjects. Ma
tons outside are awaiting events with
interest scarcely less keen, for nowhere
else on earth may be found such q
strange and ingenious combination Of
absolutism in theory and democracy in
practice as in the government Of mod
ern Japan.
Among all the populous countries of
the Orient, Japan has the only native
political system that has been strong
enough TO cope with Occidental agrees
sion. Only Japan has preserved her
complete independence and risen TO a
high standing in international politics,
emerging from the role of an obscure
nation to a place among the first pow
ers In a few decades. All has been
accomplished through her own govern
ment and under policy of harmonizing
ancient traditions with modern develop
ment.
Writers have grown eloquent attribut-
ing this great progress to Japan'S re-
fusaI to swallow indigestible masses of
western theory and institutions; to her
tenacious ciinging to the essentials of
the governmental system she knew and
could operate. But the Japanese put
it in a different way, generously giving
most of the credit and all of the honor
to their Emperor.
The powerful position occupied by the
Emperor is maintained through the
force of a tradition that goes to the very
root Of japanese civilization. Take
away the Emperor and the japanese
would be cut loose from all the hert"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14

complished In the Meiji period from
1868 to 1912 is ascribad to his en-
lightened administration.
The unique conception of the divinity
of the Emperor is a living truth to
the Japanese people, but perhaps it is
more thoroughly stepped into the con-
seriousness of the rulers themselves. In
a measure, the lives of the EmperorS
justify this tradition of descent from
the Sun Goddess, as a single incident
will illustrate. i.
A group of anarchists astounded the
Japanese nation in 1910 with a
plot against the life of Meiji Tenno.
When the conspiracy was quite far
advanced, the traitors were discovered.
arrested, and 81 of them condemned
to capital punishment. So outraged
was the whole nation at the plot that
Prince Katsura. prime minister, and
the whole cabinet offered to resign on
the ground of neglect in administra-
ton.
Requests of the ministers for per-
mission to resign and the death war
rants for the condemned anarchists
were laid before the Emperor. He re-
fused to sign them.
Who would take the life of the
gods?"' he asked IF there has been
some plot against my person. it must be
that / have not perfected the divine
virtues Unless something was lack
ing within me, none would have dared
it,"
He commanded the cabinet to re-
main in office and clemency be shown
the condemned to the limits of the
law The Mikado not only sensed his
affinity with the gods, but he was en-
dcavoring TO fulfill his responsibility
as one.
Living solely to fulfill his imperial
function, the Emperor Identifies him
self with the infinite. and rises above
the influences which cause man to err.
All the centuries are looking down
on him and forces of training and ira
dition which can hardly be compre-
hended in the Occident hold him in
flexibly In the temperament of COM
passion and charity, even as the sun
keeps the earth invariably within its
rays. He lives the ideal that has been
so beautifully expressed by Meiji
Tenno:
ITO hold converse
With the spirit of Being
Invisible to the eyes of flesh
That is the truth of the heart of
man."
The coronation ceremonies have
grown out of this religious conception
Of the Emperor and are filled with sig
niflcance of the place he holds in the
life of the Japanese nation. Gorgeous
public functions and quiet hours of
as we'll as silent COM
with the departed imperial
ancestors, will mark the elaborate rites
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14

nized as the parish church, and a reso-
luton was passed directing it to be
known as Christ's Church. 1t seems,
however, to have been named only to
be put on the retired list. for on May
II, 1906. the vestry considered two Of
fers of lots-one by William Prout. the
site of the present church; one by
Messrs. Law and Carroll, about four
squares distant.
Mr.. Prout'S offer, being regarded as
the most advantageous, was accepted,
and the others declined with thanks,
and subscriptions were directed to be
taken for the erection of two church
edifices. one east and the other west
of Tiber Greek, a little stream then
flowing by the foot of Capitol Hill.
AS Mr.. Prout's offer was conditional on
the building of a church within a
year, all efforts were bent in that di-
rectiop.'
Il X X
ONE of the most noted Episcopal
churches is Old st. Johns, as it is
affectionately called. Located just oppo-
site the White House. 1t forms one Of
the downtown historic spots. and few
visitors to Washington fail to see this
celebrated church.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14
Wide World Photo

Tenno circumscribed, in practice the
rights that had been restored to him,
and granted his people constitution.
japan sprang from an inconscquential
Asiatic nation 10 a world power, keep
ing what was best of her ancient GUS
toms and accepting enough of western
methods to advance the country
abreast of the most modern nations,
A western people might have seized
upon such a period OF transition as
the Japanese regarded the restored
Tenshi sama as the torch that
lighted the way, and all that was &C
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14
Wide World Photo

Mencius that a king can be truly
sovereign only when his subjects rem
der willing homage on account of his
virtues"
Imbued with sense of their RESPONSE
bility from their earliest impressionable
childhood, and constantly reverting back
to their unbroken line of ancestors, the
rulers have been not only the theo-
retical embodiment, but the living
source of benevolence. Having the ira
dition of divinity they have sought. to
live The divine law.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14

A THOUGH St. Paul's dates back
into the distant past, yet it was
not consecrated until July 6, 1871, ac-
cording to an item in The Star of that
date.
The first rector Of Rock Creek Par
ish was Rev. John FRASER, who served
from 1712 to 1926. He was followed by
Rev. George Murdoch, an Englishman,
who was recommended for the Office
by Charles Calvert, Governor of Mary
land, and served from 1927 to 1851
Rev. Alexander Williamson followed,
serving from 1862 to 1776. then re-
signing, SO it is said, because he had
Tory leaning. He was succeeded by
Rev. Thomas Read. who served for 36
years, or from about 1777 to 1918. Then
came Rev. Alfred Henry Dashiell, 1914
to 1917. Rev. Thomas G. Allen next
became rector, in 1920, but served for
only short time his place soon being
taken by Rev. Henry c. Knight, whose
service was also brief Rev. Robert
Ash in 1880 and Rev. Christian Wilt
berger in 1881 followed in order In
1886 Mr.. B. M. Miller was lay reader,
and upon taking orders he became rec
tor In the following years, to be sue
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14

called Clagetts purchase lying in the
Parish and County aforesaid (here fol-
low the boundaries).
JOHN CLAGETT.
Signed Sealed and Delivered in the
Presence of
CHAS. JONES
ANDREW HEIGH."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-14

With st. Pauls also began the school
system of the District of Columbia, at a
very early date, as evidenced by the
following instrument:
This Indenture made this Eleventh
day of October In the Year of Our Lord
One Thousand Seven hundred and
Sixty four Between John Clagett of
Frederick County and Province of Mary
land of the one part Gentleman And
The Reverend Mr.. Alexander william
son Rector of Prince Georges Parish in
the County and Province aforesaid Of
the other part Witnesseth That the said
John Ciagett being sensible, how much
necessity there is for having Publick
SCHOOL, in the Parish aforesaid, for the
instruction of Youth; and one Corner of
his land having been deemed Convenient
for Erecting the said house upon; He
therefore out of Sentiments of Tender
ness and Regard for the rising Genera
ton. Hath, given granted aliened In
feoffed and confirmed and by these
presents doth freely and clearly give
grant alien Infeoff and confirm unto
the said Mr.. Alexander Williamson and
his Successors for the use Of a Publick
School for ever All that part of Tract
of Land being part of Tract Of Land