D5 UC-NRLF CO o Samurais and Their Descendants. BY CAPTAIN S. SAKURAI, I. J. NAVY UNIV. CALIFORNIA Printed by the Chrysanthemum publishing Co.. 305 parkin Street San Francisco, Cal., U. S. A. S3 CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY NOTES OLD JAPAN. I. — Foundation of the Japanese Empire. II.— Japan Under Absolute Monarchy. III. — Japan in Anarchical State. IV, — Japan Under the Shogunate. V. — Historical Events. VI. — Society — The Samurais. VII.— Civilization. NEW JAPAN. VIII. — Arrival of Commodore Perry of the U. S. Navy. IX. — Revolution. X. — Reforms. XI. — Comparison Between Old and New Japan. ACTUAL STATE OIv MODERN JAPAN. XII. — Some Statistical Figures. 1st. Area and Population. Table No. I. 2d. Agriculture. Table No. II. 3d. Industry. Table No. III. 4th. Railroads. Table No. IV. 5th. Horse and Electric Cars. Table No. V. 6th. Post and Telegraph. Table No. VI. 7th. Ships and Lighthouses. Table No. VII. 8th. Exports and Imports. Tables No. VIII and IX. 9th. Education. Tables No. X and XI. 10th. Army. Tables No. XII and XIII. llth. Navy. Tables No. XIV, XV, XVI, XVII. 12th. Finances, National Debts and Money. Table No. XVIII, XIII. Usages, Customs, Religion. XIV. Conclusion. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Group of Samurais. Lacquer Work. Feudal Castle. Entrance Gate of the Temple in Nikko. Daibutsu of Kamaktjra. H. I. J. First Class Battle Ship, "Fuji." INTRODUCTORY NOTES. Gentlemen — About two months ago, Professor B. Moses gave us, in this hall, an interesting lecture entitled "Some Aspects of Japan." Soon afterward I was invited by Mr. Eells,the President of the Club, of which I have recently had the honor of being elected a member, to read a paper before my distinguished fellow-members, with a view to give them some more information about our country. Although quite delighted to do so, I at first declined, for the simple reason that I do not speak English well enough. But, as he insisted upon it, I finally decided to comply with his desire and I trust I can rely upon your kind indulgence. Many travelers from this country, as well as from Europe, have visited our country, and written books ab out the trip and personal impressions from their point of view. I thought it would also be interesting to you, to hea. a description from our own point of view. As you know, each nation has its own characteristics and history. Therefore, it follows that what is good for one country is not necessarily fi good for another. Even where a reform of a certain kind is imperative, it must be done step by step and modified so as to conform strictly with the character, social conditions and prevalent customs of the individual nation. For this reason, I will begin with a short review of the historical events in our country. I will give you in the first place, some idea of Japan in the days of yore, before the arrival of Commodore Perry, of the United States Navy, at Uraga in 1853. I will tell you how Japan has, in a short space since that memorable year, undergone the marvelous 'transformations which the whole world has witnessed with admiration; and then I will proceed to describe the actual state of the country, as we see it in real existence — modern Japan in its true light. OtD AND NEW JAPAN OLD JAPAN. I. FOUNDATION OF THE JAPANESE EMPIRE. — The early part of our history belongs to Mythology our ancestors were gods, and our country is, to this day, called the Land of the Gods. The first Mikado, or Emperor, ascended tbe throne on the 1 1th of February,660 B. C. This memorable date is considered as the beginning of the Japanese Empire; and is every year celebrated in Japan, just as the 4th of July is in this country. II. JAPAN UNDER ABSOLUTE MONAR- CHY.— The Mikado was a ruler with absolute power until the middle of the eleventh century A. D. At that time, the two clans, Taira and Minamoto, grew very powerful, and the Mikado gave to the heads of both clans the supreme military commission, probably in order to check each other. III. JAP AN IN ANARCHICAL STATE.— This measure was the cause of great and lasting trouble. Through the continual quarrel of the two clans, engendered by jealousy of each other, the country fell into anarchy. The Mikado, who resided at Kyoto, became a nominal head and the actual ruler of Japan was he who was strongest in battle fields. The Taira and Minamoto families struggled for supremacy during a century and a half, until the former was finally overthrown at the naval battle of Dan-no-Ura A. D. IV. J AP AN UNDER THE S HOG UNATE. — Yoritomo, the chief of the Minamoto Clan, obtained, for the first time from the court of Kyoto, the title of "Shogun," which means literally "Generalissimo," somewhat similar to the Mayor of the Palais, under the Merovingian Dynasty in France. Yoritomo chose for his seat of administration the town of Kamakura, where the famous Daibutsu stands to-day. However, the Shogunate was never held by one clan for a long time, but was continually disputed by force. The Hojo, vassals of the Minamoto held, under the name of Regents, the reins of government for more than the Hojo came the Ashikaga, the head of which clan ruled Japan successively as the Shogun from 1338 to 1597. But the Ashikaga were also themselves destined to disappear from the scene. After the fall of the Ashikaga, there arose successively three great men :— Ota Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa lyeyasu. The last named put an end to the long civil war, by the decisive battle fought at Sekigahara, and received from the Mikado A. D. 1603, the title of Shogun. lyeyasu was not merely an able general but also a great statesman He remodeled the feudal system by centralizing all authority in his hand, and by distributing a great part of the country to his kinsmen and immediate followers, to be held as fiefs. But there were a considerable number of powerful Daimyos, or feudal lords, who had acquired their lands by the might of swords, and who were equal to the Tokugawa in rank, though not in power. They looked upon the successive Shoguns as upstarts and usurpers of authority, and constantly sought, in spite of close and vigilant watch on the part of the Tokugawa, to seize an opportunity to overthrow the Shogunate. This was the main spring of the movement which resulted in the revolution of 1867, and the restoration of the Mikado to his ancient prestige, as the personification of all virtue, and fountain of all honor. V. HISTORICAL EVENTS. — Among many others,! will state here the two following — The one which brought civilization into Japan, and the other which served to prove the patriotism of the people. 1. The introduction of Buddhism (552-621, A. D.) Through Buddhism Japan was brought into closer contact with the Chinese civilization. Books began to be written (A.D. 712.) Mathematical instruments and lunar calendars were adopted. I may add that the doctrine of Confucius also gained ground at the same time. 2. The repulsion of the Mongol fleet, sent by Kublai Khan with the express purpose of adding Japan to his gigantic dominions. This was at the end of the thirteenth century, during the administration of the Hojo. Japan has never since been attacked from without by foreign powers. VI. v SOCIETY — THE SAMURAIS. — The Society in Japan under the feudal system was grouped in clans, castes and orders. Outside of the Imperial family, we had as lords, the Shogun and the Daimyos, and as clients, the Samurais (the Soldiers) and the citizens (farmers, artist, merchants.) The Samurais class, owing to its military and pclitical influence, has always been the most interesting, and is worthy of special notice here. The long period of civil war gave birth to the peculiar class cf Samurais. They did homage to the feudal Daimyos, and occupied the middle rank in society. They wore two swords which symbolized their soul. They were trained in the first place to be faithful even unto death to their military lords, from whom they received their pension. The Samurais were chivalrous, patriotic, industrious, honest, frank and intelligent. They constituted the best educated class. To them honor was everything, life and property of no account. The anecdote of the forty-seven ronins gives us a touching example of the Samurais spirit. Though their rank seemed rather servile, nevertheless they exercised great influence upon national affairs. It was they who repulsed foreign aggressions, and kept Japan unsoiled by outsiders. It was they who, by their own example, kept up, to a high standard, the morality of the nation. It was they who accomplished the revolution of 1867, and transformed old Japan into the new. In short, the Samurais were the spirit of Japan, flower of the nation, and rampart to our I,ahd of Gods. The Samurais' characteristics, described above, are termed Yamato Damashii, which means "the Spirit of Japan." This spirit, transmitted from generation to generation, has been, and is still, the central pivot upon which turn the vitality and prosperity of bur country. VII. CIVILIZATION, — During two centuries and a half we lived under the Tokugawa's rule peacefully and isolated from the rest of the world; but we were always on guard and prepared for whatever might happen. The Daimyos planned the defence of their provinces the Samurais sharpened their swords. On the other hand, the arts of civilization were not neglected. {The Shogun and Daimyos patronized culture and learning. They erected many monuments aud statues which are still existing. They built temples for their ancestors, palaces and castles for their own residences. The fortifications in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokio and the temples in Mikko and Kyoto alone are sufficient to show how highly our genius has been developed. Sword-blades, which are yet unsurpassed in quality, lacquer work, which Japan still monopolizes, porcelain and bronze ware, silk goods, tapestry and embroidery, wood and ivory carving, water coloring etc., all these of which Japan is, as it were, an inexhaustible mine, show skillfulness, exquisite taste and great power of imagination. The Daibutsu of Kamakura, a bronze statue fifty feet high, cast as early as A. D. 1251, is to this day considered a masterpiece, and a work beyond the conception of modern experts. Literature, poetry, etc. show how highly the Samurais' intellect has been cultivated. The principles of morality, which were religion to the Samurais, namely: — faithfulness to the master, devotion to parents, fidelity between husband and wife, respect to old age, kindness to the young, sincerity to friends etc. have never been empty words, but scrupulously observed. We thus have had a civilization peculiarly our own, which, although entirely different from Western ideals, has attained a very high standard. The Western civilization is based on material advancement, but ours rests upon moral and ethical perfection. In spite of many apparent differences, human nature is, after all, the same throughout the world. When we were brought into contact with Americans and Europeans, we were not only apt to appreciate their civilization, but also prepared to select and assimilate the best parts of it, in order to supplement and strengthen what was good and worthy to be retained in our own, and replace what was prejudicial to, or no longer needed for, our progress. NEW JAPAN. VIII. ARRIVAL OF COMMODORE PKRRY OFTHE UNITED STATES NAVY. — We were thus enj oying life in an atmosphere of peace and isolation, when we saw suddenly, in the horizon, a cloud of dark smoke. The American fleet, under the command of Commodore Perry, crossed the Pacific, and anchored at Uraga on Commodore Perry opened negotiations with the Shogun, with the view of persuading Japan to enter upon friendly and commercial relations with the United States of America. The Government of Tokugawa complied with the request of the United States, and a treaty was concluded between the two countries. Soon afterward, England, France and Russia followed the example of the United States. The Shogun thus opened to the barbarians our Land of the Gods, which, according to the prevailing spirit of the country, should never have been polluted by outsiders IX. REVOLUTION. — This gave the mal-contented Daimyos a good pretext for making open opposition to the Tokugawa government; and they made use of it for the overthrowal of the Shogunate. In order to perplex the government of the Shogun, the Prince of Choshu, one of these Daimyos, fired on the combined fleet of American, English, French and Dutch vessels at Shimonoseki, in 1863. The Shogun, being held responsible for this action, was compelled to pay to the powers an indemnity of three million dollars. The Shogun attempted to punish the insolent Prince of Choshu for his outrageous conduct, but failed. The Mikado, prompted by his faithful Daimyos, such as the Prince of Satsuma, Choshu Tosa, Higen etc., decreed the abolition of the Shogunate. The Shogun submitted to the order. By this single act, the Mikado became the sole wielder of all authority, both legislative and executive, and thus regained his rightful prestige, being restored to what he had been before the Taira and Minamota's time. Tokio was chosen for the Mikado's capital in 1868. The first phase in the revolution was thus accomplished and then followed the most remarkable scene history has ever witnessed. The leaders of the revolution knew from the beginning, or learned after the experiences in the Shimonoseki and Kagoshima bombardments, that we, with the YamatoDamashii, as our sole weapon, could not stand against the Western people with all their modern appliances. But the mass of the people were quite ignorant of this, and strongly opposed to intercourse with foreigners. To open our country, or to keep it closed to the outside world, became therefore a question of life or death. The leaders abandoned the very arms with which they had overthrown the Shogunate; turned round and de- clared in favor, not only of foreign intercourse, but also of the adoption of the modern civilization. Since then, they have carried out the work of reform and progress, with energy and determination. X. REFORMS — The following are the important events and measures during late years: — In 1871. The abolition of the feudal system, and the establishment of a centralized bureaucracy. The introduction of postal and telegraphic systems. The opening of a mint at Osaka; the American system of coinage adopted. In 1872. The completion of the first railroad. The proclamation of the Conscription Law. In 1873. The substitution of the Solar Calendar for the Chinese Lunar Calendar. In 1875. The establishment of the Mitsubishi Steamship Company. In 1876. The commutation of the Samurais pension. Edict against the wearing of swords by the Samurais. In 1877* The first national industrial exhibition, at Ueno in Tokyo. In 1878. The establishment of the Bourse, and the Tokio Chamber of Commerce, in order to promote the development of commercial enterprise. In 1880. The Penal Code and the Code for Criminal Procedure were proclaimed and published. In 1883. The establishment of the Supreme Court of Justice, and the Bank of Japan. The United States government returned to us '$785, 000, their share of the Shimonoseki indemnity. In 1884. The creation of an order of nobility, after the European model. In 1885. The conclusion of a special treaty with China regarding Corean matters, known as the Tientsin Treaty, the violation of which was the cause a. of the China-Japan In 1889. The Constitution promulgated (this being on the 1 1th of February, just 2549 years after the foundation of the Japanese Empire), whereby Japan hitherto under an absolute monarchical system, acquired a constitutional government, similar to that of Prussia and other European States. A treaty ratified with Mexico. New treaties concluded with other Western powers, but not ratified. In 1890. The meeting of the first Diet. In 1894. The China-Japan War. In 1895. The annexation of Formosa. from China. In 1895. Enlargement of the Army and Navy. Extension of railroads. In 1896. Law for the protection of navigation and ship-building. Establishment of the Oriental Steamship Company. Old Japan is no more. New Japan, as you have just seen, has sprung up in a quarter of a century. In two years time the consulate jurisdiction will be abolished, judicial power over foreign residents will be in our hands, and entire Japan will be opened to foreign trade. XI COMPARISONS B ETWKEN OLD AND NKW JAPAN. — Now that we are thoroughly acquainted with Old and New Japan, it is convenient for the sake of comparison to have their main features condensed in tabular form — Table showing difference between Old and New Japan. Points of Compa rison Old Japan New Japan Rulers 1st. The Mikado The Mikado, the sole the theoretical ruler head 2nd. The Shogun the actual ruler Form am The Shogunate Constitutional mon- System o nominally under archy with central- govern- the imperial auth- ized bureaucracy and ment ority, with feudalism and independ- ministers responsible to the Sovereign ent local admin- istration Social Classifica- Kozoku, Imperial family 1. Kozoku, Imperial family 2 Shogun 2. Kazoku, nobles l Daimyos I. Shizoku I Samurais 4. Heimin 5 Citizens 6 Priests Govern- Hereditary socia: Irrespective of social ment Offi- ranks considered classes cials in appointment The Armj Samurais, with swords, lances Regular army by conscription and organ- >ows and later on ized after French and rifles jerman systems, with Murata magazine rifles, manufactured n Japan, guns, can- nons, etc. The Navy Sailing junks with smooth bore Regular sai 1 o rs, rained after the guns; no regular English syst em; sailors Armor clads, cruisers, torpedo joats of most im- Education ?.ach daimyo had proved type, etc. Education is compul- lis State college; sory and secular; the >rivate schools, Smpire is divided a p a n e s e and nto educational de- .hinese history, >artments; kinder- iterature, compo- gartens, primary and ition, writing, etc; grammar schools, loctrines of Confucius taught. x>ys and girls togethr, boys' high schools, ^irls' high schools, olleges, private chools and colleges. Two Universities, one n Tokio with law, iterature, science, ngineering, medi- i n e and forestry, nd agricultural epartments; the ther in Kyoto vith science and en- "yiiieering depart- ments; college of for- igti languages, com- mercial school, boys' normal school, girls' normal school, school f fine arts, school of music, etc., all in Tokio Religion 'rohibition of hristianity, Sin- ?reedom of belief intoism oism, Buddhism uddhism Christianity Conveyance orses, sailing! Railroads, steamships electric cars, horse junks ?ars, carriages, jinri- kisha, bicycle Posts and No regular sys- Postal system by rail- Tele- tem in existence, road, steamships, graphs onl}' letter car- telegraph and tele- riers phone The social classification given in the above table is fictitious, so far as the Shizoku and the Heimin are concerned, as the distinction is merely historical, and does not involve any question of privileges. The proper way to classify would be as follows — ist. The Imperial family. 2nd. The high class (including all the former feudal Daimyos, and the newly created nobles.) 3rd. The middle class (including all educated people having official or social position. They are mostly descendants of the Samurais.) 4th. The Lower class. The two following questions might be asked here 1st. What has become of the so interesting Samurais class and their Yamato- Damashii ? It is true that the feudal system was abolished, that the Samurais two swords were done away with, and also that the harakiri is now out of fashion. But Yamato-Damashii, the Samurais spirit, still remains intact in the heart of those occupying the middle class. It is handed down from father to son, by a national will, as it were, and is valued more than anything else. Even as Japan herself, the Yamato-Damashii has become rejuvenated by being emembellished with the best modern ideas. It is for the present and the future, the central pivot of the nation, and the key-stone in the newly built structure of society. 2nd. What has been the effect of the revolution on the Japanese fine arts ? Do they still keep their high traditional reputation ? So far as my observation goes, I must say, in this respect, that New Japan is inferior to the Old, except in a few branches, such as cloisonne work. Formerly a great number of artists, having been pensioned by the Shogun or the Daimyos, devoted their minds and time, not for the sake of money, but for love of arts, honor and reputation. Some of them spent their lifetime on a single masterpiece. But today the social conditions are changed artists think first of their earnings, and their love of art conies next. This will perhaps account for this deterioration. A few words more before I conclude the chapter. Between Old and New Japan there was a transitory period, in which the Samurais wore his two swords, with a pair of European trousers, and a Schneider rifle on his shoulder. You can judge the rest from this single example. ACTUAL STATE OF MODERN XII. SOME STATISTICAL FIGURES — I thus a fair idea can be had of the actual state of our country, both by itself and in comparison with others. The following figures are taken from the "Resume Statistique de 1' Empire de Japan," published on the 20tlj, day of May, 1897, by order of the Imperial Cabinet, and refer to the years 1894 and 1895. I chose this, as the statistics cover the period immediately preceding and following the China-Japan war and serve to show to a certain extent the consequences of the war upon the social and economical conditions of the country. 1st. AREA AND POPULATION. (Table No. I. — Japan is in area about one Feudal iCastle. have in the preceding article shown pretty fully how old and new Japan differ from each other. In order to make it more explicit, however, I will now describe modern Japan statistically in her various respects and compare it, where possible, with the United States. I hope twenty-second that of the United States. Its area was smaller than the State of California before the acquisition of Formosa, though now a little larger. However, its population and that of the United States are in the proportion of two to three. The densities of the populations are respectively 286 and OLJ3 AND NEW JAPAN 17 per square mile; that is our country is 16 times more densely populated than yours. The difference in extreme temperature of Tokio, which is about at the mean latitude of the Empire, is not so great ,as in Philadelphia or New York, although greater than in San Francisco. We have snow all over the country; Owing to the greater density of popula tion, our land is better cultivated. This is especially the case in the central part of the main island, where every small bit of land is utilized. We have generally two harvests, rice in summer, barley, wheat and other grains in winter, by an extensive fertilization As our country is very mountainous, Lacquer Work. in the southern part very little, having only five or seven days in the year, but more in the northern part, 100 or 110 days, on an average, a year. The climate is more humid than in this country, and consequently in summer time the heat is very sultry. Some say it is owing to this fact that most of our flowers have little or no smell. 2nd. AGRICULTURE. (Table No. II.) In this respect the United States and Japan show a very marked difference. and land is so minutely subdivided, the use of agricultural machines and implements is very limited. Ploughs and spades, either worked by hand, by horses, or by oxen, are, generally speaking, the only instruments in the hands of our farmers. As rice is the most important product, the greatest part of our cultivated land is rice fields. The rice fields are very picturesque and add to the beauty .of the landscape. The total cultivated land covers 26,166 square miles; thus 16 per cent of the total area is under cultivation. The number of agricultural companies in 1895 was 118. 3rd. INDUSTRY. (Table No. III).— Under this heading we have to distinguish: 1st. Japanese industries proper, such as the making of Japanese art works, the weaving of silk and cotton everything is done by hand. This is the reason why it can be produced so cheaply and retains the originality and peculiarity which can never be imitated. 2nd. Industries imported from western countries, such as cotton mills, match factories and chemical works *of all kinds', ship and engine building works, etc., etc. In these, engines and machinery of the most recent type, imported mostly from Europe and this Daibutsu of Kamakura. textures, the manufactures of Japanese paper, the refining of vegetable oil and wax, etc. In these branches the original Japanese method is followed. Simple machines, or contrivances necessary are worked, either by hand, or by animal or water power. If we inspect Japanese art works, we will find only three or four workmen on an average in each establishment. Very often, they are all of one family. The father teaches the sons and thus transmits the secret and method peculiar to the family from generation to generation. In the work purely Japanese almost country, are used. Since the last war with China, the price of everything is doubled; and salaries and wages have risen in the same proportion. Although the cost of production has a constant tendency to increase, yet it is at present, on the whole, very much less than in this country. The total number of industrial companies was 778 in 1895. 4th. .RAILROADS. (Table No. IV).— The first railroad in Japan was built in 1872. It was between Tokio and Yokohama for a distance of about 17 miles. The lines between Kobe and Osaka fol- lowed. The progress was slow. In recent years, however, a sudden impetus was given to the enterprise, so that on the 31st of December, 1896, we miles under construction. Since then there has been still further extension and increase in mileage. I regret much that I am not in a position to give you exact figures. 5th. HORSE AND ELECTRIC CARS. (Table No. V). — On the 3ist of December, 1895, there were 33.58 miles horse car rails, 3.70 miles electric car rails. The first horse car line was opened in Tokio about 15 years ago. The electric car enterprise is only at its very beginning. 6th. POST AND TELEGRAPHS. (Table No. VI). — The regular postal and telegraphic service was organized in 1871. In the fiscal year 1895-1896, we had: Length of postal lines (including roads, railways, common river boat lines and steamer lines, 54,939 miles; number of letters, postal cards, paper, etc., per head of the population, 10.43; length of telegraphic lines, 9,470 miles; number of telegrams delivered per 100 of the population, 18.59. In the city of Tokio letters, postal cards, etc., are delivered twelve times a day; telegrams are delivered at once when communication is received at the office of destination. The telephone lines between Tokio and Yokohama were opened in December, 1890, and the one between Osaka and Kobe in March, 1893. At the end of the fiscal year 1895- 1896 the number of subscribers to telephones was 2,858, and the length of lines was 17,751 miles. Posts, telegraphs and telephones are all under the management of the State. 7th. SHIPS AND LIGHTHOUSES. (Table No. VII).— On the 31st of December, 1895, we had for our mercantile fleet. No. Ton. H. P. Japanese and European sailing ships. During the last war with China there was a considerable increase in large steamers. As a consequence of the law passed in the last session of the Diet for the protection of native navigation and ship building, two steamship lines will shortly be opened, one between Yokohama and New York and the other between Hong-Kong and San Francisco. The number of small boats, constructed after the model of native junks, is indeed very large. It is at the rate of thirty-five boats per mile of the coast line. In fine weather, these small, mosquito-like junks cover the whole surface of the sea near the coast towns. This fact must not be lightly passed upon, as these boats are a sort of training school for our sailors, and an important factor in the strength of the navy. The total number of lighthouses and lightships was 298, that is at the rate of one for every sixty miles of the coast lines. 8th. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS. (Tables No. VIII-IX.)— The foreign trade of Japan during five years, 1891 to 1895, is remarkable for a considerable excess of exports over imports, in spite of a slight adverse movement in the years 1895-1896, in consequence of the war. The United States was, during this period, our greatest and -best customer, as our exports to this country exceed the imports by about $15,000,000 annually. Since the war we have been compelled to strengthen our army and navy and this led the government to make purchases of guns, ammunition, and other materials, abroad; and also to the construction of ironclads, cruisers and torpedo boats, in foreign shipyards. At the same time, sudden expansion of internal industrial enterprises gave rise to demand for machines, engines, rails and locomotives. This is indeed a great chance for OU) AND NEW JAPAN American mechanics and shipbuilders to show their skill and dexterity in the expanding market of the Orient and to compete with Europeans, who have hitherto monopolized all trade in that part of the world. America has made wonderful progress during the last decade especially iu steel and iron, she is considered, both in quantity and quality, above the standard reached by Europe. There is no reason why she cannot secure a share of our trade, thus bringing equality between export marine insurance companies. 9th. EDUCATION. (Tables No. X- XI). — The modern Japan has been initiated by the hand cf the Samurais, but their work would not have been of any avail, unless continued and completed by the intelligence and energy of their descendants. In 1879 there was in Japan, only one institution which was called a college, and in which foreign professors of several nationalities taught sons of the Samurais in their own respective Ian- Entrance Gate of the Temple of Nikko. and import trade, to our mutual advantage, and also perpetuating the cordial friendly relation between the two countries. With the development in commercial and industrial enterprise, there was an increase in the number of banks, insurance companies and other kindred institutions. At the end of the fiscal banks, nine life insurance companies, four fire insurance companies and three guages. The students who had distinguished themselves in scholatic attainments were sent abroad by the government to complete their course of learning. The Imperial University at Tokio was founded in the year 1888. The course of study comprises the following;— Jurisprudence, literature, science, technology, medicine and horticulture. Upon their return from foreign coun- tries, the students were appointed to several important offices in the government to assist in the administration or to professorships in the Imperial University for the education of the younger generation. The beneficial influence of education on the nation in causing its advancement and development has indeed been as important as the work of the Samurais' swords, which opened the way for the transformation of Old Japan into the New. In this connection, Mr. Fukusawa's college in Tokip is, among many other private schools, worthy of mention. Many eminent and enterprising men have been furnished .by this college to business, industrial and commercial circles. PRIMARY EDUCATION. — The education of girls and boys in primary schools is compulsory. It is secular but not gratuitous. The age limit orbhildren for admission in schools and colleges is: From three to six, kindergartens, boys vand girls together, from six to fourteen primary schools, boys and girls together, (compulsory from six to ten), grammar schools, boys and girls together, (compulsory from ten to fourteen), from fourteen to sixteen, high schools, from sixteen to nineteen, colleges, from -nineteen to twenty-two, universities. The respect paid by Japanese pupils to their teachers is quite remarkable. The pupils regard their teachers even as foster parents, which feeling continues for lifetime — A thing almost unheard of elsewhere. The number of pupils receiving primary education is 85.61 per 1,000 of the population that of the students receiving higher education is 0.3 per 1 ,000 of the population. 10th. THE ARMY.-CTables No. XI- XII.) Under the feudal system there was no standing army. Each provincial lord, the Daimyo, had his own followers, the Samurais, who were soldiers in time of war. The Mikado had no military power. During the revolution and long after it, the followers of the faithful Imperialist Daimyos made up the army on the Mikado's side. After the abolition of the feudal system, a law was decreed organizing the army on the basis of conscription. According to the present system, the Kmperor himself has the supreme command of the army and navy. All ablebodied males of the age are to serve in the standing army, three years in active service, and four years in the reserve. After the regular service they form the L,andwehr. Further in time of emergency, the L,and-sturm, consisting of all the males between the ages of seventeen and forty years, will be called to service. The very best of the systems and organizations, found in the armies of the European powers, was adopted. For this object, celebrated instructors were engaged, first from the French army, and, later on, from the German. These instructors did very good service, both as professors in the military academy, and also as advisers to the administration. The last of these French and German instructors left Japan in 1887 and 1894, respectively. At present the military department is without any foreigner, and everything is managed by our countrymen. On December 31st 1895, the regular standing army, officers and men, all told, numbered 79,683, which is at the rate «e>f 1 .8 per 1 ,000 of population. The army expenditure during the llth. THE NAVY. (Tables No. XIV, XV, XVI, XVII.)— The circumstances which surrounded the creation of our navy were quite different from those which existed at the initiation of our army organization. Soon after the rebellion of the Jesuits in 1637, the Shogun issued a decree by which the construction and even the possession of all large vessels were pro- hibitec. This decree, having been strictly enforced, suppressed entirely our mercantile fleet which navigated frequently up to that time to China, India and even so far as to Aden. For more than a century, there were only small vessels fitted for coastwise voyages. Thus, while we had men and materials already on hand for the organization of an efficient army, we had nothing whatever for the navy, no vessels, no trained officers, no men, no shipyards worthy of the name. After the restoration, the few vessels which belonged to the Shogun and the Daimyos were either impressed by or voluntarily giyen up to the government. The first fleet of the Imperial navy was thus organized. The system adopted in the navy is chiefly after the British model and officers and men were trained at the start by British instructors. The present strength of the navy, including the ships under construction, consists of 162 vessels, of which the total displacement amounts to 202,985 There are three navy yards; Yokaska, Kure and Sasebo there is one more under construction. On the 31st of December 1895, the regular seamen, including officers, numbered 13,920, which is at the rate of 0.33 per 1,000 of the population. The navy expenditure 12th. FINANCES. Nz and Money.— (Table No. XVIII. budget for the fiscal year 1896-97, estimates the revenue and expenditure of the country as follows:— Ordinary Revenue Extraordinary Ordinary Expenditure Extraordinary The total national debt am< the end of the fiscal year 1895-96, to report, it stands now at $187,786,291. This is about $4,365 per head of the population. The existing debt is all internal and none foreign. The currency of the country was estimated on the 30th of June, last, at coins, $96,651,334 the Bank of Japan notes, and the rest the government paper money and national bank notes. The law establishing the gold standard came into effect on the 1st of October last. All notes issued by the bank are now convertible into gold. XIII. Us AGE, CUSTOMS, RELIGION, ETC. — In matters concerning the material features of a nation, it is easy to give statistical figures and draw comparisons with others. It is, however, different with regard to the immaterial features. The usages, customs and religion, prevalent in a country are the natural development from its history, geographical situation and hundreds of other circumstances; and, furthermore, the peculiarities can not easily be changed. Thus, in spite of >so many changes, Japan is still Japan. A great number of books have been written about our habits and customs, which strike foreigners, because so different from theirs. There is no denying that there is great difference between us and Westerners in this matter. The following are examples — Japan Western Covmtries iring the Language Ideographic Phonetic Writing and Reading Up and down vertically and Left to right and horizontally Idl .L/cUl ill. The from right to left Salutation With respect, With affection, penditure bowing at a shaking hands distance aud kissing Sitting Kneeling on the floor Sitting on chairs Eating Food already prepared and taken with Knives and forks used on the table to cut food Dressing chop sticks Loose and Tightly fi 1 1 e d mnted, at tied by and buttoned sashes Bridegroom goes :he latest Marriage Bride goes to bridegroom's home where to bride's home, where wedding ceremony takes iad of the wedding cere- place, or new Mourning Color mony takes place; no religious ceremony; swearing in the heart of each White couple set off for honeymoon; religious ceremony; swearing before God and witnesses Black With us, for instance, marriage is arranged by friends or relatives of the bride and bridegroom. Direct proposal and acceptance or refusal would be considered quite improper. Which is right ? I cannot say ! I will not say anything more concerning this subject, which is better discussed and criticised by foreigners than by us, for the fear that we cannot be impartial. The religion most prevalent in Japan is Buddhism, which is divided into many different sects. The people of the low class are often very enthusiastic and eyen fanatic. Among the people of higher classes the doctrine of Confucius is also very much respected, and in many cases regarded with religious scrupulousness. The followers of Christianity are comparatively very few, in spite of glowing reports of foreign missionaries. On the whole, educated Japanese are indifferent to religious belief. Their attitude in this respect is well summed up by an old verse :— "if the mind be true, without prayer, God will guard us." XIV. CONCLUSION. — The arrival of Commodore Perry of the United States navy at Uraga, on the 13th of July 1853, resulted in the opening of Japan, and thus marked the dawn of a new era in its history. Modern Japan in reality dated from this memorable eyent. A hitherto exclusive and isolated Island Empire was opened to the outside world through the efforts of America. It is natural that we look upon this country with a feeling different from that which we have towards others. Neither do we forget the kind offices of this government during the long period of political and diplomatic troubles immediately preceding and following the restoration. Then the relation of the two countries has always been very cordial. I do not recollect any instance which can be cited as showing that the continuance of this friendship was ever threatened. Geographically speaking also, the two countries are divided only by an ocean. For us you are the nearest western power. With this history, and with this geographical situation, let us hope we may forever retain our friendly relations which have already so long existed. Table No. I. Area and Population. LONGITUDE AND LATITUDE DIFFERENCE Eastern extremity, Longitude E. Western extremity, Longitude W. Southern extremity, Latitude S. Northern extremity, Latitude N. AREA Outline of Coasts (ris) Outline of Coasts (miles) Area (square ri) Area (square miles) POPULATION Men Density of population per square mile Married couples per 1000 inhabitants (1 2,) These decrease; (3 4 J These increases are due to the result of China-Japan war. 5. These number does not include the population of Formosa and Pescadero Island; the actual information could not yet be obtained. WEATHER 1894 1895 DIFFER- MEAN ENCE Number of weather bureaus 42 44 2 Highest temperature observed 'in Tokio. F. 95 91.24 3.36 93.12 Lowest temperature observed in Tokio. F. 41.5 41.12 0.7 41.8 CITIES Having more than 30,000 inhabitants 42 44 2 Table No. II. Agriculture. 1894-1895. Rice, square cho Barley, wheat, etc., square cho Vegetable, square cho Cotton, square cho Hemp, square cho Tobacco, square cho Indigo Plant, square cho Mu-1 berry tree, square cho Tea, square cho Total, square cho square ris square mile Agricultural Companies Number Silk Worm raising Fishing Other CULTIVATED AREA ott .Agricultural Co. Capital Table No. III. Industry. 1894-1895. ART WORKS Designation Porcelain Lacquer Ware Work Bronze and Copper Work Number of families Number of workmen per family Total production Number of families Number of Frames Production Number of Factories SILK AND COTTON WEAVING Men Per house Pure silk Cotton Mixture of silk and cotton Mixture of silk, cotton and hemp MATCH FACTORIES. 1894. Men Production COTTON SPINNING MILLS. 1895. 2. Number of mills 47 Number of Spindles 580,945 Water 187 1. Out of these 28,004 regular workmen, there are 28,773 persons more who work at home and live on this branch of industry. 2. Those figures are furnished by the Japanese Union Cotton Spinning Mills. There are some others from which we can not get information. INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES NUMBER CAPITAL Number of horse power Raw silk, object of their business Cotton spinning Weaving Mining Brewing and distilling Sugar refining Chemical products Paper Printing Petrolurn oil Ccral Cement Electric lighting Wages and Salary Workmen proper -f ??7en Women Labor Servants with Board{ Women Wages ;Q Average Salary Table No. V. Horse and Electric Cars. Table No. VII. Ships and Light-houses 1 Horse Cars Number of Horse car companies 8 Length of rails, miles 33.58 Number of cars 295 Number of horses 901 2. Electric Cars Number of Electric car companies 1 Length of Rails 3.70 Number of cars 26 Ships NO, Ton- Horse nage power 2. Sailing Ships 1 Japanese type 1, Koku. 7551 cubic feet. 2. European Type Number Tonnage 2. Lighthouses Light ships Government 96 -p v,f Private 53 Lighthouses Government 96 Private 53 For day Buoys g^ 47 Table No. VI. Post and Telegraph. 1 Post and Telegraph No. of Post Offices Main offices 3076 Branch Offices 523 No. Telegraph Offices Main Offices 41 Branch Offices 96 No. of Post and Telegraph offices 648 No. of letter boxes 35023 No. letters, postal cards, papers, No. per head of population 10.43 Earnings 1289994 Length of Postal Roads, miles 28250 lines Railroads, miles 2239 River lines, miles 179 Steamer lines, miles 24271 In Japan No. of Telegrams 9097102 No. per 1 00 of population 18. 59 Inter- No. of telegrams sent 148071 national No. of telegrams received 165053 Length of tele- Lines, miles 9470 graphic lines Wires, miles 29798 2. Telephone Number of central stations; Tokio, 4 Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe Number of telephone Offices 24 Number of subscribers 2858 Length of telephone lines 177.51 Length of telephone wires 2156.18 Table No. VIII. Exports and Imports. E x cess Year Exports Imports of Imports or Exports With Foreign Countries With the United States This sign denotes excess of imports over exports. Table No. IX. 1. Banks and Insurance Companies 1895-96. First Banks Number Capital Reserve Second Insurance Companies Life Insurance Companies 9 360500 1390828 Main and Branch Offices 1828 Fire Insurance Companies 4 899954 80973 Main and Branch Offices 693 Marine Insurance Companies 3 1050000 181000 Main and Branch Offices 427 2. COMMERCIAL AND EXPRESS COMPANIES. 1895-96. First. Commercial Companies Number Capital Merchandise Warehouse 38 474930 Import and Export 12 457500 Second. Express Companies Transportation by water [sea,river etc,-]' 81 $ 6943655 Transportation by Land, Railroad 32 37986696 Table N.Q. X-. Schools Kot Belonging to the Government. Dec. 31, 1894. No. of No. of Teachers No. of Pupils No. of Pupils per 1000 hools Men Boys Girls Popu- lation Kindergartens a Primary and Grammar Schools a High Schools a Normal Schools a Special and Technical Schools 1 Girls High Schools 2 Miscellaneous Schools 2 a. One of each belongs to the Government. 2. The standard of these schools is higher than that of the High Schools. 2. The standard of these schools is lower than that of the High Schools. Table No. XI. University Colleges, Schools Belonging to the Government December ai, 1895. Number of professors and Teachers. Number of Students Japanese General private Men Women Foreign Total Students Students Total Educational Department Imperial University. Tokio \dff High Normal School 33 Normal Schools, annexed to fee High Normal School 18 Schools of MUBIC annexed to the High Normal Schools 1 J Girls High Normal School 18 Girls High School, annexed to the Girls High Normal School High Commercial Schools Colleges, seven in number School of Industry at Tokio School of fine art at Tokio School of deaf and dumb at Tokio la School of Agriciilture of Sapporo Imperial Household School of Nobles Noble Girls School War Department War College School of Artillery and Engineering Military Academy Military Preparatory School School of Instructions School of non-commissioned officers School of instruction for officers of General Staff Department 1 Navy Department War College Naval Academy School of Engineering Post and Telegraph Department Commercial Naval Academy of Tokio of Osaka annexed to the above academy Commercial Naval Academy of Hakodate annexed to the above academy School of Post and Telegraph of Tokio Total a. Women. 1. Students were taken away during the war. *Total number of schools, 42, Table No. IV. Railroad. December 31, 1896. Number of large private railroad companies Government Length of Railroads 25 large companies And Others Number of Locomotives Number of Cars Passengers Baggage Number of Passengers Number of baggage and merchandise, in tons Income In service, miles Under construction, miles In service, miles Under construction, miles In service, miles Under construction, miles 1,368.45 Table No. XII. Effective Military Force. Dec. 31, 1895. War Department, etc Military Academy, etc Military Divisions Imperial Guard Military personnel General Offi- Non- Enlisted Conrt Grand and field cers com'sd Cadets Men Total Em- Total Officers Officers ployes First Division, Tokio Second Division, Sendai Third Division, Nagoya Fourth Division, Osaka Fifth Division, Hiroshima Sixth Division, Kumamato Department of National Police Department of Militia of Yezo Auxiliary Corps Reserves Territorial Army Table No. XIII. Strength of the Regular Army, and of the militia forces of the United States. National Guard. OFFICERS ENLISTED MEN Major Brig'r Col's Capts Total Non-Corn- Privates Total Gen Gener- ijeut. ijeuts Com- missioned etc. Enlisted erals als Majors mis- Officers Reg't'l sioned Staff Commanding Army 1 1 Commanding Dep'ments 26 8 organized Cadets Grand Military Academy Total Regular Army National Guard Figures unobtainable Figures unobtainable Besides the officers in the War Department and the officers and enlisted men serving at independent schools, depots and arsenals, the force of the Regular Army is divided in eight departments, each commanded by a General Officer, the strength of which, on August 31, 1897, was as follows: General Officer, Officers of the Enlisted Department Aids, and Staff L,ine Men Corps East Missouri Dakota Colorado Platte Texas California Columbia ^Students at schools and colleges receiving military instruction from Army Officers. Table No. XVI. Personnel of the U. S. Navy. OFFICERS ON THE ACTIVE LIST Line Engineer Corps Medical Corps Pay Corps Naval Constructors Chaplains Professors of Mathematics Civil Engineers Graduate Naval Cadets, Warrant Officers and Mates Petty officers, seamen and other enlisted men Seamen apprentices Total Officers and men of U. S. Navy Petty officers and enlisted men of the Naval reserve [Naval militia] Total effective Naval force Table No. XIV. Effective Naval Force. Naval Personnel. Flag and Officers warrant Cadets Sea- Command- and and at Naval men ins: Cadets petty Academy employes Grand Officers Officers N ivy Department Naval Academy Navy Yard of Yokoska Navy Yard of Kure Navy Yard of Sasebo Personnel on Sea Duty Personnel on Shore Duty Reserves Second Reserves Table No XVII. Material of the U. S. Navy. Class of Vessel First Class Battleships Second Class Battleships Armored Cruisers Armored Rams Double Turreted Monitors Single Turreted Monitors Total Armored Vessels Protected Cruisers Cruisers Gunboats Special Class Torpedo Boat Destroyers Torpedo Boats Iron Steam Cruisers of old type Wooden Cruisers of old type Wooden Sailing Sloops Total unarmored vessels Total armored vessels No. in commission or ready for service Displace.- ment %' stores, etc. No. under repairs or building or in reserve Displacement % stores etc. Total No. of vessels 6f class displacement of class Besides the above there are 20 vessels of various sizes from 1000 to 5000 tons displacement, which are unfit for sea service but used as receiving ships, training ships, etc. Table No. XVIII. Revenue and Expenditure. FIRST. EXPENDITURE First, Expenditure [ordinary] 1 896-97 Imperial Household and Shinto Temple $ 1603392 Public Debt Repayment 3675642 Public Debt Interest aud Other Charges 1 1404024 Pensions 1680186 Famine Relief Fund Imperial Diet Imperial Cabinet and Privy Council 230934 Department of Foreign Affairs 527703 Department of the Interior 705993 Department of Finance 4579971 Department of War 12058405 Department of the Navy 3915402 Department of Justice 1742408 Department of Education 730409 Department of Agriculture and Commerce Department of Communication 577889 Department of Colonial affairs $ 70660 Chamber of Auditors Court of Administrative Litigation Tokio Police Department Hokkaido Government Provincial Government Miscellaneous Second Expenditure [extraordinary] River Improvement etc. Redemption of Paper Money Defences Miscellaneous' SECOND, RESERVE First, Revenue, ordinary Land Tax Income Tax Excise and Licence on Sake Tobacco Tax Stamp Duty Bank and Bourse Franchise Other Internal Taxes Custom Duties Registration Fees and Charges Income from Public Enterprises and Properties Miscellaneous Income Income from Formosa Island Interest from Deposits etc. Second, Revenue, Extraordinary Sale of Public Properties China Indemnity Navy Loan Industrial Loan Transfer from the Special Reserve Funds Miscellaneous Income Name and Type of Vessel. Where Built. When Launched. Displacement. Speed. 1st Class Battleships. Shikishima Under construction Asahi Fuji it .'.I Class Battleships. Chin-yuen Germany Fuso Coast Defenders. Itsukushiina France M itsushima Hashidate 1 st Class Armoured Cruisers. Yakumo Germany Under construction France QC/V) Assiina Tokiwa Qtnn 'an \amato icno Musashi Despatch Vessels. Yaeyama IfilO Mi>ako JgQO Armoured Gun-boat. Hei-yuen China Un armoured Gun-boats. Tsukuba jj Amagi ftM Banjo Oshima flOA Atayo l% Maya Chiokai ftH Akagi Soko China fiin Hoshio OOt g Tin-to g Tin-Sai g Tin nan g Tin-Hoku g Titi-chiu g Tin-Pen Total, 16. Torpedo Gun-boats. Tat«uta Chihava Torpedo Catchers. Torpedo Boats. Training Ships. Manju England & Japan England, France Germany, Japan Some in service, others under construction. Kanju Tatejama (a) From memory. H. I. J. First-class Battle SMp Fuji 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. 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