Year: 1872



 Tho decapitation of four men at Tobe (Yokohama), for the crime of stealing forty rios, is thus described by an eye witness of the scene: The execution ground was fenced in the form of a corral, and stood amidst fields of waving barley. In one corner of this enclosure was mat-shed, and just outside of it an ominous group of trees-ominous at least to condemned prisoners, for the fast-decaying skulls which lie around too plainly tell the tale of that sequestered spot. The birds and dogs have been at work in the offensive burying place, and have unearthed those remnants of the dead. The dread hour appointed for the sentenced culprits to expiate their crimes, is A. M. But at six numerous and somewhat motley group of foreign CTS and natives assembled. While nov ing about the spot, we observed prepa- rat1ons which have been made for the execution. A horizontal bar, upon which are four ominous spikes project ing upward-and whereon the heads of the doomed criminals will be bleaching in the sun, for two or three days-stands about two yards from the fence. Op- posite to this are two holes in the ground, the dimensions of which are about three feet by 17 feet, and some IS inches deep. Beside these the poor wretches will have to kneel when be- headed, that their heads may fall into them. Near one of these holes is a white handkerchief on 8 staff. In the hut sit the executioners complacently awaiting the arrival of the procession from the prison. Anxious to have chat withIthe chief headsman, man apparent ly fifty or sixty years of age, we enter the nat-shed and wish them good morn ing, which is politely returned, light cigars and enter into conversation re- ly examine the executioner's sword. a long two-handled one, and doubtless of the best steel. Moving outside again, we observe the increasing concourse anxious to witness the dying throes of the unfortunate men.

 But listen that mournful chant, soft ly waited over the fields of grain which glow in the morning sunshine, betokens the approach of the sad procession. Nearer and nearer it approaches us, and as it's sorrowful lay is echoed by the hills and sappices around, thrill of pain, oi sympathy for those on whom another morn will never brighten, is felt by al most every heart that's there. Now it is within few yards. Three men are carrying as many boards, held aloft on poles, upon which is written declar. ation of the crime committed by the culprits then came three or four more having poles with cross covered witt spikes at the top-emblematical of the prison and justice then follow @ string of officers and attendants, in the midst of whom are the prisoners-four very young men. Three of them with firm. ness and strength, but the fourth, sick carried in a kango, or basket chair.

 "As they pass through the gate, we are somewhat surprised to hear one of them as he walks close by us, say, ohaqo gag aninaas! (good morning) and then ex press his opinion that the terrible deatE to which he is doomed would resemble going to sleep. The three men the fourth being in state of semi-insensi bility) take long, long gaze at sur rounding objects, and the attendants pro ceed to blindfold them, their arms hay ing been securely bound behind then before leaving the jail. The three men each in turn, then gave utterance to Z sort of exhortation and prayer. The miserable wretch in the kd7ago is now lifted out and placed inside the hole or his knees, while two men stand behind him holding his body-but there is noth ing to place his head upon. Another takes him by the chin to put his head in position, which he succeeds in doing in minute and half, delay terribly agonizing to the victim.

 The executioner now steps up, and smiling like man about to perform Z feat of sport, takes aim, and the next moment-with 8 sudden gleam of tha sheening sword and sickening thud - the head, saturated with blood, rolls into the earth, the blood at the same time gushing from the headless body whicE lay quivering on the ground. The blood-stained head is immediately lifted from it's receptacle by the hair, and pre-. sented to the public gaze with an air o1 satisfaction. Water IS then poured ovel it, the lifeless trunk being covered witI straw-mats and removed a short distance away. At given sign another is leo forth, and kneels at the other hole the same scene of blood was again enacted The third is now brought forward, his slaughter differing from the others only in the fact that another headsman does the work. And now the fourth-the mar particularly remarkable for his seeming indifference to the horrible fate which awaited him-steps up to play his part in the dreadful tragedy. Another aim another gleam of that terrible weapon of death, and the last victim sinks to the earth, "asleep''-asleep in death. This scene of blood is now ended, and fou1 human heads are upon those ugly spikes, bleaching in the sun, as terrible warn. ing breakers. But painful as this recital may be, the Japanese infict fa1 greater punishments on those guilty ot forgery, homicide, etc., crucifxion being quite common.