Year: 1879

ordinary incidents. aud the first question to
slider in building up is how far you can fall. We
enter room where all the Ministers are
assembled. The Japanese Cabinet is a
famous body. and tested by laws of physi-
ognomy would compare with that of any Cabi-
net have The Prime Minister is y striking
character He is small. slender with almost girl
like figure delicate, clean cut winning features.
face that might be that of boy of twenty or man
of fifty. The Prime Minister reminded me of Alex
ander II. stephens his frail slender Frame but it
bloomed with health and lacked the sad. pathetic
lines which tell of the years oi suffering which Ste
phens has endured. The other Ministers looked
like strong able men. Iwakura has striking face.
with lines showing irmness and decision. and YOU
saw the which marked the attempt Of the
sin to cut him down and slay him. ss Okubo the
greatest OF japanese statesmen was slain not many
months ago. That assassination made AS deep an
impression i'll Japan the killing OF Lincoln did in
America We the spot whore the murder was
done on our way to the palace. and my Japanese
friend who pointed it spoke in low tones OF sor-
row and affection. and said the crime there commit
ted had been an irreparable loss to japan.


ExrRRos EMPRESS OF JArAN.


A lord in waiting. heavily braided. with uniform
that Louis XIV. would not have dislkei in YER
sailles comes softly in and makes signal. leading
-
Mr.. Bingham. and retnue followed. The Gen.
eral and the Minister were in evening dress. The
naval officers in full uniform. Colonel Grant
wearing the uniform of heutensnt-colonel. We
walked along short passage and entered another
room, at the farther end of which standing the
Emperor and the Empress. Two ladies in waiting
were near them in sitting, what appeared to be
crouchug attitude. Two other princesses wore
standing. These the only occupants of the
room. Our party slowly advanced, the Japanese max
ing profound obesiance. bending the head almost
to right angle with the body. The royal princes
formed in line the Emperor, along with the
princesses. The Emperor stood quite motionless'
apparently unobservant or unconscious Of the hom-
age that was paid him. He is q young man with q
slender figure taller than the average Japanese and
of about the middle height. according to our ideas
He has striking face. with a mouth and ~ that
remind you something of the traditional nk9oth Of
the Hapsburg family. The forehead is full and
tensely black. The color OF the hair dsrkens what
otherwise might pass for swarthy countenance at
home The face expressed no feeling whatever. and
but for the dark. glowing eye. which was bent full
upon the General you might have taken the impe-
rial group for statues. The Empress. at his side.
wore the Japanese costume. rich and plain
Her face was very white and her form
slender and almost childlike. Her hair
combed plainly and braided with gold ar
row. The Emperor and Empress have agreeable
faces. the Emperor especially showing ffmness and
kindness. The solemn etiquette that pervaded the
audience chamber peculiar. aud might appear
strange to those familiar with the stately but
dial manners Of European Court. But one must
remember that the Emperor holds SO high and so
place in the traditions. the religion and the
political system Of Japan that even tho ceremony Of
to-day is so far in advance Of anything Of the kind
ever known in Japan that 1t might be called
luton. The Emperor. for instance. our group
was formed advanced and shook hands with the
General.


REMARKABLE EVENTS.


That seems trivial thing to write about, but such
an incident known in the history of
japanese majesty Many OF these details may appear
email but we are inAhe presence Of an old and ro-
mantle civilization. slowly giving way to the fierce
feverish pressure of European ideas. and you
only note change in those incidents which would
be unnoticed in other lands. The incident of the
Emperor Of Japan advancing toward General
Grant and shaking hands becomes . historic event
OF conseq equence. and ss such note it, The manner
of the Emperor was constrained. almost awkward.
the manner Of Q man doing . thing for the FIRST
time and trying to do it as we'll possible. After



to his place. and stood with his hand resting on his
sword, looking on at the brilliant. embroidered.
gldcd company though unconscious of their
presence Mr.. Bingham advanced and bowed, and
received just the fantest nod in recognition. The
other members of the party were each presented
by the Minister. and each one standing about
dozen feet from the Emperor stood and bowed.
Then the General and Mrs. Grant were presented 10
the prineesses. each party bowing to the other in
silence. The Emperor then made o signal to ono OF
the noblemen. who advanced. The Emperor spoke
to him for few moments in o low Tone the noble
man standing with bowed head. When tho Em-
peror had fnished the nobleman advanced to the
General and said he was commanded by His Majesty
to read him the following address,


ADDRESS OF THE EMPEROR.


Your name has been known to MS for long time,
and we are highly gratifed to you. While hold
ing the high Office Of President Of the United States
YOU extended to ward countrymen especial kind
ness aud courtesy. When our Ambassador. Iwxkura,
visited the United States he received the greatest
You has always been remembered by US. In your
travels around tho world you have reached this
country. and our people OF al classes feel gratned
your sojourn In our country you may find much to
enjoy. 1t gives me sincere pleasure to You.
able to do SO on .he anniversary of American inde-
pendence. We congratulate you. also. on the occs-
sion.


RESPONSE GENERAL GRANT.


This address was read In English. At its close
General Grant said


YoUR MAJEsrY-I ain very grateful for the welcome
you accord me here to-day. and for the great kind
ness with which i have been received. ever since
came to Japan. by your government and your pco-
ple I recognize in this feeling OF friendship
toward my country. can assure you tina, this feel
ing is reciprocated by the United States; that
people without regard to party take the deepest in
terest in ali that concerns Japan and have the warm
est wishes for her welfare. am happy to be able to
express that sentiment America In your neigh
bor and will always give Japan sympathy and sup
port in her efforts to advance again thank Your
Majesty for your hospitality. and wish you long
anu happy reign, ana for your people prosperity aud
independence


ADDRESS THE EMPRESS.


At the conclusion OF this address. which was
tcmporc the lord advanced and translated it to His
Majesty. Then the Emperor made sign aud said q
lew words to the noblemsn. lie camc to the side OF
Mrs. Grant and said the Empress had commanded